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Chapter Text

This is an information section providing a detailed history of the isekai world I've invented for this fic to take place in. You're welcome to read it all now or ignore it entirely and skip straight to the story. I'd recommend reading the 'Brief History', 'Species', and 'Monster + Wild Creature' sections if nothing else though, just for context or if you aren't familiar with the isekai concept. While this is primarily inspired by How Not To Summon A Demon Lord, there are several other anime/manga inspirations as well as easter eggs dotted about. I'll admit that I got carried away with world building.

The red X is where the story starts, while any green X is a place of note that isn't a town or city. The pale red lines on the map are kingdom borders and the blue lines are the Trade Road. The lakes on the map are the largest within the world and are more akin to landlocked seas: the map also indicates only the largest of forests and woodland areas but there are plenty others dotted about.

There will also be location images and portraits for most characters throughout, but they'll only appear at certain points. I'm not bothering with folk like Rumpelstiltskin and Belle because we all know what they look like already; and so you can choose either actor as Gaston.

(I drew this map by hand and it took for-fucking-ever)

BRIEF HISTORY

The realm known as Dreymyr is centred around a single main landmass with several mountainousness regions with a river splitting the eastern half in twain, and is made up of ten separate kingdoms which have been in a surprisingly easy peace for just over three hundred years; there is also an unmapped westen section under the cntrol of ogres. Before the kingdoms were formed, Dreymyr was ruled over by feudal lords who constantly bickered and warred among one another, and mostly formed factions of the different species. Only after the demon lord known simply as the Dark One supposedly rampaged through the realm before abruptly vanishing, did the overlords who remained finally form kingdoms the borders of which have hardly changed in centuries.

The last major war of the kingdoms was between Avonlea and Cylvera in the west where very little was actually gained, and only ended when Dorovoth's king acted as mediator during peace negotiations: since then the sovereigns of each kingdom have remained civil but hardly interacted. The Faith War four hundred and seventy years ago is the war which has had the most impact on the kingdoms though, specifically those of Vell and Olgarth. This war desolated the elvish population and solidified the Church of Drazva's hold over Olgarth, as well as instilling a culture of racial prejudice in those who followed the Church's teachings and, in recent years, has caused a divide and the steady rise of Stewardism.

Ideas of war or assassinating another kingdom's royal families have mostly been ignored for the last two hundred and ninety years due to the repeat Ogre Wars. Ogre territory directly borders Avonlea and in the first and second wars, the ogres made it as far as Worynheim and Balmund all the way to the east, while the third and fourth went as far as Vell. This had all the kingdoms aid in building the Blockade, and is probably what has caused the long stretch of peace. Now Ten Kingdoms Castle sits on the blockade manned by soldiers from all over Dreymyr, they are the first line of defence when it comes to ogres and are seen as brave heroes by almost everybody.

SPECIES

HUMANS

Humans are the prominent species in Dreymyr and make up about 60 – 70% of the world's inhabitants: a little over half of them have a natural aptitude for higher leveled magic and aberrant magic. Most humans are Drazvan and obey the Church of Drazva, and as such they are also protected by the Knightly Order of Drazva. Tensions between humans and the non-human species have always been uncertain though, in the last decade or so, there have been fewer aggressive acts between them thanks to the steady development of Stewardism. Of all the humanoid races, humans have the shortest lifespans by far and are, magically speaking, quite weak.

DEMI-HUMANS

There are three types of demi-humans who collectively make up about 20% of Dreymyr's population. Almost all of them have a higher magical aptitude and are often stronger than humans or dwarves but are equally matched when it comes to elves. Similar to elves, demi-humans have a longer lifespan than humans. Demi-humans were the first to band together forming larger cooperative groups which has resulted in the demi-humans retaining no hierarchy amongst them. Interestingly, all demi-humans can breed with humans and half-human versions of their species, but cannot breed with each other. Eg, a demon cannot have a child with a grasswalker.

• DEMONS

Demons are the rarest of the demi-humans. They are humanoid with gray, almost stone-like, skin in various shades and all have red eyes, some will even have short black-ish horns similar to those of a ram, though horns are becoming rarer and rarer as demonic bloodlines steadily mix with humans. They have a natural skill for fire and spirit magic but are not limited by that. The title of Demon Lord has given people a misconception of demons that they are somehow less trustworthy or more violent, but in truth anyone of any species who has mastered dark magic can become a demon lord; the only reason the title of demon lord exists is because the Dark One was a demon.

• PANTHERIAN

The pantherians are an agile race descended from a now extinct cat-like species, but have no body fur and all have large cat-like ears atop their heads as well as a tail. Pantherans are almost always slender, alert and can, at times, be quite temperamental. They make good soldiers and mages alike who, like with elves, have a natural talent for aberrant magic. They are probably the most common of the demi-humans and is probably the reason they're the most regularly targeted by hateful humans.

• GRASSWALKER

Grasswalkers are something of a cute oddity among the races. They always look far younger than they actually are, often to the point some are mistaken for teenagers even as adults. Humans often make fun of them by calling them 'bunny' because of their cottontails and rabbitesque ears. Due to their slender size and the fact they are often underestimated, grasswalkers make good thieves and hunters though many prefer the life of a merchant. While they can use magic they have no specific element which they excel at and often ignore their magical powers entirely. Grasswalkers are highly intelligent and have vastly excelled the fields of history and archaeology with their methodical work.

ELVES

Elves used to have numbers to rival humans but many of their kind were slaughtered leaving only pockets of them within the forests of the ten kingdoms. The highest population resides in Vell thanks to there being an elven king, with the second largest being in Avonlea because of their equality laws. All elves have magical aptitude and usually outvie all in magic with earth, spirit and water elements. Their lifespans are between five and ten times that of humans so King Gasper is likely to rule for many years to come. Avonlea has also introduced elven blood to their royal family as the late Queen Colette was an elf and grandniece of King Gasper.

DWARVES

Dwarves are few in number and spend most of their time working in mining towns in crafts such as blacksmithing. They mostly keep to themselves and as such nobody is entirely sure what percent of the population they make up. They tend to use brute force rather than magic but some do have a skill for the earth element. This brute strength and resilience has made them popular fighters in the arenas. Crimson steel is their most famous creation and has managed to earn them a high level of respect from all the other races, even the Church has noted their skill.

OGRE

The ogres are mostly thrown in with the monsters since the first Ogre War but are far more organized than traditional monsters. They are giant creatures with sharp teeth and fingernails designed to rip flesh from bone, and their roar is so loud it shakes the earth. Their lands lie to the west and border Avonlea – in fact, over the border line the Ogre Blockade and Ten Kingdom Castle have been constructed to defend against any more attacks. However, the Kingdom of Avonlea has started to grow concerned that the ogres are preparing for another war. Should another war break out it would be the sixth. Due to the danger the ogres pose nobody has ever been able to map their territory which has left Dreymyr's maps to simply end.

MERFOLK

A half-human, half-fish species which generally keep to themselves and avoid those who live on land. Quite frankly they are secretive and reclusive, hardly ever revealing themselves to ships of any kind. They have large cities deep beneath the waves but can be found sunbathing in coastal areas or exploring caves. Regrettably, there are two primary ways in which merfolk are exploited: The first is the trapping and slaying of them for their scales, while the – arguably worse – second way is for mer children to be kidnapped and sold at auction, after which their new owners will either force them into prostitution or keep them privately; sex with merfolk is considered taboo but many still lust after the exotic beauties. This is a diabolic practice and yet another reason the merfolk avoid land dwellers at all costs.

MONSTERS + WILD CREATURES

DEMON LORD

The demon lords are unimaginably rare, and while not technically speaking monsters, they can be classified as little else. There are only four known throughout history and can come from any species within the world of Dreymyr. They are masters of dark magic and are believed to have only one objective; to destroy anything in their path. Each of their origins is shrouded in mystery and thus subject to speculation and lies.

• HALINOX

A grasswalker who went on a hundred-year-long rampage through Olgarth until the Knightly Order of Drazva managed to slay him. This is part of the reason the Church has such a strong hold over Olgarth. He deployed numerous spells to change people's perceptions and enact control over them. He prided himself on his puppeteer abilities and was alleged to have numerous magical objects designed to concentrate his mind control spells. Rumor says Halinox's body was burnt to ash and kept at Rosmarin Castle until the remains were stolen by the thieves guild, but this cannot be corroborated.

• IVOSANCH

A demon who was only killed by destroying Zoniroh Island – today the area has become known as the Lost Island of Zoniroh. His death caused not only the destruction of a landmass and a volcanic eruption, but also the extinction of numerous species of plants. To this day people are scared to mention Ivosanch's name lest he rise from the sea for revenge. Numerous magical artefacts belonging to him sank along with Zoniroh which has left the area attracting sea monsters and has caused the Valkyrie Naval Unit to keep constant watch over the area.

• RAVAVENA

Ravavena – also known as the Little Disaster – was an elf who turned her back on the Vita Tree in favor of power. At first people believed her to be good because she beat back almost all of the ogres during the fifth ogre war, but it turned out she'd only done this to turn them into her slaves and swell her army, allowing her to take over almost all of the Ogre Territory. Ravavena was eventually imprisoned by Grand Mage Adrian Stoneblade and is now held inside a cell underneath Akula Prison with no hope of escape. Demon lord worshippers have attempted to free Ravavena from her cell but have always been stopped.

• THE DARK ONE

The demon lord known as the Dark One was the first demon lord in history and often referred to as the True Demon Lord or the First Demon Lord. He appeared thousands of years ago when the ten kingdoms were still young and just starting to think of arguing over their borders. He held tremendous power and could kill dragons without much effort. Legend states that he has an unnatural glow like gold dust to his skin and could move great distances in the blink of an eye. Some allegedly bargained for magical items or made other such deals with him. One day the Dark One just vanished and hasn't been seen since. He has become myth to some and boogeyman to others, with the Church turning him into a primary enemy of their goddess.

DRAGON

A once proud race of creatures seen as divine and even worshipped as gods by some. They were almost entirely wiped out by humans – mostly followers of the Drazva faith or dragon scale hunters – and have since faded into myth. Now there are no confirmed true dragons remaining, though there is a legend stating that the six Cardinal Dragons – one from each magical class – still remain.

• VIREN

Viren is the eldest of the cardinal dragons and was greatly respected by his peers. With scales the color of blood it is no surprise that he dominates the fire element, and it is said his breath can burn through anything, even time itself. To this day a shrine sits at the bottom of Dragon Mountain where offerings are left to honor Viren.

• AVARATHDA

The spirit dragon with scales the color of jade is Avarathda. Like Viren he is highly respected by both his fellow dragons and the humanoid races. His wise nature and great intellect is said to be unmatched by anyone who has come before or after: this is where the saying 'as wise as the Jade' originates.

• NYNIO

She is the famed blue cardinal dragon of water who many sailors view as a guardian and Viren's mate. Nynio was said to be compassionate toward elves and demi-humans which caused them to view her as a pure goddess of sorts, though Nynio could decimate whole armadas if she felt that way inclined. Today, Nynio appears on the insignia of the Valkyrie Naval Unit.

• VELEVONNE

The great white dragon of air, Velevonne, is the largest of the Cardinal Dragons and a fierce warrior. The sun is said to reflect from his snow-like scales to the point the sky gains a second sun when he flies, and the flap of his gargantuan wings are known to cause storms so violent even merfolk fear him.

• YIHRAHASSA

Yihrahassa is the umber-scaled dragon of earth who was originally worshipped by the dwarves as a divine being. He's said to be unwaveringly powerful and focused on traditions. He slumbers deep underneath the ground with his treasures and offerings from those who remain faithful.

• ISRA

Isra is more of a myth than something accepted as fact by most. He was allegedly the darkness dragon of onyx scales who, unlike the other five Cardinal Dragons, had no love for the mortal races. Isra was a savage who killed anyone or anything that stepped too far into his territory. After his bride, the basilisk Msiddi, was slaughtered, Isra was finally ended by heroes, adventurers and the other dragons alongside his son, the amphisbaena Rael. However, much of the information about Isra is shrouded in mystery and practically none of it can be fully confirmed.

DRAGONLING

The dragonlings are an offshoot of true dragons which are about the size of a large bull with poisonous saliva, though they lack wings. Dragonlings are vicious creatures who will attack on sight; they are spiteful and always looking for food. They are found in caves, caverns, mountain regions and occasionally in mines. One was also once discovered by the Watch in the sewers of Jura during a search for the Thieves Guild.

COCKATRICE

Many believe these creatures are related to dragons but this is a misconception, cockatrices are created only by a chicken's egg which has been filled with magic. This normally occurs by being exposed to magically charged gems, be that a natural accident or intentional intervention by those seeking to make a profit off them. A cockatrice has a scaled body and two legs, bat-like wings and a rooster's head, with poisonous saliva they can spit out rapidly forming a toxic mist. They also possess the ability to petrify their prey through a form of spirit magic which instils so much fear into a person or animal that they physically can't move; oddly, wing ears are totally immune to the cockatrice's poison. Mages skilled with spirit magic can fortify themselves and their parties against the petrification, while strong antidotes can minimize the poison's damage long enough to find a healer. Fortunately, cockatrices are a rare monster.

GOBLIN

Goblins have green skin, yellow eyes, flat faces and are about three to four feet tall. They prefer subterranean crevices where they build their lairs, which provides them much defence from attackers and the ability to ambush prey. Goblins are known for their short tempers, poor hygiene and being totally untrustworthy, they're also nocturnal. Most consider goblins to be little more than a nuisance rather than anything else, however, in groups goblins are a force to be reckoned with.

SLIME

The slimes can be found more or less everywhere, they have no preferred territory but are easily dealt with. Slimes tend to scare young women as they have the ability to dissolve fabrics, but most people just avoid them. They come in blue, green and occasionally red. Slimes also have a habit of taking on abilities from the things they eat. For example: a slime was once discovered in the Six Star Mine eating a large quantity of iron, this slime later developed a irony color and a thick skin swords couldn't penetrate. Lewis Baranov sold the slime to the Arcane University where it remains to this day confusing researchers. 'I'm not a bad slime, slurp.'

LINAELOR

Linaelors are another wingless offshoot of true dragons, though they are considerably larger than dragonlings. They have thick hides white in color which act as a natural body armor and are incredibly territorial. They are only ever found in the largest of caverns or subterranean tunnels and leave a trail of dead behind them. They're formidable foes to anyone who doesn't know their weak spot. Spoiler! It's the soft patch of skin underneath their chins.

CRIXX

Ugly, hostile creatures with mud-colored skin roughly the same size as a goblin: some researchers have even argued that goblins and crixx share a common ancestry. They have a basic intelligence, enough to make campfires and use rudimentary weapons such as sandstone spears. They live in groups of ten to fifteen with the dominant being referred to as a 'prime crixx'. They make their homes in woodlands and caves. Crixx are known to dominate the Osgar Hall Caverns in Avonlea.

KELPIE

Kelpies are either white or grey horses who inhabit lakes and coastal areas. They mostly keep to themselves and, contrary to popular belief, do not spend their days attempting to drown children and virgins. Kelpies are majestic creatures who are wary of most people, especially humans. They are surprisingly resistant to tamers and it is said only the most trusted of tamers may form a contract with a kelpie.

TERATECT

They are large spiders varying in size from two and a half feet to three meters high. They prefer dark, dank places though are found in forests as well: they were what killed all the bears in Bear Forest. Teratects all serve a queen similar to how a bee hive works, these queens are usually about three meters high and are recognizable by the purple bands on their abdomen and the purple patches at the ends of there legs; all other teratects are blackish-brown in color. Smaller teratects are often used inside the arenas.

WAHEELA

The waheelas are gigantic white wolves who are stronger and more heavily built than regular wolves, they also have larger heads which can appear bear-like at times. Differently from other wolves they do not hunt in packs but instead live solitary lives. It is said that if someone encounters a waheela and is killed by it then it will only take their head as humanoid species have too many bones and the brain is the tastiest bit. The waheela is also said to be incredibly intelligent and, like the kelpie, can choose to allow a taming contract with someone it has deemed worthy.

ROUND BUG

A round bug is a formidable-looking animal about the same size as a dwarf, however, they look more scary than they are. Round bugs are not often seen as they live in and around active volcanoes and deep underground at thermal vents. Their initial reaction is not to fight but instead to flee into magma to escape any attackers. The exoskeleton of round bugs is well sought after for armor crafting due to its fire retardant properties.

PEPTUSINI

They are essentially giant, evil wasps. They travel in small groups and make hives in woodlands. Peptusini are extremely hostile and will attack anything on sight, this is why Gabdu Island is unofficially off limits to anyone without a death wish.

SCYTHE SCORPION

These scorpions are found only in Sandspear Desert on Blex Island in Olgarth and are roughly three feet long with a brownish-black body and, when closed, their pincers resemble a scythe which is where their name originates. These creatures are rarely seen since they inhabit only the desert, but, when encountered, they are hostile and surprisingly fast. Their venom is particularly potent and known to be able to kill a grown man in under an hour without a curative spell or healing potion being administered.

HRÆSVELGR

Hræsvelgr (pronounced hray svel ger) are about as rare as they are large, and these eagle-like birds are massive. They have a bold sapphire color to their feathers and a very memorable cry which echoes for miles in all directions. Hræsvelgr inhabit snowy mountain regions such as the Ophidian Mountains but have also been spotted gliding through the rabid winds between Crescent Rock and Demon Pass in Worynheim. They thrive so well in extreme wind that some believe they have the power to control and create it, while others assume them to be Velevonne's minions.

TURKEY SHOT

A turkey shot is a small bird with blue and brown feathers; it isn't hostile and absolutely harmless unless it poops on you. Turkey shots are often favored by bowmen and thieves as they are easily tamed and, through a spell called Aerial Sight, can be used to allow someone to scout from high above without moving or being spotted; talented archers can actually aim using only the bird's sight.

METAL LIZARD

While only a little bigger than a domestic cat, metal lizards can be formidable for anyone unprepared. Their almost impenetrable silvery scales which glint in the sunlight has earned them their name, as has their vicious temperament. They have toxic and mildly corrosive saliva as well as astounding senses of smell which allow them to track prey for miles if needed. As cold-blooded animals they can often be found basking in the sun on rocks and, in the colder months, enter a period of aestivation. While dragons, basilisks and mermaids have been coveted for their scales to be used in jewelry and armor, those of metal lizards are tough to work with and, due to the skill involved, only the extremely wealthy can normally afford to have anything crafted from metal lizard scales.

BASILISK

Believed to have been made extinct, the basilisk was a large snake with feathers around its head; though some lost their feathers in battles. They were normally green but would sometimes appear in shades of dark purple or red with corresponding feathers. The last known basilisk was killed by a member of the Adventures Guild almost 70 years ago. In ancient legend, the great darkness dragon Isra took the most powerful of the basilisks, Msiddi, as his bride.

RAVENSTAG

The ravenstags are so named due to their pitch-black coats and spiraled antlers; some describe them as looking like the silhouettes of regular dear. They used to have exceedingly plentiful numbers but are steadily growing rarer due to hunting. Elves have made some progress in conserving their number but their species remains in jeopardy. Sometimes a ravenstag will breed with a normal deer producing offspring with regular coats but the same spiraled antlers of the ravenstag, that hunters took to calling 'night deer'. Their antlers are a versatile crafting material and their meat a cheaper option to the dangerous hammer boars.

WING EAR

These furry sweethearts can be found all over Dreymyr and are a kind of mustelid. Their fur varies from beige to dark brown, they have bushy tails and usually have a dark patch, similar to a mask, over their eyes which has earned them the nickname 'flying bandits'. Wing wars get their names from the large ears which run almost the entire length of their bodies, these ears have a rigid structure allowing them to glide down from trees. They usually hunt on the ground but do climb trees to catch small birds or steal eggs. Due to their docile and sleepy nature they make fantastic pets.

TREE CAT

Tree cats are deceptive, as kittens they are about the same size as a domestic cat and about as docile as them as well. However, as the tree cat grows and matures it more than triples in size to something akin to a tiger or lion and can become rather territorial. They are almost always jet black, though some have appeared dark grey, and have bold yellow eyes. The tree cat gets its name from its natural instinct to climb trees so it can ambush its prey. Thanks to their supposed ferocity, few have attempted to use the enslavement ritual but there are tamers who find the cats to be incredibly loyal.

OILHARO

These are mostly harmless birds known for nesting in large colonies within caves. They're nocturnal with gold-brown feathers speckled with purple, and unfortunately often picked off by linaelors or teratects due to their habitat. Oilharos once were hunted for the fatty oil in their body which was brilliant for oil lamps, but have become harder to find in recent years because of their depleted numbers. Dwarves refer to them as 'squawkers'.

UNDEAD

Undeads are an artificial monster created by necromancers via magic in a process where a corpse is reanimated in various forms; most common being skeletal or a partially rotted corpse. Undead can be any creature, including humanoid races, with their strength being determined solely by the power and skill of the necromancer. An undead is simply a moving body, there is no soul nor remnants of the life which once inhabited the body as magic isn’t capable of bringing back the dead. On rare occasions, a magical beast or powerful magic user can be turned into an undead that retains their magic, this creature is known as a lich and can be a formidable foe. Most undead will steadily drain of magical power and return to little more than a dead body if the necromancer is killed, but liches can accidentally act as their own power source and continue to roam decades or even centuries after the necromancer who summoned them has died.

DEADMAN'S FINGER WORM

These worms are surprisingly large but basically harmless; they look more terrifying than they actually are. They are a bone-white color which is where they get their name, from the disturbing similarity of their appearance to a corpse's finger. Despite their off-putting appearance, the worms are farmed for their strong silk which is surprisingly receptive to containing protective spells, and thus has made deadman's silk a popular commodity which often finds its way into mages robes and imbued shrouds used to repel toxic gas.

ARROWHEAD CRAB AND JOTUNN SCORPION

These creatures are both a type of eurypterid. Arrowhead crabs are about palm-sized, so named for their angular shape, scavengers and inhabit brackish lakes or marshland – they are extremely common in Burnt Ghost Quag. Jotunn scorpions meanwhile are as big as a man, predatory and live in the oceans. The naval unit of the Valkyries often has to take on the task of culling these deadly creatures lest they interrupt fishing and trade.

HAMMER BOAR

These creatures are unnervingly dangerous because at first they just look like unusually large boars, but should someone get too close they will attack without mercy. Hammer boars are hostile, bizarrely intelligent and at least ten times stronger than their smaller counterparts. The name comes from the sharp, circular hoof prints they leave behind. Many who have hunted them for their delicious meat have come back with the same marks stomped into their flesh; healers call these marks 'nails'.

KINGDOMS

AVONLEA 

Current Ruler – King Maurice du Marchand

Heir Apparent – Princess Belle du Marchand

Du Marchand Coat Of Arms: A crowned golden dragon on a azure field.

Du Marchand Family Motto: Integrity, Perseverance, Knowledge

Avonlean Flag: Gold (in recognition of the du Marchands crest) emblazoned with a red rose.

The du Marchands have ruled over Avonlea since the time of feudal lords ended and throughout have been beloved by their people. Maurice du Marchand has ruled for the past 21 years and has been a just, benevolent king. Traditionally the first son is heir to the throne, but young Prince Lorrimer has always been a sickly child and is unlikely to live long enough to succeed his father, and so it has long been assumed Maurice's eldest child, Princess Belle, will rule. As a result her hand has become sought-after especially by the LeGume family.

DOROVOTH

Current Ruler – King Artem Van Winchell

Heir Apparent – Prince Gottfried Van Winchell

Van Winchell Coat Of Arms: Chief of gules holding white coiled snake, and purpure with caltraps.

Van Winchell Family Motto: With Wisdom We Triumph

Dorovothi Flag: Blue with a silhouette of the Spikes

For the first 200 years Dorovoth's throne was fought over by six separate families which were eventually whittled down to the Van Winchells and the Ives. Ives may have had the soldiers but the Van Winchells had the support of the people and ultimately took the throne. King Artem is an old king who is not long for the world and now prefers to read by the fire with his wife Lilianne. Although, he's never been able to resist a mystery. Soon Prince Gottfried will ascend the thrown and his daughter, Demelza, is set to marry Count Richard Kavel. Duke Nichol Brandt Van Winchell, the new head of their branch family, is most likely to be given Princess Belle's hand in marriage.

CYLVERA

Current Ruler – Queen Kotryna Molinari

Heir Apparent – Prince Anton Molinari

Molinari Coat Of Arms: Per pale of or and vert with crimson boar upon or and acorns on vert.

Molinari Family Motto: Ever Vigilant

Cylveran Flag: Vertical stripes of silver (in reference to the Silver City) and red (said to refer to the blood Cylverans are willing to shed for their kingdom) emblazoned with a star.

For a great many years Cylvera (pronounced sil veh rah) was at war with Avonlea in an attempt to expand their territory, though both sides were decimated and finally found peace when Dorovoth intervened. In the last fifteen years the royal family has suffered several losses, the first was the death of King Aleksandr whose sudden death led to his primary wife taking the throne due to her eldest child, Anton, not being of age. Kotryna's first act was to have the House of Red Coats kill the secondary wife ensuring she couldn't have the throne. The next loss was that of Prince Robert, the secondary wife's only son, who allegedly died from a fall. Most recently is the death of Kotryna's youngest son, Prince Theodore, who died of a fever. With only Prince Anton remaining his hand is just as sought-after as Princess Belle's.

OLGARTH

Current Ruler – King Reginald de Soria

Heir Apparent – Prince Harold de Soria

De Soria Coat Of Arms: Per chevron of argent and vert emblazoned with a crown

De Soria Family Motto: Faith Carries Us, Faith Protects Us

Olgarthian Flag: Originally a white flag with a sun, however, the sun was removed and replaced with a depiction of Drazva after the Faith War.

Though the royal family was almost wiped out after the war between the elves and the followers of the Drazvan faith, they have clawed themselves back into a strong family. Reginald and his queen, Marjorie, only have one son but Harold has already proven himself as a scholar as well as a warrior, while their two daughters, Madeline and Eva, have been wed to a duke from Worynheim and a count from Gralia in an attempt to strengthen their relations with other kingdoms. Reginald's attempts to ensure a backup heir should something happen to Harold have been in vain as his secondary wife has birthed only daughters: Minerva, Ethel and Beatrice – all are quietly despised by Queen Marjorie.

GRALIA

Current Ruler – King Benedikt Sunringham

Heir Apparent – Princess Emmeline Sunringham

Sunringham Coat Of Arms: Party per bend of purpure and or with a white tree cat over or and sun over purpure.

Sunringham Family Motto: Steadfast In Duty

Gralian Flag: Per fess of white and gold with crossed swords.

Gralia is one of the most peaceful kingdoms in all of Dreymyr, they prefer to negotiate when possible but are prepared to fight should the need arise. Despite trying for years, King Bendikt and Queen Clementine have only managed to produce one living child, a headstrong daughter who has been training to become queen all her life. Though polygamy is legal in Dreymyr, Benedikt refused the wishes of his advisors to take a secondary wife stating he 'only has love for Clementine'.

NALESSA

Current Ruler – King Silas Ralshire

Heir Apparent– Prince Kazimir Ralshire

Ralshire Coat Of Arms: Tenné field blazoned with an azure kelpie.

Ralshire Family Motto: We Bow Not To Death

Nalese Flag: Green with a single white dragon.

Nalessa is a particularly welcoming kingdom when it comes to non-human species and has acted as a sort of buffer kingdom between Olgarth and Vell since the war between the Drazvans and the elves ended: this has strengthened Nalessa's relations with Vell to a respected friendship between their kings rather than just a treaty. In recent years, Queen Juliette has become ill and is often bedridden which has left her only daughter, Princess Rosalyn, refusing marriage so she can continue to care for her mother. Prince Rudolphus abdicated in order to become a priest with the Vita Tree leaving the second son, Kazimir, to become king.

VELL

Current Ruler – King Gasper Einar

Heir Apparent – Prince Laurent Einar

Einar Coat Of Arms: Party per pall of argent at the top holding a gold crown, vert on the left depicting a Vita Tree, and azure on the right blazoned with a waheela.

Einar Family Motto: Unity in Diversity

Vellish Flag: Red with a depiction of the Vita Tree

Vell is the only kingdom in Dreymyr known to have non-humans for rulers and as such has become a safe haven to demi-humans who were displaced from Olgarth after the war. The Einars are elves who are beloved by their people thanks to their kindness and selfless natures. Due to their elven blood, King Gasper and Queen Aerwyna have a much longer lifespan than other rulers and so Prince Laurent shall not be taking over the throne for many years to come. As a result, princes Laurent and Konrad have recently gone in search of Ja'carna and are unlikely to return until Caerwyn's, their sister's, wedding.

YANHIL

Current Ruler – King Nathaniel Umbra

Heir Apparent – Prince Horatio Umbra

Umbra Family Motto: Boldly Forward, Never Backward

Umbra Coat Of Arms: Cendrée field emblazoned with a hræsvelgr head surrounded by a honeywood wreath.

Yanhi Flag: Per bend sinister of red and black with a silhouette of a hræsvelgr in flight upon the red segment.

Yanhil is in the nice position of having a huge coastline and access to the Endless River which has led to the kingdom amassing a great wealth via trade. The Mages Guild has also given Yanhil notoriety by locating its headquarters, called the Arcane University, in Bichelberger. Recently sorrow has overtaken Yanhil and the royal family after the death of Queen Xuxa. After birthing four children; Horatio, Lalentina, Owen and Eliza, the fifth birth ended in tragedy taking both the life of the queen and the third son.

WORYNHEIM

Current Ruler – Queens Renata and Winifred von Austein

Heir Apparent – Count Isaac Boreas von Austein

Von Austein Coat Of Arms: Crossed spears over a walking bear on an or field.

Von Austein Family Motto: Enduring All

Worish Flag: Orange showing a black ship.

Worynheim (Woh rin high-m) is a kingdom of strong, hardy people due to the kingdom sitting on the War Cry Sea, this strength is reflected in the von Austein royal family who have fought off seven separate assassination attempts; one of which was alleged to have been a result of a botched House of Red Coats contract. Worynheim is now ruled over by the 'Twin Queens', these are twin girls who were left to inherit the throne after the sudden death of their father, King Aodhan, in a riding accident. Queen Diana went through a hard labor and unfortunately died as a result so it was unknown which girl was actually the elder. As such their father made the unusual decision – after his two secondary wives failed to provide him a male heir, or indeed any other children – to have them both crowned upon his death, with the stipulation that whichever daughter birthed a male child first would produce Worynheim's heir. Should neither have a child then leader of their branch family, Count Isaac Boreas von Austein, will rule. However, Renata has just wed Duke Ciaran Cathal while Winifred's marriage to Duke Giorgio von Allyn is scheduled for later in the year.

BALMUND

Current Ruler – King Huw Levisay

Heir Apparent – Prince Waylon Levisay

Levisay Coat Of Arms: Per fess gules and azure emblazoned with a crowned stallion surrounded by estoilles.

Levisay Family Motto: Honor and Pride

Balmundan Flag: Per pale of green and purple with a white horse between two sabers on the green segment.

Balmund is the smallest of the kingdoms and as such was overlooked by most in Dreymyr for hundreds of years until some finally took notice of their exquisite craftwork and work ethics their citizens have. King Huw and his queen, Vipsania, have only recently taken the thrown from his own father leaving his four young children; Waylon, Wynston, Opal and Dorothea, to begin their lives training to be the perfect princes and princesses. While extremely strict, King Huw is a fair ruler who only desires for Balmund to prosper.

GUILDS AND FACTIONS

MAGES GUILD

A guild dedicated to providing magical education through the Arcane University regardless of race or class, as well as furthering magical research. The best graduates from the university are rewarded with positions as court mages for each of the royal families, and will provide assistance to the royals during times of war. In order to join the Mages Guild one must pass the test to craft a glass pearl from a girl's dreams, a task few find easy.

Leader – Grand Mage Maximilian Demeer

Headquarters – Bichelberger in Yanhil

VALKYRIES

The Valkyries are a group of specially trained women who serve as the guards for the mages of the Mages Guild. They are battlemages in their own right but also have fierce training in the art of the warrior to the point they're revered through the land. While their real purpose is to protect the Arcane University, defend travelling mages and act as guards in Akula Prison, they have also been deployed to fight in all of the previous ogre wars and are viewed as the primary defence against dark magic. The Valkyries have a subunit which acts as a coast guard as well tasked with slaying sea monsters and guarding Zoniroh; this unit is led by Fleet Commander Hiranur Demirci, Valkyries are also the only ones authorized to use a magical device called 'wing gear' which allows them to take to the skies for short periods during battles.

Leader – Captain Phria Federlord

Headquarters – Bichelberger in Yanhil

ADVENTURERS GUILD

The Adventurers Guild is a collective of organized people from each race who take on contracts to provide a better class of living to those within the ten kingdoms, by doing everything from defeating monsters to cleansing lakes. They rank themselves based off of their magical capabilities and allocate jobs accordingly. (see 'Fighter Types')

Leader – Chief Commander Gordana Aalto.

Headquarters – Ranga in Dorovoth

MERCHANTS GUILD

An association of all merchants both local and long-distance traders who maintain and organize trade routes between the kingdoms. Unlike the other guilds, they don't have one leader but ten, each chief merchant appointed to the Merchants Council by each kingdom's sovereign.

Merchants Council – Arkadius Deem (Avonlea), Barnabas Vitan (Dorovoth), Nolar Sutton (Cylvera), Florent Van Hine (Olgarth), Poppaea Ryu (Gralia), Tykhon Solidago (Nalessa), Kaliban Denn (Vell), Chesed Claybane (Yanhil), Avery Binx (Balmund), Rem Greensmith (Worynheim).

THE HOUSE OF RED COATS

This is a guild of assassins which works in the shadows and will take almost any contract as long as the pay is deemed worthy. No one knows the full capabilities of this guild, nor their size, but strangely enough those who wish to make a contract always find a way to contact them.

Leader – Unknown

Headquarters – Rumored to be Avonlea

GLADIATORIAL GUILD

The Gladiatorial Guild keeps track of all the gladiators in the the ten kingdoms. These gladiators fight for the public's entertainment in the arenas. This guild has caused controversy with some due to the Slave Fighters used alongside Free Fighters and as such has restrictions placed on their operations in certain kingdoms.

Leader – Overseer Caradoc Blackblade

Headquarters – Lichtwick in Worynheim

THIEVES GUILD

As its name implies, this guild is a method of keeping the kingdom's pickpockets and criminals under control. Just as with the House of Red Coats little is known about the guild's structure, size wealth or operations.

Leader – Unknown

Headquarters – Rumored to be Jura in Nalessa or Westselo in Dorovoth.

DOCKWORKERS GUILD

The Dockworkers Guild maintains safety and wages for all dockworkers in the kingdoms; it mediates any and all disputes between the dockworkers, sailors and the crown. The guild is charged with preventing coercion to join incomplete crews as well as smuggling alongside the navy and Valkyries' naval unit. Formally their headquarters was located at Dunfair Harbor in Floy, but when trade began to grow so rapidly along the Straight Run, the decision was made to relocate to Valenhold where they could better monitor the Straight Run while still being in contact with the other kingdoms and their ships.

Leader – Chief Sedum Tennille.

Headquarters – Valenhold in Balmund

BARDS GUILD

A collaborative organization of bards, public speakers and poets who entertain throughout Dreymyr. They allocate the best of the best to each royal and noble family to ensure their skills are permanently recognized. The guild also operates the bard schools dotted through the kingdoms.

Leader - Head Bard Yahya Brenin

Headquarters – Three Kingdoms City in Vell

THE CHURCH OF DRAZVA

This is the main religion of Dreymyr which is often considered a cult by the elves and demi-humans. They worship the god Drazva who they call the Divine Mother or Mother Goddess, and believe She is solely responsible for the realm's creation and fortune. Followers also worship a set of seven saints who they refer to as the Guiding Saints, who are essentially semi-divine beings provided magical powers by Drazva and entrusted with a specific job. These saints consist of: Claes, saint of kings, mages and clergy. Lyuben, saint of marriage, family and love. Magda, saint of the sick and physicians. Alucart, saint of war, soldiers, adventurers and hunters. Ferrer, saint of craftsmen, merchants and laborers. Eithne, saint of harvests, fertility and agriculture. And Matilda, saint of children, maidens and childbirth.

Originally Drazvans saw themselves as stewards over the realm and other species as their teachings taught humans were created first. Unfortunately, over time, the religion was corrupted and evolved to consider anything that isn't human to be a lesser creature and, as a result, many who do not follow the faith aptly view the Church as racist. Though they have churches in all the ten kingdoms, it is Olgarth where the Church has its biggest foothold. Outside of Olgarth, especially in recent years, the religious have found themselves split between those who think themselves superior, and those who wish to co-exist peacefully with other races and safeguard them.

Leader – Pontiff Andrew Buchanan

Headquarters – St. Matilda in Olgarth

THE KNIGHTLY ORDER OF DRAZVA

This is the order of knights who protect and fight on behalf of the Church. Originally, they were tasked solely with fighting demon lords similar to the Valkyries, but over time have evolved into the Church's personal army. They have strongholds in all kingdoms but are kept restricted in Vell due to the King's worries they would subjugate the non-human inhabitants given enough chance. There have long been rumors that the knights have deals with slave traders to provide demi-humans, elves, merfolk and dwarves in exchange for gold and illegal products.

Within the Knights is an elite trio known as the Trinity Blades, they are only deployed in the most desperate of situations or to act as personal bodyguards to the Pontiff. They're ruthless and disturbingly efficient.

Leader – Grand Master Ferdinand Panzram.

Headquarters – St. Magda in Olgarth

THE VITA TREE

This is a smaller faith within Dreymyr, its followers are mostly elves but some demi-human and dwarves follow it, as well as an almost non-existent number of humans. The religion states that all life came from the Great Forest, specifically a single tree which has since been lost. It is a peaceful religion which believes in keeping balance with nature, and that as long as nature is honored, nature would honor the faithful. Unlike its human counterpart, the Vita Tree's priests do not have large churches constructed nor do they seek wealth or territory, they believe that anyone can pray anywhere in any forest for everything is all interconnected. Although, there are some shrines peppered through forests and around lakes as well as a main temple within the Great Forest.

Leader – High Priestess Vera Lilyfay

Headquarters – Elvasitz in Vell

DEMON LORD WORSHIPPERS

Those who worship demon lords are considered to be heretics by the Church of Drazva while the Vita Tree followers believe them to have become disconnected from nature. These worshippers do not worship all demon lords but a specific one out of the four whether they be living or dead. Worshippers normally are violent and seek to resurrect deceased demon lords, but their main wish is to see all the mortal races destroyed whether it be for their greed, wars or some other reason. Demon lords have been known to use them as fodder during battles.

Leader – N/A

Headquarters – N/A

CITY WATCH

The City Watch is a sort of police force with each kingdom's Watch acting autonomously for the most part. Rarely do they need to associate with another kingdom's Watch, though they will occasionally partner briefly with adventurers for one reason or another. All cities have a Watch House as do most towns, if a town doesn't have its own Watch House then the town will be regularly checked on by those from the next closest Watch House. Members of the City Watch are commonly known simply as Watchers for convenience's sake, and use a line organizational structure to function with the Chief of the Watch being the highest ranked member of the organization, who are always stationed in a capital city.

Leaders – Henri de Vreese (Avonlea), Katherine Black (Dorovoth), Thomas Viscuso (Cylvera), Oren Graybeard (Gralia), Corinth Hillmeyer (Olgarth), Jemima Hightower (Nalessa), Aeneas Amadeus Andrianakis (Vell), Timur Tamerlane (Yanhil), Louiza Goldhelm (Worynheim), Talia Mizrahi (Balmund)

Headquarters – Each Kingdom's capital city.

WORTHY MENTIONS

SCALE FARMERS & SCALE HUNTERS

These merchants are a small, very specialized branch of merchants who usually have inherited their occupation from a parent should they be farming merfolk scales. Due to the rarity of merfolk on the surface only those who have formed a trusted bond with these creatures can remain in business. Those who farm dragonling or metal lizard scales are more akin to warriors or someone from the Adventures Guild than an actual farmer, but are pleased with the hefty price the scales bring.

Scale hunters are the illegal counterpart to scale farmers, they violently trap merfolk – as well as dragons and basilisks before they were made extinct – then scrape away their scales killing the creature in the agonizing process. If caught the punishments can range from forced labor to serving time in the arenas as slave fighters.

THE WHITE INFERNO

Though it sounds intense and dangerous the White Inferno is actually nothing of the sort. He is in reality a white, rather chubby, hamster named Ognyan who is the familiar of Maximilian Demeer. During Demeer's younger years as a mage he accidentally left an experimental potion out which Ognyan sneakily drank, as a result the hamster became outrageously fast to the point some think he teleports, the hamster has also been known to belch fire on occasion and gained a dramatic increase to both intelligence and lifespan. Now the White Inferno acts as messenger through the Arcane University and is an unofficial mascot.

THE GUARDIAN OF STYGIAN FOREST

Said to be an abnormally large and bizarre cross between some kind of badger and a fox, is the Stygian Forest's guardian. The legend of this creature goes all the way back to when Yanhil was still blooming into a proper kingdom, and those who live in the area still allege that they've heard it stomping through the trees or have seen its eyes in the darkness. Despite the stories and tales hardly any of them ever talk of the Guardian being violent or vicious, in fact the only times that this creature is hostile is if attacked first or protecting people from monsters.

SHAY-EL TA

The Shay-El Ta is the spell used to destroy Zoniroh Island and Ivosanch by the Mages Guild. The spell was so destructive that it destroyed one island and caused the largest island in the Black Claw Chain, a volcanic island, to erupt. The Grand Mage at the time banned the spell to ever be used again and locked its scroll away deep underneath the University in a box of lead marked with wards. Rumor states that the Shay-El Ta is guarded by a true dragon, but, of course, no one can prove this.

WEREWOLVES

Werewolves exist but aren't very common. Those who embrace what they are have better control over their changes and can use their new strength, sense of smell, hearing and increased healing to aid them in hunting, adventuring and other career options. Meanwhile, those who try to hide their natures can burn out resulting in them going on rampages or descending into madness. The Church claims to have a cure for lycanthropy, but this is really just a mixture containing silver which does nothing but cause skin to develop a bluish tint and increase a werewolf's likelihood of going mad.Pantherians are the only known species immune to the werewolf infection, but this is due to their bodies going to such lengths to kill the infection that the pantherian succumbs to exhaustion and death soon after.

While there are several packs of werewolves dotted around Dreymyr, such as the Lycaon Pack in Nalessa and the Asena Pack in Yanhil who are fairly well respected, smaller packs can operate on a more criminal level. Swayne is probbaly the most famous name when it comes to werewolves as the Swayne family are not only all werewolves, but nobles who loaned their name to the city of Swayne in the southwest part of Balmund.

PAST MYTHOLOGICAL IDEAS & BELIEFS

While the Drazvan and Vita Tree faiths have become the two primary religions, they weren't always. Long ago the dragons were worshipped as divine beings who kept magic in balance; this idea is still practised to some extent by the Vita Tree followers. Offerings were left at shrines for each of the Cardinal Dragons and no mortal would have dared harm any dragon, instead they shared a harmonious relationship. Only when the Drazvan religion gained followers and they began selecting Heroes did this relationship end and resulted in dragons supposedly being hunted to extinction.

Having been isolated from the rest of Dreymyr for a great many years, the people of the Limestone had their own unique belief system in which they worshipped an ancient and nameless sea god. This god fluctuated in its physical descriptions; some said it resembled a gargantuan humanoid shadow with white eyes like two moons, while other depictions suggest the sea god looked more like an amalgamation of different aquatic creatures. Regardless of its true form, the sea god was known to demand loyalty and, when angered, would become vengeful. It is likely that this idea came from the multiple sea monsters which once roamed the waters between the Limestone and Ogre Territory before the Valkyrie naval unit began their patrols. Only one village is known to still worship this frightening god, the village of Ulthar on the southern west coast of the island.

Several villages by the mountains on the west side of Ostrov Island have legends of the three sister deities of nature; Amaranth, the eldest and de facto leader who is the personification of the forest itself, and is often depicted as an almost elf-like maiden with bark for skin. Herleif, the middle sister, who is responsible for the animals living within the forest and its protection, thus she is usually depicted as a fierce warrior. Lastly is the youngest sister, Novacarmen, who is only ever shown as a small girl as she is the personification of renewal and thus always young and growing, she is also usually seen with a great many twigs and flowers decorating her floor-length hair.

RANKING, MAGICAL LEVEL & QUEST BRACKETS

Though only the Adventures Guild concerns themselves with a rank for occupational purposes, the Guild will assess magical level for anyone willing to pay a small fee – this is very common with noble families. Magical level is measured from one to a hundred with one being practically no magical capabilities at all save for the ability to power magical engravings such as those used to get hot water from taps, while a hundred means abilities on demon lord or legendary hero levels. Ranking separates these levels into Porcelain (1-15), Iron (16-35), Obsidian (36-50), Bronze (51-70), Silver (71-89) and Gold (90-100). Most have a level between twenty-five and sixty, so anything above seventy is considered rare and quite powerful. In terms of adventurers, rank indicates what type of quest an individual/party can accept. Iron ranked quests will pay more than porcelain, while obsidian will pay more than iron.

FIGHTER TYPES

While all armies have those who specialize, such as cavalrymen, it is the adventures and mages guilds which use their type to identify themselves.

Adventure's split themselves into seven types: Paladin – a talented swordsman. Saint – a mage who uses only spirit magic and tend to focus on healing. Battlemage – a magic user with both offensive and defensive capabilities. Bowman – an archer. Brawler – a fighter who uses either hand-to-hand skills or daggers, Barbarians – powerful mace, flail, axe and hammer users. Tamer – a magic user able to form temporary and permanent contracts with animals and monsters.

The mages however, have only five types which indicates their preferred kind of magical learning: Sorcerer – a mage who has the ability to summon various creatures to aid them; a tamer is a subsection of this and not deemed a true classification. Thaumaturge – one who has devoted all their magical power to healing and holy magic, Necromancer – a type with much stigma, they control the dead and, while some are rogues who cause havoc, the ones within the Mages Guild are mostly scholars of the subject. Seer – one who concerns themselves with future sight and premonitions. Field Caster – a mage geared to the battlefield much as an adventurers' battlemage is. These battlemages are similar but different to the Valkyries

For example, the leader of the Adventures Guild would class herself as a silver-ranked bowman, while the head of the Mages Guild is a field caster.

ENSLAVEMENT RITUAL & COLLAR TRANSFERS

As it would suggest, enslavement is when one is forced into a contract via the use of magic. It was developed in the time of feudal lords to enslave defeated enemies to be used as labor, but has since spread to all manner of illegal areas; and is occasionally requested by those who wish to have their own sexual desires satisfied. Though it sounds complicated, the enslavement ritual is actually fairly simple once the caster has managed to fully understand the spell. During the ritual the one being enslaved must consume a few drops of the master's blood while they stand in a magic circle – a circle can be used repeatedly, hence why slavers favor it – and once cast the spell will forcibly bind the slave to the master. A collar will form as a symbol of this bond, but the collar also functions as a tether as it punishes any slave who wanders too far from their owner with severe pain. Those enslaved are compelled to obey orders and are unable to exceed a certain distance from their owner. To defy orders or wander too far would result in torturous agony until the slave obeyed, re-entered their allowed radius, or an order was cancelled.

While bonds formed by tamers can be broken fairly easily, enslavement requires the death of the master. However, a slave can be transferred to a new owner through a collar transfer. This is essentially the same ritual but with the current master relinquishing control and the slave consuming the new master's blood.

TAMERS & TAMING CONTRACTS

While taming has a fairly low-level magic requirement, not all are capable of it. Taming takes patience as well as a strong will. Those who attempt to use violence when taming will find the job almost impossible as the animal/monster can become resentful and hostile resulting in many a tamer's death. The taming contract's strength is determined by the relationship and respect between the tamer and the animal/monster, and a contract's strength can be increased or decreased as the relationship changes. Simple-minded creatures such as slimes are far easier to tame than intelligent ones like waheelas, this is because these animals are highly intelligent and use strategy to determine their actions. Unlike the enslavement ritual, a taming contract does not leave the animal/monster a slave, they are only bonded providing boosts to both parties.

Though they'll never admit it, the Church of Drazva did once attempt to use tamers to force contracts with demi-humans since the Church viewed them as animals more than people; none of these attempted taming contracts were ever successful. However, there was allegedly some success when it came to taming merfolk, though this is believed to be down to the merfolk allowing the contract rather than a tamer's strength to force it on them.

Unfortunately tamers are often viewed as week since they normally lack any real combat skills, but are rather useful as scouts and to the Merchant Guild controlling supply lines. Taming magic is a niche area, so a tamer may not necessarily be able to cast a fireball, though this does not take into account that a tamer with a particularly strong contract to an animal/monster will take on some attributes from them such as increased strength or better night vision.

Tamers can also be used to help others form a contract with an animal. For example, bowmen will often employ a tamer to aid them making a contract with a turkey shot that will then be used for scouting and aiming.

LANGUAGE

There are three main spoken languages in Dreymyr as well as dead languages and one which is only a sign language. Humans, and demi-humans all traditionally speak Common, so named because it is the most widely spoken and almost all merchant or guild business is conducted in Common. Elvish is the next most popular language; all elves are taught from birth and the Vita Tree members will happily teach anybody willing to learn, though its written form is complicated and difficult for non-native speakers to pick up. Last of the main languages is Dwarven, a harsh-sounding language with six separate words just for iron. While not as popular a language as Common or Elvish, all dwarves understand it and so do most blacksmiths, weaponsmiths and armorsmith since most crafting techniques come directly from dwarves.

There are numerous lost and dead languages, but the only one still even remotely understood by scholars is Draconic, the language of the dragons. However, due to their overly-poetic terminology, texts in Draconic can be hard to understand even once translated.

The one and only sign language is Aquan, which is the language of merfolk. Outside of scale farmers and those in the Arcane University, it is not widely understood and little effort goes in to learning it.

CURRENCY

Dreymyr's kingdoms all run on the same currency system of gold, silver and copper coins. 1 silver coin is equal to 100 copper coins and 1 gold is equal to 100 silvers. Simply put 1 gold = 100 silver or 10,000 copper.

CALENDER

Dreymyr's calender is split up into thirteen months each celebrating an event, occupation or type of person. They are always referred to as the 'Month of ...' and some even have their own festivals associated with them. Dreymyr's months are as follows. The Month of: Kings, Blacksmiths, Saints, Beasts, Sailors, Harvest, Heroes, Forests, Dragons, Mages, Merchants, Ancestors and Ice. For example: the third day of the Month of Dragons.

NOTABLE HERBS AND POTION INGREDIENTS

DRAKE PETAL

A red flower with hard, brownish leaves named for its dragon-like heat resistance. Drake petal can be found growing in abundance around thermal vents, volcanoes and other hot areas. It is often nibbled on my round bugs and grows plentifully throughout the Black Claw Chain. Once dried, powderized and mixed with a few other ingredients, armorsmiths often paint sections of round bug armor with it to further strengthen its heat resistance.

WISH THISTLE

A hardy thistle which only blooms in moonlight and has an intense violet color. It is a key ingredient in healing potions and is one of the most widely grown herbs by medicinal herb farmers, it can also be found growing naturally in coastal areas. While primarily used for its healing properties, wish thistle is used in the crafting of violet paint and extremely popular with artists.

DWARF'S BREATH

A type of hanging fungus with a blue-white color and terrible odor akin to that of a spoiled ale, found in deep subterranean tunnels and caves. It is highly toxic and often used as a potent poison; it is said the House of Red Coats favors it in their assassinations. In small doses it can create a disorientating hallucinogenic smoke which can cause some to react violently. The name comes from the former axiom that dwarves are always drunk.

RUST SALTS

Named for their color somewhat ironically so, they are used by blacksmiths to strengthen magic imbued steel since the act of filling any metal with magic makes it brittle. Rust salts are fairly common, often found near iron deposits and easily mined though merchants are still able to charge a high price for it. A common misconception is that rust salts give crimson steel its obvious red hue, this is not true, the color is actually down to the magically charged ruby dust mixed into the metal during the smelting process. Inkaridian has the largest rust salts mine in all Dreymyr.

NIGHTSPORE CAPS

A fairly common mushroom with small green dots that has hallucinogenic properties often included in so-called future sight potions. Some take the caps as a recreational drug and it can sometimes be found for sale in certain houses of ill fame to 'enhance' one's experiences. Many apothecaries will stock dried nightspore caps for those wishing to brew tea with them.

ALSUPROTEA

A pinkish plant known for aiding in neutralizing weak poisons and healing simple illnesses. It grows more or less all over Dreymyr so can be easily foraged: Porcelain-ranked adventurers will often be sent out to collect the plant from the surrounding area. Alsuprotea have a bizarrely sweet flavor so are ideal to be included in remedies for children; some bakeries and candy shops have gone so far as to include Alsuprotea in boiled sweets for those with sore throats.

HONEYWOOD

A hard, ruscus-like foliage used in salves. Honeywood is easily found growing along rivers – they practically line the Endless River – and marshes. Honeywood is so abundant in the Kingdom of Yanhil that it appears on the Umbra family's royal crest.

CLICKER BEETLE JUICE

These beetles are found in hot environments such as Sandspear Desert, and are a tiny offshoot species of round bugs. The juice of these beetles has been found to aid in curing certain skin ailments, though most prefer not to know what this 'juice' is exactly.

TERATECT VENOM

A pricey ingredient due to the ferocity of teratects. The venom is a pale yellowy color and has the ability to liquidize flesh in a disturbingly short amount of time. The venom is normally desired to aid in producing anti-venoms, however archers have been known to coat their arrows in it.

BACULUM

Normally from a bat or rat, the baculum is used in many supposed love potions – which are really just infatuation potions – and sold alongside sea blossom. Baculum is also a key ingredient in certain hex spells, most notably ones revolving around impotence.

DEMON LORD ROOT

This is the most potent poison in Dreymyr. It is a charcoal-colored, twisted root which must be handled with thick leather gloves to avoid the poison being absorbed via the skin. Once ingested the root will leach into the bloodstream sending veins black and causes an excruciatingly slow, agonizing death. Demon Lord Root has no antidote from potions nor known healing magic. Fortunately it is difficult to stumble across and easily identified by its black leaves and the way the patch of land around the plant is barren.

EPPER LEAF

A variegated, spade-shaped leaf from the common epper tree which, when used with honeywood, improves salves and poultices. Interestingly epper leaves can be chewed on to help ease toothache.

HARPOM

Dried shark fat once believed to increase magical power. Harpom is now valued only for its pungent scent which is a strong weapon against goblins and Jotunn scorpions as it confuses their highly-developed olfactory senses. Adventures will sometimes use it as a grenade of sorts when killing off troublesome nests of goblins.

SEA BLOSSOM

Alleged to be an aphrodisiac which is sought by the more naïve of rich people in Dreymyr. Many a snake oil salesman and brothel keeper have made a fortune off of selling it. In truth sea blossom does nothing but provide a slightly warm feeling to those who have ingested it.

PHYSICIAN'S BLESSING

The peppery flavored root of the Ong plant prized for its inexplicable pain relief properties. While it is often combined with other ingredients to make a strong remedy, the root can be chewed on for a less dramatic effect: this is encouraged of those in labor.

ZERA

This is a rare plant which only grows in mountainous regions such as the the Three Sisters. It has a beautiful yellow flower with a red centre. It is prized for its psychotropic properties and while is a key ingredient in rare future sight potions, much as nightspore caps are, it has become primarily used as a drug which is highly addictive. The Thieves Guild has made a great amount of money selling Zera to lowlifes and nobles alike.

AMETHYST DUST

Amethyst dust is a primary ingredient in so-called 'calming elixirs' made to ease hysteria, fatigue and insomnia. The Church of Drazva's priests also manufacture a potion – of which no one quite knows the exact ingredients – designed to provide protection from all manner of evils be it physical or spiritual, these are then sold at exorbitant prices.

SILVER WEED

A common algae which grows along most seashores. The color makes the weed look as though it is liquid silver floating in the water. Those who live on the coast nickname silver weed 'mermaid's tears'. Silver weed is used in remedies to treat chronic inflammations like arthritis.

NIGHT'S SUN

A bioluminescent moss which is quite common in dank places such as caves and caverns. The moss is used in large quantities to light street lamps providing cities with a light source during the night hours. It glows with a green-yellow color and is toxic if consumed, though it oddly has a pleasing floral scent.

GLANZREICH GRASS

Found growing around lakes and streams, it is a favorite treat of wing ears as well as a natural antiseptic. It is unknown how the fluffy creatures can stomach the grass while it is toxic to humans and demi-humans.

MANA STONES

These stones are formed over many years in places where expelled magical energy has gathered and solidified. They're usually found in caves and caverns but can also form under areas which have seen bloody battles, the Great Forest is also littered with them; in recent years they have been discovered in sewer systems of cities such as Bichelberger due to the amount of mages operating within the walls. While any gem can technically be filled with magic, such as the rubies used for crimson steel, mana stones are a natural and exceptionally pure form of magic. Mana stones give off a faint pink glow and are separated into five sizes: Petty; the smallest size which blacksmiths and armorors normally use to provide better power to simple spells on armor and small weapons. Petty mana stones are the most commonly found. Lesser; these are often flat and about the size of a gold coin. While stronger than their smaller counterpart, they aren't suited to much beyond powering smaller magical tools. Fine; a medium mana stone used by mages to fortify spells and temporarily exceed their magic level. They are approximately the size of a fig and fetch a high price despite the fact they can be a single use item if a mage tries to cast too powerful a spell. Great; these range in size from fist to a plump cat and can be used to power complex magical tools or sustain magic circles for long periods of time. The Arcane University uses great mana stones in the wing gear issued to the Valkyries. Lastly is greater; a greater mana stone is hardly ever seen and the ownership of such a stone has caused many a murder. Greater mana stones can be used to power and control extremely complicated or powerful spells and magical tools almost indefinitely. The Topper – a magical lockdown device at Akula Prison designed to prevent riot or escape – is powered by a greater mana stone owned by the Arcane University and is the size of a large boulder.

Cities and towns from top left to bottom right on the map.

AVONLEA

END

Originally named End due to it being the northern most city in both Avonlea and Dreymyr, End was a thriving city which was home to Rosmarin Castle, the summer palace. However, due to the city's proximity to the Ogre Blockade, End has become a morbid name which outsiders believe to be foreshadowing the future of anyone who sets foot there. It is now a dwindling city where more people leave each day.

INGSTON

A place which started as a small mining town but soon rose to prominence due to the abundance of onyx there. Even after two hundred years, the Labyrinth Mines show no signs of depletion. Geoffrey Godfrey, the owner of the mines, has done so well for himself that he was able to purchase the rank of Baronet, something that Gilda, his wife, just loves to remind Ingston residents about.

ESKI

Eski gets its name from old Eski Fort, a military instillation set up to watch for enemy ships attempting to gain access to Rosewater Bay and the capital. Over time a farming town grew around it and eventually formed into a full city. Eski Fort is still in use and the soldiers there have many a story of merfolk sightings from nearby Mermaid Hideout.

XANTH

A sleepy port town where little happens. Although, in recent years it has called much attention to itself for the strange influx of artists and poets who come looking for a quieter life, and the proximity to the stunningly beautiful Moon Cove. Thanks to all this the Bards Guild is looking in to setting up a school in Xanth.

VIREN

Viren is another of Avonlea's mining towns and is the last trade hub on the way north. It sits at the base of Dragon Mountain which, according to local legend, is home to the great fire dragon which lives at the very top of the tallest mountain. The dragon is said to show his anger by shaking the ground and spitting fire into the air, though this has not happened in centuries. The city took its name from this fire dragon.

STEELSTONE

This city began as a fishing village home to barely fifty people, but soon Gilsen Steelstone, a blacksmith, became so well known and revered for his skill that the King himself recognized the blacksmith's talents. No one quite knows when the town changed its name to honor him or what the old name was, those details have simply been lost to history.

PRYOR

Pryor is home to Pryor University founded by Duke Edvard Pryor 150 years ago. It is the most prestigious university in Dreymyr with only Hark University – located in St. Matilda – to rival it. Each year the Pryor family offers a scholarship to five students from less fortunate backgrounds.

ST. CLAES

St. Claes is the capital city of Avonlea and is where Kalecaster Castle, the royal palace, is located. It was named for the patron saint of kings, mages and clergy. The city looks out over Rosewater Harbor and Rosewater Bay. Due to the bay, St. Claes' royal guard has taken on the name the Rose Guard. As it is the capital the Gladiatorial Guild set up its primary arena for the kingdom here as well, though under Avonlea law only Free Fighters are allowed to participate.

BASILICA

Like Eski, Basilica gets its name from a military instillation. Basilica Tower burnt to the ground seventy-five years ago after being struck by lightning but King Anaximander du Marchand quickly had it rebuilt. Today any ship attempting to gain access to the capital has to pass by the tower. There is also a rumor that a soldier haunts Basilica Tower, which is confusing because there haven't been any recorded deaths there.

INKARIDIAN

The city of Inkaridian is an almost unending expanse of vineyards which create the best wine in the ten kingdoms. The Gorecki Winery has a wide selection of well respected wines; most recent to their ranks is Red Dove, a dry rosé. There is also an exceptionally large rust salt mine with tunnels so deep that the mine could be considered its own city.

IRONWOOD

Ironwood was named for the great Ironwood Forest which used to surround it on two sides and stretched all the way to Dragon Blood Lake. Unfortunately the whole forest was cut down during the last ogre war to aid in building the Ogre Blockade. Ironwood Forest was decimated as opposed to the much closer Ash Forest due to the Ironwood's strength.

CAINVALDR

Cainvaldr is where Avonlea's branch of the Merchant's Guild set up their main base. As such the city of Cainvaldr has become the largest hive of commerce in the entire kingdom of Avonlea. Arkadius Deem, Avonlea's Merchant Council member, is a shrewd businessman who somehow always manages to get his way when it comes to a good deal. Thanks to him, Avonlea's smaller businesses and craftsmen have seen an increase in their earnings.

DEARIGSTED

Dearigsted is a small city which mostly keeps itself to itself, almost everybody there is just passing through and very few decide to set down roots. No surprise then that it is rumored to not just have a hideout for members of the House of Red Coats but to actually have the headquarters somewhere inside its walls. The City Watch has performed numerous searches but has yet to turn up anything. Meanwhile, locals have played into this rumor most notably by renaming the public house Red Coat Tavern. Another reason Dearigsted is so cut off from the rest of the kingdom is the metal lizard infested Redbane Wetlands; this is an extensive marsh almost triangular in shape which blocks direct passage from Huntington or Gran Tkach. Instead, anyone intending to travel to the city must take one of the two coastal roads; the first loops around an almost forgotten about path from Hexa, while the second involves people leaving the Trade Road at Cainvalder and traversing the Rose Road around Rosewater Bay. Few choose to turn south for Dearigsted though, not when Inkaridian with its vineyards is significantly more interesting and profitable.

HUNTINGTON

Huntington is the largest and oldest city in all of Avonlea save for the capital itself, and is a major part of the Trade Road which follows on to Cainvaldr. It used to be home to the summer palace before the city grew too noisy and it was abandoned in favor of a new one built in End. The old summer palace's grounds were sold off and the palace itself sat empty until the late Queen Colette had it repaired and converted into a home for orphans and abandoned children. It's now known as the Royal Heart Orphanage and School, or, less formally, Royal Heart. Head of the Royal Heart is a man named Yig who is fiercely protective of the children, although some sense something off about him. There children are provided a place to live and a basic education in reading, writing and mathematics, as well as aided in finding apprenticeships to learn a trade. Since its construction, seventeen bright children have earned the Pryor scholarship.

DUNNMERE

Nobody knows when or who established this island city and there is some argument that the small, and somewhat strange, village of Ulthar led by a woman named Cthylla, was on the island long before mainland Avonleans settled there. Truthfully large town is probably a better description of Dunnmere than city, but it is comparatively larger than the other villages on the Limestone. It survives mostly due to its fishing trade and farming of medicinal herbs, as well as the occasional merchant ship transporting goods. Locals tell exaggerated tails about the monsters down in the Osgar Hall Caverns which span the entire Limestone.

HEXA

Hexa was made famous for its fine craftwork in ship building. It is almost single-handedly responsible for building Avonlea's naval vessels, and is the main base of the Dockworkers Guild in the kingdom. A Worish vessel called the Pretty Mary wrecked on the coast almost fifty years ago and, though cargo was retrieved and the ship gutted of anything useful, the carcass remains in place as a grim reminder of the damage a rock awash can cause.

SANSON

Sanson sits at the bend of the Sanson river, both of which are named after the great adventurer Roy Sanson who defeated a large number of undead in the area. The town is predominantly involved in fishing and the farming of silver weed, but has a bronze statue of Roy in the town centre.

GRAN TKACH

This city made a name for itself thanks to its many seamstresses and weavers. In recent years the craftsmen have become rather competitive and each year a festival is held with prizes going to the best work. One of the three Elmson sisters has won the grand prize for the last eight years.

VENDOLYN

Three hundred years ago when the kingdoms of Avonlea and Cylvera were at war, Vendolyn was utterly destroyed. After the war ended it took almost a hundred years to rebuild and grow into the thriving city it is today with help from dwarven architects. The ruined remains of the old city wall now serve as a monument to the those who died during the war.

GWINN

Gwinn is a fairly new city which is basically unknown to anyone outside of Avonlea. It was, until recently, a small town mainly occupied by hunters. Probably due to it being so new and out of the way, Gwinn has a reasonably high population of werewolves compared to other cities. As such it has taken the wise precaution of providing an area they call the Pen, which is surrounded by silver chaining and wards, for newly turned werewolves or those who struggle to retain their senses when in wolf form. Since this service and better education has started to be provided, there have been fewer than five known werewolf rampages.

DOROVOTH

QUAILWYN

The city of Quailwyn is the main city supplying cargo transport between Steelstone and Ironwood in the north and Zansull in the south. It is fortunate enough to be mostly free of pirate attention and seen as a rather picturesque place to live. While thriving, Quailwyn does have a morbid history thanks to Cain Drakon, a former member of the Knightly Order of Drazva who lived in the city. Drakon was responsible for the kidnapping, rape and murder of at least seventeen urchin boys, though he is believed to have killed dozens more. When his crimes were finally uncovered he took his own life with a blade to his throat and locals quickly dealt out their own form of justice by burning his home and remains.

RANGA

The Adventurers Guild has its headquarters in Ranga, this was due to the uncontrollable wave of monsters which inhabited Bear Forest. The city is governed by Duke Sodi Weiss who is cousin to the current king's wife. Every few months the city hosts a fair with travelling entertainers and numerous sweet treats. Duke Weiss' grandfather introduced the fair as a way to soften the city's image as the Adventurers Guild's construction left the city feeling someone rough and brutish. Willow Blue, a highly respected adventuring party, is based in Ranga and often entrusted with the hardest of quests: Gordana Aalto is a former member of Willow Blue.

FINCHCHESTER

This is the largest farming town in all of Dorovoth, it produces more food than the other cities and towns in the kingdom combined and prides itself on its produce. Food from Finchchester can be quickly identified by the branding on the crates; a capital F with two snakes circling it biting the other's tale.

GORASITZ

Sitting at the base of the Spikes, Gorasitz is the capital city and home to the royal palace Bruckstone Castle. The castle itself is quite intimidating with the Spikes as its backdrop and putatively took fifteen years to complete as it was originally ordered by Porphyry Ives before he and his family were defeated and the Van Winchells left to finish it. Due to the mountains the kingsguard has become known simply as the Cordillera.

LOCHEART

Being in the centre of the kingdom, Locheart was quickly noticed by the Merchants Guild and so houses the primary base for the guild in Dorovoth. It is a bustling city where everything is sold from fresh bread to a bed for the night and a woman to fill it.

KREESK

A small town mostly focused on growing products such as cotton and raising livestock that are transported to Locheart for sale. Kreesk's main claim to fame is their local delicacy of thick noodles made from slime carcases – disturbing for some, but apparently very tasty.

WESTSELO

Westselo is a somewhat dark town and one of the rumored places the Thieves Guild may have their headquarters. Most travellers avoid the city out of fear of being set upon by criminals, however these are just rumors and locals will be quick to tell you so.

PEPPERSTOW

Due to the heavy movement of travellers the Gladiatorial Guild set up its primary arena for the kingdom here. This has pulled in a great many people all happy to spend some coin. However, Pepperstow sits in a bit of a depression and has been known to flood in the wetter months of the year.

ZANSULL

It might not be as large as other cities which thrive on cargo transportation but it is the city which has had the most success in defending its merchants from loss of goods caused by pirates. This is presumably down to the Valkyrie's naval unit having a dry dock in Zansull and pirates being smart enough not to anger them.

HAFENTOWN

Hafentown is a dwindling trade town that has been prayed upon by pirates for decades. Unfortunately no amount of ships to escort the merchants, nor the multiple searches of Deadman Isle led to any success in freeing Dorovoth, Cylvera or Gralia of pirates. Hafentown also has a shallow harbor making it a less appealing place to dock.

AKATON

Akaton isn't a very large town but it is home to Dorovoth's Summer Palace. Other than that this town is small and has little of note; unless one wishes to mention old Widow Greybell who seemingly lost her mind after her husband's death and now wanders the town muttering to herself and chewing on her hair.

RAMSTADT

This city is one of the major cities on the Trade Road and connects directly to Breamark. The city is popular for its taverns and gambling dens to the point a tournament is held each year in the Month of Kings which draws quite the crowd.

FREE SPRING

As the name implies, Free Spring gets its name from the abundance of natural hot springs in the area. Thanks to this, Free Spring has a constant stream of income from travellers and has made a name for itself as something of a pleasure city.

NYNIO

According to legend, Nynio was a great water dragon who lived in a cave somewhere between Dagny Bay and the Bluffs, so it was only logical to take this dragon's name for the city when it was founded two hundred and forty years ago. Nynio is surrounded by paddy fields and working them is the main occupation for those in the area.

CYLVERA

BORDER BRIDGE

Border Bridge is a place built out of necessity, after ogres ravaged the land during the first ogre war the border between Avonlea and Cylvera was full of deep depressions and gouges in the landscape, and so a bridge was built by the Merchants Guild to re-establish trade with Avonlea. Around this bridge grew a church and then a tavern which eventually became the city of Border Bridge, it is now the main trade route between any other kingdom and Avonlea. During the Avonlea-Cylvera War, Avonlea's troops destroyed it almost as badly as Cylvera destroyed Vendolyn.

HEBICARDEN

This is one of the most picturesque cities in all the kingdoms, it sits near Snake River and has a wonderful view of the Spikes, although Hebicarden also has a large quantity of goblins living in lairs not too far from the city walls.

THE SILVER CITY

The Silver City is the capital of Cylvera and is home to the royal palace Tharhaven Castle. It overlooks King's Bay which opens out into the Harmony Sea. From the top of the tallest tower in the castle one can see so far as the northern side of Falcon Rock.

SENFURT

Senfurt is Cylvera's main mining town, it produces both iron and great quantities of silver which has made the kingdom very rich. Granite pulled out of the local mine while constructing it was used to build Miners Viaduct, hence the name. Adventurers once had to be called in when mining accidentally broke into a secret chamber containing a litch.

NULMERTH

The city is the kingdom's primary producer of grain. It is part of the Trade Road and home to the Merchants Guild branch for the kingdom which is overseen by Chief Merchant Nolar Sutton. Nolar is a strict leader which has caused few people to be very fond of her; she is of the opinion that one isn't a successful merchant until they've received a few death threats.

CRYSTELLA

This city is famous for its ability to rear horses, Crystella is so famed for it that merchants and kings alike come from far and wide to purchase their horses regardless of the huge price tags. Earl Xaydrian Xaver governs the city; though in recent years he has allowed his only son, Xan Xaver, to take over much of the responsibilities with mixed results.

LALENBURG

Lalenberg is a town which grew around a large salt mine. It is also home to Lalen Keep which was constructed in order to provide defence in case of attack from Dorovoth. In recent years there have been issues with dragonlings coming down from the Spikes and even finding their way into the salt mine, this has resulted in frequent halts to work until the Adventurers Guild can deal with it.

BREAMARK

Breamark is surrounded by nothing but lowlands on all sides and is yet another city on the Trade Road between Nulmerth and Ramstadt. It has been governed by Duke Rowan Stormfist and his family for almost three centuries. Duke Stormfist is the younger brother of Queen Kotryna Molinari and well known for his drinking; some joke he single-handedly keeps the Gorecki Winery in business.

TWIN PINE

Here is where the Bards Guild set up their main school within the Kingdom of Cylvera. It was a good choice for the Guild as Twin Pine has more taverns – and brothels – than anywhere else in Cylvera. It is also where the Gladiatorial Guild set up its main arena for the kingdom much for the same reasons.

KUPFERGRAD

Sitting on Dagger Bay with access to Dagny Bay as well, it has become the main city for import in the kingdom. Kupfergrad now rivals the Silver City for size and the Dockworkers Guild has set up an office here. There is also a vast copper mine in the city: copper is highly sought after for its magic conductive abilities and is often incorporated into mage's armor.

HOLY LIGHT

Holy Light was non-existent until fifty years ago when the Knightly Order of Drazva ordered Wallace Weathervane to construct it for its access to Dagny Bay, as well as to protect from the monsters which inhabit Black Forest. Weathervane was once a strong soldier with the Knightly Order but, now ageing, became more use managing Holy Light than holding a sword.

OLGARTH

AVER

For decades Aver Keep on Blex Island watched over the Harmony Sea and prevented enemies attacking the capital city of Haven by taking the northern route passed Falcon Rock. Only after the city of Valiant grew did a town begin to develop around Aver Keep, which was when the king opted to entrust the governing of the city to the Cashels. The de Soria family has been loyally served by the family since then and the church has received substantial donations. Theano Cashel, the third daughter and youngest child, caused outrage among her family by choosing to join the Valkyries instead of the Knights of Drazva like three of her older brothers and two of her sisters. Although she has not been publicly disowned, her family no longer speaks to her because they believe she has betrayed their religion.

VALIANT

Valiant took its name from Valiant Harbor and was originally founded to aid in lumber transport from Blex Forest to the mainland. Though Blex Forest has been shrunk to half its original size the city of Valiant continues to thrive and has become part of the main shipping route between Avonlea and Worynheim. However, Olgarth's uncontrollable deforestation of the area has desolated the wildlife population there – specifically the ravenstags and night deer – and caused multiple landslides. Prince Harold and his half-sister Beatrice, did attempt to slow down the destruction, but numerous requests of their father fell on deaf ears. Valiant is also backed up to the Sandspear Desert, a harsh environment which is the only place in the whole realm scythe scorpion can be found.

SUTTLESWOOD

Suttleswood used to be the capital city of Olgarth until the war between the followers of the Church of Drazva and the elves who lived in Sapling Forest. The elves stormed Suttleswood and sacked Daxon castle but the Church won the war and eliminated the elves who lived in the forest, they then quickly renamed it the Forest Of Faith. Now, the city is small and surrounded mostly by sheep farmers.

ST. MAGDA

St. Magda is named for the patron saint of physicians and the sick, it is said that the stream which calls the city home was purified by her blessing and now many flock to the stream to heal themselves. St. Magda is also where the Knightly Order of Drazva has its headquarters and is watched over by their Grand Master Fredinand Panzram and Seneschal Ascalon Ordel.

MEDIOS

Like Valiant, Medios is part of the main shipping network between Avonlea and Worynheim, however, this city also has a very active stone quarry. Stone Petal Market is located in the south of the city and is the largest slave market in all Dreymyr.

LEVAN

This city looks over Lion Claw Point and has easy access to Silver Bay and the city of Gavanford. The Adventurers Guild have a small outpost here; it is part of the Trade Road and there was also a fort tasked with the same duty as Aver Keep, but this fort burnt down mysteriously just under forty years ago and nobody bothered to rebuild. Now, the fort is little more than rubble which blemishes the landscape.

GAVANFORD

Olgarth houses its navy in Gavanford which tries to monopolize the docks, something that has forced the Dockworkers Guild to step in and try to keep the peace. Unless one is a sailor or their family, it is unlikely they'd want to remain in Gavanford too long.

HAVEN

Haven is the capital city of Olgarth, it was built after the elves destroyed Daxon Castle during the war. Now Daxon Castle sits as forgotten ruins and Haven has become a shining city with its jewel being the royal palace Praver Castle. Though named Haven any demi-human, dwarf or elf who decides to enter the city is in for hatred and verbal abuse, some may even be murdered or forcibly sold into slavery. Of course Olgarth and its rulers would vehemently deny that but everybody knows it happens.

VINN

This city is part of the Trade Road and acts as a nexus between three cities and the Taftun Trade Post. Vinn is also where the Kingdom's main Merchant Guild outpost is located. Out of all the cities in Olgarth, Vinn has the largest population of non-human species and the humans there are said to be more tolerant than other cities in the kingdom.

ST. MATILDA

St. Matilda is home to Hark University, the second most prestigious non-magical university in all of Dreymyr – the first being Pryor University in Avonlea. The university was established by Lord Albert Ngozi and the Ngozi family still watch over the day-to-day running. The city itself was named by its founder, a Drazvan cardinal called Benjamin Cass, shortly after his sister's death for the Guiding Saint of children, maidens and childbirth.

GRALIA

OMURA

This city is the part of the Trade Road which connects directly to Vinn, Nulmerth and Amselozero. Though it takes in a lot of goods there is very little it actually makes or grows locally other than the fresh oranges its known for.

CELOSIA

Celosia is famed for two things; its vineyards and the unending colorful flowers which grow everywhere in and around the city. These flowers are where the city gets its name and why so many painters visit.

AMSELOZERO

The Merchants Guild build their main outpost for Gralia here due to Amselozero being the largest city in the kingdom after the capital. Though the Church has subtly tried multiple times to take over the city's running, Marquess Paulius Gilchrist – who is not a follower of the faith – has resisted them every time.

VASMONT

Vasmont is the largest mining town in all Gralia, it produces huge amounts of iron as well as gold and silver. The biggest mine is Swingstem Mine in the north of the town, owned and operated by the Raymur family, who are exceptionally distant relatives of the Von Austein royal family.

LISAMESTO

Hunting is the main source of survival for the inhabitants of Lisamesto, it is a small town which goes mostly unknown to travellers, and has an abundance of wing ears. Wing ears are so common a sight around Lisamesto that they have unofficially been adopted as the town's mascot.

REXBURG

It is the next stage of the Trade Road after Amselozero and is the main hub for the followers of the Church of Drazva within the kingdom. Every year on the twelfth day of the Month of Saints, the Church holds a large fair with a candlelight service dedicated to Drazva as well as the Guiding Saints. Many young men have proposed to their sweetheart by Lyuben's statue during the festival.

OAKRUM

Oakrum started life as a small outpost for the Adventurers Guild which was established to aid the elves who live in Black Forest to control the monsters there which had started to take over. Now Oakrum is a thriving city but the Guild is wary of Holy Light and its intentions for the elves and demi-humans who call the forest home. The Guild's branch head, an elf herself, goes out of her way to ensure the Knightly Order's activities are monitored and constantly reported to Gordana Aalto.

JERENHAM

Jerenham is a fork in the Trade Road which branch off to the capital of Almaz or to Floy on White Wave Gulf: It is also where the Gladiatorial Guild placed its primary arena which hauls in great amounts of coin. Jerenham used to be small and unassuming, but when Wainwright Ketilsson built a creamery there, it quickly became a point of pride for the residents of Jerenham and is now the best known thing about the city.

LEUPOLIS

Governed over by Lord Raynard Honeybloom, Leupolis is the only place in all the ten kingdoms that could rival Crystella for the top spot when it comes to breeding horses. The city is also known for its local delicacy of grilled dragon fly skewers which are said to be crispy with a mild mushroom flavor.

WHITROW

As a major port town, Whitrow provides fast shipping to both Cylvera and Dorovoth. And, thanks to Whitrow Tower, pirates as disinclined to bother the city and her ships. Though shipping thrives, many Whitrow residents do not, there are surprisingly few jobs outside of being a dockworker and so many find themselves with no choice but to live in the slums. The goings on inside Whitrow's slums include everything from theft, zera distribution and unofficial brothels which are neither sanitary nor filled with willing participants, to dog fights, murder and – some say – the production of fraudulent magical tools.

STELING

Steling is home to the independent mage school called the Mandrake School for Magical Education. This is an institution of learning for those who choose not to be associated with the Mages Guild. Since the Mages Guild is both tolerant and racially neutral, those intending to join the Church or Knightly Order tend to find themselves enrolled at Mandrake School rather than the Arcane University, as do those who plan to join the military. Stelling is also one of the few places in the ten kingdoms where Honeywood trees can be found away from large bodies of water.

ALMAZ

As the capital city of Gralia, it is the largest city in the kingdom and, of course, part of the Trade Road. The city is built atop a hill meaning that Erncairn Castle, the royal palace, is visible from every corner of the city. It was originally settled due to the plethora of diamonds and other jewels which once littered the area in abundance – this is also how Diamond Rock and Diamond Bay were named. Though fewer in number, the gems mined are some of the highest clarities in all of Dreymyr.

SALVADORI

Predominantly a fishing town with little of note, save for the poorly attended bard school located within the city's walls. There is, however, an extensive cave network spread for miles beneath the town. In those caves the Copperpot family continue their family tradition of farming merfolk scales.

MALINWORTH

They produce the majority of Gralia's crops. Malinworth has some of the most fertile soil in the ten kingdoms and uses it well to cultivate a very wide variety of produce. Malinworth also has a rather extensive apple orchard owned and operated by a respected former Cordillera named Yosef Kaya.

FLOY

Floy is connected directly to Jerenham as part of the Trade Road and is the only place in all of White Wave Gulf that has actual access to the sea rather than just being sheer cliffs. It was formally home to the headquarters of the dockworkers guild before they relocated to Balmund.

EDDOW

Eddow is a peaceful little coastal town known for its farming of medicinal herbs such as silver weed, as well as mining for rust salts. As Eddow is located on a volcanic island, all crops grown there are plentiful and so a statue of the Guiding Saint Eithne has been carved by a local artist and given pride of place inside the small church there. Roughly twenty years ago a crazed necromancer named Iago Shi managed to turn all those who'd died in Firethrone into undead that he used to take over the island. Fortunatly the Valkyries quickly dispatched his undead army and locked Iago Shi away in Akula Prison for his crimes.

STRONGHORN

Having rebuilt after the eruption caused by the Shay-El Ta's destruction of Zoniroh, Stronghorn has become one of the most beautiful cities in Gralia. The city has also made itself prosperous thanks to the endless quantity of snowflake and rainbow obsidian for crafting, as well as kimberlite – an igneous rock that contains diamonds. There are three mines in the area; the Dilson Mine to the north, the Roundtree Mine to the south, and the Six Star Mine to the east. Of these three mines, only Lewis Baranov, who owns the Six Star Mine, has any real care for his workers.

NALESSA

WINDMIR

This is another city on the Trade Road between Vinn and Durendurel. Probably not the best thing to be known for, but Windmir is famous for an establishment called the Mockingbird which is said to be the best brothel in all the kingdoms.

NARYONNE

A mining city which produces almost endless quantities of gold which filters down from the Blade Backs. This gold has made Nalessa very rich, and is actually where the gold used to make the crowns for the Sunringham royal family was sourced from. Count Olyvar Vandengrove has had numerous people with varing degress of morality attempt to bribe and threaten him into relaxing his screutiny of the materials mined, but he refuses to budge knowing turning away would result in all manner of illegal dealings. Recently the Vandengrove family has been blessed with the wonderful news that their second daughter Halcyone has been accepted into the Valkyries.

VOODE

Voode is in the rare position of being on the border of three kingdoms and as such is a welcome haven to travellers. Due to the easy access to other kingdoms, the Adventurers Guild placed a large outpost here that is overseen by a silver-ranked grasswalker named Hanna Torrac. As it straddles the borders this stretch of the Trade Road between Voode and Three Kingdoms City is one of the safest roads in all Dreymyr with more guards than even the capital city.

SHARLES

This city is in the fortunate position of being both inland and having sea access thanks to the Endless River. The city's commerce has grown exponentially because it can trade freely with any city in the Sea of Harrow and the War Cry Sea. Sharles' main export is black pepper which the city grows in abundance.

EVONY

Evony is another mining town which started off small but quickly grew when it became part of the Trade Road. It has two main mines both of which produce iron and each owner is permanently in competition to the point the workforces for the mines have almost split the city into two halves.

KNIGHT'S REST

Named for the amount of knights who lay their heads here, Knight's Rest provides access to Sentinel Bridge and Guardian Bridge which give passage across the Endless River. Knight's Rest lives up to its name and has a great many inns and, as such, has become a wealth of commerce and information.

GOSSION

Gossion is a border town which was governed over by Viscount Johann Albright until he was assassinated by the House of Red Coats four years previously. Now his wife, Amelia, governs in his stead until their eldest son, Bruce, is old enough to take his rightful place. Though it is not spoken of, most assume the assassination order came from somebody within the Church after Viscount Albright – who wasn't Drazvan – denied the Church's request to expand Gossian's church by building over an ancient Vita Tree shrine. Viscountess Amelia also refused and, concerned for herself and her sons, managed to get King Silas to recognize the shrine as a landmark halting the Church's plans.

TAKA

Taka is actually a misspelling, it was supposed to be named Takr after a rare flower which grows in the area, but when the city was officially recorded onto the map, the cartographer's handwriting was so bad that the 'R' was misread and interpreted as an 'A', eventually the city's residents tired of correcting people and so accepted the name Taka.

EVERSPRING

Taking its name from the series of springs and brooks which originat high up in the Dwarf Mountains, Everspring is another branch on the Trade Road and home to the Merchants Guild's prime outpost for Nalessa. Tykhon Solidago has been Nalessa's Merchant Council representative for over two decades and, while apparently lacking a sense of humor, is exceptionally good at his job.

PALSTADT

This is where most of Nalessa's crops are grown. According to local folklore a Marbecyi is a benevolent golblin-like creature which aids farmers during the harvest, it is believed to live in the fields and offerings are frequently made to the creature in Palstadt. All of this is much to the Church's annoyance and, to combat it, the Church has recently begun spreading stories of how the Guiding Saint Eithne defeated the evil Marbecyi to save a fictional village from going hungry.

STAGHEART

This city grew around Nalessa's summer palace known as Boarbane Keep and, as the name implies, there is an abundance of boars and deer in the area, including both ravenstags and night deer. There is a small trail which leads north into Red Boar Wood which has been travelled by so many of the Ralshire family over the years when they go hunting, that the trail has become known as Royal Road.

WISHWILLOW

Local legend says that there was a magical willow tree which granted almost any wish someone made of it; the only wish it couldn't grant was restoring the dead. Regrettably nobody can confirm or deny the legend as it was cut down by thieves who thought the tree was powered by some kind of giant mana stone; they were captured and hanged for this crime.

VAVIEL

Vaviel is Nalessa's capital city which overlooks the Blue Cauldron. One part of the Blue Cauldron is a sharp looking cliff from which an ancient queen was said to have thrown herself after her husband's death; this is how it became known as Queen's End. The tallest of the three iconic towers at Siniybergh Castle, which is the royal palace, has a disturbingly perfect view of Queen's End. Vaviel was designed by an architect obsessed with geometry and symmetry, this is why the city is shaped like an octagon with the palace in the centre surrounded by eight distinct districts.

GILSTRAND

Gilstrand is a dwindling city though nobody really knows why, there is a rumor that the House of Red Coats have a hidden outpost underneath the city which might have something to do with it. There is, however, a decently sized salt mine which offers reasonable pay.

RALENKA

Sitting by the idyllic, though somewhat ominously named, Demon Lake, Ralenka is a quiet town which serves mostly as a place to stop and rest before continuing on to Jura. Thanks to its scenic setting many bards and artists visit Ralenka, as they do with Xanth, to feed their muses. There is also a thriving medicinal herb farming operation in Ralenka with drake petal, physician's blessing and silver weed being among their main exports.

JURA

While known for its legitimate businesses such as its cargo transport and farming of spinach, asparagus and beets, Jura is also rumored to be where the headquarters of the Thieves Guild is. Though the city's guards have performed many searches and has gone so far as to investigate the sewers, there is no sign of the criminals; either they're not there or have made outsmarting the Watchers into a sport.

DALYR

Dalyr is known for its cotton production and has some of the best thread in the ten kingdoms. It is governed over by Duke Alfred Vavateem who, as a grasswalker, is one of the few demi-human nobles. Cross-stitch is a favorite pastime for his wife, Alyssa, who created a competition to breath new life into Dalyr where participants are tasked with crafting exquisite tapestries. Every year in the Month of Forests a small fair is held with much food and wine, where the Vavateems judge the entries and present the winner with a prize of five gold coins; for most people this is an exceptional amount of money.

FREIDFEILD

The city of Freidfield is famed for the plethora of blue holes in the area which are said to be home to a violent monster which sucks the unwitting into a watery grave. The largest of these blue holes is known as the Savage Pit and locals do all they can to keep children far away. Despite the possibility of being eaten by a monstrous creature, there are many who want to swim in the smaller holes.

VELL

HOPEWELL

Vell is a kingdom ruled by the elves and as such is a home to all species, but that hasn't stopped the Knightly Order of Drazva building Hopewell and erecting a large church there. As long as they treat those of other species with respect, King Gasper is not opposed to having them there. Though not officially connected to the Trade Road, it is sat right on it and will likely be officially connected soon.

THREE KINGDOMS CITY

Due to bordering both Worynheim and Yanhil this city was rather unimaginably named. It connects to Voode as part of the Trade Road but has recently been intercepted by Hopewell, this is of no real consequence as long as trade is not disrupted. Here is also where the Bards Guild has their headquarters. Recently, part of the city collapsed into a small sinkhole which destroyed the church and a small section of the residential district. King Gasper quickly had relief aid sent and, steadily, the city has managed to rebuild.

ELVASITZ

Elvasitz is one of the three forest cities that inhabit the Great Forest. Elvasitz has become the spiritual centre of the – predominantly elven – religion known as the Vita Tree as it was believed that somewhere around Elvasitz was where the Vita Tree stood. The exact location has since been lost but regardless, the city has become a very holy place. During the war with the Church of Drazva the humans attempted to burn the forest and city to the ground but were repeatedly repelled. In recent years the followers of the Vita Tree have grown concerned by the city of Hopewell and the proximity of such an openly hostile religion.

BITTERMONT

Bittermont was a small town of farmers growing grain until the Quen Ruins became quite so interesting to scholars and academics, since then inns have popped up all over the town as well as a somewhat seedy brothel. Thanks to the Dwarf Mountains those craving wealth use Bittermont as a place to rest when not panning for gold. Bittermont also has the Hackett Distillery which produces such high-quality spirits that the King personally recognized them. The distillery is best known for Goliath's Spite, a flavorful rye whiskey.

GREENWOOD

Almost dead centre of the kingdom is Greenwood, the capital city of Vell, which is also one of the forest cities. Thanks to its location Greenwood is a place of immense beauty and partially built into a set of hills as well as occasional long-dead, hollowed out trees. Inside Corbenic Castle resides King Gasper Einar, the only elven king in the ten kingdoms, he is said to be a good man who rules benevolently over his people.

MEADE HAMPSTEAD

Mostly a farming community with an almost endless expanse of orchards, Meade Hampstead is known for its apples, and the cider it produces from them is some of the best in the entire kingdom. Several cases of the cider and apple wine are regularly transported to Greenwood in the Month of Ice as the King gives them to his aides, Court Mage, castle staff and other high ranking people as gifts for their work throughout the year; as well as to King Silas Ralshire who has developed a taste for Meade Hampstead's cider.

NY'ARNA

Ny'arna is a steadily growing mining town that mainly produces copper as well as some tin. It sits close to the Vell-Nalessa border and has the largest populous of dwarves anywhere in Dreymyr. Sindri Rockbrokkr is believed to be the best dwarven blacksmith in the whole realm and has forged several weapons for numerous kings throughout his long life.

SALMERTH

Salmerth is the next stop on the Trade Road after Everspring. Due to its position in the middle of Vell it sees a huge amount of foot fall; its taverns are quite popular. Meade Hampstead normally delivers its apple wine and cider directly to Salmerth for sale. The Gladiatorial Guild placed the kingdom's arena here because of the amount of travellers.

MACKLEY

Thanks to it being one of the rare places that borders two other kingdoms Mackley was quickly snapped up to be included as part of the Trade Road and is where the Merchants Guild placed its prime outpost for Vell. Their Merchant Council representative, Kaliban Denn, is a muscular and bearded man who looks like he should have been an adventurer rather than a merchant, but on the inside he is a kind and gentle man whose intelligence is difficult to find a rival for.

BLACKPORT

Sitting on Black Bay – which was named for the black sand there – Blackport has become Vell's main shipping port. Though there are also the cities of Twayn and Coryn, Blackport has a much more direct connection to Salmerth via the Trade Road, this is the main reason that the Dockworkers Guild has an outpost in Blackport.

TWAYN

Twayn has some shipping trade but is mostly populated by fishermen who thrive thanks to the amount of fish between Twayn and Arrow Island where Arrow Lighthouse is located. Twayn is actually well-known for the size of the fish they haul in and the wealth it produces, this is why the harbor there is called Gold Coin Wharf. Although, fishing becomes dangerous in the later months when the Jotunn scorpions begin to breed.

CORYN

Like the other coastal cities around Black Bay, Coryn does have a small shipping trade but is mostly known for the bard school in the city. Ships coming into the harbor need to keep in mind how surprisingly shallow the waters of Carncroft Port really are and dock carefully. Earl Ashcroft Ninomae and his family have made several attempts to increase the depth via earth magic but the ground is simply too unstable to support such an excavation. Zotikos, the youngest of the Earl's two children, was once almost swept out into sea while trying to deepen the port. After this all further attempts were halted indefinetly.

YANHIL

REEM

Originally started off its life as nothing more than Reem Fort which was erected to guard Lapis Harbor and defend the capital. However a fishing town soon grew around it. As no other fishing towns or villages are in the area, fishermen delight in having the waters to themselves. However, local legend talks of a great sea serpent – possibly a bakunawa – which will occasionally steal a good haul from ships and take the ship as well if hungry enough; fishermen call this serpent the Ship Reaper.

NOUKEE

Noukee is part of the main shipping trade route between Worynheim and Avonlea, it does a lot of trade with Medios via Goddess Bay. It is also connected directly to the city of Windmir in Nalessa via several smaller roads rather than by the Trade Road. Roughly half way, just north of Stonestep, is a large meadow filled with wildflowers and populated with rabbits; many travellers rest for the night in the meadow.

URSANYN

Sitting at the end of Lapis Bay is Ursanyn which is the capital city of Yanhil and home to Gray Dragon Castle where King Nathaniel Umbra resides. It is a stunningly beautiful city rich in culture and has a thriving bard school. Ursanyn also has the largest market in Dreymyr known as Moon Bear Market. The market is so large that it has its own little theatre that puts on different weekly performances with a price of only a few coppers. The Robichaeuxs, a family of grasswalker nobles, has sponsored the theatre for over a decade now alongside their dear friends the Aurousseau family; though their youngest daughter Chrysanthi was more of a fighter than a performer and made quick work of joining the Valkyries

HOMOND

Homond is a small but prosperous hunting town with perfect access to Stygian Forest. The locals are renowned for their ability to capture the vicious hammer boars. There are a series of nonsensical streams and creeks created by water which bubbles up from underground, locals are the only ones who can navigate the chaos which has resulted in them developing a reputation for producing excelent trackers. The Eichrodts are a minor noble family of pantherians who have become the unnoficial lords of the town; this has resulted in the family's three children, all girls, becoming quite desired brides.

ILLARION

As the first city on the Endless River, Illarion has primary control over the shipping trade in Yanhil. It is also the last city on the northern branch of the Trade Road before the capital. While goods are normally transported to Reem via Ursanyn along a coastal road, Illarion carries these items to Homond using the road which runs right through the middle of Stygian Forest known as Wayfinder Lane. Many of these couriers have reported seeing the Guardian of Stygian Forest over the years.

ULLAMON

Though not completely defended from the violent storms of the War Cry Sea, Ullamon is mostly safe. It brings in huge hauls of fish from Ophidian Inlet and hunts the highly prized Hræsvelgrs. The fish is then picked up by ships entering the Endless River for sale in Illarion.

STONESTEP

Stonestep is a mining town which produces copper as well as other ores. It gets its name from the unusual hills which combine to look like giant stairs. Local legend says that a dragon lives at the top of the Razors, and that the boulders which the hills formed around were tossed down in a fit of anger.

BICHELBERGER

Bichelberger (bih shell burr jerr) is famous for being the home of the Mages Guild's headquarters which is the Arcane University. Though mostly populated by mages there are a great many inns in the city. The Steeple – the largest Drazvan church outside of St. Matilda – was built in the city just over two hundred years ago and, while it could never overshadow the University, the priests there do throw an almost unending string of religious celebrations.

FREYFELL

Freyfell is not as well defended from the storms coming off of the War Cry Sea as Xada is, but sailors have learnt how and when to travel to Freyfell and export of goods has become something of a science. It has recently been connected to Three Kingdoms City as part of the Trade Road and Yanhil's Merchant Council representative has plans to extend the Trade Road to Ullamon.

DURENDUREL

This is where Yanhil's branch of the Merchants Guild placed its outpost which is headed by Chesed Claybane, the youngest of eleven sons and future husband to Charlotta Slatehand, the daughter of the wealthiest merchant family in all of Yanhil. There are those who believe Shayne Slatehand only agreed to a marriage between his daughter and Chesed, a demon, to gain favor with the Merchant Council, though this is totally false and started by business rivals. In truth, Shayne Slatehand has a great deal of respect for Chesed, feels no prejudice towards the man for being a demon and has only ever conducted business legally. Furthermore, Shayne Slatehand offers fair and generous internships to those from less fortunate backgrounds and is almost single-handedly keeping Durendurel's orphanage functioning through donations.

BERRYBURN

Berryburn isn't much of a town, more a place to pause for a few nights. It has little to do with the river really and is instead more focused on farming and hunting, though there is the Prince Dancell Bridge which is favored by adventurers heading into the mountains. However, the Adventurers Guild does have an outpost in Berryburn because of the quick access that the Endless River provides to both the Sea of Harrow and the War Cry Sea.

WORYNHEIM

KOLM

Kolm is the last stop on the Straight Run and is located on Stormcoast Island. It is the second most northern city in Dreymyr beaten only by End in Avonlea. This island is known for two things, the first is Sal's Wood which has some of the largest trees in Worynheim, the other is the quarry which provides Kolm with its main export.

VELEVONNE

This fishing town is rumored to be populated by the insane, immortal and those with a death wish. As it sits not only by the War Cry Sea but on Demon Pass itself, the town is semi-permanently bombarded by storms. It is said that the Cardinal Dragon of air named Velevonne makes his home somewhere in the inlets off of Demon Pass and is the cause of the constant storms. From the southeastern part of the town, half way up a jagged cliff, rests the Tempest's Arrow an old Balmundan cargo whip which was violently swept up the cliff in one of the War Cry Sea's dramatic storms and has been stuck ever since. Attempts were made to recover Tempest's Arrow's cargo but only six bags of sugar were salvaged before the effort was called off out of concern for the vessel's stability. Ever since Tempest's Arrow has sat precariously atop the cliff looming over Velevonne as a cautionary reminder to those sailors who grow foolhardy. Unfortunately, with thanks to the ship's origin, many a sailor and dockworker use Tempest's Arrow to taunt Balmundan sailors.

TERMINUS

Terminus is small thanks to it being quite so far from normal shipping routes, in fact most trade goods have to pass through Obahine then be carted over the mouth of Basilisk Tongue River to reach Terminus. With little notoriety and merchants having little reason to alter the course of their ships, Terminus pretty much governs itself at this point and so has become almost entirely self-sufficient.

REKASELO

Rekaselo has become an extremely wealthy place due to the copper mine in the area but also because it has developed into something of a tourist attraction. The end of the south branch of Basilisk Tongue River is a waterfall which leads to a lovely pool, over the years the pool has been said to do everything from healing the sick to improving fertility. Locals cashed in on this idea and now even sell bottles of the water that they call 'Magda's Gift' despite having no legitimate association with the Church of Drazva.

OBAHINE

A coastal town known for Summerfall Beach, which is seemingly endless. Like many other places Obahine started as nothing more than a military fort meant to watch over ships heading for the Dragon's Jaws. The town took its name from the first man to oversee the fort, Garius Obahine, who was allegedly mauled to death by a tree cat in front of his own children.

XADA

Crescent Rock shields Xada from most of the storms coming off of the War Cry Sea and allows for shipping to take place rather easily. Xada receives most of its imports from Kolm and Freyfell while its largest exports are fennel, parsley and root vegetables such as carrots.

USSTAR

Usstar is a stop on the Straight Run after Kadden in the Kingdom of Balmund. Carstam Tower is also located in Usstar, it was originally a lookout tower but fell into disrepair sometime in the last hundred years though no one quite knows why or has bothered to repair it. A brothel which offers its services to any and all sailors, is owned by Jedediah Titantide, who uses his prostitutes to collect information from all over Dreymyr. Hardly anybody knows Titantide is an information broker who is funnelling most of his discoveries back to Queen Winifred and paid handsomely for it.

LITTLESHELL

This city is the last city on the eastern branch of the Trade Road and as such is home to Worynheim's main Merchants Guild outpost. Fortunately it is far enough away to avoid the angry storms off the War Cry Sea and so shipping has been rendered quite simple. This is also where the Dockworkers Guild placed their primary office for Worynheim. Rem Greensmith, the Kingdom's Merchant Council representative, spends most of her days in meetings with Rodger Wyvernrayne, head of the Dockworkers Guild office, as they attempt to coherently keep the city in proper working order.

SCARLETHART

Though it produces almost all of Worynheim's grain, Scarlethart also has a plentiful supply of fish thanks to Sacred Deer Lake, an open lake connected to the sea. The south west shore of Sacred Deer Lake has the largest known population of kelpies in all Dreymyr and the fishermen of Scarlethart have an unwritten agreement that they keep away from that part of the lake.

LICHTWICK

Lichtwick is in the unusual position of being one of the two cities in Worynheim to house an arena. This is where the Gladiatorial Guild has its headquarters which is controlled by Overseer Caradoc Blackblade. A werewolf by the name of Bleddyn Sagespire is the fan favorite in the arena and is currently undefeated.

DAWNKARTH

Worynheim's royal capital looks out into the Straight and, from the very top of Starnwald Castle's towers, one can look right in to Night Cove on Shark Island. Due to the odd topography of Dawnkarth where everything is built on a series of small hills and slops which seemingly fold back on themselves, the city has taken on the nickname the 'Stepping Stone City', with the three largest so-called steps going by the names: the Royal Plateau, where Starnwald Castle and many noble mansions are located; including that of the Viotto family who are the oldest demon noble family in the entire realm, the oldest daughter of which joined the Valkyries. The Church Plateau, where the church, orphanage and public theatre are placed. And the Shopping Plateau, home to Caldwell Market, merchant offices and anything else one could want from a shopping district.

THE HIDDEN CITY

Yes it has an ominous name, but the Hidden City is actually named because travellers could walk right passed the main gates if they weren't paying enough attention. Trees and plants have partially covered over the walls making the city part of the forest itself. This city is the last of the forest cities, the other two being located in Vell. A series of narrow roads maintained by the Adventures Guild keep the Hidden City connected to Greenwood to the south west and Elvastiz in the north west. Although, in the last fifty years or so, more and more teratects have been reported in the Great Forest.

EARLSHIDE

When the Adventures Guild decided to set up an outpost in Worynheim they'd originally selected the Hidden City due to it being inside the Great Forest itself, but eventually selected Earlshide because of its proximity to Draconhold and Saccoraberg thanks to the Trade Road. Earlshide, which is where Isaac Boreas Von Austein, the current heir apparent to the Worish throne, resides. The Count is known for throwing lavish parties populated by famous artists, authors and actors from all over the realm, as well as his love of dogs. The city itself has the largest cotton fields in all Worynheim, the fields stretch on for as far as the eye can see and so the workers have nicknamed it the 'white sea'.

DRACONHOLD

This city has a great many tunnels underneath it which turned it into a natural mine, inside is an unknown quantity of emeralds and other garnets. However, it is littered with subterranean monsters and work often has to be halted until the City Watch or members of the Adventures Guild can slay them. Draconhold was constructed by an ancient Worish king named Anluan who had a large fort constructed when a Balmund royal coup threatened to spill over into his territory. He had architects build the fort in such a way that his beloved friend and companion, a dragon named Rhaeryon, could comfortably land atop the fort without causing damage. During construction workers consistently referred to the fort as Draconhold and the name stuck.

BALMUND

SACCORABERG

(Pronounced Sack Corra Berg), this city connects directly to Mackley and is the northernmost part of the Trade Road in Balmund, and where Balmund's branch of the Merchant Guild set up their outpost. King Huw Levisay has recently appointed a new Chief Merchant by the name of Avery Binx. They were awarded their position after their predecessor died, the King believed them to be a worthy replacement. Saccoraberg is also home to the Blackblood Stronghold, a military instillation which has been manned for over a thousand years.

KADDEN

Kadden is the last city in the shipping network within Balmund, ships departing here travel to one of thee places, either Wolfeton, Tor or Usstar. With such fertile soil, it is no wonder that Kadden is renowned for the quality and variety of vegetables they grow.

CORDBAL

This city is both remote and well travelled thanks to the summer palace having been built in Cordbal. A place known for its beauty and stunning gardens filled with rare flowers, Cordbal makes most of its profit from the farming of medicinal herbs, most notably being physician's blessing.

TOR

Tor and Wolfeton consider themselves to be sister cities as they were constructed at roughly the same time and since their builders, Julien Tor and Ichabod Wolfe, were childhood friends. Even today the two cities provide discounts to one another. Over the years Tor has made attempts to expand to the southern part of Ostrov Island but, like Lord's Island, most of it is cliffs and jagged landscape. The mountains and hills have no actual name, though the lowland area by the shoreline has become known as Kelpie's Base and ends at Savage Tooth.

XENDAYO

Xendayo is a mining town producing clay. It is overseen by Viscount Ioannis Cornwallis who is King Huw's ageing uncle. Though not connected directly by a main road, Xendayo does have a winding road through the Three Sisters which leads to St. Alucart, though this road is plagued by wolves so many prefer to take the longer route around the western sister.

ST. ALUCART

Sitting at the base of the Three Sisters is St. Alucart, the capital city of Balmund where the royal family resides inside Galedhor Castle. The city took its name from the Guiding Saint of war, soldiers, adventures and hunters as the builders believed it would keep the capital forever prosperous and protected, so far they were correct. Prince Waylon and his younger brother Prince Wynston have been known to smuggle themselves out of the castle to play with the local children, though they are always hauled back within a few hours; normally by a displeased Ser Junius who is Captain of the Royal Guard.

WOLFETON

Built by Lord Ichabod Wolfe, Wolfeton grew rapidly into a shipping city. It is the main stop between Mornvyr and Kadden within the kingdom and is responsible for transporting goods directly to Xendayo over Day River. Wolfeton also takes in cargo directly from Tor, its sister city. There has been a rumor for as long as anybody can remember that says Julian and Ichabod wished too be more than just good friends but that their Drazvan faith prevented what could have been. Their families do not take kindly to this rumor, but after more than seventy years, there is no stopping it.

VALENHOLD

This city is the next step on the Trade Road and is the start of the Kingdom's southern branch. It sits by Widow's Ria and has easy access to Nalessa and Vell via the South Sea. It's disputed how Widow's Ria got its name but most legends involve a sailor's wife who was found floating in the ria shortly after her husband's ship sank in Demon Pass. To this day Valenhold residents periodically report seeing a ghostly woman in white soaking wet and crying as she walks the shore.

KARYER CITY

Karyer City is known for the outrageously large quarry located there. A good seventy percent of the residents are employed by the quarry which is owned by the Fergus family. In fact, shortly after he took the throne, King Huw appointed Ellis Fergus, the youngest son of the Fergus family and arguably the smartest, as his Master of Coin. Thanks to the many tunnels within the city which can be used for holding slave fighters and monsters, the Gladiatorial Guild placed Balmund's arena here.

PRINCEHELM

Princehelm is famous for being able to ship goods to Blackport and Stormhaven faster than any other port, due to this it is little surprise that the Dockworkers Guild has its main Balmund outpost here, which is run by a particularly unusual dwarf by the name of Detlef Amberforge. Unusual because he makes all of his decisions by rolling a pair of silver dice.

SWAYNE

Named for the noble werewolf family which resides there, Swayne is Balmund's main producer of wheat and other grains. Swayne also has vast orchard and vineyard belonging to the Eris Apple Winery, a company in eternal discord due to George and Dairmaid Abernathy constantly arguing over who will inherit the winery after their father dies. Knowing George would bankrupt the winery inside a year, most hope the younger son Dairmaid will take ownership.

ANGELSCAR

Angelscar is another mining town with a small but lucrative gold mine. It is in the rare position of being home to both an Adventures Guild outpost and Bard Guild school – unfortunately the buildings are right next to one another and the two have constant verbal fights. The adventurers think the bards are sluggards who do little more than lay around lamenting fair maidens who escaped them, while the bards think the adventurers are naught but thugs and brutes who refuse to wash.

MORNVYR

This is the southernmost city on the shipping route known as the Straight Run. Here goods are transported as far north as Usstar and Kolm. Despite the amount of ships that go in and out of Nightspear Harbor every day, many insist that it is cursed with some sort of sea monster which lurks in both the harbor and waters between Mornvyr and Eldant Isle. This legend started shortly after a ship called the Alacrity capsized and sank with no warning just outside Nightspear Harbor, a similar thing happened to the Acanthus six months later, with theEddard going down only three weeks after that. Then to the Milne andSilver Ogre just under a year later, as well as to the Fair Anne andSwift Moon eight months after. Most recently a Worish ship named the Earl of Darrington sank just before entering the harbor. Despite multiple investigations into what could possibly cause such sudden and destructive capsizes, not a single plausible theory has been presented; even from the Mages Guild.

BRAGIKOT

This town was recently constructed to house those involved with logging of Drumman wood which dominates the centre of Eldant Isle, it has quickly evolved into one of the most poetically beautiful places in Balmund. Oddly enough, Eldant Island also has the highest populous of tree cats than anywhere else.

DENCHELLE

Denchelle is a fishing town which is known for the rock crabs it catches, these crabs are a delicacy and bring in a pretty penny. Since Denchelle is so far away from any other city by waggon, the road there is totally unmaintained and probably more dangerous than any other stretch of road in the Kingdom. If one wishes to visit Denchelle, a ship is recommended.

STORMHAVEN

The town of Stormhaven is something of an oddity, like Denchelle it survives mostly on fishing but is limited in the size it can grow to. People originally inhabited Lord's Island intending to build another port for shipping but only the south west portion of Lord's Island is inhabitable, the rest is nothing but dangerous, jagged rocks. The only other man-made structure on the island is Lord's Lighthouse which was carefully built into the unstable cliffs and is not a place people want to visit unless they have no choice.

PLACES OF INTEREST

OGRE BLOCKADE & TEN KINGDOM CASTLE

Location: Avonlea-Ogre border

Built over the boundary of Avonlea and the Ogre's territory is the Ogre Blockade, a gargantuan construction of stone and ironwood designed to prevent another ogre invasion. While there are a few small forts stationed along the Blockade, Ten Kingdom Castle, which sits dead centre, is the most well defended and houses military from all of the kingdoms working together against the ogre threat. Should the ogres stage another attack, Ten Kingdom Castle will be the first line of defence and has the task of either pushing the enemy back, or delaying them long enough for other military units to mobilize.

CASTLEFELL RUINS

Location: Avonlea

The ruins of Castlefell are shrouded in mystery, they sit on the edge of Great Lake which is fed by the Sanson River. It is a place long destroyed leaving behind nothing but rubble. The only thing known for certain is that it burnt to the ground long before Avonlea became a kingdom. There is a legend which says the great dragon Viren razed it after dragon scale hunters invaded his home on Dragon Mountain. However, there is a second legend saying that the Dark One destroyed it for one reason or another. Truthfully, the theory that a dragon is responsible for the destruction is more likely, but only because mosaics have been found depicting dragons.

RUTHERFORD TOWER

Location: Avonlea

Built by the great field caster mage Ser Vasco Rutherford, the tower stood isolated among hills and has a good view of Bear Forest. Windsprite Tower is its correct name, but nobody has referred to it as that since the builder's death. Rutherford had an affinity for air magic and used the tower to better feed his power. After Rutherford death his wife, Lucinda, burned most of his research and spells to protect her husband's secrets from those who would misuse the power. Ever since, Rutherford Tower has sat empty with hardly anyone brave enough to go there thanks to the rumor Ser Vasco got most of his power from studying the Dark One. Those who are brave enough to visit, usually go looking for the supposedly hidden cellar where Rutherford allegedly conducted his more dangerous experiments and had a stash of greater mana stones.

OSGAR HALL CAVERNS

Location: The Limestone, Avonlea

These caverns were dug naturally by water eroding soft rock and run the entire length of the Limestone. Rumor has it they were originally a safe haven for merfolk from scale hunters, but they abandoned it when linaelors, teratects, crixx and, allegedly, a basilisk moved in. With no reason to go down there and the locals avoiding it entirely, no one is certain which monsters call it home now. Dunnmere's Watchers continuously close off openings to the caverns to avoid children falling in or monsters getting out.

THE WARRENS

Location: Dorovoth

These are a series of natural and goblin-made tunnel passageways that lead to Xyenti; which is something akin to a goblin village. While the general area of access is known, the exact entrance is a mystery, so those who do know keep it a closely guarded secret and only travel down there for illicit and illegal trade purposes.

FALCON LIGHTHOUSE

Location: Falcon Rock, The Harmony Sea

Falcon Rock got its name after a merchant ship named the Falcon ran aground during a storm. Fearing for more ships, a lighthouse was quickly erected to protect trade. Since the construction there have only been three wrecked ships, two in storms and one which beached due to a drunk sailing master. Though Olgarth's royal family likes to pretend they ordered its construction, the lighthouse is actually on neutral territory and built by the Dockworkers Guild who keep the lighthouse both manned and maintained.

THE BEACON

Location: Dorovoth, The Sea Of Harrow

Finwhale was a base of operations for pirates until it was captured by the Dorovothi army; this forced the pirates to retreat to Deadman Isle just west of the Lanhew Islets. The soldiers re-enforced it turning Finwhale into a fort which was later topped with a lighthouse. Over the years the name Finwhale was forgone in favor of simply the Beacon.

HARROW'S LIGHTHOUSE

Location: The Sea Of Harrow

This lighthouse sits on the largest of three nameless rocks which are technically owned by Dorovoth, and is the most powerful lighthouse in the ten kingdoms. The lighthouse safeguards not just ships entering Dagny Bay but also those travelling to Kupfergrad, Free Spring and Whitrow. Between the lighthouse and Whitrow Tower pirates are a dying hazard.

YOON LIGHTHOUSE

Location: Gralia, The Sea Of Harrow

Named for Hons Yoon, the architect who designed it, Yoon Lighthouse sits atop Diamond Rock and all ships attempting to enter Diamond Bay have to sail passed. It was damaged in an earthquake thirty years ago and, though repairs were made, Diamond Rock has become unstable; lighthouse keepers sometimes wonder if the rock will break in two and swallow both them and the structure.

FIRETHRONE

Location: Black Claw Chain, Gralia

A once large, thriving city filled with stunning art and architecture, it was violently buried in a volcanic eruption when Zoniroh was destroyed. Now all that remains are the occasional sections of stone wall or part of buildings sticking up from the thick lava. The Firethrone ruins are now unofficially thought of as a graveyard.

THE LOST ISLAND OF ZONIROH

Location: The Sea Of Harrow

Zoniroh Island used to be around two thirds the size of Blex Island to the north and was Gralia territory full of rare plants and herbs with several ports that acted as stops for merchant ships. However, it was taken over by Demon Lord Ivosanch during his rise to power and subsequently cut off from the mainland. For many years the island was avoided and feared while mages and kings alike did all in their power to find a way of ending Ivosanch's reign of destruction. Eventually the Arcane University deciphered a way to kill the demon lord but the spell, called the Shay-El Ta, was so powerful that it decimated the entire island and caused the Black Claw Chain to erupt as well. Today only a series of jagged rocks, which pose great threat to ships, remain. The area has become known as the Lost Island of Zoniroh over the years and most refuse to speak of it out of fear it will bring bad luck; braver people say one day it will rise from the depths once again. The ocean surrounding the sunken island has also become a hotbed for sea monsters thanks to the numerous magic tools and artefacts that sank along with Ivosanch.

JA'CARNA

Location: The Blade Backs, Nalessa

Few people know the name Ja'carna and fewer still know what the place is. Ja'carna is a mythical, idyllic hideaway said to be home to members of all species living together in peace. According to the myth, a group of scholars, mages, artists and all manner of forward-thinking people, led by an elf and a pantherian, escaped into the Blade Backs while killers were carving out the ten kingdoms never to be seen or heard of again. Nobody has ever known the exact location of Ja'carna though there have always been those who have gone looking; most have never come back.

QUEN RUINS

Location: Dwarf Mountains, Vell

These ruins are yet another mystery left over from before the formation of the ten kingdoms. Though representatives from both the universities of Pryor and Hark as well as the Arcane University and Mandrake School have sent repeated expeditions to investigate, little information has been found. Quen may be destroyed but it is clear that it was once a thriving city and stronghold larger than any in modern day. Quen isn't even the full name but rather just the first segment in a six or seven syllable word that cannot be read.

ARROW LIGHTHOUSE

Location: Vell, The South Sea

Arrow Lighthouse sits on Arrow Island – which was rather unimaginably named for its resemblance to an arrowhead – and was constructed on the orders of Ulric Einar, King Gasper's great-grandfather, to protect against the heavy fog which often blankets the area and can make Black Bay dangerous.

THE LONE MAN

Location: The South Sea

This island stands isolated with no company but sea birds. No one is entirely sure if the island is the territory of Nalessa or Vell but, as there are no real resources and the ground is hard to traverse, the Lone Man has never been all that appealing to either kingdom.

AKULA PRISON

Location: Shark Island, Worynheim

With the steep cliffs and shark-infested water it is no real surprise that Worynheim's rulers decided to construct a prison on Shark Island. Those who are brought in via Night Cove are extremely unlikely to be able to escape their captivity, and even if they did the sharks would pick them off long before they made landfall. All the prisoners here are magic users who would pose too much threat should they be kept in a prison on the mainland. The prison itself looks like a noble's mansion at first glance but this is actually just the administration building covering the underground prison complex. It is heavily warded and built underground to make escape even harder with a vast stone circle – commonalty called the Topper – for emergencies which seals off the entrance stairs thwarting escape or riot attempts. Akula Prison is under the authority of Grand Mage Maximilian Demeer and guarded by a branch of the Valkyries despite it being in Worish territory. Their most famous prisoner by far is Ravavena, the Little Disaster, the demon lord who attempted to build an army of ogres.

LORD'S LIGHTHOUSE

Location: Balmund, The Small Sea

This lighthouse was built out of necessity to aid ships entering the Straight. The construction of it confounded the builders for years due to Lord's Island being entirely uneven rocks save for a small area to the south which is now home to Stormhaven. Thanks to a combination of sharp rocks, unstable pathways and isolation, locals have taken to referring to the lighthouse as 'Doom Tower' and the lighthouse keepers as 'Doom Men'.

Chapter Text

Often days would bleed into one another – hell, summer was suddenly winter or whole years had slipped by without Rumpelstiltskin really taking all that much notice, and it had been that way for roughly three hundred years. One could afford to ignore entire years when one was immortal, when one was the Dark One. Only two things kept Rumple from slipping entirely into madness any longer; his deals and the thought of finding his beloved son some day. Those two things grounded him and kept his brain sharp rather than lost in an abyss of madness with no chance of escape, with only the sadistic Darkness muttering to him. The former was what had caused Rumple to leave his castle on the afternoon of whatever day it turned out to be; a deal to bring him one step closer to getting a rare ingredient he'd suddenly found himself in need of to coax a deal out of a rather irritating farmer. It would be a quick day of dealing and he'd stick to his usual checklist: appear scaring the locals out of their tiny minds, giggle maniacally, toss out a not so veiled threat if someone was dumb enough to threaten him, announce his favorite catchphrase and make what he wanted in return abundantly clear.

However, when he began to teleport himself over to Arendelle, something most peculiar happened. Another dark magic grabbed him bodily with an icy grip and hauled him sideways, up and down, back and forth, like a toy ship in a tempest and Rumple couldn't do a damn thing to free himself. Whenever had him gripped tight and refused to let go; whatever had him had sunk its teeth in; whatever had him reminded Rumple he was a coward. A soft female voice spoke words too distant to make out and, just for a moment, her voice eased his panic like a mother comforting an ill child. Instinctively his sharp claws scrambled to latch onto something, anything, but in a teleportation spell there wasn't anything to cling to for safety. For a split second he'd assumed this sudden violence to be down to Regina or perhaps that prissy Snow White and her somewhat temerarious prince, but none of them would have been able to cast a spell so powerful. All he could do to protect himself was to throw up a reflection spell so any attack that came his way once he arrived wherever he was being pulled, bounced right off.

When he got hold of whichever overachiever had got the audacity to do this, they'd rue the day they'd been born.

As quickly as it had all begun it ended, and Rumple flopped down onto a hard stone floor which had something drawn in charcoal, wax and blood if the smell was any indication. He coughed and blinked rapidly because why the hell was it so bright all of a sudden? There was an unforgiving acrid taste in his mouth. Birds chirped distantly – oh, that was why it was so damn bright, he was outside away from his shadowy natural environment. Something was terribly wrong; his body felt heavy and magically weak. Rumple pushed himself to his feet and looked around to find himself stood on the top of a stone tower surrounded by a vast landscape of gentle hills he didn't recognize. It wasn't Arendelle and it certainly wasn't the Dark Castle, but, more importantly, there were several men before him, maybe seven to ten, all staring at him as well as a single woman in a golden gown on her knees while she yanked furiously at something around her neck.

"He's not enslaved!" Announced a man Rumple took to be the leader since he was dressed in the find garb of a noble and had a nose carefully practised to turn itself upward. "Capture him!"

Before Rumple could even ask what this particular group's reason for hating him was, a few of the braver men had all started throwing fireballs and what seemed to be lighting at him, while others at the back let loose arrows. Thank forethought for that reflection spell because the fire and electricity bounced right off. Rumple tried to make a barrier with his usual flamboyance … but his magic didn't work and one of those arrows embedded itself in his shoulder as the reflection spell weakened and died. Confused, angry and with more fear than he'd felt since he'd been mortal, Rumple yanked the arrow out and tossed it aside on the floor, then rushed at the closest armed man to steal his sword as the wound healed itself. He didn't know what had happened, where he was or why his omnipotent magic had suddenly abandoned him but, with immortality on his side, Rumple managed to work his way through the attackers until they were all dead or dying; Rumple didn't possess any skill with a sword, but he was agile and immortal. The well-dressed man and another shrouded in a long midnight blue robe reluctantly fled through the only doorway and a boulder grew out of the ground to block their path. He dropped the sword and simply gazed at the boulder with astonishment, it was as though it had been birthed by the stone walls and floor before his very eyes. That wasn't how magic worked, Rumple had spent hundreds of years studying magic and nothing he'd ever come across said such a thing was possible.

"Where the devil am I?" He questioned with a hiss as he looked around the lush landscape surrounding the tower, but then his eyes fell on the woman still with her hands to her throat and slumped on the dusty ground. Her dress was golden and lavish even by the standards of nobles; it was also wildly inappropriate for such a location. Rumple cared little for her attire though, so strode towards her determined to get some damn answers. "Who are you, dearie? Where am I, and how did you summon me?"

When she peered up at him his heart stereotypically skipped a beat because she may well have been the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen. Long chestnut locks which hung in loose curls, pale skin and eyes like polished sapphires. No, beautiful didn't do this woman justice even if those lovely eyes were filled with unshed tears.

"I'm sorry." That was the voice he'd heard when the summoning had taken hold, there wasn't any mistaking it. "I'm so sorry. They made me do it."

Now with her head lifted, Rumple could see what she'd been struggling with, a metal collar around her throat with some kind of pattern and green stones on the front. It appeared to be a type of steel and seemingly made of several strips of metal rather than a single continuous ring, to be honest there was something almost flimsy about it but the girl couldn't shift the collar even an inch. There was no apparent clasp and though there was something akin to a sigil cut into the back, Rumple didn't recognize it.

"Why are you sorry?" He questioned impatiently. "And what is around your neck?" Though clearly afraid of him and totally defenceless, the girl – because she was little more than a teenager – met his eyes and made no attempt to escape him. "Come along, dearie, I haven't got all day. Answer my

questions."

Suddenly words poured from her lips as though he'd hauled them free from her throat himself. The green stones on her collar glowed as well, or perhaps that had been his imagination.

"Gaston and Tvon are the ones who forced me to try to enslave you, I didn't want to." Well the word 'enslave' got him to cock an eyebrow upwards. "This is an enslavement collar. It means you own me now." She told him bitterly.

"I'm not in the business of keeping pretty girls as slaves, you can keep possession of yourself." That seemed to amaze the blue-eyed beauty but Rumple just kept talking. "Who are Gaston and Tvon? Are they the ones who fled?"

She nodded. "Gaston LeGume, he's a duke's son but he wants to be a king." Rum questioned just how he fitted in and commanded a full explanation from her; the stones may have glowed again. "His father is ill and mine rejected his marriage proposal, so he thought summoning the Dark One would get him Avonlea's thrown and then those of the other kingdoms. You're mostly a myth though so he needed Tvon's help. Haldor Tvon is an evil man but he's smart, I don't know how they found your blood for he enslavement ritual but they did, and then they made me try to enslave you so you wouldn't kill everybody."

Rumpelstiltskin hadn't ever heard of such a thing as an 'enslavement ritual', frankly it sounded ridiculous. Little of what the girl said made much sense, but he didn't think her lying and she clearly knew more than he did about the situation.

"Where are we, dearie?"

"… Rutherford Tower."

Rumple sighed. "No, I mean where are we? Which realm?"

That had her brow furrow deeply as she continued to stare up at him from the floor. "I don't understand, My Lord. We're in Dreymyr."

Dreymyr? That wasn't a realm he'd ever heard of before, and Rumple had spent many hours researching and visiting all the realms he possibly could. Not once had he ever come across Dreymyr, but that would explain why even the air was so alien to him.

Massively large eyes snapped back down to the young woman on the ground, her fingers still pulled absent-mindedly on the collar.

"Why are you wearing that?"

"I don't know, My Lord, it was meant for you rather than me."

Oh, now that did make sense. To defend himself he'd cast a reflection spell, so instead of her gaining ownership of him, he'd gained ownership of her. Explaining that to the dark-haired girl had caused her to pale but, unusually, Rumple hadn't taken any glee from it. Still, if he apparently owned this girl like livestock now, he could use her as a rather lovely source of information. Instinctively he made to teleport himself and the girl back to his castle so he could do some research … but nothing happened, Rumple didn't move an inch let alone a realm. He tried again, and again and again, but nothing ever changed, then it was Rumple's turn to pale because he was trapped in Dreymyr.

The Dark One crouched down to look the girl in those lovely eyes of hers; he wanted answers and he wanted them quickly.

"The summoning those people did, how did it work exactly? Did they get it from a book or did someone tell them how to do it?"

"I have no idea how Tvon knew about it." Had he not been angry and on a hunt for information, Rumpelstiltskin would have been impressed by the fact her lovely voice never quivered. "I don't even really know what they did. I was tied to Gaston's horse until they needed me for the enslavement, that's how it worked every time."

"Every time? How often have they tried to summon me?"

"I've only been here for three, but I know they tried before that."

"And what happened the other times, dearie?"

She was silent a moment as if trying to remember every detail for a scary monster because – well, that was the situation she'd found herself in.

"Nothing the first time. Gaston was so angry. There was a man the second time: tall, human, handsome. He had a strange hat that he vanished into and -"

"Jefferson!"

That insane hatter had been missing for just over a month now, not that Rumpelstiltskin had been looking for him, but he had thought it odd. Although, if this summoning was fixated specifically on him, then the Hatter being snared made no sense. Perhaps it did though, the last time he'd seen the tall man he'd sent him away with a wave of his hand. Whatever magic Tvon and Gaston had been using clearly didn't work very well, so maybe it had mistaken the Hatter for the Dark One and maybe he could use Jefferson to figure out how to leave Dreymyr. A plan, Rumple needed a plan and finding Jefferson seemed to be as good as any. His attention drifted back to the girl and suddenly he finally took notice of one of the first things she'd said to him; her father had rejected Gaston's marriage offer and Gaston wanted to be king so -

"You're a princess, aren't you, dearie." It wasn't even remotely a question but she nodded.

"Princess Belle of Avonlea, first child of King Maurice du Marchand and heir apparent to the throne."

Rumple's head tilted to the side. " 'Apparent'?"

"My little brother is sickly, physicians don't think he'll live to adulthood." She told the man who now owned her sorrowfully.

"How sad. Anyway, if your dear papa is a king, why are you slumped on a floor with me instead of wrapped up in your silk sheets?"

Belle eyed him suspiciously. "The legends say you will make deals, is that true?"

"I am rather partial to them." He giggled. "What do you want?"

"Gaston and Tvon have put my papa under some curse, he no longer thinks for himself and is like a puppet. Gaston has my little brother hidden and intends to take over all the kingdoms using dark magic. Help me stop it? Return my papa's mind, reunite me with Lorrimer safely and save Avonlea from Gaston's and Tvon's evil."

"That's a rather long list of demands, dearie. What do I get in return?"

Pale hands gestured to the collar around her neck. "I belong to you, so I have to stay with you and you can do whatever you like with my body already, but surely there must be something I or Avonlea can offer you as reward. Please, My Lord, please help."

Part of Rumpelstiltskin wanted to snap that he wasn't the sort of monster who raped women, or anyone for that matter, but he refrained as the wind kicked up to blow those chestnut locks around her face.

"All right. I will give you everything you asked for and toss in taking that collar off, if you provide me with as much knowledge about this realm and how it works as you can. If you aid in finding a hatter named Jefferson and a way for me to return to the Enchanted Forest as well? Deal?"

"You'd take the collar off?" Amazement filled Belle's voice.

"Sure, why not?"

"My friends, my family, they will all live?" He nodded. "I will go with you." Rumpelstiltskin chuckled out a high-pitched 'deal'. "But what about Lorrimer? He's just a boy."

"Lorrimer is the brother, I assume?" She nodded. "If that idiot and his friend are after your throne then they are unlikely to harm him. You're with me so there can't be a wedding and he's the rightful heir. Makes more sense to keep him around. You gone and him suddenly dead would be too suspicious."

Rumple's words did little to comfort Belle but she supposed he was correct.

When the Dark One told her to get up, the green stones glowed faintly again and Belle launched to her feet so fast she went dizzy. Enslavement collars were a cruel, wicked thing she'd often wished didn't exist. Belle wasn't a strong mage, she'd got very little magical capability at all to be honest, but the Dark One was a demon lord and could do all manner of fantastical things.

He circled Belle once, twice, thrice as he examined the collar once more, then snapped his fingers in his usual flamboyant style but the collar refused to move from her neck to his hand.

"You have to say you release me, My Lord, that is how the enslavement works."

"You are released, dearie." Nothing. "I release you."

Yet another thing that wouldn't work the way it was supposed to.

"Why won't it come off? You said you'd get it off."

"I know what I said." He snapped and Belle fell quiet, all that bravery inside her suddenly cowered. "We'll figure that out later. In the mean time, we should leave before your determined fiancé and his friends come back."

To test if he could use his teleportation ability at all in this strange place, Rumple glanced over to the tower's edge and used magic to move himself there. Seemed if he could see it then he could use his power, that was something at least.

"Dearie-"

"Belle, My Lord, my name is Belle." She insisted.

"Why do you keep calling me 'My Lord' like I'm some needy noble shaking a silver spoon?"

Her brow furrowed as she worried her lip, like she'd just remembered something about him and regretted her actions.

"… You're the First Demon Lord, I was just trying to be respectful."

Demon lord? What the hell was one of those? Sure, Rumple knew what each of those words meant separately, but together they seemed somehow important and pointless all at the same time. He'd been called many things in his time as the Dark One, but being a demon lord was new.

"Explain for me."

Taken aback, it took a moment for Belle to get any words out. That morning she'd been hauled into Rutherford Tower for a third time by two evil men, and forced to enslave what most hoped was a myth because Gaston was too scared to do it himself, now she had made a deal with said demon lord and found he wasn't actually as terrifying as the Church would have her believe.

"Demon lords are masters of dark magic, can do things which seem impossible like you moving in a cloud of smoke. You're the Dark One, the most powerful thing to have ever lived and first of the demon lords."

So he'd never even heard of Dreymyr before but they had stories about him – more correctly of a previous Dark One. If another person to carry his curse had visited this infuriating realm, then they'd found a way to leave it and Rumpelstiltskin would as well. She'd agreed to provide him with as much information as she could though, so there would be plenty of time to ask more questions later, there and then he needed to leave Rutherford Tower and find somewhere to use as a base of operations. That was how he ended up asking about the closest populated area: he needed somewhere there would be books and reasons for why his magic wouldn't work properly. Ranga was Belle's first suggestion, a large city apparently over the kingdom boarder in a place she'd called Dorovoth, though it was quite some distance away and had no direct roads from the derelict tower. That didn't stop Rumple though, as long as he had a clear line of sight and Belle pointing in the right direction, he'd get them there in no time. So, in an annoying game of leapfrog, Rumple teleported them ever closer to Ranga with an arm around Belle's slender waist. After the first jump, Belle had collapsed to the ground since she'd never experienced such magic, but soon she got used to it and Rumple didn't have to pause for two minutes every time he jumped. Frankly he was impressed with Princess Belle, she'd hardly complained, had stood her ground, taken their predicament in her stride, and thankfully knew when to shut her mouth.

As the city gate grew closer, Rumple began to wonder how to conceal his scales and claws, normally he'd have just used a camouflage spell he'd created centuries ago since he didn't want to cause a panic in this new realm. However, when they joined the admittance line, Rumpelstiltskin saw two people ahead of him with the ears and tails of cats, while someone behind him had rabbit ears. Those strange eyes of his snapped to Belle who'd pulled her golden skirt tightly around her with annoyance, and questioned the strange development.

"You don't have demi-human's where you're from?"

"Dearie, let us just assume I know next to nothing about this place and if I ask a question, it is because I'd like an answer."

"Pantherians in front and a grasswalker behind. They're just a species of people like humans or dwarves."

At least he knew what a dwarf was. "Tell me there are no damn fairies."

"A what?"

With that knowledge the realm of Dreymyr went up significantly in his book. No fairies was like music to his ears. Finding out about these strange species seemed like a good idea while they waited to get in though; Rumple had always been good at acquiring information.

"Are there more, or is this it?"

"Em, there are elves and merfolk, and you're a demon of course."

After several moments of questioning and shuffling forward in a line, Rumple had been given a run-down on the odd humanoid species inhabiting the realm and that his odd skin classified him as a demon; not a label he was unaccustomed to. If they thought him one of these demons though, it did make sense why they'd coined the term 'demon lord' to refer to him. He'd been about to ask if the mermaids of her world could move between realms like those he was familiar with could, when Belle lifted her dark locks up to reveal her ears: pointed.

"I'm a half-elf."

There was something bizarrely adorable about the small but notable point to her ears, but Rumple cast that thought away extremely quickly.

Soon they reached the gate and a guard in leather armor demanded four coppers from them each. Rumple suspected it to be some form of currency for an entrance tax, so he fished the gold thread he'd been fidgeting with earlier that day out of his coat pocket and tossed it to the guard who's eyes widened. The rather small bit of gold was eyed suspiciously, practically gnawed on to confirm it was real gold, then the pair were waved through after being given a small wooden token with symbols he didn't understand on the front, then they were shoved along inside the city walls like they weren't a princess and the most powerful mythic demon lord. Later, he'd question why he'd not been given change.

"We're here." Said Belle obviously. "What do we need to do now?"

Dark eyes glanced up to the sky to see the sun had started to set. Being in Dorovoth instead of Avonlea would reduce the likelihood of Gaston and his friend finding them until Rumple had figured out how to get his magic functioning properly, but they'd not be able to just wander around Ranga shouting out for the Hatter like deranged town criers. A tavern, they'd get a room and Rumple would acquire a map to test a theory.

With the aid of a rather friendly old woman with graying cat ears and an outstandingly fluffy tail, they soon found their way to a inn called the Teapot Inn and slipped inside only to be struck by the wonderful scent of fresh bread. Everything was made of wood, the floor of flagstones and candles had been lit to stave off the darkness a setting sun brought. A few long tables filled the middle of the main room with several others pushed up against the walls and windows, a narrow staircase flanked Rumple's left and a bar flanked his right. There were a few people seated here and there but it seemed they'd wandered in on a quiet night.

Rumple couldn't prevent the sudden memories of when he'd made a good profit at market and treated Bae to a tavern meal: those memories had once filled him with happiness but now they only brought misery and regret. His mission hadn't changed, being stuck in Dreymyr had only delayed him reuniting with his beloved boy.

"How is an inn going to help rescue my family and kingdom?"

"It's not, dearie, but it will help you uphold your end of our little bargain."

A young and skinny man approached them then with a polite smile on his face, though it did falter a moment when he saw Belle's mucky expensive dress.

" 'ello there, name's Chip. Is it food, drink or a room fer ya?" Rumple told this bean sprout of a man they'd be needing two rooms but instead of being pleased for the business and tossing keys over like Rumple had expected, the man's brow furrowed as he gestured loosely to Belle's collar. "Sorry, sir. Sure ya know it's illegal ta rent rooms out ta slaves."

Rumple's eye twitched and, even though she'd not even known him a full day, Belle could tell he was neither happy nor containing his growing irritation well. So far Chip thought Rumple nothing more than a slightly unusual looking demon, but that would change quickly if he got angry. The very last thing they needed was it getting out the Dark One of legend had returned, so Belle put on her best disarming smile and stepped forward.

"Forgive my master, it has been a long day's travel. One room is all we need. Thank you."

" 'Course. I'll go grab a key."

With no more gold threat in his pocket, Rumple automatically held his hand out to call forth more from his vault, but his hand remained empty and quickly clenched into an angry fist. 'I'm incapable of even making gold now!' he screamed inside his head: the curse didn't scream back. Belle furrowed her brow at him questioningly and asked if everything was okay.

"No, dearie, it isn't. I'm cut off from my vault and there's no more gold thread in my pocket. The Dark One makes gold but here I can make fuck all apparently." He hissed.

Belle rested a hand atop his clenched fist shocking him out of anger. Her skin was so soft and gentle, so warm and didn't seem disgusted by his odd golden-green skin at all. His eyes found hers and there was a sweet smile on her lips. She'd been treated like a pawn, enslaved to the First Demon Lord, taken away from her lands and family, yet there she stood trying to comfort him. What an odd little princess his travelling companion was. Rumple pulled his hand away from hers as Chip returned with an iron key in hand, he proffered it so Rumple took it just for something to do. Money; this human would want paying.

"Here you are. I'm not sure how long a stay this will buy." Rumple lifted an eyebrow in surprise as Belle handed over her gold bracelet. "Several weeks at least."

Chip nodded as he turned the bracelet over a few times in his hands, he'd clearly never seen something so finely crafted before, but Rumple had and he knew it could fetch up to three months in a place such as the Teapot Inn.

"Piece as nice as this'll get ya the room fer eight weeks an' all yer meals."

The Dark One had been about to argue but Belle nodded and assured that was plenty, so he instead followed Chip's directions up the stairs to the very last room and unlocked it with the iron key, all while Belle trailed behind him struggling to carry her billowing dress in the narrow halls.

The room wasn't much but neither had expected the amenities they'd find in castles. A fairly large bed called the middle of the east wall home with a tiny box on either side serving as a table, a small square window on the north wall with a tiny desk and chair underneath it, there was also a wash basin – and that was literally it. The Teapot Inn wasn't built for wondrous vacations like some winter palace, just a place to lay one's head for a few hours before they moved on. The room would do.

Belle perched on the bed while Rumpelstiltskin began to pace back and forth from the door to the desk. He couldn't continue to navigate by Belle pointing, that wasn't sustainable or even remotely helpful to anybody. It had been proven that his teleportation magic worked if he could see where he was going but he wanted to test if topographical knowledge would allow him to move around more accurately.

"A map." He suddenly announced. "I need a map."

"In Avonlea all taverns have a map posted somewhere for travellers to use. I'm sure the same is true for Dorovoth. I will go ask Chip if you can borrow it."

Before Rumple could utter a word, Belle had gathered her dress skirt back up awkwardly and left the small room as though she'd never been there.

Alone, Rumple bubbled with rage and irritation. How had he ended up trapped in a realm he couldn't leave and zero access to his vaults or funds? Quickly he summoned everything he could think of that was either in his vaults or the Dark Castle; wands, gold, potions and even Hook's hand, but nothing came. He couldn't get out of Dreymyr nor could he bring anything in. The only explanation was that the realm had been blocked off somehow from the others. 'The Land Without Magic' said his mind. It wasn't impossible to get there, just unimaginably difficult, the reason for that being their lack of magic interfered with portals opening to and from it. Rumple's magic hadn't been functioning properly since he'd arrived, so maybe Dreymyr's magic was too different for a portal to work, that would also explain why Belle had said Tvon's and Gaston's summoning ritual had been so temperamental. An aggravating realization, but not a useless one.

With a deep sigh Rumple leaned against the window to peer out at the street, it wasn't too dissimilar from towns and cities he was used to, but every now and again someone with cat or rabbit ears would walk by in the setting sun and tell him otherwise. He saw mostly humans and those pantherians Belle had talked about, and one man with exceptionally long ears he assumed was an elf, but nobody who resembled him. 'She said there were demons, so where are they?' he wondered. Being classified as a demon didn't bother Rumple, it was a method to blend in and he'd been called significantly worse in the past. Though all very strange to him, Rumple found he actually rather liked the pantherians, they looked … cute. He'd always been more of a dog person, but those fluffy ears did look remarkably soft.

Once he had that map he'd learn about the kingdoms the princess had spoken of and formulate a proper plan to locate Jefferson: birds of a feather and all that. The laws of the land would have to be learned and, of course, he'd need to do some hefty research into Dreymyr's magic system if he wanted to regain control over his power. Frankly, he'd need to learn about that enslavement ritual as well since he'd promised to get the collar off of Belle. Had he know how difficult a task it would be he'd not have offered it in their deal.

Eventually Belle returned with both a local map and one of the whole continent. She'd rested the maps down on the small desk then retreated to a corner with her head lowered like an actual servant.

"I hope they'll be all right, My Lord."

Rumple huffed. "I thought you'd stopped calling me that, dearie. And why are you suddenly acting like some downtrodden maid?" Silence lingered between them a few moments. "I haven't got all night, tell me."

Those green stones on her collar glowed a little again. "A man down in the tavern told me my master dresses me well. I'm sorry, My Lord, after our deal I let myself forget you own me. I forgot my place."

"Your place." He repeated. "I told you I don't keep slaves and I meant it. I don't care if that thing is around your neck, I have no desire to own you. There's no need for the meek act or to call me 'My Lord' in every damn sentence, Rumpelstiltskin is fine. As long as you adhere to our deal, you can do as you please. Wander off for a evening stroll for all I care."

Belle relaxed a little. "A stroll sounds nice but I can't venture too far from you. One of the collar's rules is a slave can't exceed a certain distance from their master. I don't know how far it is exactly, but the punishment is extremely painful."

As the maps were unfurled, he sighed. "Lovely, now we're practically joined at the hip it would seem."

Over the next few hours, Rumple studied the maps almost religiously while the hubbub slowly rose in volume down in the tavern. The words 'Ogre Blockade' and 'Ogre Territory' had caught Rumple's eyes almost right away and stirred up yet more memories he'd have rather buried. Slowly he came to realize Avonlea was in a similar position to one the Frontlands had been in when he'd still been human. They'd done all they could to protect themselves but the threat of those hideous, monstrous and savage beasts continued to loom overhead. According to Belle an entire Avonlean forest had been wiped out in order to help build it, and nobody had ever tried all that hard to map the Ogre Territory's coastline because any ship that got too close was either attacked by sea creatures or sunk by ogres throwing boulders. Ogres would be another day's problem, for the meantime they were safely in Dorovoth a whole kingdom away from that blockade.

He asked Belle numerous questions, some of which she could answer with more detail than others, and had her go over what exactly had happened with her family, kingdom and why her wanna-be fiancé had decided to summon him. Turned out King Maurice taking an elf for his wife, even one of royal blood, had left animosity amongst some of the less tolerant members of Avonlean nobility and, though one of the most inclusive of the ten kingdoms, there had been pockets of people left questioning King Maurice and his right to rule, especially after young Prince Lorrimer had been born so sickly. He was ten, eight years younger than his sister, and not expected to live long enough to claim the throne, so Gaston had seen his opportunity to take Avonlea for his own even if it meant marrying a half-elf like Belle. Quickly it had been concluded defeating Gaston LeGume wouldn't be too much of an issue even with his magic on the fritz, but Avonlea's court mage would be a different story. Haldor Tvon had been assigned to Avonlea by the Arcane University as all court mages were, due to his intellect and magical prowess. In their eyes he was an excellent mage deserving of his place: Belle had told a very different story indeed. In her version of the tale he was a man who'd done nothing but crave power and prestige all his life and cared little about those he crushed underfoot as he went. She feared him and that surprised the Dark One because she hadn't even feared him that much. Rumpelstiltskin had dealt with bullies and madmen alike, Haldor Tvon would be no different when all was said and done, because an upstart was no match for the Dark One. There was only a single deal Rumpelstiltskin had ever gone back on and it had ruined his life, only one and never again. Belle's deal would be honored, it was just a matter of time.

When he'd eventually turned his attention to the daily workings of this strange new realm, Belle had been far more animated and even smiled at him a few times. Processing their calendar had taken a few minutes; thirteen rather than twelve months in a year and all with totally unnecessary names like the Month of Blacksmiths. Truth be told he'd likely just ignore that for the most part.

"You paid for the room with a bracelet," he said after a lull in their conversation. "And I can't just pluck gold out of thin air any longer. I tried making it while you were getting the maps but it is something else that won't work here. A spinning wheel might help but I wouldn't put much stock in it right now."

Belle's mouth fell open. "You can make gold? That's alchemy! No one has ever been successful with alchemy."

"Demon lord, remember, dearie?" He chuckled before quickly moving on. "I'm not having my so-called slave selling the clothes off her back every time we need something or I regain access to my treasures. I'm the Dark One not a leach."

Having to retrain himself to use magic by Dreymyr's rules would be a struggle but he was practically a god when it came to magic and wouldn't back down so easily. Rumpelstiltskin sighed deeply and removed his dragonhide coat for the first time since he'd shown up in this strange realm, annoyingly there was a hole in it where that arrow had plunged into his body just below his clavicle, and the same was true for his dark silk shirt and leather vest.

"That boy said we'd paid for all our meals, and you're probably hungry. Go get something to eat." The stones glowed again and Belle made to leave but Rumple stopped her. "Wait. Why does the collar periodically glow?"

Belle's brow furrowed. "It's every time you give me an order. The collar compels me to obey you."

Suddenly all her snapped movements and the way she'd answered his questions so quickly and freely in the beginning made sense.

"And you didn't think to provide that nugget of information hours ago?"

"I'm sorry." She fidgeted with her skirt. "A lot has been going on, I forgot."

Much to his own amazement, Rumple actually felt bad for the princess before him, but he still wanted to be alone for a few moments so he encouraged her to go get something to eat, this time without commanding her. Belle may have worn a collar, but if anyone ever got hold of the dagger he'd have been in the same boat.

Alone and intent on enjoying his moments of quietude, Rumple sat down at the small desk and let his head fall backward. Scale on the map would have been nice so he could teleport properly but that was a work in progress, the real issue was gold. If he couldn't conjure or manufacture more like he normally would, then he'd have to earn it like some common member of the workforce. Sure, he could steal or try to deal for some, but that didn't sound sustainable and he wanted to keep a fairly low profile. For three hundred years gold hadn't been something he'd needed, just something he made as a hobby; he hated the continuing reminders of his days as a mortal unable to provide properly for his boy.

The blue-eyed girl's return brought along a rich scent of meaty stew that actually had Rumple's mouth salivate. A bowl was quickly set on the desk beside the maps while she retreated to the bed to eat hers. For a princess she'd not complained much if at all and didn't seem to have taken too much issue with apparently belonging to him. 'Maybe she likes it' his mind suggested, but that was ridiculous so he tossed it aside as quickly as the thought had come to him. Attention turned to the stew which seemed to be well filled with potatoes, carrots and hunks of fresh meat all coated in a thick gravy. Tea was basically all he'd consumed in years since he didn't actually have to eat, however, when something smelt as good as the stew in front of him, who was Rumpelstiltskin to refuse? The first bite was practically heavenly, the meat had been cooked beautifully and fell apart on his tongue. He wasn't sure what animal it was, maybe some kind of boar, but he didn't partially care when it tasted so damn good.

They ate in an oddly comfortable silence and, when the bowls were empty and bellies full, Belle started to yawn. His encouragement to have her go to bed had confused Belle, if she'd thought he'd make her sleep on the floor or if it was that he didn't try to exercise his so-called right to her body, Rumple didn't know nor care. Soon though she'd quietly stripped down to her chemise and drifted into slumber all while Rumple continued to gaze out the window at Ranga's streets. Getting back to the Enchanted Forest wouldn't be an easy task, but Rumple wasn't easily defeated.

After a few hours of just sitting he went to lay on the bed, him atop the covers with Belle snuggled underneath them. Sleep wasn't something Rumple normally sought out, but the strew had made him sleepy and since he and Belle were tethered to one another, he couldn't really do anything else until morning.

One thing was for certain, being trapped in Dreymyr wouldn't be boring.

Chapter Text

Light streaming in through the small window and an unnecessarily loud bird chirping where what roused Rumple from his surprisingly pleasant sleep, and for a moment he'd forgotten about being trapped in this strange realm but, when he noticed Belle snuggled up to him like a loving wife, it all flooded back with a vengeance. In an instant he'd untangled himself from her and backed across the room to the desk because her waking up in his arms was not something he wanted her to see. Nobody ever wanted to touch him let alone sleep beside him, so waking up in the arms of a monster who owned her wouldn't have been a good start to the princess' day. All that and Rumple would rather have not thought about just how soft she was or how perfectly she'd slotted against him. The maps, yes the maps were the distraction his mind needed, so he sat himself down and gazed at them intently like nothing had ever happened.

For roughly an hour he studied the Trade Road and how everything was connected. If he'd been summoned to Rutherford Tower as well, then Jefferson and that hat of his could have literally ended up anywhere by now; especially since Jefferson wouldn't have been searched for by Gaston's men in the way Rumple would. The islands such as the Limestone, Black Claw Chain and the Lanhew Islets could likely be ruled out along with any other random rock with a few villages on it, but that didn't exactly narrow things down at all. The Enchanted Forest wasn't exactly small, yet Dreymyr was seemingly endless. Rumpelstiltskin boasted the power of immortality though so time was on his side, he'd wander all the way to Cordbal in the east if he had to. Gorasitz, Dorovoth's capital, seemed like a decent bet but Belle had mentioned Locheart since it was such a large city and filled with crafters of all kinds: anything was better than nothing.

Belle shuffled then sleepily reached out for Rumple only to be woken by his absence. She rubbed sleep from her lovely blue eyes and carefully pushed herself up while Rumple pretended not to notice her.

"Good morning." Belle greeted as she stretched almost obscenely.

"I'm sure it is, dearie."

With a roll of her eyes she slipped out of bed and started to put on her dress seemingly uncaring he was there only to pause when she found just how much muck had caked the bottom of it. The golden gown had been made for walking the halls of a castle rather than dusty city streets and country roads. At home the maids would have automatically laundered it and prepared a new dress for her, but the maids were so very far away and Belle would have to manage on her own. She was no damsel though and could rise to the challenge. Almost begrudgingly she filled the wash basin by the door with a little water and started scrubbing at the mud in a poor attempt to get it clean. Rumple's initial reaction was to simply conjure her a new one but of course nothing happened and the frustration had him grumble at the back of his throat. Normally he'd just fashion things from bolts of various fabrics he had in storage back at the Dark Castle, but that ability had essentially keeled over dead. He'd have rather provided her with a new dress befitting of her beauty but, since he couldn't, Rumple decided to change tact. He rose to his feet, wandered to the other side of their room - all of five steps – and focused on pulling the mud and water out of the fabric. Amazingly, delightfully, the dirt magically retracted from the dress and dropped into the wash basin with a slosh.

"Thank you!" Belle beamed, ecstatic to have something clean to wear even if her dress was totally inappropriate.

She got dressed quickly while Rumple stared out the window to give her some semblance of privacy. The streets had started to fill with people going about there day and, thankfully, that noisy bird had finally shut up. Rumple spent as little time as possible around people, but there he was tethered to a princess living in a tavern surrounded by people … and they had no idea what he was.

Eventually the time came for the pair to leave the small room and venture out into Ranga's streets, Rumple wanted a better lay of the land and to see if Jefferson was wandering around anywhere. His nonsensical magic capabilities remained at the forefront of his mind as they walked though, then again, it had been on his mind since he'd been summoned. People continued to hardly take notice of him, and that did periodically drag him out of his internal grumblings because he just wasn't used to not causing panic and fear everywhere he went. There was both something refreshing and unnerving about it. Even when he'd been mortal people had taken notice of him – taken notice of the cane was more like it. Rumple half expected to turn a corner to find an army of knights ready to kill him, however, instead of knights, a gray-skinned man Rumple took to be a demon waved politely at him as their paths crossed; he couldn't possibly remember the last time somebody had waved at him.

There was a surprising array of shops lining the busy streets and a healthy market selling everything from fresh bread to small ornaments. People giggled, chatted and invited people over to see what caught their eye, all while a delicate breeze blew through the air. Happy, the city sounded happy.

A large church stood near the market clad in white and statues of some woman Belle informed him was Drazva, the goddess of a religion followed almost exclusively by humans. According to the princess, Drazva, or the Divine Mother, was believed to have descended from the sun to bring life in the form of the first humans. However, as Belle had gone on, Rumple had just slowly started to realize this religion was little more than wide-spread human supremely wrapped up in ornate robes and veiled words. No, Rumple hadn't ever put much faith in religion of any kind, in his experience it had always caused more damage than anything else. With the church bypassed, they soon passed the fountain at the centre of a plaza where Belle took notice of the largest building they'd seen so far. Vast windows like they'd seen on the church but it hadn't been decorated in such a gaudy way – in fact, it hadn't been decorated all that much at all, just a stone building with people clad in leather, chain mail and plate armor coming and going occasionally.

"Rumpelstiltskin?" He turned on the spot to face her while she gazed at the building. "You need gold, yes?"

"Well, I could just take what I want, but it would be better not to be hindered by idiots trying to kill me for fame and fortune."

She took that to be a long-winded way of saying he did indeed require gold. Normally he hated everybody around him, but Belle was surprisingly easy to talk to and tease.

"Then we should join the Adventurers Guild. They'd pay gold for completing quests."

"Do I look like I go on quests, dearie?"

Sure he'd explored and killed a few beasts here and there but proper questing was more Prince Charming's wheelhouse than his.

Belle deflated. "Sorry, I just thought-"

Rumpelstiltskin cut her off for two reasons: first was that she had actually made a rather good point, while the second surprised him because it turned out he didn't like seeing her sad expression. It wasn't just his magic that had started acting odd, he had as well.

He shrugged in an attempt to appear disinterested. "I suppose it would work for now. What do we do? Are there forms of some kind?"

Belle shrugged, odd for a princess. "I don't know, I've never been allowed to have much to do with adventurers."

"Too many lowlifes for you, Princess Belle?"

"Overprotective father and a controlling duke's son intent on marrying me." She shot back which had the Dark One smirk.

"I must say, you're taking this situation we've found ourselves in impressively well."

"I have little choice but to take it well." Rumple supposed that was true. "And please call me Belle instead of dearie. I've already learned you use that word like an insult, so I'd rather you refrained from using it on me."

"And what do I get in return?"

"Gratitude."

He smirked: yes, Rumple liked this girl, she had fight inside her despite having found herself his slave. A strange little princess, but certainly not a boring one.

Together they entered the Adventurers Guild building and found the understated decor continued inside. Those large windows let in a good amount of light and, though peppered with colored glass, still looked fairly plain. A large main hall stretched out before them with doors leading off in all directions, flagstones were scuffed somewhat with age and gruff-looking people had gathered in small groups to talk about whatever adventurers talked about. Belle got a few glances due to her totally inappropriate gown but otherwise they were ignored. The weapons of these adventurers weren't shiny or new but rather worn and scuffed, these people had seen battle and would put up a damn good fight. Belle had called them adventurers but Rumple thought a more apt word would have been mercenary; a literal army ready for hire all easily accessed and neatly organized. To be perfectly frank, Rumple admired this logic and ingenuity.

To their right was a carved reception desk tucked under one of those impressive windows with three fairly pretty girls dressed identically in slate-colored outfits with flowing white shirts. Two where human and blonde while the closest, and therefore the one Rumple approached, was a grasswalker with bold red hair. He still hadn't quite gotten over the idea of people with animal ears and tails, but the woman behind the desk had some of the longest rabbit ears he'd seen so far. They were a stark white which surprised him since the rest of her locks were red, yet that was all of very little import to Rumple in that moment: that and he preferred the pantherian ears, not that he'd admit that.

She flashed them a smile as they came to a stop before her, a practised one designed to put angry adventurers at ease.

"Hello," she greeted. "My name is Maylea, welcome to the Adventurers Guild. How can I assist you today?"

Before Rumple could even open his mouth Belle was speaking, apparently playing the slave others assumed her to be.

"My master wishes to join the Guild."

Maylea glanced at the Dark One as if to confirm that for herself, then beamed and pulled out a rather lengthy form and quill.

"Perfect, I just need your name and your magic level." When he stared at her blankly she changed tact. "Not been assessed? Not a problem." Out from under the desk, much as the form had, came a heavy book bound in redish leather which she struggled to manoeuvrer and flip open. The reason for the weight became clear when they saw the large garnet fixed in the centre of a page, kind of embedded within the paper like the two had been fused by some sort of metallic spiderweb. Rumple could feel the magic inside it from where he stood, powerful in a way he'd never seen before. "Just place your hand on the blank page and the crystal will tell us your magic level."

With a raised eyebrow Rumple stared at the book, he doubted it could do anything to harm him so he obeyed the request and placed his clawed hand atop the page. At first the crystal glowed faintly then surged to life almost blinding Belle and the grasswalker known as Maylea, Rumple felt heat radiate from it almost scorching his hand, then, with a remarkable spread, the crystal blew apart into a thousand tiny shards. One of the blonde girls behind the desk let out a yelp while the other ducked down for safety. Belle's eyes had gone wide but Rumpelstiltskin didn't seem affected in the slightest, he simply brushed a few crystal fragments from his punctured coat, sighed and looked to Maylea expectantly.

"What does that mean?"

Maylea gulped as her colleague finally reappeared from under the desk. "That- that hasn't ever happened before. Em, you're higher than level one hundred. No one is higher than one hundred. Who are you?!"

Rumple giggled and made a show of bowing. "I'm the Dark One, dearie."

That caused three things to happen: the first was that the three girls behind the counter all ground to a halt and fought the urge to flee, next was the few adventurers close enough to hear quietly reached for their weapons, and the third was Belle rolling her eyes rather dramatically. He'd been wanting to keep a low profile but his flamboyant introductions had become almost automatic over his three hundred years and it had sort of slipped out. Rumple had no time to formulate any plan though because suddenly all attention was on somebody behind him. He spun around on the spot to see a woman wearing blue and brown leather armor, and she did not have an issue meeting Rumple's eye.

"I'll take it from here, Maylea." She insisted. "Please come with me … sir."

There was a reluctance to follow her but Rumple's curiosity won out so he and Belle did as asked. They slipped through a large door to the right of the reception desk, up two flights of winding stairs and into a fairly large office. A desk occupied the middle of the room with two leather Chesterfields in front of that with a coffee table between them. Candles lit the dark corners daylight couldn't reach and several weapons adorned the walls. The armor-clad woman sat herself down at her desk then gazed at Rumple and Belle with a calculated expression which reminded Rumple of his own: he already liked this woman.

When he looked at her properly he saw her to be a rather beautiful woman compared to the sweaty adventurers downstairs. Her mousy hair was held in two intricate braids that exposed her ears proving her a human, her pale blue eyes didn't waver as she looked at him and, though not overly tall, she'd learned how to hold herself to command a room.

"I am Chief Commander Gordana Aalto, I oversee all the Guild buildings in the ten kingdoms." She leaned back in her chair as if daring them to make a smart comment. "May I have your name, so-called Dark One?"

"Rumpelstiltskin." He announced with a grand flare. "And there's no 'so-called' about it, dearie."

Gordana let out a little hum. "Unique name."

"Isn't it just." He waggled a claw towards the closed door. "Your girl out there, Maylea, said something about level one hundred and me being higher. Tell me about that. Where I'm from magic isn't measured like that."

Gordana lifted an eyebrow questioningly and scoffed. "That's how it's measured all over Dreymyr."

"I'm not from Dreymyr." He snapped back. "Your little legends about me say I appeared from nowhere and vanished totally out of the blue, did it never occur to you people I'm from a different realm, dearie?" Belle was tempted to tell Rumple he was being unnecessarily rude to the Chief Commander but she doubted he'd care even an iota. "Now, tell me about these levels."

Gordana sighed and eyed him for a few brief moments, her expression of assessment much like Rumple's own. She gazed at his skin with its oddly snake-like quality, a trait no other demon shared. She took mental note of his clothing and how unusual it was, how out of place, and then she met those eyes and knew he'd spoken the truth; the Dark One had come from another realm. At first she'd assumed him some idiot demon wanting to puff his reputation up by claiming to be a demon lord. Gordana hadn't ever really believed the stories of the Dark One, but the more she looked at him, he more she started to wonder if they hadn't been just stories after all. Part of her wanted to keep calm and discuss the situation logically like the guildmaster she was, but another part of her urged her to grab her bow and strike the demon lord down before he suddenly decided to stop playing nice and wipe out Ranga. If the man before her truly was the Dark One then he could kill them all, yet the more she looked at him, the more Gordana thought him just curious. Then there was the blue-eyed girl with him; young, late teens maybe, pretty and not a warrior by any stretch of the world, she looked more like he'd plucked her out of her father's mansion. Apparently Rumple didn't know what magic levels were but he certainly knew about the enslavement ritual. She hadn't appreciated being spoken to in such a way in her own guild headquarters, but all her instincts said this really was the First Demon Lord and, while not as quick to violence as the other three demon lords had been, answering his questions currently seemed like the best tactic to protect her people. However, all of that said, Gordana had a sharp tongue and wouldn't act a pushover; she'd not cower.

"All right, I'll explain like I'm speaking to a child." That had Rumple giggle. "When we're born, no matter what species we are, we have some level of magic affinity. It is higher in some and lower in others. Those with a higher level can use aberrant or compost magic, their spells are stronger and last longer. The crystal you just blew up measures that magical level by converting a portion of your mana to light, the brighter it is, the stronger you are." Gordana made a vague gesturing motion. "There are a few ways to increase your magic level like training at the Arcane University or with certain potions, but most of those aren't legal of course. Through history only a handful of people have ever reached one hundred."

Rumple smirked while Belle simply stood there taking everything in and wondering if this conversation would eventually turn into a fight.

"Let me guess, they're all demon lords?"

"Yes." She scrutinized him skeptically. "I'm not one to beat around the bush, Rumpelstiltskin, I'd very much like to classify you as a crackpot and toss you out on your ass, but I've been at my post a while now and I have a good sense of when people are lying. You aren't. You're the Dark One, and as much as that terrifies me, I can tell you aren't like the other demon lords because you can be reasoned with." She sighed, an all too common occurrence for Gordana that day. "Or perhaps I have lost my edge and you are just a crackpot."

"He killed an entire army of mages yesterday when they summoned him from another realm. I was there, I saw it." Belle confessed which drew the older woman's attention quickly back to her.

Stories of the evil Dark One had been spread far and wide through the Enchanted Forest since long before Rumple's birth, no one questioned the Dark One's existence but in Dreymyr, it seemed they lingered between thinking him a cautionary tale and a boogeyman. Gordana and her people would need more proof than him magically appearing to offer a deal, so, when a display of various daggers caught his eye, Rumple grabbed one, made sure the women were watching, and plunged in into his neck to the hilt. A touch dramatic perhaps, but it got his point across. Belle's eyes widened in horror as she launched toward him all while Gordana watched curiously from her desk. Yet, when Rumple pulled the blade out there wasn't so much as a speck of blood. Belle took the dagger and threw it aside so she could hurriedly check for a wound; later she'd question why she was so quick to go to his aid. Rumple though, he'd given Gordana the proof she'd wanted so hopefully they'd be able to move the conversation on.

"How about now, dearie? Crackpot or demon lord?"

The woman with braids swallowed because there was no denying it any longer. "I think you might be both." He chuckled, madness was a blanket he'd grown used to having wrapped around him, it was made of death and misery but it kept him warm. "The First Demon Lord wants to be one of my adventurers of all things?"

"Kills time," Rumple shrugged.

"Please, Chief Commander." Belle began. "He's the Dark One, yes, but he isn't the monster the Church would have us believe."

For almost a full minute Gordana sat silently lost in thought. At first she'd just wanted to keep him calm and from razing the city, hell all of Dorovoth, but his slave seemed to trust him and Rumple had shown he could indeed be reasoned with. Perhaps, if she played her cards right, she could end up with Rumple as friend rather than foe, a very powerful friend who'd be able to protect instead of destroy. Second chances was something Gordana had always firmly believed in, nobody was entirely good or evil and if they were willing to change their ways then she would give them the opportunity. Demon lords had all changed for the worse, but they'd already concluded Rumple wasn't like Halinox, Ivosanch or Ravavena.

Gordana nodded shakily. "Very well, I'll make a special allowance for you. Level 101 since we can't measure you beyond that. As long as you complete quests, treat my Guild with respect and don't harm my staff, you are welcome here."

Oh, Rumple just had to ask: "And if I do?"

"I prefer not to threaten, but since you asked me. You do and I'll be forced to remind you there were three other demon lords and we have defeated them all."

"Impersonations of the real thing, I assure you." With that Rumple turned all his attention to Belle who'd been unusually quiet the entire time. "Belle, what is your level?"

"I haven't been assessed since childhood, back then I was twenty. I know that isn't impressive, but I am a tamer."

"We can check you now, if you like." From a drawer in the left side of her desk, Gordana took another of the books with a garnet-like crystal embedded in its pages. She opened it, spun it around and gestured for Belle to place her hand. Rumple had caused an intense glow of blinding light, but Belle simply got a dull flicker. "Thirty, not bad for somebody who hasn't explored their magical capabilities, but it is still a low ranking. If you're a tamer then it shouldn't really matter." Blue eyes tilted back to Rumple. "Although, I doubt you'll need to make your slave fight."

"She isn't my slave." Rumple snapped a little too quickly.

"A pet then."

"Nor am I a pet."

Gordana Aalto was a busy woman in charge of the entire Adventurers Guild, she didn't have time to work out if the collar was thrust upon her or to satisfy some sexual desire.

"Whatever she is, if you intend to have her as your companion while working, Rumpelstiltskin, she needs to be a Guild member same as you. Normally we'd not let an iron-ranked take any high level quest, but since you're off the charts and I'm making exceptions today, she'll probably be fine. Normally we'd give you a test to see if you're suitable and capable, but considering you just buried a dagger in your throat and came away unscathed, I'll waive that." Rumple let out a sarcastic 'how kind' but the mousy-haired woman ignored it in favor or questioning Belle. "What is your full name?"

"Belle du Marchand." She answered honestly only for Gordana to ground to a halt.

She stared at Belle a moment in horror because she'd been speaking rather rudely to a damn princess the whole time. The gold dress suddenly made a lot more sense and Gordana did her best to regain her composure.

"You're Princess Belle of Avonlea? Seriously?"

Belle nodded with a polite smile while Rumple delighted in the guildmaster's awkwardness.

"Yes, that's me. I know I'm wearing a slave collar and that, with him being the First Demon Lord, you're probably not inclined to believe me when I say this, but it is true. A spell went very, very wrong and resulted in my enslavement. Rumpelstiltskin has been kind enough to promise his aid in removing it."

Gordana leaned forward over the book seemingly uncaring Rumple could hear every word. "Sure you weren't kidnapped?"

He'd gotten that sort of reaction a lot in his years as the Dark One. If he spent more than thirty seconds talking to any woman, especially a pretty one, it was assumed he had grand plans to steal her away to his castle where he'd keep her as a whore and broodmare. Belle had made her deal freely though, she'd gone with him willingly.

"I take offence to that, dearie." He teased.

"I don't care."

"You have realized I'm the First Demon Lord." Rumple had started to like that title.

Gordana fell back in her chair, any nervousness Belle's reveal had brought had subsided. "I've seen enough shit to speak my mind even when faced with a mythic demon lord."

"I didn't kidnap her." Why did he suddenly care if people thought badly of him?

"He's telling the truth, though I suggest you don't believe anything Gaston LeGume may tell you. I wasn't kidnapped."

"Good. Kindly wait in the lobby and I'll have your chains made. Don't make me regret this, Rumpelstilskin."

Rumple wasn't used to being asked to wait or spoken to in such a way, he wasn't a damn merchant waiting for the place to take his goods in. Although, Belle tugging on his clawed hand so sweetly soon had him moving back down to the lobby where she took a seat on an uncomfortable bench and he leaned against a stone pillar with his arms folded across his chest. Gordana Aalto had irritated him in the best of ways, he liked her fight and that she spoke her mind despite the natural wave of fear under her skin. Truthfully there was something which reminded him of Regina back before he and her mother had finished corrupting her soul. Gordana was what Regina should have been; an independent woman capable of fighting her own battles without being shoved towards darkness by those around her. Going back on his promise to Bae was his biggest regret, but that didn't stop what he'd done to Regina being a smaller one.

"Why so nervous, Belle?" He asked when he decided he no longer wished to think of the past.

"I'm sorry. I don't quite know how I should act. I am a princess, enslaved and now an adventurer. It is all rather confusing for me."

"You've been trained from birth how to act like a princess, I would assume. As for the collar, it was an accidental result of your wanna-be fiancé's greed, judging by what you've told me, and his stupid sorcerer friend – no, not sorcery, they're mages here. Just act like yourself, Belle, I don't want a slave and the adventurers mostly seem to be focused on who's sword is bigger and sweat."

Much to his shock that actually made Belle laugh a little and soon had her shoulders relaxing, women normally shied away from him or started screaming, they didn't laugh sweetly. Nobody ever laughed at his jokes. Princess Belle was unusual but surprisingly he liked her.

Outside in Ranga's streets they could hear people buying, selling and chatting and if Rumple closed his eyes, just for a moment, he was back selling thread while Bae napped beside him. He'd broken his first promise to Bae, but he'd made a new one to find his boy and fix everything; this promise wouldn't be broken.

"You said this was Dorovoth, yes, a neighboring kingdom to yours?" Belle nodded. "Tell me about it."

They were stuck together thanks to the collar and Belle had agreed to be his well of information so she might as well have made herself useful while they waited for the chains.

"Sure, I can do that." She cleared her throat. "Em, the King is Artem Van Winchell, he's fair and wise but very old – older than my papa. His son is called Gottfried and I wouldn't be surprised if he's crowned by the end of next year. I've met Prince Gottfried at a few balls, he's nice and has a decent sense of humor, he's wise like King Artem as well. I'm friends with his daughter, Demelza is only a year older than me so we've always been rather close."

"I was hoping for more in regards to the Kingdom than your friendships and whose dog hates whose cat."

Belle frowned at his teasing but didn't let it deter her. "Fine. Dorovoth is a peaceful place, it has acted as host for several negotiation talks and, as you've probably guessed, the Adventurer's Guild headquarters is here. Gorasitz is not far, that is the capital; I've only been there a few times to visit Demelza but the view of the Spikes is amazing, very majestic."

"Hmm, then you'd like the view of the mountains from my castle." He muttered mostly to himself but Belle heard it and perked up curiously with a sparkle in her eyes.

"Castle? You live in a castle? What am I saying – all demon lords have a castle, it's like the first thing they do."

Rumple shrugged. "Actually it was a later acquisition."

Belle could see he had no real desire to talk about his home but Belle could never turn down a story and wanted to squeeze as much as she could from him before her chance was gone.

"Please tell me about your castle, your realm. Can you really travel between them all so easily?"

Rumple flashed her a smirk. "What is in it for me? Maybe you just want to know the monster's weaknesses."

"I hardly know you, but I've already learned you're not a monster." Rumple didn't seem convinced. "Please tell me. I've read almost everything about the kingdoms and it's boring, I want to hear about the realms you've visited and what you've seen."

"I could just order you to stop asking."

"You promised you wouldn't."

"Maybe I lied."

Belle shook her head. "No, you didn't. Now, tell me about your castle, you said there are mountains?"

He sighed and hoped they hurried up with whatever these guild chains were.

"Yes. It's high up in the mountains so I'm mostly left alone. It snows a lot of the time as well which helps keep people out. It's a huge castle filled with my collection of things and the children I hunt for their pelts." Belle gasped, her eyes widened and she pushed away from him automatically. "That was a quip, dearie, not serious."

"Oh. Em, okay." She breathed out a sigh of relief and offered him a sweet smile as her heart rate calmed. "It hardly ever snows in Avonlea. There are stories from Ten Kingdom Castle that say it snows in the ogre's land."

Belle had intended to say more but, before she could, the grasswalker called Maylea approached them hesitantly and handed them each some sort of necklace.

"Your membership guild chains, Milord." Rumple lifted an eyebrow at the 'milord' but didn't comment. "You'll need these to prove you're members to the other Guild buildings."

Both had simple steel chains easily worn around the neck and not that large. Belle's had an iron tag that somebody had carefully carved 'Belle du Marchand' and 'Tamer' into while Rumple's had two tags lined in actual gold; one similarly engraved to Belle's with 'Rumpelstiltskin' and 'Battlemage' while the other one just said 'Demon Lord'.

"What is this, dearie?"

"Your em, your identification like I said. Your slave has reached an iron rank while you – you're in a whole new rank the Chief Commander is calling 'double gold'. Your chains serve as proof of your level and some inns and weapon shops will provide discounts to adventurers."

Rumple couldn't decide if these people were too organized or just organized enough. When he asked no follow up questions, Maylea took the hint and scurried off back to the reception desk with her two blonde colleagues like the big bad Dark One couldn't reach her there: at least Maylea's reaction to him was a normal one.

"Looks like word of who I am has travelled quickly, I hope Gordana stops it getting out the building."

"News of demon lords always travels quickly. Although, maybe forgo announcing yourself as the Dark One from now on."

Rumple let out a little hum and the two slipped their guild chains over their heads, Rumple tucked his into his shirt while Belle continued to examine her own.

"What do we do with these things now then?"

Belle pointed at a large notice board covered with numerous sheets of paper. "I'd imagine you just select a quest from the board. If they've invented a new rank just for you, then I'd assume you can take whatever quest you want."

The pair made their way to the board alongside a few other adventurers somewhat anticlimactically, he'd not expected quite so much bureaucracy in a place dedicated to fighting. The top of each posted quest had one of the rankings written in large capital letters but nothing seemed to be above a bronze. While Belle read them all properly from one side of the board to the other, Rumple just skimmed them after he found most were to do with bandits.

"What are teratects?"

Belle shivered. "Disturbingly large spiders. They like caves and forests." She peered at the quest for herself. "This is fairly low ranked, thought you'd wants something more … flamboyant than spiders."

Rumple side-eyed her but let the comment go: apparently he was in a good mood. "It's close and it's quick which means easy coin."

Without another word, he ripped it down from the notice board and was about to teleport them outside the city when Belle pointed out he needed to register he was taking the quest with Maylea. That was a task which took all of two minutes and then they were gone to beyond Ranga's gates with Maylea staring timidly at the space they'd left behind.

Outside the city was an expanse of flat land and a fairly straight road he knew was the Trade Road to the Dravenhyde trading post thanks to the maps Belle had gotten him. Getting a good lay of the land was the first thing Rumple did in any new realm and Dreymyr was no different; he might have been trapped, but he'd not let that prevent him learning everything he could about Belle's strange home.

Though it was quite some distance away, down a gradual slope and around various boulders, Rumple could see a vast treeline to the west that the maps had called Bear Forest. Large, dark and a little ominous like any good forest should have been.

"The quest is for ten teratects and Bear Forest is full of the things, apparently. There will be more than enough for your quota."

Rumple let out a little hum and again read the quest notice. "The quota, yes. What exactly is a teratect's prime eye?"

"Those horrible things have seven eyes instead of the usual eight." She explained while wrapping her dress skirt around herself again: it really was totally inappropriate for questing. "The biggest one in the middle is the prime eye. Armorsmiths use the eyes to treat some leather armors to make them more resilient to venoms and acids. You should probably grab their venom glands as well, they're worth a reasonable amount of money."

Rumple's head cocked to the side as he tucked the quest notice away in his damaged coat. "And just how does a pretty princess know so much about giant spiders?"

"I'm an unusual princess-"

"I'll believe that."

"-and I like to read. I saw fighters in the arenas go up against teratects a few time when Gaston insisted I accompany him. I found myself curious about them, so I decided to read up on the subject."

Satisfied by her answer, Rumple snared Belle around her slender waist and teleported them to the treeline of Bear Forest saving them several hours of walking and much grumbling about Belle's dress. As soon as they materialized the chestnut-haired beauty pushed away from him and doubled over as if preparing to throw up her breakfast. Rumple paid her little mind, just stared into the dark forest with curiosity.

"I thought I'd gotten used to your spacial magic."

Spacial magic? He'd never heard it called that before but he supposed it was somewhat accurate. Belle righted herself, took several steadying breaths then glanced between him and the forest then back. To Belle it was just a forest, admittedly one filled with giant spider monsters but a forest nevertheless. To Rumple though, it was a strange new place for him to explore: nothing had been new to him in so very, very long.

"Come along, dearie, we haven't got all day."

With that they entered Bear Forest in search of the teratects for their quest: Rumple with his usual flamboyance despite his punctured coat and shirt, and Belle with some hesitation and an annoyingly puffy dress.

Though daylight, very little managed to permeate its way down to the ground inside the thick forest. All the trees appeared knotted as if in pain, there were too many places for a monster to hide and stones stuck up out of the ground just about everywhere. Come nightfall the forest would be pitch black and only an immortal like himself would stand a chance of escape. The most disturbing part was that there weren't any ambient animal sounds, no crickets or squirrels rustling in the undergrowth, just eerie silence indicative of a predictor being close by. Of course Rumple wasn't afraid, even a coward didn't fear when they knew they couldn't die, but he suddenly understood why Belle had been hesitant to step into the dark woodland: Bear Forest hid monsters.

The Dark One ventured further into the ominous depths with Belle trailing after him. They moved slow and silent save for an occasional crunching of fallen leaves underfoot. For a few minutes Rumple managed to pretend he was back in the Enchanted Forest without a care in the world, but then he stepped on something sticky and, when he lifted his boot, he found a thick strand of web stuck to the bottom.

Belle peered around cautiously. "How do we find them?"

"We don't," he smirked. "We wait for them to find us, dearie."

"I know you're my master now but would you please call me Belle instead of dearie." Yes, she had asked him repeatedly. "And what do you mean 'we wait for them to find us'? Teratects are the reason there aren't any bears in Bear Forest."

"Yes, that sounds very sad, dear-" she glared at him. "-Belle. This is easier and quicker though. You don't mind being bait, do you? Good."

Before Belle could even think about a response she'd been shoved backward into the undergrowth laced with numerous teratect trap lines and stumbled over a rock to land on her backside. That the First Demon Lord wasn't a gentleman shouldn't have surprised anybody. Those striking blue eyes of hers flashed up to glare at Rumple but he was gone, faded into the shadows like the dark soul he was.

"Rumpelstiltskin?" She called out as fear started to well up inside her. The late Queen Colette had told her 'be brave and bravery will follow', but there and then Belle would have given just about anything for the Dark One to return to her. Rationally she knew he couldn't have gone far, the collar would have punished her, but Bear Forest was notorious for monsters and she had no way of protecting herself. "I'm the Princess of Avonlea, you can't just use me as bait!"

A giggle came from the shadowy distance followed by his singsonged voice. "Complaining just makes you louder bait!"

Belle's mouth clamped shut but it was too late for a quiet rustling sounded in the trees and everything inside Belle told her something was preparing to pounce. Dreading what she'd find, Belle peered upward and screamed loud and sharp; there, creeping ever closer, were maybe half a dozen brown teratects with disturbingly shiny eyes all lacking mercy. Belle du Marchand prided herself on being a logical person void of vapid, stereotypical expectations, but in that moment everything told Belle to pick a direction and flee in it. None of that mattered though, her legs had gone weak and she'd gotten tangled up in her skirts when Rumple had pushed her: Belle couldn't have run even if she'd tried. The beasts stalked closer, their long legs carefully carried them out the trees and through the undergrowth as they penned her in.

"Rumpelstiltskin, do something!"

All the stories made the Dark One out to be a remorseless, odious monster with the moral compass of a snake, but Belle knew that wasn't true despite having known him for such a short period of time. A scary appearance didn't a monster make and Belle knew he'd not let her be devoured from the inside by huge spiders. Just as she started to doubt her certainty, a fireball struck the closest teratect which promptly tumbled backward and curled in on itself dead, then a volley of flames were launched at the spiders and poor Belle had no choice but to cover her head with her hands and wait for it to be over. In the end all that remained was the smell of chard teratects, a horrifically acrid scent Belle hadn't been prepared for. She sat there in a pool of her own skirts all tangled up with web and twigs: nobody had ever treated a princess so shamelessly – okay, Gaston had. With a sigh she fished around for a stick that she used to free herself of the web, then she made her way in the direction of Rumpelstiltskin. She hated being used as bait, especially by an unabashed demon lord; she wasn't a damsel in distress, she was a curious princess who'd found herself roped to the mysterious Dark One.

He'd nestled himself some distance away in a particularly dark section of the forest by a fallen tree but Belle's steps didn't falter. There were more than just teratects lurking inside Bear Forest; hammer boars, tree cats and maybe even a damn waheela. Still, Belle hadn't ever turned away from danger and soon rejoined Rumple who'd found an adorable little ball of fluff perched on the fallen tree.

"Don't use me as bait again."

"What is this thing?" He asked totally ignoring her.

Belle sighed. "It's a wing ear. A cute and adorable little creature which isn't important right now."

The little fur ball scurried away then with its ears fluttering as it went and and Rumple's attention turned back to the dead giant spiders and promptly started ripping the prime eyes out the corpses. Belle simply stared at him, surrounded by dead things with a hand smothered in blood, but he hardly batted an eye. The foul odor of fiery death permeated everything and stung Belle's lovely blue eyes but she didn't shy away. It would have taken a whole party of adventures to kill so many teratects so quickly. Belle frowned: he'd used her as bait. Meanwhile, Rumple was just pleased he'd been able to conjure fireballs.

"I could have died, Rumpelstiltskin. Any of those things could have killed me."

He didn't even pause, just snickered. "But you didn't."

With a wave of his hand the armful of prime eyes vanished in a puff of purple smoke and Belle's eyes widened: it wasn't every day one got to witness dark magic so freely cast.

"Where did they go?"

"Back to the inn. There were too many to carry."

She raised an eyebrow. "You can transport things? You can just do that?"

"Princess, you seem more surprised by that than me teleporting us. Now, come here." Rumple gestured for her to join him quickly. "The sooner we hand the eyes in, the sooner I can get my gold."

Belle looked him up and down, coat ripped where one of Gaston's men had struck him with an arrow, teratect blood smothering his hands, and shook her head.

"You're covered in blood."

The Dark One rolled his eyes. "And she says I'm the slave master. Fine." Fire, teleportation and his immortality seemed to be the only magic he had any real control over, but, as he had with her dress, Rumple managed to suck the blood from his hand and sleeve leaving it good as new. "Better?"

With a nod she joined him and the two returned to their room at the Teapot Inn. Thankfully, Belle had finally started to become accustom to the Dark One's preferred mode of transportation and no longer felt quite so motion sick. As expected the teratect prime eyes were sat neatly on the small desk leaking blood and gunk into the wood: in the back of her mind Belle could hear the quiet grumblings of Kalecaster Castle's maids at such a messy sight.

Rumple left the small room only to return a moment later with a hessian sack, probably liberated from the kitchen, and shoved the eyes inside while Belle ran her fingers through her hair to get it back in some semblance of order.

"We're going to complete our quest. Come on."

The beautiful princess had expected for him to poof back to the Guild dramatically, but instead they walked. People watched him, of course they watched him, they'd been watching the strange demon and well-dressed slave since they'd arrived in Ranga, not that anyone could blame them. His clothes were strange and his skin was more green than the traditional gray of other demons. Rumple didn't seem to care not even when a kid noticed the double gold chain around his neck and charged off to tell her mother.

Not a word was passed between them from inn to Guild, nor when he slammed the sack of prime eyes on the reception desk and Maylea simply stared at the bag while they dripped and questioned how he'd gotten to and from Bear Forest so fast. Rumple wasn't the sort of demon lord to share. It wasn't until they'd returned to the streets, quieter and less crowded now the market stalls had started to pack away, that they spoke again. Rumple may have turned a blind eye to Belle's dress and just how ill-suited it was to – well, anything that wasn't sitting sensibly in a nice, warm palace. Finding her new clothes was on his list of things to do, it just wasn't particularly high. Speaking of the princess, he stopped dead when he realized she wasn't at his side. When he glanced around he spotted her with her face practically glued to the window of a book shop. Odd princess indeed.

"You like to read?"

Later, much later, he'd ask himself why he suddenly cared about her preferences. He'd also ask himself why he liked that she didn't jump or fear him.

"Oh, yes!" She beamed. "I have a great many books at ho-"

Belle cut herself off sorrowfully and Rumple told himself it didn't matter she missed her home.

"You want that one." It wasn't a question.

The books might have proven useful and giving the teenager a book would keep her quiet, so Rumple wandered in knowing Belle would follow.

The shop was lined on all sides with bookshelves full of tomes bound in red, black and brown leather, that distinctive 'new book' scent filled the small space paired with a faint smell of tallow candles. Even the knotted wooden counter had books stacked high. Quaint: that was the best word Rumple could think of to describe the place.

"You're my master now," Belle pointed out. "There's no need for you to buy me books."

Rumple said nothing; sure she'd told him there was no need but Belle couldn't hide her want for them, and that was exactly what had Rumple stride directly to the old man behind the counter. He had a long white beard, wire glasses and some of the thickest eyebrows Rumple had ever seen. He gestured over his shoulder at the book Belle had been looking at while the bookseller looked Rumple up and down.

"How much for the book in the window? The one in the red leather."

The white-haired man pushed his glasses back up his nose. "You mean The Cardinal Dragons and Other Myths by Hubert Hortensia? It's ten coppers."

Rumple couldn't help thinking that was a little high for a simple book, but he had plenty after how many teratects he'd killed, so Rumple paid with one of the silver coins he'd been given for the eyes while Belle stood quietly amazed he'd actually gotten her the book. The stack of change was somewhat excessive and had probably almost cleaned the man out of smaller denomination coins: good to have change though. Rumple had always struggled to make silver, it wasn't as easy as gold.

"I'm Rodrick Zule by the way. Welcome to my shop." He said as he fetched the aforementioned tome. "I'll just wrap this up for you."

"No need. Belle, grab your book."

That wasn't something Belle needed to be told twice. Quickly it was snatched up into her arms and cradled lovingly like a newborn babe. The two left after Belle had made sure to thank Mister Zule. As soon as they were outside the scent of cooking meat reached Rumple and for the first time in a great long while Rumple's mouth watered, and it actually surprised him a little: since the Dark One didn't need to eat, he usually didn't bother.

"Thank you for this, Rumpelstiltskin." She told him genuinely while still cuddling their purchase.

"Gratitude isn't needed, it'll keep you occupied while I'm working. Princesses shouldn't go getting bored."

The chestnut-haired beauty rolled her stunning blue eyes because she knew what he was doing; didn't let it stop her thanking him though.

"Still, there were cheaper books."

"Consider it your share of the earnings for today. You made excellent bait."

"Hmm, I'm not sure that's a complement."

Rumple shrugged while Belle peered inside her book curiously. "We'll never know. Now, supper is our next task, I think."

Belle had no reason to object – not that Rumple would have cared if she had – so they went back to the Teapot Inn to eat. Six coppers each was, according to Belle, a very fair price for their evening meal and he was inclined to take her word for it. Once supper was gone, they headed upstairs to their room where Rumple returned to map research while Belle read: at least Belle tried to read. Normally she had no trouble at all burying herself in a book for hours on end, but she found herself steadily paying more and more attention to the odd master she'd found herself with. The Dark One had been part of myth and history for over a thousand years, but Rumple was different to all the legends. He looked dangerous, acted as though he couldn't care less about anybody or anything, and liked to pretend he wasn't still panicking about his magic not functioning properly. All that said, that he wasn't a monster was a decision Belle was sure of. Even as a child she'd not been convinced of the First Demon Lord's evil, not when compared to the atrocities committed by Halinox, Ivosanch and Ravavena. This demon lord was kind, had treated her very well despite the whole bait situation, he'd bought her a book and fed her, had respected her intellect and made no attempt to use her in the sordid way most used their slaves. Most masters would have simply kept walking while Belle peered inside Mister Zule's shop, kept walking until the collar had punished her for the distance between them. No, Rumpelstiltskin was a surprisingly decent man Belle oddly didn't mind being enslaved to. She'd known him all of two days, but that was two days longer than anybody else in Dreymyr and, after all, he'd promised to help her.

"Do shut up."

She frowned at his back. "I didn't say anything."

"You're thinking too loudly." He shot back.

Belle just smirked because the Church's dark legends really didn't know what they were talking about. She returned her attention to her book and the passage on Avarathda and his many wise feats. She'd met the First Demon Lord, maybe one day she'd meet a dragon as well.

Chapter Text

After a long night of Rumple internally grumbling about his predicament and Belle reading until she passed out, Belle awoke with a yawn and indulgent stretch to find the Dark One still sat at the small desk where he'd been last night. That they both pretended she'd not been snoring and drooling lightly onto her pillow, was unusual politeness on his end and embarrassment on hers. 'Did he even sleep?' Belle asked herself while she brushed her hair out of her face. The sun had long since risen and Ranga's market was in full swing, downstairs she heard the morning chatter of patrons wanting their breakfast, but Rumple remained deathly silent.

"Good morning, Rumpelstiltskin." She finally said after stifling another yawn.

He didn't face her. "Is it?"

Belle sighed: the demon lord clearly wasn't a morning person – but then he didn't seem much of an afternoon or evening person either. Slowly she got out of bed to start her day, washed her face and under the slave collar as best she could in the wash basin, then reached for her golden dress only to discover it gone from the coat hook where she'd left it. Instead, the chestnut-haired princess found a burgundy leather outfit fit for any adventurer and a set of brown boots neatly placed up against the wall by the door. The outfit wasn't worth nearly as much as her gown, but it was well crafted and, when Belle brushed her pale fingers over the leather, she found it surprisingly soft to the touch.

Curiously, she turned to the quiet demon lord. "Is this – is this for me?"

Finally he moved from the desk chair, stood and turned to face her only to immediately give her his back when he saw she wore only her chemise: Rumple really was the furthest thing from a monster in Belle's mind.

"It is, unless you'd rather continue walking about in that gilded tent."

"Thank you, it's lovely."

A split pause, hardly noticeable. "It's no matter."

When she lifted the outfit off the hook Belle also discovered a chain mail vest designed with a woman's chest in mind. Armor of any type wasn't cheep so it alone had probably made a rather hefty dent in the money they'd made from their first quest with the Guild.

"Hurry up and get dressed, then go get us some breakfast. I'll join you shortly." With that he returned to his desk and the several pages of notes he'd apparently made during the night.

Knowing he was done talking, Belle set her new outfit down on the bed and got ready. For a moment Belle had worried her slave collar would glow, but Rumple hadn't said the words with the intent to command so she was thankfully not forced to rush dressing. She'd never worn anything so form-hugging before and, though grateful to have something significantly more practical to travel in, she couldn't quite shake the naked feeling. The chain mail vest was lighter than she'd expected, an obvious weight to a teenager who'd never worn any before, but hadn't left her as over-encumbered as she'd anticipated. Everything went well, right up until it came to tightening her burgundy top with the laces on her back; had she been at Kalecaster Castle she'd have had many a maid to assist, but in that tiny inn room, all she had was the First Demon Lord.

"Em, Rumpelstiltskin, would you please lace me up? This is a little loose."

He swivelled in the wooden chair like a father irritated their child kept bothering them while they worked, but he didn't refuse. Had she not turned her head so she could pull her long hair out the way, she'd have spotted Rumple's unique eyes rake up and down her slender body wrapped in the burgundy leather. Quickly he shook his head and aided her while touching the eighteen-year-old enslaved to him as little as was physically possible. Her beauty was unrivalled but it wasn't for the likes of him: Belle just thought he'd decided to be gentlemanly. Had she asked Gaston, he'd have used it as an excuse to rub his hands all over her, to squeeze places he shouldn't have and kiss what he thought he owned.

Once finished, Rumple backed away from the princess only to be treated to her sweet smile and words of thanks, he waved that thanks off.

"Go on, get breakfast."

Belle took the hint and headed off downstairs. Her new clothes were rather comfortable and the boots significantly more forgiving than the satin slippers she'd been wearing before. The fact he'd provided chain mail as well told Belle two things; first was that he cared about her safety which was both reassuring and refreshing; second was that the only armorer Belle had seen was four shops down on the other side of the street to the inn, so at least they could get that far apart without her being punished by the collar.

Downstairs nobody took notice of Belle, which was pleasant after all the stares her gown had caused. An older woman entered Belle's line of sight then behind the counter and flashed a bright smile. Her hair was short and white, her eyes blue behind wire glasses similar to those of Mister Zule's and the necklace she wore looked handmade.

"You look like an adventurer now, much better than that fancy dress of yours."

Belle's brow furrowed questioningly. "I'm sorry, have we met?"

"Oh where are my manners? I'm Missus Potts, I own the place. You and your master paid my son for your room. I saw that fancy dress of yours just in passing."

"It's nice to meet you, Missus Potts."

"I guess it would be even nicer if I got you some breakfast, yes?"

Belle nodded. "Yes, thank you. Two plates."

"Of course." Missus Potts smiled almost matronly. "And how is that grumpy demon master of yours today, dear?"

"I don't think he slept."

The hubbub continued around them but Missus Potts' long hum still reached Belle just fine.

"I'll bring some nice sweet tea over as well then. On the house."

Before Belle could thank the older woman for her kindness, she'd wandered off into the kitchen and Belle was left to glance around the inn. As a child she'd loved reading of adventure, of mythical places like Ja'carna but, as a girl of eighteen, she realized that watching the people of Ranga go about their morning was an adventure in itself. Everyone seemed happy, some grumbled about their jobs but there weren't any expressions of despair or fear. Of course this was Dorovoth, King Artem's kingdom, but Belle hoped her father's people enjoyed their mornings much as those before her did. Dorovoth's peaceful, inclusive nature was something to be admired.

"Mornin' beautiful." Belle snapped out of her thoughts to see a pantherian man with big orange ears and one of the fluffiest tails she'd ever seen smiling down at her, that smile died a quick death though once he spotted her collar. "Oh, yer one o' them girls who gets horny bein' a slave."

Scandalized; Belle's eyes widened. "Excuse me?!"

"Nah, nothin' wrong wi' it." He shrugged. "Yer master loan ya out? Get a pretty penny fer ya."

Suddenly the pantherian was off his feet as if lifted by an invisible hand and a horrific pressure crushed his throat slowly. In an instant the whole inn fell silent, some even reached for their weapons uncertain what was happening.

"You speak with respect when you talk to or about her." Rumple growled. "For your own safety, I recommend never speaking again. Perhaps I should rip your tongue out for good measure."

Sensing tensions rising in the other patrons, Belle rushed to the demon lord and rested a hand atop his arm while the pantherian continued to choke.

"Rumpelstiltskin, please don't kill him." She'd seen just how capable he was of killing. When he didn't respond she tried again. "Please, you don't have to do this."

"I don't have to, but I think I'd like to. Demon lords do evil things after all."

The term 'demon lords' terrified some and caused others to totally unsheathe their weapons. Belle though, having expected such a reaction, quickly insisted to everybody he was joking, that he had a terrible sense of humor and was simply joking. Finally, Rumple did release the pantherian who collapsed to the floor with a thud. Rumple bent down causing his double gold adventurer chain to spill free from his shirt and, amazingly, that did more to ease people back into their seats than Belle insisting Rumple had made a bad joke had. He peered at the pantherian who'd dared to ask if he'd loan Belle out like a plaything.

"Maybe I'll settle for terror though. Your lesson is to treat women with some respect or you'll find me at the foot of your bed." Rumple stared at the terrified pantherian a moment. "Now, have you learned your lesson?" The man nodded frantically. "Good. Thank Belle, she is the reason you get to live today, then get out."

"Th- thank you, miss."

Then the pantherian scurried away like the pathetic little weasel he was. Rumple didn't seem to care everybody was still watching them, or that offhandedly claiming to be a demon lord usually put people in a stab-y mood. However, Missus Potts soon diffused any of the agitation in the room when she loudly thanked Rumple for getting rid of 'that woman-hungry toerag' who'd apparently been hitting on every woman in the inn on and off for months. Seeing a woman like Missus Potts apparently convinced there wasn't another demon lord in their midst had soon had people return to their meals and the chatter started up again. Belle had, of course, understood everybody's reaction to Rumple and the words 'demon lords', but he wasn't anything like Halinox, Ivosanch or Ravavena.

With the want for the whole situation to just be over, Belle rested her hand on Rumple's arm once more and guided him over to a dark table at the very back of the inn where they could sit down, less than a minute later Missus Potts delivered their breakfasts and that tea she'd spoken of, though apparently her son had made it.

"Mister, I get you're a powerful adventurer and all, but please don't play demon lord again, you'll frighten away my customers and I'll have to raise your rent."

"Not playing, dearie."

She didn't respond to that, just returned to the kitchen while Rumple poured himself some tea while Belle took up her knife and fork.

"Missus Potts is right, you know, it would be better for you to not mention the fact your the Dark One. People will only panic and I don't want us starting a diplomatic incident with Dorovoth. My papa has enough problems and Gaston would surely use this all to his advantage."

Rumple sipped his tea only to immediately put it back down with disgust. "That is the single worst cup of tea I have ever had the misfortune to drink."

"It can't be that bad," insisted the Princess.

"It's akin to muddy swill rung out from the establishment's finest dish rag."

Much to his surprise, Belle breathed out a rather unladylike laugh that she stifled behind her hand. She was the only one who laughed at his quips but he didn't want to dwell on that. Dark eyes glanced at his breakfast; perfectly sizzled bacon, it had been so very long. One positive about Dreymyr was the food, their food did smell heavenly. He couldn't quite remember the last time he'd eaten in a tavern or inn, not the sort of thing the Dark One needed to commit to memory, but he found it was nice to not be alone.

Only when the tea was gone and Belle's plate was almost cleaned did she speak again, her voice light and lyrical.

"Are we going on another quest today?"

"No," he said. One word and nothing more which had Belle roll her eyes.

"Then what are we doing today?"

"Back to Zule's bookshop, possibly some foraging."

Belle didn't really know why he'd suddenly want to take up foraging when there were more than enough shops and market stalls around Ranga, but she'd certainly not turn down a trip back to the bookshop.

As the last bite of breakfast entered Belle's mouth, Rumple stood and headed out of the inn back to the bookshop with Belle forced to hurry after him chewing as she went. Mister Zule's shop was only a few streets over from the Teapot Inn, on what a metal sign bolted to a brick wall indicated was Honey Bear Land, so it didn't take very long to walk there. Just as it came into sight Belle found herself realizing just how many Watchers there were walking around.

"Is it safe for us to stay here? Won't Gaston come looking?"

"More than likely but we are in Dorovoth not Avonlea so your wanna-be king has no power here. Of course he'll plot something new. Whatever he comes up with, he still can't go marching troops in."

"Doesn't stop him hiring mercenaries or, heaven's forbid, the House of Red Coats."

Rumple came to a dead stop in the street only a few steps from Mister Zule's purple door and let his head fall to the side questioningly.

"What in the Enchanted Forest is the House of Red Coats?"

"… a guild of assassins."

Rumple sighed deeply. "Wonderful, this place has a guild for everything. Still, assassins are easily dealt with."

Apparently done with that topic, they entered the shop and Rumple walked right up to the counter where Mister Zule had been reading a tome while absent-mindedly stroking a hand through his beard.

"Your books on magic and potions, where are they?"

Having been a little taken aback by Rumple's quick demand, it took a second for the old man to answer.

"Em, I mostly stock fiction and history, but there are some at the very back down that row there." He gestured off to the right by a window and Rumple wasted no time wandered down there.

Belle smiled apologetically. "I'm sorry about him, sir, he hasn't slept."

"That's quite all right, young lady. Did you like the book your master bought you the other day?"

It was a little strange to hear people refer to Rumple as her master when he didn't and had insisted she didn't either; there wasn't any way of turning that assumption off though, not with the collar around her throat.

"Oh yes! Very much, I'm almost finished."

Mister Zule's eyebrows shot up. "Already? My, you are a quick reader."

Belle smiled softly. "I've always loved to read. I'm up to Velevonne currently."

"My lovely new granddaughter-in-law is from Worynheim. She has lots of stories to tell about Velevonne and the storms they get off the War Cry Sea. Wonderful girl, Anna is her name." There and then Belle decided she rather liked Rodrick Zule, he was just a friendly old man with a passion for literature, how could Belle not like him? "I have some other books on dragons if you're interested."

"Yes!" Belle lit up. "I'd be delighted."

As he rounded the counter, Mister Zule said: "Gives you something do do while your master browses."

Meanwhile, Rumple combed through the available books. He'd gotten a map and a method of making coin until he figured out how to spin gold again, he'd also gained a basic understanding of how Dreymyr's people functioned. It was Dreymyr's laws of magic that he lacked; he'd been up all night testing various spells to varying degrees of success – to be honest, picking up that pantherian with wind magic had been more luck than judgement – and it seemed only his elemental magic was accessible to him, that and his teleportation of course. Magic and potions were what he needed to study, the more he understood, the quicker he'd return to full power.

Rumple didn't so much as glance away from the various books until he heard Belle laugh distantly, couldn't help pausing to appreciate how lovely a sound it was. She'd taken to the enslavement collar rather well, any other princess would have still been crying, demanding and begging, but not Belle du Marchand it would seem. A strange princess by all accounts. 'A pretty princess' muttered his mind, but Rumple was quick to push that all away and returned to selecting tomes from the tiny herbalism section. He yanked one from its shelf and flicked through until demon lord root caught his eye; three pages speaking of how deadly it was and how to handle it, while a fourth held a beautiful illustration of the knotted black root itself.

With his stack of research material decided upon, Rumple took them back to the counter. Normally he sent Jefferson to acquire things for him or got them during his deals, but he doubted deals would be as easily stumbled upon in Dreymyr than in other realms, and besides, Mister Zule's shop was convenient.

The old man stood at his counter with Belle, the two of them chatting and hunched over a book. To be perfectly frank, seeing a princess treat a commoner with quite so much consideration and genuine kindness was an unusual sight. He'd been alive for hundreds of years and could count on one scaly hands the number of princesses who would have shown the same respect to anybody without a noble rank.

"Would you like paying for these books or are they free today?"

Mister Zule hopped to wrapping the book stack neatly in brown paper and twine while Rumple leaned against the counter and Belle closed the book she'd been looking at. Rumple might have been the Dark One but he didn't steal from honest people just trying to earn a living: he had no desire to recall the struggles of being a lame spinner, but those memories never went away.

"This comes to seventy coppers, sir."

Rumple handed over a silver coin and awaited the change which was easily hidden away inside his coin purse. When he glanced to his side Belle was gone, seemed she'd wandered over to a bookshelf by the other window to stare wantonly. The one he'd bought her the other day had indeed kept her rather peacefully quiet, that had been a boon.

"Well pick one already then, Belle." She actually startled that time. "We don't have all day."

"Are you sure?"

His silence was apparently all it took to encourage her, and Belle soon selected a book bound in a brown leather so dark it was almost black. As soon as Belle set it on the counter Mister Zule wrapped it up just as he had with Rumple's books.

"That's another seven coppers."

It was only when the demon lord placed the handful of coins down on the counter that Belle realized she actually had very little understanding of how much things cost in the real world. She'd told Rumple that six coppers for their evening meal was a reasonable price, but she didn't actually know that, she'd based her conclusion on a novel she'd read a few weeks back where the main character had been charged five coppers for a meal. At home there had always been food provided for her, she'd never paid for it. Yes, her mother had always insisted on food being sent to the poor along with medical care and Belle had continued after Queen Colette's death, but she'd never really needed to know the price of all of it. She shook those thoughts from her mind, Rumple had to learn about Dreymyr so Belle could damn well learn more about currency and how regular people used it.

With a wave of his hand the books vanished back to the inn and Mister Zule gasped then quickly pushed his glasses back up his long nose.

"You can move objects? You really do have a gold rank like the lady said."

Rumple fished his chain out from his shirt and flashed it with a smirk. "Double."

If everyone in Dreymyr and their dog insisted on having titles and classifications, Rumple would flaunt his for nothing more than his own amusement.

"Very impressive, sir."

"Hmm." He slipped an arm around Belle's waist. "Come along, things to do."

Belle managed to throw a goodbye over her shoulder just before the shop's door closed behind them. On the way back to the inn they passed by a street performer who had puppets dancing around a stage for the delight of children, and Belle couldn't help being reminded of her eighth birthday when her father had brought performers of all kinds to entertain her and her friends. Back at the inn, Rumple investigated his purchases, Belle stared out the little window as more performers began to gather for what Missus Potts had told her was the start of Ranga's monthly fair. A fair which had been started by the Weiss family who'd wished to soften Ranga's public appearance after the Adventurers Guild had constructed their headquarters there. Travelling entertainers would be sure to pass through Ranga for the occasion to entertain the children and pocket some coin between fancy parties for nobles and rich merchants.

"Go watch it all." Belle glanced to the Dark One curiously. "I'm going to be studying the new books, so go do as you please."

"But I have to stay close." She brushed her fingers against her collar as if he'd somehow forgotten about it.

"I tested that while you were asleep. I know that you can get as far as the bakery down the street and the butchers up the street, venture further at your own risk. Go see the puppets or whatever is going on out there." Ten copper coins were set on the small desk in a neat stack then, all glinted in that dull way copper did. "There you go, entertain yourself."

Belle wasn't simple, actually rather intelligent, so she knew Rumple was just getting rid of her so he could examine his books uninterrupted, but it was still nice of him to let her go. Her father had always kept her separate from the public for propriety's sake, Gaston had kept her locked up in the castle because he thought her an object he could treat as he pleased. Rumple however, the demon lord who she was literally forced to obey, allowed her freedom and treated her like a person. He treated her well in a begrudging sort of way and certainly wasn't evil. Had he been evil, he'd have undoubtedly used her to sate each of his filthy whims. The word Belle thought of most when she looked at the First Demon Lord was … lonely. As a child she'd read every book about demon lords she could get her tiny hands on, they were horror stories but Belle had liked the fright. Maybe she'd been a weird kid after all. There was no point dwelling on any of that though so, with a smile, she took the copper coins and rested her hand on his arm for what must have been the third time that day.

"Thank you. I won't go too far, promise."

Outside, Belle slowly made her way through the growing crowd and stalls, a much easier task in her new outfit. Children giggled while their parents chatted and vendors peddled there wares. A wonderful scent of freshly baked apples had filled the street since she and Rumple had returned to the inn and Belle hoped she found the stall selling it soon. However, her search for sweet treats got interrupted when she spotted a puppet act telling the tale of Antosha's Merry Adventurers: a fairy tale about a gold-ranked adventurer and his party who'd slayed the last basilisk, a story Belle's mother had read to her as a child. Nobody in Ranga had the first clue who Belle was and she found the anonymity was almost soothing. As she watched nobody looked at her strangely; it was nice not to be a princess for a while. She'd not forgotten the turmoil Avonlea had been left in, her father's odd behavior, her brother's illness, and she knew it would all get worse as long as Gaston and Tvon had her father's ear. Rumpelstiltskin had promised his aid though, and she believed he'd save her family and her people. Still, to not be a royal for a brief time did wonders to lift the weight off her shoulders.

She watched the cheerful heroic display the puppets put up while a calico half-pantherian told the story and, just for a short while, forgot about everything, even the collar around her throat. For the length of that story she was just an girl like any other, and all that mattered in the world was stories and childish things. Eventually though, that moment ended and another began. Once the half-pantherian had finished and the puppeteer had gotten his characters to bow, Belle had clapped politely then dispersed with everybody else to go in search of those apples. Blue eyes purer than any ocean peered at this and that as she wandered the stalls, some had jewelry and knick-knacks while others sold food – she never did find the source of the sweet apple scent unfortunately – there was even a man selling amulets.

Belle ground to an abrupt halt when the stones of her collar started to grow green and she quickly shuffled backward until it stopped. Sure enough, when she looked to her left, Belle found the butcher Rumple had mentioned. It seemed the rest of the monthly fair was off limits to Belle. Having bumped into her invisible boundary, Belle refused to become upset and simply made her way back through the stalls until a man selling small bags of hard candy caught her attention and, since she'd never found the apple seller, she decided the candy would serve as her sweet treat. The man had got all the candy lined up in glass jars all nice and neat so people could choose what they wanted; a rainbow of options. In the end she chose two of what the chalkboard sign said were 'regular' sized bags filled with a mix of orange, strawberry, grape and cherry candies – though most of the bag was made up of just the orange and cherry ones – and handed over four copper coins as payment: two coins for each bag. As she walked, Belle helped herself a to a taste of the tiny dark red candy and a flood of cherry washed over her tongue, a treat indeed.

Only when one of the bags of candy was mostly empty and the puppet show had run out of stories to tell did Belle return to the Teapot Inn where she was greeted by Missus Potts precariously carrying a stack of dirty dishes. Princess or not, Belle couldn't watch the old woman struggle so insisted on helping her into the kitchen with them. Apparently the dinner rush had started rather early thanks to the fun going on outside.

"Thanks for your help, dear."

Belle smiled genuinely. "Of course, always happy to help."

"Where is that demon or yours? Haven't seen him since that ruckus at breakfast."

She wasn't entirely sure what to make of Missus Potts referring to Rumple as her demon, the slave collar meant she was more his than him hers, but, in the few seconds she allowed herself to think about it, Belle found the idea of him being her demon wasn't as repulsive as one would expect.

"He's up in the room, I think he's reading about herbs."

The old woman pushed her glasses up her nose and adjusted the white mobcap she wore. "Odd pastime."

Belle shrugged absent-mindedly. "I think he's just trying to understand Dreymyr better."

That had the older woman chuckle. "You make it sound like he's from a different world or something." When Belle didn't laugh Missus Potts expression grew serious and she pulled her further into the kitchen corner where nobody could hear them. "He's a very strange-looking demon, his skin's odd and he doesn't dress like anybody else I've seen. This morning you made out that he was joking but – do I have a demon lord in my inn? Tell me plainly, girl."

Unsure what else to do, Belle nodded and confessed. "Rumpelstiltskin is the Dark One. I've seen what he can do, he's a real demon lord." Missus Potts paled, stumbled backward and clung to a counter for support, so Belle hurried to calm the woman's fears. "He isn't going to hurt you, I promise! He isn't like the others, he's powerful but he isn't evil, he's not what the stories make out. Rumple is actually very kind to me, he's helped me."

"How can he be here?" Asked Missus Potts once she'd regained her composure. "He'd have to be thousands of years old."

"He's immortal, that's all I know about it. I promise you, he doesn't want to take over or destroy kingdoms. You've seen him, he isn't evil. Most of this morning was for show, I'm sure. Chief Commander Aalto with the Guild knows about him and she put her faith in him." That might have been stretching things a little but Belle needed to get her point across and avoid them being kicked out of the Teapot Inn.

The older woman raised a white eyebrow. "A demon lord is accepted as an adventurer by her? And … I suppose you're right, he did pay without complaint and the only problem he's caused seemed to be while defending you."

Tentatively, Belle started to relax because it looked like Missus Potts wouldn't be throwing them out or reporting them to the Church so they could send the Knightly Order in with murderous intent.

"Please believe me when I say he won't hurt anyone here – well, unless they're trying to kill him or myself. I swear he isn't like the tales say."

"I believe you, dear." She looked Belle up and down as if assessing something a moment. "You're more than just his slave as well, aren't you? Your hair and skin are too nice to be a low-born, and we all saw that fancy dress of yours. I'm not normally one to pry, dear, so I won't force you. If you say that Rumpelstiltskin is the Dark One then I shall believe you. He's a strange man and I believe on judging people based on their actions, not what others allege. I have my faith, but I've always had doubts about those that run the Church and how they treat the demi-humans; especially after my sister married a grasswalker." She pushed her glasses up her nose yet again. "The pair of you can stay."

"As long as he behaves?"

Missus Potts chuckled. "That's about the sum of it."

They spoke for a few more moments and Missus Potts lay down some pretty strict ground rules. In reality Missus Potts wouldn't stand a chance were she to pick a fight with Rumple, but the feistiness and determination in her eyes had Belle wonder if Missus Potts knew that.

Feeling as though she'd just dodged an explosive, Belle returned upstairs to the room slowly, floorboards creaked and the sound of people outside crept in through an open window on the stairs. As soon as she pushed the door open Belle regretted it due to the pungent, foul stench that had permeated the room. She coughed terribly as she rushed to the window to pushed it open so the room could vent.

"How are you not unconscious?" Asked the girl of eighteen as she wafted a hand in front of her nose. "It smells terrible in here."

Rumple didn't bother looking up from his work at the desk; books lay open on various pages and he'd managed to scrounge up a small bowl and numerous glass vials – probably last night while she'd slept – that now stood in neat rows filled with potions of several colors; for a moment she was reminded of the candy jars back at the stall.

"Have you been making potions all day?"

"Yes." He replied unhelpfully.

"Why?"

With a dramatic sigh he fell back in his chair and finally gazed up at her. "Because I may be immortal but you clearly are not and that collar means I can't just leave you here, you have to come with me." Rumple thrust a finger down at the potions. "If you have these, then you can heal yourself and protect yourself while I'm occupied."

Belle's irritated expression softened at that. Yes, he'd made out she was a burden, but he'd gone to the trouble of protecting her despite his magic being faulty. At least one of those colorful concoctions was a healing potion and he'd made it for her and her alone. This man truly wasn't a monster, the Church didn't know what it was talking about. With a gentle smile she perched on the desk's corner, one of the few spots not covered in potion vials or books, and pointed to one of the vials. "What does the blue-y one do?"

"It's so you can cause a distraction. According to these books, Dwarf's Breath is a poison, but I found I could use it to make a cloud of smoke that will have people fighting each other instead of attacking you." Those unusual eyes of his fixed on Belle then for a moment seriously. "Don't breath it in yourself."

She rolled her eyes. "I'll do my best."

Rumple just let out an indecipherable noise and got back to work. Where he'd gotten all the ingredients was a mystery since he couldn't make it to the apothecary without punishing Belle, but, if she had to guess, Belle would assume he'd sent Chip out with a list and a promise of coin: her mother hadn't called her 'wise as the Jade' for nothing.

For a great many moments Belle watched him work, watched the intensity of it, the way nothing seemed to distract him. She suspected this potion crafting was mostly what he did in that castle of his, that he sat brooding and making things from sun up to sun down like a hermit. A lonely hermit: there was that word again.

The sun would start to set soon and the excitement outside had already started to die down, shortly another day with a demon lord would come to an end and Belle honestly wasn't sure if their deal was any closer to being complete or not. Suddenly she remembered the spare coins so set them down on the desk in Rumple's line of sight.

"I'm not a tax man, Belle, nor am I your controlling husband. Keep your coin."

Belle didn't want to start a conversation on that topic so she simply put the coins back in her little coin pouch and placed the second candy bag down instead.

"I brought you something." He side-eyed the bag. "Thought you might like something sweet."

Instead of thanking her or even refusing them, he simply ignored her small gift entirely. "Go ask the old woman about getting a bath ready. We'll be taking another quest tomorrow, so bathe while you can."

Belle huffed in that way only a teenager was capable of because it wasn't as though she smelt. Her last bath had been several days ago but it had been at Kalecaster Castle in St. Claes with scented oils and delicate soaps. This was another way for him to rid himself of her for a short while so he could work alone. 'Not evil, but he isn't half rude.' grumbled her mind as she made her way downstairs to speak with Chip about getting a bath ready since his mother was busy in the kitchen.

Meanwhile, Rumpelstiltskin paused in his potion crafting and stretched almost obscenely allowing bones to crack and pop, that was when he finally took proper notice of the candy Belle had gifted him with. He couldn't recall the last time someone had given him a present – a proper one, not one of Regina's so-called gifts carefully engineered to hurt him. He remembered, once upon a time, he'd gotten Bae a bag for his birthday: had really pushed to make enough thread and twine to afford it. Back when he'd just been a spinner it had seemed like so much money, but Bae had been so happy and that boy's smile had fueled his soul. Bae was lost to Rumple now though, that was why he had to find a way out of Dreymyr and back to the Enchanted Forest, he'd have Regina cast the curse then finally find his son and make everything right again.

Belle returned much too soon for the Dark One's liking muttering something about Chip preparing hot water for her bath. He'd gone through the small selection of ingredients Chip had procured for him earlier, so explained to Belle he'd take a quick trip back to the apothecary while she bathed.

"But we'll be too far apart."

"Nonsense, I've been once today. The apothecary might look some distance away up a hill, but if you look at it on a map, it's basically behind the inn. Don't fret, Belle, you're fine."

He didn't wait for further comment, just poofed out of the room leaving Belle alone. Looked as though he hadn't sent Chip to the apothecary on his behalf after all. Avonlea's princess sighed because as much as he could annoy her, she had grown rather fond of him in such a small period of time.

Chapter Text

The apothecary had been quick to sell Rumple everything he'd asked for, then he'd just lingered in the shadows to watch the denizens of Ranga to give Belle as much privacy as possible. He'd seen so many odd sights in his long life, but the elves, pantherians and grasswalkers truly were unique; had he not been trapped in Dreymyr, Rumple would have rather enjoyed studying the place. It was a shame Bae wouldn't ever see Dreymyr, he'd had loved living amongst demi-humans with fluffy tails and ears.

Everything was so different compared to the Enchanted Forest, the architecture was similar but that was about it. The biggest oddity was that he could stand in the street without instantly being feared, hated, set upon by brave heroes or begged for deals. In himself Rumple felt different too, like a crushing weight that had been clinging to his soul was gone and for the life of him he didn't know why. in Ranga he was just a person instead of a beast – or at least he was until they found out he was the Dark One. Everybody in this strange realm had heard of the Dark One, called him the first of the demon lords, but Rumple hadn't ever been there before, had to have been a previous Dark One; and that meant there was a way to return home.

His predecessor must have gotten control of their magic again, figured out how to play by Dreymyr's magic laws. Teleportation functioned just as it always had, he could move himself and objects to anywhere he'd been before or anywhere in his line of sight. His immortality continued to function and heal him and, so far, he could create fire and extract one substance from another like he had with the dirt in Belle's gown. From what he'd gathered in the books he'd bought from Rodrick Zule, Dreymyr's magic was all elemental based and anything outside of those core elements was deemed to be dark magic. In most realms, magic was just magic, it was intent that made it into different things, but in this new realm he'd been summoned to they had a much more ridged structure to define it all. That was fine, Rumple had been the Dark One longer than any other, he'd designed and built many a spell in his time, he'd master Dreymyr's magic and swell his power again.

Rumple finally returned to the inn room about two hours after he'd left, he'd wanted to return much sooner but hadn't wished to interrupt Belle while she bathed: she surely wouldn't have wanted a monster like him looking at her in such a state of undress. He suspected her name suited her in every way possible though; beautiful skin, beautiful hair and eyes, a beautiful figure if the hint he'd seen under her chemise that morning had been anything to go by. No, certainly not a sight for the likes of him. Belle probably wanted their deal to be concluded as quickly as possible so she could find some noble and handsome prince deserving of her beauty and intellect. And why wouldn't she, he'd only known her a few days and could already see just how much genuine goodness was inside her. He shook his head not wanting to think of such things and dumped his hessian sack of ingredients down on the cluttered desk and started to pull items out as Chip let out a yelp at Rumple's sudden appearance.

"Oh Drazva!" He cried as Rumple spun around to see the man had been trying to haul the bathtub out of their room while Belle read quietly.

"No, dearie, Rumpelstiltskin." He giggled. "For the sake of getting you out of my room, where does this bathtub go?"

Chip's brow furrowed deeply a moment, but finally he gestured behind him to the open doorway as if that was helpful. "Em, in the storage room at the end o' the hall."

"Which end?" Chip gestured again, this time more helpfully to the left and Rumple waved his hand which caught the wooden bathtub to disappear. "It's down the hall, I trust you can take it from there. Goodbye, dearie." He said dismissively and Chip thankfully took the hint and left closing the door behind him.

Belle rested her finger in her book to keep her place. "You could be nicer to people, you know."

Rumple's mind muttered: 'well, she really isn't afraid of me any longer'. "I moved the bath for him, that was nice."

"You did that for you, not him."

He shrugged uncaring. "Same thing. Enjoying your book?"

As expected that got Belle's beautiful face to light up and distracted her from whatever chastising she had been in the middle of attempting.

"Very much, thank you. I had a wonderful conversation with Mister Zule while you were making your selection. He's a nice man, very knowledgeable." Blue eyes glanced to the sack of ingredients on the desk. "Will you be sleeping tonight or are you intending to sit at that desk until dawn again?"

Before any sarcastic comment could slip from Rumple's lips, a knock sounded at the door and Missus Potts poked her head in hesitantly.

"Forgive the intrusion, Milord, but Chip said you'd returned." Later Rumple would question where the 'milord' had suddenly come from. "I thought you'd like some stew."

After only a second of eyeing it, he took the bowl and it smelt just as heavenly as everything else she'd served them – except the tea, that had been awful. Pleased Rumple hadn't snapped at her, Missus Potts headed back downstairs and Rumple turned to face Belle at the foot of the bed.

"Have you eaten?"

Belle nodded. "Yes, I went for a quick meal after my bath."

Apparently happy with that answer, he shoved some of the clutter out the way and sat down at the desk to eat his stew: thick gravy and soft vegetables, Missus Potts really could cook. For a time Belle watched him and Rumple did his very best to pretend he'd not noticed. What she pondered he had no idea but he couldn't sense any malice in her gaze, 'probably just curious about the beast' said that dark part of his mind his curse had twisted and turned into a savage abyss.

It was only when the wooden spoon clattered into an empty bowl and golden-green hands reached for one of the many tomes that Belle's lyrical voice broke the quietude between them.

"You need to sleep." Rumple shrugged off her concerns but Belle didn't back down. "If you stay awake then so shall I."

"That's idiotic."

"And yet is what will happen. If we are questing tomorrow you shall need all your energy, so please sleep. For my sanity if not your own." Rumple just glared at her because how dare she show concern for his well-being?! "Please?"

Normally he'd have wanted to snap out some nasty comment, something cruel designed to make her hate him and leave him be, but it didn't come. The savage abyss was oddly quiet and Rumple found her sweet, pleading eyes impossible to deny.

"Fine." He grumbled. "Annoying little princess."

He had intended to just settle down on the floor, he'd spent years as a spinner doing just that so he was no newcomer to the idea, but Belle surprised him by pulling back the covers beside her.

"Come along, you can't sleep on the floor. I trust you."

Rumple snorted. "A very stupid mistake."

"Actually, I don't think it is."

"You're very opinionated all of a sudden."

"Well," began Belle with a small shrug. "I've realized that not only are you not a monster, you're also a good man."

"Another stupid mistake."

"I doubt it." She pointed insistently at the bed. "Please just get in the damn bed so I can go to sleep." Sensing no end to this argument if he didn't do as she commanded – odd since he was the slave master in the room - Rumple perched on the bed's edge. "Take off your boots, and that coat. The vest as well, or you'll not be comfortable."

Rumple just looked at her questioningly. "Since when were you my mother?"

"Since you clearly need someone to point out the basics." She shot back without a single shred of fear for addressing the dreaded Dark One in such a way.

For the smallest of moments she thought he'd bark out a complaint at her or storm over to the desk simply to spite her, but then he removed his coat and vest which he dropped onto the nightstand and dumped his boots on the floor. He insisted on laying on top of the covers instead of under them like Belle had originally intended, but she let him have that one and blew out the candle she'd been using to read after placing her book down with all the care in the world. The princess bid him goodnight but she only got a quiet grumble from him in response as he lay there on his back staring up at the ceiling. Slowly, Belle drifted off to sleep but Rumple wasn't so fortunate, never was. He slept as little was was physically possible to keep the memories away and, without his wheel to help him forget, they'd come for him in full force inside his dreams: he'd see the day he'd betrayed his word to Bae and lost everything he loved, he'd see Milah, Hook and the villagers laughing at him in the tavern, he'd see the moment the last bit of innocence died inside Regina because he regretted that, too. When he was sure the princess slept, Rumple dared to glance at her through the darkness, so pretty and delicate but unfazed at sleeping beside a monster. She'd insisted he wasn't one but clearly that was just the believes of a naïve girl who was far too kind; and desperate, she had made a deal to save her brother, father and kingdom after all. Of course Rumpelstiltskin was a monster, he'd essentially kidnapped her. Those dark eyes of his found the candy she'd gifted him still on the desk then; maybe Belle du Marchand was too naïve or trusting, but he liked her and it had been a very long time since he'd genuinely enjoyed somebody's company.

~X~

Belle discovered extremely quickly the next day that when Rumple had told her they'd be taking another quest, he'd really meant he wanted to test the new potions he'd prepared. That was how they'd ended up accepting a bandit quest on the Trade Road between the Gorasitz at the base of the Spikes and Locheart. In Belle's opinion just making it to that stretch of the Trade Road had been a quest in itself; sure, Rumple's spacial magic made their journey take the quarter of the time it would have by waggon, but when they'd arrived at the Dravenhyde trade post she'd thought the alarm they'd caused would start a fight.

There had been steadily increasing trouble with a bandit gang for months now which had started to affect trade, so the Merchants Guild had put out a quest with the adventurers and Rumple had taken up the mantle since he'd seen bandits as the perfect guinea pigs for the potions. Belle was just enjoying her chance at adventure, even if it was because Gaston LeGume had decided to attempt taking over the kingdoms starting with Avonlea.

He'd used magic to get them as close as he possibly could to the last reports of bandit attacks, which was closer to Gorasitz than expected, but with no idea where the bandits had made their home, walking the road and watching was kind of their only option. Rumple's intention seemed to be having them look like an easy target but nobody took the bait. Waggons passed them now and then all loaded up with cargo and as many adventurers as they could fit: security for the area really had shot up. About an hour after they'd started walking the road to Locheart, Belle's feet were screaming bloody murder at her – princesses weren't used to walking so long – and a smaller waggon rolled to a stop just ahead of them. It was packed with several smaller crates branded with a crest Belle recognized as that of Arkadius Deem, meaning they'd originated in Huntington, Avonlea. The horse was speckled and probably a little old to still be pulling a wagon, but she looked well cared for and fed. An older demon sat at the reigns, his white beard a stark contrast to his slate-colored skin, and, despite his age, he was limber and tall. Beside him sat a girl of maybe eight munching on a shiny red apple; Belle couldn't help smiling at her.

"Greetings!" Began the older man with a small wave of his large hand. "I'm Fabius Hume and the little one is my granddaughter, Karita." He nudged the girl with his elbow. "Say hello, Karita."

"Hello." She said happily, lips coated in apple juice.

This was the first time Rumple had seen any of the demons in Dreymyr and he could understand why folk had assumed him to be one. The gray skin was somewhat reminiscent of his own golden-green flesh and their black eyes did have a slightly unnerving quality much like Rumple's peculiar eyes did: other than those few things, Rumple didn't think the demons and the Dark One looked alike at all. Yes, he'd been labelled a demon simply because it was the easiest association for people to make.

"You're adventurers, right?" Asked Fabius and Rumple nodded. "Ah perfect! I've been hearing tales of bandits since I reached Gorasitz and I have a lot of merchandise that has to make it to Locheart intact. I'll let you travel in the wagon in exchange for you guarding us and the cargo." Fabius worried a hand through his white beard. "I'm afraid I don't have much else to offer you, certainly not enough to hire you properly or I would have while still in the capital."

While Belle would have been happy to hop in and accept the Hume's kindness, Rumple was a dealmaker and valued information above coin. She could practically feel him plotting away while Fabius and his granddaughter awaited their answer.

"Do you travel the Trade Road often?" Rumple eventually questioned.

"All the time, this is my job."

"All right, then I'll make you a deal. We shall ride with you to the city and defend your wagon, horse and granddaughter as asked. In exchange, you will tell me everything you know about the Trade Road including it's history and things you've heard while travelling."

Part of Belle wanted to remind him they'd accepted a guild quest, but something told her Rumple had filtered that into a task he'd get around to eventually.

"Odd request, but if that is your only price then I happily agree." He slapped a hand on the wagon in what he must have thought was an inviting gesture. "Hop in. Mabel is an old girl but she's dependable, we'll be there in no time."

So the two climbed in the back, Rumple even offered Belle a hand like a gentleman, and sat themselves down atop two of the larger crates comfortably. When Karita turned around in her seat to look at them properly she asked who they were and Belle was quick to apologize to the Humes introducing themselves and asking they forgive Rumple's rudeness and lack of people skills.

For the next couple of hours Rumple and Fabius discussed the Trade Road in depth while Belle played happily with little Karita. A charming little girl filled with life and giggles and Belle almost wanted to keep the cute child, her brother Lorrimer surely would have adored a playmate. Thinking of her sweet little brother forced Belle's happy mood to something more melancholic. The poor boy had been sickly since birth, often bedridden and physicians suspected he'd not live to adulthood. Back when her mother had been pregnant with him, Belle had been excited to be a big sister, with an eight year difference she was meant to be his wise protector, but Belle didn't know how to protect him from his own weak body any better now than she did then. The most Belle had ever been able to do for Lorrimer was read to him in bed, sneak him sweet treats from the kitchens and keep him company since he had no friends. With her in Dorovoth magically tethered to the Dark One and Gaston holding Lorrimer hostage to keep Belle in line, there was nobody to keep him company any longer.

Suddenly screams and shouts sounded as bandits rushed out from their hiding spots on either side of the road and Belle startled out of her inner thoughts: she'd almost forgotten about the bandits all together. Mabel reared up causing the waggon to come to an abrupt halt and the cargo to clank together dangerously. There were easily twenty bandits of various species, mostly human, charging toward them with weapons drawn and murderous intent in their eyes. Karita screamed as Rumple hopped out the wagon, normally he'd have just set them all flying with a single flamboyant gesture or turned the lot of them into slugs for daring to threaten him – and more to the point, a child. Slugs wouldn't be in his repertoire for some time yet, so he concentrated on air as his elemental focus and used it to launch half the bandits backwards with a gust of wind.

"Blue-white one." He said in Belle's direction so she fished out the corresponding potion from the small satchel Rumple had put all the potions in for her. "There."

Quickly she tossed it where Rumple pointed, into the group of bandits pushing themselves back to their feet. The glass shattered on impact releasing a dense puff of smoke that caused the bandits to cough then pause. It was what happened after that brief pause though that caused Belle's eyes to widen, instead of continuing to the wagon they began to attack one another in a frenzy. Surprised by just how quickly the potion had taken effect, Belle grabbed Karita and pulled her close while Fabius did his best to calm Mabel the mare.

Please with the results of his potion, Rumple turned his attention to the rest of the bandits who were mostly focused on stealing whatever they could and bludgeoning the shit out of anybody who dared get in their way. Idiot bandits didn't know who they'd picked a fight with, even with his magic restricted they stood no chance against him. A pantherian missing his right ear swung an axe at Rumple but he dodged it easily; the coward wasn't afraid when he knew he'd win. Over his head Belle threw another blue-white potion into a cluster of bandits who quickly started to fight amongst themselves as the others had.

"Rumple! There's more!" She jumped down from the wagon and rushed to the Dark One's side.

Later he'd realize that was the first time she called him by his nickname, but in that moment he just spun around to see yet more bandits: the damn things seemed unending. He shouted for her to toss one of the red potion vials and, as with the others, a puff of smoke burst for, though this one lingered and, as soon as it was breathed in, the bandits collapsed having been put to sleep. Belle decided there and then she much preferred the red potion to the blue-white one, it was much less violent.

From behind the pair a scream sounded, the sharp and panicked sound of a scared child. They spun around just in time to see a scarred, muscular bandit kick Fabius from the wagon and haul Karita into the grass by her green dress. A sick grin coated the muscular man's face, the sort of smile only the sickest of perverted individuals flashed at children, as he forced Karita's skirt up her legs while she kicked and screamed.

Belle didn't even notice Rumple had used his teleportation ability until he was already behind the bandit, then, in one smooth and rage induced motion, Rumple thrust his hand into the man's chest and ripped out his heart while it still beat. The bandit collapsed to the side and Rumple stared at the dripping heart in his hand; apparently magically removing hearts was another thing that couldn't be done in Dreymyr.

Belle gulped, she'd never seen so much rage inside a man and, for the first time, it was clear to Belle just how powerful the Dark One truly was. She'd seen him playing nice, she'd seen him research and eat his meals, but until that moment she'd not seen the immense omnipotence that had earned him the rightful title of First Demon Lord. Rumpelstiltskin could have destroyed the realm if the mood took him and, unlike the other three demon lords, he'd succeed. So much hate should have caused him to explode but, as he dropped the heart and tugged Karita's dress back down, Belle reaffirmed that he wasn't evil. These were the Dark One's true colors; a dangerous man with unrivalled power, but ultimately he was just a man protecting a innocent child.

The sight of one of their strongest having his heart ripped out was enough to have the surviving bandits running away in terror before they suffered the same fate and Rumple was content to let them go, he'd find their hideout soon enough. Fabius pushed himself up from the muddy grass and rushed to pull his granddaughter into his arms while she cried quietly and Rumple glanced around for a breathing bandit, he found one trying to scurry after taking an mace to his kneecap.

"How far is it to Locheart?" He asked Fabius without taking his eyes from the injured bandit.

"… Not far, it's literally over the next hill."

"Go on ahead." Rumple insisted and even helped the old man to his feet while Belle did the same with a red-faced Karita. "I have a quest to finish."

Only a little reluctantly did Fabius load his granddaughter back onto the wagon and head off with Mabel walking a little faster than before. Belle smiled and waved comfortingly at Karita until they were almost out of sight, but Rumple had already gabbed the last bandit and spun him around onto his back. It was almost comical to watch the bandit try to melt into the earth to escape Rumple when he crouched down, a deadly expression on his scaled face.

"Paying attention, dearie?"

"Are- are you Drazva's messenger?"

"Far from it." Rumple snorted savagely. "Now, where is your camp?"

"I can't tell you. Kerr will kill me."

Rumple giggled manically and for the life of her, Belle didn't know what to do. Rumple clearly intended to torture this man into giving up the bandit camp and such a thing repulsed Belle, but these people had been harassing, stealing from and killing innocence for months. Screams erupted from the injured man when Rumple pressed on his crushed kneecap.

"He's not going to get chance to kill you, dearie, because I am. Tell me where the camp is and I'll make it quick, refuse and I'll take a leaf out of Doctor Frankenstein's book and dissect you."

Belle dropped to her knees by the Dark One and stared at him pleadingly. "You don't have to do this, maybe we could track the others back to their camp instead of torturing hi-"

"Oh sweet Drazva, you glow so heavenly."

The princess and demon lord lifted eyebrows as they stared down at the bandit, he was deathly pale and clearly had lost more blood than they'd assumed. A thought occurred to Rumple then, the potion that caused them to attack one another contained a hallucinogenic, so maybe this man truly did believe Belle to be his goddess as he died.

Rumple shrugged and went along with it. "Sure she does, she's very beautiful, lots of glowing. Where is your camp? She'd like to know, wouldn't you, Drazva?"

"Hmm? Oh, yes, I'd like to know."

The dying man smiled. "North east in the forest."

"How far?" Demanded Rumple impatiently. "Tell your goddess."

"Three miles, give or take."

"Lovely." He rose to his full height, helped Belle up then started towards the small forest they'd passed not long ago. "Enjoy being dead."

Belle was outraged. "We can't just leave him here like this!

"Can't we? What do you think his friend was going to do to Karita? Complement her dress?"

Belle faltered but didn't give up. "Well, no, but-"

"Belle," he sighed. "I'm the Dark One, I'm not a good person. He's not good either, how many merchants, travellers and adventurers do you think he's killed for little more than amusement and whatever coin was in their purse?" He sighed again. "You have a good heart, Princess, please do not waste it on the likes of him."

"I take your point, but I can't just leave a man to die on his own. The quest criteria said we could capture them."

"And you want me to send him to the Guild." It was no secret he felt different since being summoned to Dreymyr, maybe that was what had him agree and send the man off for Maylea to deal with. "Fine."

One of the healing potions Rumple had made was carefully poured into the bandit's mouth once Belle had fished it out her satchel, then, with a wave of his hand, the man was gone and Belle rewarded him with a gentle smile that actually warmed Rumple's dark heart: he'd not lied when he'd said she was beautiful. Having gotten her way, there were no more objections and the pair headed into the small forest pleased that this one was significantly better lit than Bear Forest had been.

As they walked Belle thought more about the potions he'd concocted: four in total. The blue-white one was clearly a distraction, made people fight amongst themselves long enough to either put an end to the threat or escape. Red was a similar idea but could be used to quickly subdue a person as well. The green potion was a healing potion, and a damn strong one at that, while the black one was a horrible poison and clearly to be used as a last resort. He'd made them especially for Belle and, even though she'd not liked watching the chaos they caused, Belle had to admit they were useful and would indeed protect her and those around her. They'd not been made for coin or acclaim, just to keep her safe. Belle wasn't a killer so she appreciated the non-lethal options. He'd told her he wasn't a good man, but Belle just kept seeing reasons to doubt that.

After quite some time of slowly moving through the woods, Rumple had managed to track some of the wounded bandits back to their encampment. Most of them were in rough shape after daring to attack a waggon the First Demon Lord was on, but the able-bodied ones had gone on high alert so the pair clung to the trees out of sight. Rumple's head fell to one side when he noticed the large cage with a too-large creature stuffed inside.

"What in the Enchanted Forest is that?"

"It's a linaelor, related to dragons and dragonlings, but I don't see why it's here. Those things live under ground and they're savage."

Rumple let out a little hum. "Let's see what happens when I let it out."

Before Belle could object, Rumple had moved from tree to cage, ripped the padlock off and returned to the tree. The metal cage swung open and all hell broke loose, the beast roared as bandits attacked with swords and bows. They were ploughed out the way as though they were little more than children's dolls while magic users launched a volley of ice shards and used vines to try pinning it back down, the linaelor resisted though and soon started slamming its front legs into the ground to tunnel away leaving destruction in its wake.

"Well, that worked nicely."

Didn't take long for Rumple to track down Kerr the bandit leader after that. Most had tried to flee the linaelor into the forest while others had been knocked out by Belle's red potion, and, after a man half his height had pinned Kerr to a tree so hard the bark had cracked, he was not inclined to resist being apprehended despite how much he wanted to. Having gotten used to using his magic to have the air move objects for him instead of simply having the magic do it, Rumple pulled one of the crates they'd stolen over to them and used the same air pressure to force Kerr inside. A note was quickly written, slammed on the lid and then the crate was sent off to Maylea just as the bandit Belle had healed had been. Their quest was complete and he'd collect his reward later.

"Now that's over, care to join me on the final leg to Locheart?" He offered Belle his arm and a flamboyant smile that just came off as smug. "I'd like to investigate the city."

Of course it wasn't as if Belle could actually refuse him since the collar forced them together, but she still chuckled at his dramatic display and took his arm with a polite 'thank you, sir' before Rumple poofed them back to where the wagon had been attacked so they could continue on to the city. Locheart was a new experience for both Belle and Rumple since neither had ever been before and the walk did wonders to take Belle's mind off of what had happened at the bandit camp. Had she been a stronger tamer she'd surely have been more use, would have been able to control the linaelor, but instead she'd just stood there staring as it caused chaos and Rumple rounded up survivors: she guessed she should have been grateful he'd not attempted any further torture.

Slowly the city walls came into view and Rumple's steps faltered when he saw the thick walls that encompassed the hexagonal city, they looked thick enough to withstand a dragon's worst rampage. Were one to look down from the sky, they'd see Locheart separated into six sections with a vast market in the very centre bustling and filled with all manner of goods from across the kingdoms thanks to the extensive Trade Road turning Locheart into a nexus of trade. He'd travelled to hundreds of places in his long life, seen all kinds of architecture and aesthetics, but Locheart was by far one of the largest cities he'd ever seen. They'd passed through Gorasitz on their way, but even the capital hadn't been so … alive. Just another thing Bae would have loved to see.

The closer they got to the city gate, the louder the hubbub became; wagons went in loaded almost to breaking point and left loaded with totally different cargo precariously packed, and the scent of fresh bread wafted through the streets and over to the city's main gate like a tease. Just as in Ranga they were taxed to enter, five coppers each, one more than before, but Rumple didn't bother arguing since it would do little more than waste time. Coins were handed over in exchange for another wooden token, then Belle and Rumple were free to wander the streets.

Belle's feet still hurt and Rumple almost giggled when he heard her stomach rumble a few times, so he bought two honey cakes from one of the stalls and let Belle perch on a bench while they ate. The sweetness and heavenly scent had Belle moan quietly in delight and Rumple pretended he'd not enjoyed the sound: pretended he'd not missed having company as well. They'd had a busy day and completed a rudimentary quest, she deserved a treat. Belle deserved to see something other than violence and death, death was normal to him but Belle still had innocence that shouldn't have been stripped away from her. The princess hadn't asked for their situation any more than Rumple had; he'd promised to get that enslavement collar off her though and he'd keep his word. While travelling in the wagon, Fabius Hume had mentioned a large bookshop in Locheart that Rumple wanted to take Belle to, wanted to see her face light up and those stunning polished sapphires of hers glow.

Sure enough when they entered the shop, Belle had almost been overcome with happiness. She'd forgotten entirely about the horrors they'd seen with the bandits and just ecstatically moved through the bookshelves while Rumple had looked through the store's magical selection. The place was much larger than Rodrick Zule's little shop but that was kind of the point. Soon he was done, had selected two new elemental guides and one on potions that he suspected would help him make the potions he'd given Belle even more potent.

"We're done here." He told her as soon as he spotted her in the shadow of a rather large mountain of books.

"Oh, all right." She showed him the book she held. "Em, may I have this, please?" It's cheep, only six coppers."

Rumple cocked an eyebrow because meek didn't suit her. "You did help with the bandits earlier so I think you earned it. From what I've gathered from the Guild, everybody in the party is entitled to an equal share of the quest reward. You're part of the party so you should get your share." Rumple was many things, most of them horrible, but he'd always been fair.

It was Belle's turn to lift an eyebrow. "But I'm your slave."

"I've told you before I don't care about keeping women as my slaves. Spend your share on whatever you please: weapons, books, treats, anything your little princess-y heart desires."

"I don't actually need that much and you've been feeding me-"

Rumple cut her off. "Regardless, I make deals and, contrary to popular belief, they're equitable. I do what people want of me if they do what I ask of them, it's not my fault if they suddenly decide the price is too high after they've accepted and I've done my bit. They had a choice in their deals, you had no choice in wearing that collar."

In the end Rumple bought his books and the one Belle had asked for, something romantic set on the high seas. Quickly, they were sent back to their room at the Teapot Inn and Rumple made a mental note to collect the quest reward as soon as they returned to Ranga, the coin purse had started to feel a little light and frankly that was Rumple's fault; he'd not needed to conserve his coins since Bae was little and Rumple nothing more than a simple spinner.

"Thank you, Rumple. I'll think of you as the swashbuckler saves his beautiful maiden from the sea dragon."

He ignored her teasing and instead focused on the last word. "You got another book with dragons in it, I'm noticing a theme."

"I find them fascinating. I always have. As a child I fantasized about meeting one."

Rumple was less keen than the teenager. "In my experience dragons are all an annoying sorceress or more concerned with killing you so they could go back to sleep than anything else."

"You've seen dragons! Actual dragons?" Belle beamed.

"They're rare in my realm, most realms, but they do exist."

"Officially they're extinct, but there are rumors that the Cardinal Dragons still exist. One supposedly still lives at the top of Dragon Mountain in Avonlea. Lorrimer always wanted to go but … couldn't."

Yes, her sickly little brother still in the clutches of evil Gaston and Tvon. Helping Prince Lorrimer was part of their deal, they just had to find Jefferson first.

Adding a few new locations to Rumple's teleport list had been most of the reason Rumple had taken the quest to deal with the bandits, but he'd also wanted to see if he could scrounge up any information on where Jefferson had gone. Nobody in Ranga they'd asked knew anything about a strange human in a top hat.

Suddenly a rather burly man with hair like a golden mane bumped into Belle almost knocking her off her feet, only to bark out some half-mumbled insult. The dark part of Rumple's mind normally would have told him to kill, to snap the pathetic man's neck and be done with it, but that dark part stayed eerily quiet as he looped his arm with Belle's to keep her close. The evil might not have ordered him to murder the brute, but that didn't stop Rumple dishing out a small taste of karma. With a tiny wave of his hand, Rumple used what he'd learned about wind magic to knock the muscular man flat on his face which earned a bold giggle from all children who witnessed it, and small chuckles behind hands from the adults.

Belle swatted his arm in mock annoyance; her smirk gave away the fact she wasn't upset with him at all. "That was mean."

"Dark One, remember?"

It occurred to him then that he might have been immortal and had started to figure out Dreymyr's magic laws, but Belle had no real defensive capabilities. Back at the Guild she'd revealed herself to be a tamer, but that didn't seem to be of all that much use from what he'd seen so far, and with her being literally tethered to him she'd always be in danger. The potions would protect her for the most part, but perhaps something a little more … steadfast was in order.

As if some deity had heard his thoughts, Rumple caught sight of a sign for a weapon and armor shop further up the street by a crossroads. He had enough coin left and, if he provided Belle with another layer of protection, maybe that strange feeling inside his blackened heart would leave him in peace. He had his wit and magic, but Belle was a princess with all the fighting skill of a sheep; of course he had no intention of letting harm come to her, but it did make sense to get her something sharp.

"Follow me." He told her casually, careful not to issue a strict order that triggered her collar.

"You could be nicer to me, you know."

Rumple grumbled only a short moment before he gave a flamboyant bow and offered his arm again. "My Lady Belle, would you do me the great pleasure of accompanying me about six shops up the street?"

That got a laugh from the chestnut-haired princess, a genuine laugh which caught Rumple off guard because nobody ever laughed at his jokes and attempts at humor.

"That's better, just because you're a demon lord doesn't mean you can't be polite."

Together they made their way through the bustling street to the shop where Rumple kindly held the door open for her to step inside. The two separated to look more closely at the shops wares; shields and bows lined the walls, racks held swords and hammers as well as a few axes and either side of the counter were lined with various bits of armor. All the shop smelt of fire and leather, and the telltale sounds of metal rhythmically hitting metal gave away the forge in a room behind the counter. As Rumple stepped toward said counter, a tall, bald man dressed in dark clothes and a leather apron emerged, his beard was gray and scorched in a few places suggesting he'd had one or two accidents with that forge in the past. Despite being easily two heads taller than Rumple, the man smiled brightly at them and didn't seem intimidating in the slightest. The quick once-over he gave Belle didn't go unnoticed by Rumple either.

"Hello," the tall man greeted as he wiped his sooty hands on his apron. "You need help? Looking for a sword?"

Rumple waved that question off quickly. "I have no need of one."

The blacksmith nodded in understanding as he realized Rumple was obviously a magic user. "You're a mage. Sorry, we don't make staffs, there is a good place a couple of streets over that can get you what you need though. Shop called Twisted Oak Magic Supplies."

"Not a bother, dearie, it's her who needs a weapon." He gestured to a rather surprised Belle. "Something easy to wield preferably."

"Dagger would probably be best. We have some second hand ones over by the door but I think they'd be to heavy. Give me a minute."

With that the bald blacksmith vanished into the back of the shop and Belle lifted an eyebrow at Rumple who didn't seem bothered in the slightest.

"I don't know how to use a dagger, Rumple."

She'd used his nickname again, why did he like it so much when she did that?

"It's essentially put the pointy end in whoever you want dead."

Belle didn't look impressed. "That's not funny."

The blacksmith returned then alongside a raven-haired dwarf who was dressed almost identically. Old tattoos ran up one of his arms and his left eye was totally clouded almost like it contained a storm. The height difference between the two was practically comical though. In his hands the dwarf carried a tray of daggers that he placed down on the counter for inspection.

"My brother here makes all the daggers, these are his new ones."

Rumple lifted an eyebrow questioningly. "Brother?"

"He's adopted." Said the bald man by way of explanation.

Being not so keen on his brother's chit-chatting, the dwarf glanced from Rumple to Belle then back before he leaned on the counter with his tattooed arm.

"What does the little lady normally use?"

"The 'little lady' has a name. I'm Belle." She offered them her hand to shake which earned puzzled expressions from the brothers because they weren't used to customers being so polite or refined; then again, it wasn't every day a princess strolled in.

"Where are our manners?" The bald brother said while Rumple looked at the daggers. "I'm Oskar Lyrelocket, this bearded ball of grump is Ulfur."

"Nice to meet you both." She told them politely. "I'll be honest with you though, I've never used a knife outside of eating my dinner." Ulfur snorted. "So I'm a total novice."

Oskar asked if she had an adventurer chain and didn't seem even remotely surprised to find her iron ranked when she pulled it out from her shirt. It was only after both brothers had stared for almost a full five seconds and Belle had nudged him that Rumple exposed his own chain.

"Ooh, gold ranked. That's rare."

"Yes, dearie, I've come to realize that. Now, Belle doesn't need anything magical or fancy, just something sharp, easy to use and fairly light."

Quickly Ulfur eliminated several daggers from the selection he had on the tray before him; Belle felt a little bad for the rejects as they were shoved aside.

"They're too heavy." Ulfur plucked up one with a red hilt and proffered it. "How about this?"

It wasn't nearly as ornate as the kris one that had turned Rumple into the Dark One, but it did have a simple elegance as well as a handle made of bloodwood giving it a distinct red color, a color that actually paired well with the burgundy outfit Rumple had gifted Belle with. She truly didn't have any weapon experience beyond a letter opener and pushing Gaston's bow out the way when he'd dumped it atop one of her books, but she could see why Ulfur had recommended it, the dagger was indeed light enough for Belle to use; a manageable weight. She made a few small slashing motions and that was where the problems arose, the handle was just too bulky for Belle's petite hands.

"What about that one?" Questioned Rumple as he pointed a clawed finger at a dagger with a blue hilt.

"You know your girl well." Said Ulfur as he swapped the daggers in Belle's hand and Rumple did his best not to think about the words 'your girl'. "It's a good choice."

The second dagger was leaf-shaped, sharpened and versatile, the guard and pommel were steel and, for the life of him, Rumple couldn't work out what material had been used to get the hilt such a brilliant shade of blue. This dagger fitted more snugly into her small hand and, though Belle hoped she'd never have need of the blade, it was nice to know it was there should the moment come.

Seeing she had found the dagger for her, Rumple looked pointedly back at the brothers. "She'll need a sheath as well."

Oskar nodded in agreement, took the dagger from Belle and vanished into the back of the shop while Ulfur pushed the tray aside and fixed his eyes – one brown, the other cloudy – on Rumpelstiltskin.

"Two silvers and thirteen coppers for the dagger."

From what he'd learned of Dreymyr's currency, Rumple found the price of two silvers and thirteen coppers to be exceedingly reasonable for such a well-crafted dagger, so he paid and Oskar handed over the sheathed dagger once he returned. As they left Belle made sure to say goodbye, thank the brothers for their help and it was then that Rumple noticed she went out of her way to treat everybody with kindness and respect despite happenstance, position their birth had awarded them or even their magic level rank. Belle du Marchand was an innately good person not corrupted by royal power or arrogance, she'd make a fine queen one day, of that Rumple had no doubt. Hell, she'd even gone out of her way to be kind to a monster who was so evil the Church had basically turned him into a legendary devil. He hated admitting it, even to himself, but he'd miss Belle once their deal was concluded.

"Thank you for this," said Belle as she strapped the dagger on her belt. "I know it's dangerous out here so I should be able to defend myself, but you really have gone out of your way to accommodate a novice. I'm not much use at questing, I've only ever left Kalecaster Castle a few times."

Rumple shrugged her kindness off: the streets had started to quieten as people went in search of lunch. "Can't have you dying on me, Belle. We're bound, I can't be carrying a corpse around."

Rumple regretted that one as soon as it had left his mouth, it was too morbid even for his tastes but, instead of being offended or disgusted, Belle started to laugh and he just stared at her. Belle really was an odd princess and he'd met Snow White. She linked their arms again and Rumple enjoyed the pleasant feeling of somebody not shying away from his touch. Yes, Rumple had thought it best to return to the inn, but he couldn't resist walking around for a little while longer arm in arm with Belle. Dreymyr might not have been somewhere Rumple could stay, had to focus on finding his beloved boy, but his dark heart felt lighter being able to walk the streets without somebody picking a fight, demanding a deal or screaming and running as soon as they saw him.

"Shall we get lunch?"

They'd had honey cakes when they'd arrived but that had been some time ago and if he made sure she was fed and watered rather than just providing her the new book, he'd likely get more hours of quiet peace to work and research when they returned to the Teapot Inn.

"I hadn't even thought about food." Books and new people with stories of their own had distracted her. "Yes though, lunch sounds lovely."

Didn't take long for Belle to spot a quaint tavern named the 'Dancing Saint' and, once inside, Rumple made a bee-line for the backmost table in the shadows. A healthy mix of species littered the tavern, some buried in their drinks, others in plates of food, all apparently in jovial spirits. Rumple did pick up a few sideways glances as he had everywhere they'd travelled to so far, his odd clothing and more golden-green than gray skin was indeed enough to rouse a glance but little more; nobody stopped eating or gulping down afternoon ale. A grasswalker with scruffy brown hair quickly scurried over to offer them food and drink, an offer they happily took him up on when Belle discovered they had fresh roast chicken.

While they waited, Rumple was content to sit in silence like some kind of ghost but Belle could only linger in that silence for so long.

"Why have you been buying so many magic books? I know you said magic works differently here compared to where you're from, but surely the library you're building is excessive."

Rumple sighed quietly because he hated admitting to what he was about to admit to. "My magic is powerful regardless of where I am. My passive magic, like my immortality, continues to function exquisitely, but Dreymyr's peculiar elemental based magic laws have left my power … intermittent. The better I understand those laws, the more powerful I am."

"You sent all those bandits mad with a potion, I think you're powerful enough." She'd meant it as a tease, but Rumple's expression suddenly reminded her of Tvon and it sent a shiver down her spine. "I – I grew up watching my father's court mage. He's powerful, or at least I thought he was until I met you."

"You admire this man?"

"Assuredly not." Belle was quick to insist. "He's the man who ran away with Gaston after you were summoned to Rutherford Tower. I was amazed by the spells Haldor Tvon could cast, I'll admit, but there was always something sinister to them. I have no respect nor admiration for Tvon. He is a cruel man who only seeks power."

Rumple had seen many people like the one Belle described over the years, he was one himself, and once the darkness was in, it was very hard to expel it again. Power was a savage mistress and many fell victim to her charms.

"There is always a certain level of arrogance, it goes hand in hand with great power." He explained. "Some manage to realize that and, over time, they overcome it while others mistake it for wisdom and charisma. Then there are those who are so totally blinded by it that they fail to ever notice what is staring them in the face."

For Bae, Rumple wanted to be in the first category, wanted to do better for his boy, but he honestly didn't know if he'd ever overcome his darkness or even if there was any overcoming it.

Belle snorted in a rather unladylike fashion. "Haldor Tvon is the second one, that's for damn sure."

From what little he knew of Avonlea's Court Mage, Rumple was inclined to agree with her. There lunch arrived then, delivered by another grasswalker with hair and ears to match Maylea, and Belle tucked in happily. Of course, Rumple was content to eat in silence, he'd done it for centuries, but Belle enjoyed conversation and to her the quiet had probably seemed awkward.

"I'm sorry I'm not much use to you. Had I been born male I'd have been taught swordsmanship and how to fight instead of being shuffled off to corners to learn embroidery and sit prettily. And, since I'm a tamer, my magic is lacking when it comes to any other subject." Rumple paused mid-chew, slightly surprised by her self-deprecation. "You've been very kind and patient with my lack of experience adventuring, even vowed to get this collar off me."

"Not true, Belle." He said after swallowing his bite of chicken. "You may not know how to use a sword or magic, but that doesn't mean you are useless; after all, our deal was that you provide me with information. Besides, with the potions I've crafted, you can become quite the grenadier, or they'll be stupid enough to get too close and get stuck with that nice new dagger of yours." She smiled warmly at his little tease and comfort, Rumple enjoyed the sight so much he found himself saying more just to see that smile a little longer. "You have been instrumental in aiding me understand this strange realm of yours. Everybody always has a use to somebody even if it isn't instantly apparent. You are a princess with a wealth of knowledge about this land and that is most assuredly useful." He might have gone a little over the top because Belle blushed. "Furthermore, if you really want to learn magic, I'm sure I can teach you some."

That might not have been a wise idea, almost everybody he'd ever so much as taught a spell to had fallen to the darkness. Cora had been an accident, he'd wanted to be with her and love her but his evil had gotten inside her and turned anything beautiful to hatred and tenebrosity. Regina's fall into corruption he did regret, but it had been needed if she was to cast his curse; ultimately she was just another soul he'd stepped on to find his son. Then there was Zelena, she'd darkened her own heart with jealousy and Rumple hadn't cared enough to not push her over the edge into the void. The very last thing he wanted was for beautiful Belle to suffer the same fate.

"Tamers aren't very good at learning other types of magic," she explained after a sip of water. "It's as though our magic doesn't want to acknowledge other kinds. Perhaps we could try healing though?"

Healing? Yes, that seemed like the safest option he had before him – apart from just not teaching her anything of course.

"That seems befitting of a princess."

Belle's dazzling sapphires brightened and a tingle of unknown origin moved through Rumple's chest.

"Normally only priests, priestesses and high ranked adventurers know powerful healing spells."

Rumple hummed. "And how many have been taught by the Dark One?"

The question had been a rhetorical one but it still had Belle glance through the tavern as she thought about it.

"I suppose that is a factor I'd not considered. Still, if you're willing to teach me, I'd be most grateful of your tutelage."

Belle almost asked about any others he may have taught in the past, but stopped herself by having another mouthful of roast chicken. They'd been having a surprisingly pleasant day – not that anybody would have thought that possible when enslaved to the Dark One – and Belle had no desire to ruin it with her unending curiosity. Instead she subreptitiously watched him eat: the Church made the First Demon Lord out to be a savage animal but Belle thought he ate with a rather surprising elegance, certainly more elegance than Gaston had shown; he ate like a starving bear, bits all over the table, grease around his mouth and transferred to anything he touched. The first time she'd seen Rumple eat the hammer boar stew Missus Potts made she'd not been able to hide her smile, and she couldn't help watching him quietly enjoy his chicken. It was nice to see him savor even if he pretended he wasn't. Belle actually missed the hammer boar stew at the Teapot Inn. Back at Kalecaster Castle the food had been wonderfully prepared by the kingdom's best chefs, but nothing they'd made quite matched up to the love and care that went into Missus Potts' hammer boar stew.

Belle's mood soured as thoughts of her home, papa and brother filled her mind, she missed them greatly but couldn't return without a plan or until this Jefferson man had been located. Whatever spell Tvon had put her papa under would be broken eventually, Rumple had promised.

Once lunch had been eaten, the left the Dancing Saint and made their way to one of Locheart's apothecaries that seemed to have almost everything and anything one could imagine. While Belle had read many a book on herbs, she could still only name approximately half of the ingredients for sale all stored in glass jars and lined up neatly on shelves; leaves in some, powders and even harpom in others. Tucked away in a shadowy corner close to the counter, where Rumple stood having a rather in-depth conversation with Collyer the owner, sat a dusty jar filled with something black akin to a cross between charcoal and a malformed parsnip. Belle's curiosity quickly got the better of her and she made to lift the lid to gain a closer look but, before she could, the enslavement collar activated when Rumple yelled at her to 'put it down now!' and Belle was compelled to slam the jar down where she'd found it. It was quickly snapped up by Rumple who almost threw it at the apothecary owner who, in turn, placed it under the counter out the way.

"Don't be stupid, Belle."

Her eyes widened, he'd never spoken to her in such a manner before, never been so cruel, even before their deal. Seeing Belle's confusion and that she meant no harm, Collyer gave her some clarity.

"Miss, that jar contains demon lord root, it is the most powerful poison known to us and has no antidote: just smelling it could cause serious illness and death. It's not for sale, I only keep it around because the rats and spiders won't go near it."

Belle automatically wiped her hands on her burgundy leather armor. She'd heard of demon lord root before, knew it was deadly, but the pictures hadn't quite done the root's diseased appearance justice.

"I'm very sorry, sir, I shouldn't have gone picking things up to begin with."

Having learned her lesson about touching and smelling random things she found on shelves, Belle opted to stand quietly while Rumple and Collyer concluded their business. He'd said he'd not use the collar to command her, it hurt, but she supposed that command had saved her life and, when she'd caught his eye right before he'd turned back to Collyer, Belle hadn't seen anger in them, just concern. The human and her companion spoke for much longer than Belle had imagined though and she soon grew bored, the itch to explore again appeared but Belle refused to touch anything else, instead she allowed herself to read the labels on the pre-made remedies Collyer had for sale. Rumple hadn't shown these remedies any attention, just gone right to the counter like they'd not existed and Belle had to assume Rumple had a natural aptitude for potion crafting. How he'd memorized all the ingredients and how they could be used together so quickly, she'd got no idea. He was smart, he'd saved her several times, he'd protected children, the First Demon Lord was a good man.

"Belle, we're done."

She looked over at him just in time to see his purchases vanish back to their room. 'Their room', that made her smirk because should anybody discover the Princess of Avonlea had been sharing a room with a man who was not her husband, let alone the Dark One, there would have been nothing but outrage and scandal.

Rumple had spent more than he'd intended on everything from ingredients to glass vials: really was a good job they'd finished another quest because the coin purse had been draining rapidly. Out on the street after Collyer had sent them off with a 'come back soon, ya hear?' Rumple glanced up at the sky to find the sun had started to tilt to the west indicating the day had finally ticked over into afternoon after they'd started the day so early. Their business was concluded so returning to Ranga seemed like a wise choice, although there was one other thing he'd meant to look into. Belle, meanwhile, blinked rapidly having not realized just how dark and pungent the apothecary had been.

Locheart was significantly louder than Ranga, especially after lunch, and Belle wasn't sure she cared for it. After several minutes of walking she finally realized where they were headed as the revealing scent of the horses told her they were near the stables. The chestnut-haired teenager had adored horses since childhood's hour so she was more than happy to go view them with Rumple.

"Horses? You're planning on buying one? I thought you just used your spacial magic."

"Normally I do, but I have to have either an extremely accurate map or have a location in my line of sight to teleport as you know, hence the wagon ride here." His unique eyes left Belle to peer at the horses on offer. "A horse shall ease some things, most of all your tired feet."

As soon as the stable owner spotted Belle's pointed ears and slave collar, he sneered; apparently he'd not gotten the message Dorovoth was a welcoming kingdom to those not following the Church. Knowing what he expected, Belle played the lowly slave.

"Master?" Rumple wasn't pleased to hear the word at all. "May I make a suggestion?"

Rumple sighed having figured out where her sudden change in personality had come from. "If you must, girl."

"It will fetch a higher price than here, but if you desire a healthy, well-trained horse of good breeding that is reliable, I'd suggest we go to Crystella instead."

The stable owner scoffed and wiped his nose on the back of his filthy hand. "Greatest horse breeders, me left foot! Name's Simeon and me horses are every bit as good as them Crystellan ones, and cheaper to boot. Don't listen ta yer slave girl, pointy-eared thing don't know what she's on about."

With a reactional wave of his hand, Rumple used wind magic to tighten the air around the rude man's throat slowly choking him. Sudden panic consumed Simeon as a gasp escaped Belle, but Rumple cared not.

"Do be quiet." He turned to face Belle fully while she stared wide-eyed at the man. "When you say a higher price, how high are we talking?"

"… Em, they're the best horses in all the kingdoms, all agree. I'd guess anywhere from ninety-five silvers to ten gold coins."

Rumple lifted a single eyebrow because ten gold coins was probably the equivalent of the profits all the business in Locheart would make in a year combined. However, Belle wouldn't have recommended Crystella's horses if she'd not thought them worth the prince, and it wasn't as though he needed a horse right that second.

"We don't have enough gold for that." Muttered Rumple while he pondered and Simeon started to turn from harrowed red to a moribund purple.

"You're double gold ranked, you could kill a dragon and not bat an eye. I think you can make enough money in no time if you wanted."

"True." He'd made a deal for Belle's knowledge and guidance, and there she was offering knowledge and guidance, so Rumple was inclined to take it. "Very well. Those horses had better be worth it though."

Belle smiled fondly. "Oh, they are. My papa gifted all his best knights with one at the end of the last ogre war. Lorrimer had only just been born then, but the horses are all still healthy and strong now."

She'd proven her point, these horses from Crystella did sound like a good investment. He abruptly made to return them to the Teapot Inn but Belle pushed away and pointed at the suffocating man: she didn't like him but that didn't mean she wanted him dead, there had been enough death for one day.

"Aren't you going to release this man?"

"No, I think I'll just leave him here as a marionette for the lickle horsies to play with." He quipped.

Belle's expression was stern. "That's not funny."

"I wasn't joking."

"Please let him breathe, Rumple." She implored and he sighed dramatically.

"Fine." In an instant Simeon was released, dropped to his knees, coughed violently then ran away startling his horses as he went. "Always ruining my fun."

"Gaston always says I'm a wet blanket, but I've never found that form of humor funny."

Ah yes, the ambitious thief of a noble with a wanton desire for Avonlea's throne and supple princess. Rumple had only caught sight of Gaston LeGume briefly as he'd fled Rutherford Tower with Haldor Tvon, but he'd quickly figured out the man was little more than a greedy child drinking flattery and lies. For the smallest of moments he was reminded of the Duke of the Frontlands who'd ordered him into battle and later tried to send Bae to the same fate. He'd only become a monster to save his boy but he'd lost Bae anyway.

Not wishing to think of the day he'd lost his only child, he slipped out of the stable with Belle trailing after him. Rumple was so distracted that he almost didn't notice the small human unhook his coin purse – almost. With a snarl Rumple grabbed the thief's wrist to find it attached to a boy of no more than fourteen with messy blond hair and dressed in cheap dark green clothing that had been patched up numerous times: a spinner always noticed these things.

"And what do you think you're doing?" Demanded Rumple.

The boy's hiss of pain was what finally had Rumple release his grasp and snatch his coin purse back while Belle – sweet and caring Belle – looked on the boy with concern.

"A pickpocket? But he's so young." She said as though the thief wasn't only a handful of years younger than Belle herself. "Is he okay?"

Rumple cocked his head to the side with an expression that dared the blond boy to run. "Thieves usually start young, Belle."

"I'm not!" The boy insisted, but Rumple just rolled his eyes while horses neighed in the background.

"Oh, of course, because you just happened to leave your money in my coin purse for safe keeping. Yes, that happens all the time, dearie."

"I ain't a pickpocket – I mean, I did try to take your – I'm not though, Mister, just-" Tears were in the blond's pale eyes but the determination alongside them refused to let them fall. "She needs it! She'll die!"

Rumpelstiltskin knew thieves, had seen many before and after he'd become the Dark One, knew that younger ones always turned on the waterworks when caught and spun a sob story. However, Rumple had grown rather skilled at reading people and recognizing falsehoods, but when he looked at the young teen he didn't see a liar. A sideways glance to Princess Belle told him she'd grown agitated and likely wouldn't let him simply leave the boy to his life and, when he stopped to think about it, he couldn't bring himself to either.

"You get one chance, boy." He held up a single finger. "Tell me who will die and, I warn you, do not lie to me."

The blond boy looked up at Rumple with so much shock his mouth fell open, while Belle just smiled because she was proud of him. After a quick prompt he finally started telling his story.

"Me ma, she's a seamstress but she's real sick. We ran out of coin and she can't get out of bed now. I need money fer medicine."

"Where is your father?"

Those sorrowful pale eyes fell to the cobbles. "… Dead."

"And why not go to the Church for aid? Helping the needy, isn't that something they do?"

"They'd want money even if me and Ma weren't abominations." The more Rumple heard about the Church of Drazva, the less he liked them. As if sensing Rumple's next question, the boy lifted up his scruffy blond locks to reveal slightly pointed ears just like Belle's – a half-elf. "Church don't help half-breeds."

"All right, take me to your mother, boy."

"Wait! You'll help her?!"

There was too much of Baelfire's innocence in this failed thief and it caused a twinge in Rumple's heart: Belle though, she just looked at him with that expression that encouraged him to be kind and good.

"We'll see."

The blond boy nodded, wiped the unshed tears from his eyes then, surprisingly, grabbed Rumple's hand and tugged him toward the slums to the east of Locheart's stables leaving Belle to trail behind them. As she watched the young boy guide Rumple, Belle couldn't help smirking to herself because he'd caved really rather quickly. The Church would likely have twisted the knowledge into something sordid and violent, others probably wouldn't have believed her, but Belle had seen just how much he cared about children. While deeply disturbing and not something she desired to see any time soon, Belle had witnessed Rumple rip the heart out of the bandit who'd dared to hurt Karita and now, instead of kicking the boy back into the gutter or handing him over to the Watchers, he'd chosen to help. A demon lord who protected children, unexpected but very welcome. Her great-granduncle, King Gasper, had once told her a story about the demon lords, a story which had come from the Vita Tree rather than the Drazvans: it told of how demon lords had descended into darkness, that they'd all started with pain and good intentions and soon their want to aid had been subverted into a craving for power by that darkness. The Church could twist the origins of demon lords into propaganda all they liked, but Belle had little time for their sophistry. Rumpelstiltskin was a good man deep down.

It wasn't too far a walk, but the slum streets were narrow and cluttered, then there was the pungent smell which assaulted everybody's nose to the point eyes watered. The buildings, if one could call them real buildings, were tall, rickety and made it hard for much sunlight to reach the walkways. Belle had never seen such a sight, she'd always known there were poorer areas of all cities, but nobody should have had to live in such a state. Queen Colette had done her best to improve the lives of Avonlea's people and, once Gaston and Tvon were dealt with, Belle would take over where her mother had left off and improve the lives of all she could.

The blond boy eventually came to a stop at the shaded end of one alley with small broken windows and a door which looked two seconds from falling off its hinges. It honestly was as though they'd left Locheart all together. The teen finally dropped Rumple's hand to push the door open and hurry inside, there were only two rooms: one serving as kitchen, workroom and where the teenage boy slept, while the closed door probably led to his mother's room. Frankly, their home was in a worse state than the hovel Rumple had lived in as a lowly spinner, and that truly had been a hovel.

A woman lay in a small bed, sweat coated her skin sticking graying blonde hair to her forehead and the stench of illness dominated the room. Her chest rose and fell rapidly as she did her best to get some sleep, but the paleness of her skin told even a layman she wasn't long for the world without a physician.

"Ma? Ma, I got help! You awake?" He'd hoped she'd answer but no response came, the poor woman was too lost in her fever. "Ma? Ma!" Rumple pulled the teen away from his mother and shoved him toward Belle with an expression that clearly said to keep him out the way. "See? I weren't lying, Mister. Please, help her."

Not that he needed his magic to figure out the woman wasn't long for the world, but still he cast a wave of it over her to see the full extent of her illness. In his studies Rumple had learned that physicians and healers used spirit magic to diagnose and treat patients, so, after some tweaks, he'd been able to reteach another area of magic to himself. Malnutrition and exhaustion were only the tip of her iceberg and they all knew it.

"Your mother is dying, boy. I can heal her, but all magic comes with a price, dearie."

Quickly, the boy paled and Belle rested her hand atop his shoulder.

"We don't have no money."

Rumple giggled in that way of his. "There is more than coin to use as currency. I make deals, it's my speciality. I shall restore your mother to full health, if you do something for me."

The boy's eyes narrowed suspiciously and Rumple suddenly wondered what sort of propositions men had made before of this boy. Still, Rumple persisted to pretend he was a stone-cold dealmaker.

"Do what?"

Though rare, in his three hundred years Rumple had been begged for deals by children more than a dozen times and he'd always been content to pay the price himself, but all of this was for the mother so Rumple would twist things to have her pay it.

He spared a glance to his ripped coat that had been pierced by an arrow the day he'd been summoned.

"Your mother is a seamstress, yes?" The boy nodded. "Then my price is this: once healed, you ensure your mother crafts me a replacement coat as well as a spare and three new vests. I shall provide materials so worry not about money. You'll have her do her best work."

Even Belle was shocked he'd asked for something so simple. Yes, Rumple had been complaining about the rip in his coat for as long as she'd known him, but to ask for so little again showed his kindness.

"Clothes? You just want clothes?"

Rumple shrugged. "I'm very particular about my clothing, dearie, and, unfortunately, I came to this realm without being given enough notice to pack a trunk. Now, do we have a deal?"

The boy glanced to his mother all coated in sweat and fading from the world before he began nodding frantically, Rumple couldn't quite keep the smirk off his face.

"Yes, Mister! Yes. Deal. Help me ma."

Oh, Rumple hadn't made a decent deal in ages. "The deal is struck."

"How long until she can have the medicine?"

"No need for that. I said I would heal her not that I would medicate her, I'm not Victor Frankenstein."

Before the teen could question, Rumple began to fulfil his end of the deal. From what he'd read, Rumple understood that what Dreymyr termed 'healing magic' was a type of spirit magic – or, very rarely, Avarathdian magic – focused on rapid healing of wounds, illness and poisoning that a potion couldn't achieve. Holy magic, necromancy and taming magic also fell under the spirit magic category as well. In all other realms Rumple had visited, magic was simply an energy to be harnessed and used, it was the wielder that decided if it was used for good or evil. However, in Dreymyr everything had been carefully graded and assigned a designation; helpful in terms of learning but meant that until Rumple had come to fully understand those designations he'd not be able to use his full power. Fortunately, healing had been something he'd made a primary concern and had no issue restoring the mother's life to her. With a scaled hand to her forehead the color suddenly returned to her frigid skin while her shivering and rapid breaths came to an end. To Belle and the boy it probably looked as though little had happened, but Rumple worked hard to isolate her sickness and banish it from her tired body.

He pulled his hand back and turned to face the two teens. "She'll sleep for many hours yet since she's exhausted, but when she does wake your mother will be good as new."

"Really?!" The blond boy brightened.

"I don't go back on my deals, dearie, and you will fulfil your end."

For the first time since they'd entered the squalor, Belle spoke in that lyrical voice of hers, the one Rumple had come to find comforting – not that he'd admit to that.

"You can trust him, sweetheart, he's powerful and strong. Rumple is a surprisingly noble man and, if he says your mother will live, then she will. Color has already begun returning to her cheeks."

Belle smiled while he rushed to his mother's side and, for a moment, Rumple swelled with pride at the princess' words. Nobody had ever had quite as much faith in him as Belle, not even Bae.

"I'll have materials ordered and delivered by the end of tomorrow. You can read, I hope?"

It took a second for the boy to acknowledge Rumple's words but, when he did, it was with a confident nod.

"Me pa taught me letters. Thank you fer saving her."

"Good. That'll make things easier. She's going to be hungry when she wakes, only give her something light."

"I'll make sure."

Rumple was happy to simply leave after that confirmation but, as he made to place an arm around Belle's waist and return them to the Teapot Inn, the boy asked a question.

"Mister, what's your name? Ma will ask."

With a flamboyant bow that had Belle's lovely cerulean orbs roll almost out her head, he introduced himself.

"I am Rumpelstiltskin, at your service."

"Rumpal – Rump-"

"You can just call me Dark One, it's easier to say."

The blond shook his head as fear forced him to press himself into the edge of his mother's bed in a silly attempt to put space between him the perceived threat. That expression was a reaction Rumple had grown used to in his many years as Dark One, there was an odd comfort in its familiarity.

"He's not real."

Rumple smirked. "Oh, I assure you I am, dearie."

Sensing the situation turning unnecessarily fearful, and since a riot in the slums was the very last thing she wanted, Belle piped up again as the voice of reason.

"It's all right, he's a good demon lord. Okay, I know that sounds like a contradiction but it's true and he did just save your mother's life."

That comment gave the fourteen-year-old boy pause. It was the Church that went around tossing out stories of evil demon lords; their debauchery, machinations, covetousness, and, of course, how the Dark One was the very worst of them, that he made the ogres look like docile kittens. The Dark One was a mythical foe to make their Goddess' light shine all that much brighter. Although, the blond was a half-elf, so was his mother and father, and each time he'd asked for their aid they'd looked at him with disgust the second they'd spotted the point of his ears, and sent him away unless he had a high amount of coin. Knife-ear, that was what one of the nuns had called him – they weren't all horrible though, another nun had delivered food to his mother a few times just after his father had died. He hadn't thought the Dark One real, but the man before him didn't look, act or dress like a normal demon and despite a slave collar being around his companion's throat, she didn't seem to actually be treated as a slave. The older girl was right, he'd saved his mother's life – plus the legends did speak of the Dark One making deals.

"… You're good?"

Rumple scoffed; he'd never be 'good' again, not after the things he'd done. "I'm certainly better than the Church. Stay with your mother, I'll bring the materials tomorrow like I said." Then Rumple held an arm out, a clear instruction for the Princess to join him. "Ah yes, I meant to ask, what is your name, boy?"

"Faris Quartermaine." He answered slowly before jutting a thumb out towards his sleeping mother. "Ma is called Una."

As soon as Rumple's arm was around Belle's slender waist, they vanished in a puff of smoke oddly scented like petrichor leaving a very confused teenage boy. Faris looked back to his mother, she'd stopped breathing so rapidly and, though still shiny, she no longer sweated profusely. So hard, Faris had tried so hard to care for Una after she'd gotten sick, he'd done all the jobs he could and basically begged the Church to take pity on them, then, after all that had yielded no result, Faris had started stealing here and there so he could scrape enough together for a physician. Yet it was the First Demon Lord who'd actually helped her, the monster in the shadows had saved his mother for just a few items of clothing. At first Faris hadn't wanted to believe their claims that Rumpelstiltskin was the Dark One – a ridiculous claim – but the second they'd vanished before his pale eyes, Faris' doubts had disappeared along with them: spacial magic was only accessible to those who practices dark magic.

A monster had entered his home and performed a miracle all while the Church shut their doors and turned their eyes away.

Chapter Text

When they appeared in their room back at the Teapot Inn in Ranga the sun had all but set, seemed they'd spent much longer in the slums with Faris and Una Quartermaine than they'd thought. Rumple released his hold on Belle but stiffened to stone when she rose up on her tiptoes to kiss his cheek sweetly. People didn't touch him, and gorgeous eighteen-year-old princesses certainly didn't kiss him.

"Thank you for helping Faris." Her breath brushed against his jaw making him want to purr. "You're a good man."

Then she was on her way down the stairs claiming she wanted something warm to drink and Rumple trailed behind her in a daze. All he'd done was make a deal, healing Una Quartermaine had been a simple task and he'd seen an opportunity to get some proper clothes, that was all. He'd not performed some noble act had he? Rumpelstiltskin couldn't hide that he was different since being summoned to Dreymyr, like parts of his curse didn't wish to speak with him, but regardless of all that he still wasn't a good man. Hell, Rumple wasn't even a man, just a beast. That said, Belle hadn't ever looked on him as such, there had been some fear at first but by the time they'd arrived at the Teapot Inn she'd been comfortable around him, didn't shy away from his touch when he teleported them nor their conversations. 'Maybe it is all her', Rumple reasoned as they descended the narrow stairs which folded back on themselves. 'Perhaps she's just a strange princess while I'm still perfectly normal.'

When they reached the bottom of the stairs it was eerily quiet, no customers, and the reason why became clear when they spotted Gordana Aalto perched on one of the long tables sipping tea Missus Potts had just poured, while two guards stood by the main entrance and a third at the kitchen door behind the bar.

"Finally!" Exclaimed Gordana as she set her cup down. "I've been debating sending out a search party." Missus Potts took that as her cue to head into the kitchen out the way. Gordana watched her leave then leaned forward conspiratorially. "I couldn't drink any more tea."

"What do you want, Chief Commander? I assume tales of tea isn't the reason you're here, dearie."

Gordana, a pretty woman in her mid thirties, had already proven herself to be intelligent as she'd decided to use the fact he was the Dark One to close some of her higher ranked quests. Frankly, Rumple respected the woman and knew the expression of someone ready to make a deal when he saw it.

Out from a small bag she wore on her hip, Gordana pulled a rolled up page and tossed it to Rumple who caught it in a single hand and unfurled it so he and Belle could see. A wanted poster. A wanted poster issued from Avonlea stating a mutated demon had attacked Avonlean field casters and stolen a valuable item. The poster didn't state exactly what that valuable item was but Rumple supposed the greedy duke's son had meant Belle.

Rumple lifted an eyebrow. "Mutated? Well, that's just rude."

"You don't exactly look like a normal demon, Rumpelstiltskin." Gordana smirked.

"Gaston has reduced me to 'valuable item' now?"

Every interaction and mention of Gaston LeGume just lowered Belle's opinion of the man further. Quite frankly, at this point, the bar was so low she needed to dig it up.

"Hmm. I note there is no mention of me being a demon lord or that Belle was only put in harms way because of her greedy wanna-be fiancée."

Yes, even Gaston didn't seem stupid enough to broadcast that he'd forced the Princess to summon the Dark One, lost control of him and gotten said princess accidentally enslaved to him all in the space of ten minutes. Gaston's desire was to be king of everything and his reign would be nothing but pageantry and fanfare. If word got out that not only was the Dark One real, but that he was freely wandering Dreymyr, there would be chaos, armies would mobilize, the Church would use it to persecute innocent demons and riots would break out. Demon lord worshipers would start putting plans in motion as well, and that really wouldn't end well.

"Of course not, that would put blame on them and Avonlea rather than just you."

"I haven't been kidnapped." Belle pointed out. "I could have died at Rutherford Tower because of Gaston and Tvon, it was Rumple who protected me."

Gordana shrugged. "Again, that puts blame on Avonlea and that is what they're trying to avoid."

"It is always a game of shifting blame, Belle." Rumple rolled up the poster and tossed it onto the table beside Gordana's thigh. "Besides, they're more likely to gain detailed information if people think there is a reward to be had for locating a diseased thief than if they were told how big and bad the beast they're looking for really is." Rumple turned his unique eyes to the guildmaster. "So, are you here to arrest me?"

Gordana glanced to her three guards in turn, nodded, and they all departed leaving the inn silent for a few seconds.

"As head of the Adventurers Guild, I cannot deny this contract. I have to put it out because, if I don't, it'll be suspicious and I can't risk a whole kingdom turning against my organization." She took a breath while Belle and Rumple watched on expectantly. "However, I've seen you and Princess Belle, you've done good work taking quests and you told me the truth when it would have been easier to lie. Most would likely just assume you had placed Princess Belle under a horrid spell, but her eyes aren't glazed over like those who are bespelled. Like I say, I have no choice but to issue the quest to find this 'mutated demon'." She grinned. "However, I can do it somewhat slowly and subtly so not every adventurer with a want for coin pursues you. I could … ensure the spread of this quest to the other Guild buildings is slow and I can minimize the poster distribution."

Rumple cocked his head to one side. "So your plan is to just quietly looked incompetent?"

Gordana's eyes narrowed and yes, he respected this woman. She'd not been made Chief Commander of the Adventurers Guild for nothing. She wasn't afraid of him in a totally different way to Belle and he enjoyed it: it was almost like having Regina back to verbally spar with.

"I'd be nicer to people who are helping."

"Thank you for your help, Chief Commander." Said Belle to ease the situation but Gordana just waved her off.

"Please, Princess, call me Gordana."

"Only if you call me Belle."

"I'd be honored."

"Yes, and, as always, I am Rumpelstiltskin. Now, can we return to the matter at hand without tossing titles around?" He pointed a clawed finger at the brunette. "What do you want in return for this generosity, I wonder."

"You're the first double gold rank in history and I'd like to make use of that. When a contract comes across my desk from now on and I think it is too difficult or dangerous for my other adventurers to complete without significant loss of life or major destruction, you take it no matter the reward listed. That is what I want in return, Rumpelstiltskin."

Well, that was instantly vetoed. "I'm not in the habit of leaving myself at the beck and call of anyone, dearie. I'll grant you one quest."

"Five."

"One." This wasn't Rumple's first time haggling.

"Three."

"Scrounge up some information on somebody for me and I'll give you two quests."

Once again Gordana's eyes narrowed questioningly. Belle, meanwhile, poured herself some tea from the tray Missus Potts had left and took a seat to sip and watch the demon lord and guildmaster have their little battle; the tea was significantly better than before for some reason.

"Information on whom?"

Rumple shrugged. "His name is Jefferson, though he may not be using it, could be going by Hatter instead. He's a human: tall, dark hair, rather handsome. Goes around wearing a top hat."

"What is a top hat?" She asked quickly, just another reminder that top hats didn't seem to exist in Dreymyr.

"A tall cylindrical hat with a brim. Jefferson's is black, it should be easily recognizable. I suppose to you he's a dark magic practitioner."

"What do you want to know?"

Rumple smiled, she hadn't expressly accepted his deal yet but Gordana already had one foot through the door.

"His location mostly. He was summoned to this realm the same way I was and would probably like to return to his young daughter. If I am stuck here, he certainly is. Find him for me."

"All right," nodded Gordana. "I can surely find something about this Jefferson of yours."

"Deal!" Rumple clapped his hands together like a giddy child. "Ooh, two deals in one day, I must have been a good boy."

"You're insane." Said Gordana while Belle just chuckled with quiet amusement and Rumple shrugged.

"At least I'm not boring."

That was what got a laugh out of the brunette woman with messy braids. "Hmm, I've not had a dull day since you arrived in Ranga, that's for sure. I'll leave the two of you to your evening before Missus Potts offers me more tea. I'm fairly certain she knows what you are." Oh that Missus Potts did, Belle had accidentally seen to that. "Goodnight to you, Rumpelstiltskin, Belle."

With Gordana gone, Rumple stood silently for a moment in thought. In most realms, definitely in the Enchanted Forest, he'd have had to deal and threaten to get anywhere, but the people of Dreymyr seemed most accommodating. Belle mostly wanted to save her family, but she'd come to treat Rumple as a friend even though they'd only known one another a few weeks. Missus Potts and Chip knew him to be the Dark One but had chosen to let him stay at the inn and judged him on his actions. Gordana used him to aid her organization, that was perfectly understandable, but Rumple still saw the woman's mirth and understanding, she was a smart woman he regarded well. Faris had calmed his fear rather swiftly as well: either Rumple had lost his bite as the Dark One, or the Church really was a monster waiting to pounce.

"I need to find Jefferson, and soon." He mused aloud.

Belle placed her empty tea cup on the tray and stood up. "No offence, but before you do anything else, you need a bath."

~X~

They'd managed to collect coin rather quickly, blew threw quests thanks to Rumple's immortality and how quickly he'd picked up on elemental magic. Travelling was the main thing that had slowed them down, but still they'd accumulated enough coin to get one of the horses Crystella bred: at least Rumple thought they had. Since the more direct route to Crystella in Cylvera was to take the Trade Road around the Spikes rather than heading to Hebicarden, Rumple had used his spacial magic to deliver them to Locheart where they'd taken on guard work for a wagon on its way to Pepperstow, work which had been both dull and uneventful. Pepperstow itself, despite having a busy market and and healthy populous, held little of interest. Pepperstow's primary focused appeared to be getting people into the arenas and placing bets: posters for the arena littered every wall in the city. There were rich and poor alike gullible enough to gamble their money. None of that was of any interest to Rumple or Belle, so they'd simply eaten and rested for the night.

The next day Rumple's teleport hopping had taken them over Trade Bridge at the Horsehair River followed by another guard job with two brothers who were on their way to Omura. With them being adventurers, and Rumple such a high ranked one at that, merchants were more than happy to have them along for the trip. Between Ramstadt and Breamark, the Trade Road was surprisingly packed. Wagons littered the dusty road while some people travelled on foot with pack baskets for one reason or another. Belle read the latest novel she'd purchased back in Pepperstow while Rumple spent time inside his mind. A dark place was Rumple's mind, but thinking needed to be done. Gordana hadn't provided any information on Jefferson's possible location and the whole situation had started to grow tiresome. Every moment he spent trapped in Dreymyr was another moment not devoted to tracking his beloved son down and fixing his biggest regret. So they sat amongst the crates of goods reading and thinking for many a hour until they reached Cylvera's border where they were stopped and inspected by guards. Gordana had done her job and kept the wanted posters and quest from circling well throughout the kingdoms, but Belle had still worried one of the guards would ask too many questions about Rumple's golden-green skin.

In the end they'd passed through the border stop without issue and, over the next two days, made their way to Breamark. The city sat in lowlands which just seemed to go on forever with deer and wing ears roaming about leisurely. At the centre of the market was a large fountain topped with a coiled dragon that, on first glance, reminded him a little of Maleficent; but otherwise Rumple noted little about the city. Well, that wasn't entirely true, he had noticed how everybody in Breamark seemed just a little more formal than other places he'd been, and, after a dose of Belle's knowledge, he'd learned that was probably due to who their Duke was. Rowan Stormfist was the younger brother of Cylvera's queen, a woman Rumple learned wasn't shy about killing those in her way: Regina eat your heart out. They decided it would be best to keep their heads down in Cylvera as much as possible, the kingdom wasn't exactly hostile towards Avonlea but they certainly weren't friendly, and should Duke Stormfist learn of the price on Rumple's head there would be an irritating level of trouble.

Belle had finished her book during the ride to Breamark and understood Rumple had been too lost in thought to bother speaking with her much. She'd not held that against him, Gaston was determined to destroy or enslave him – likely Belle along with him – and Rumple was still unable to return home. The desire to go home was one Belle could totally understand and sympathize with, it was something they shared after all. Ultimately, their deal back at Rutherford Tower had been about going home, Belle to Avonlea and Rumple to the realm he called the Enchanted Forest. Her poor father was a good and kind king, he'd listened to all of Colette's suggestions – much to the annoyance of his advisors – and really done his best to better the lives of his people. She sighed, Maurice du Marchand was far too trusting though and could be easily led by those who knew how to push his buttons: Gaston was one such man and then he'd teamed up with Tvon and that snake had done – Belle didn't even know, it had to be some kind of terrible spell. Belle just kept reminding herself that the Dark One didn't go back on his deals, he'd save her father, her little brother, her kingdom and get the damn collar off of her just as promised.

They continued with the wagon out of Breamark the next morning intending to take one of the many branching roads off the Trade Road once they were closer to Crystella. Yet the distance was far and come nightfall the wagon had stopped and they'd yet again be camping under the stars – stars Rumple didn't recognize.

Setting up a camp hadn't taken long, the two wagon drivers, Callum and Ian, had fed the horses, built a fire and seen to food with Belle's help, while Rumple had wandered off to check the perimeter as it were: at one point the green stones in her collar had started to glow but he'd never taken that last step which would plunge her into agony, as if he'd known. Callum and Ian kept side-eyeing Rumple when he reappeared and continued to circle the area.

"He's like a circling animal." Said Callum as he stirred the soup over the fire.

Ian tossed a carrot he'd just sliced into the pot. "You have a weird master."

"I certainly do." Belle responded simply, since she fully agreed with the brothers. "I certainly do."

She glanced over her shoulder to the Dark One when he came to a stop a few steps away from the wagon's rear. He looked rather fetching in the dragonling coat Una Quartermaine had fashioned for him; the damaged coat had been the color of burnt sienna but Una's coat was jet black and made his skin sparkle – at least Belle thought so. Handsome, Rumple looked handsome and Belle wasn't entirely sure what to do with that knowledge.

Eventually the soup had cooked through and Ian ladled a hefty amount into four bowls then passed them around. Callum dug in with gusto, eating like he'd not had a meal in a week, while Ian enjoyed his food with significantly more decorum. Belle meanwhile, grabbed Rumple's bowl and took it to him when he showed no signs of joining them.

"Here you go." She proffered the bowl and didn't shy away when he shook his head and insisted he wasn't hungry without even looking at the soup bowl. "How about we make a deal?" That got him to lift an eyebrow. "You eat your supper and I won't try to convince you to come warm yourself by the fire for the rest of the night; you do like your deals."

Rumple considered it with a hum. "Certainly would make my evening less annoying."

Belle's lips upturned into a little smile: she seemed to be the only one who cared for his sense of humor. "See, everybody wins. So, Demon Lord Rumpelstiltskin, do we have a deal?"

The bowl was waggled enticingly before him causing the spoon to roll about precariously. He eyed it for a few brief seconds, then finally accepted the soup.

"I suppose we have a deal."

"Lovely," said Belle triumphantly. "What is it you're doing over here anyway?"

"Putting up a barrier." Rumple swallowed a mouthful of vegetable soup. "This realm has all sorts of wild animals and opportunistic lowlifes. It will protect everyone and the horses while you sleep."

"I'm sure that'll comfort Ian and Callum. Callum has been talking about organizing a watch rotation." Blue eyes glanced to where the two black men sat by the campfire then back to Rumple hidden in the shadow of night. "Are you coming to the fire though?"

Rumple stared at the blue-eyed beauty with an expression that could only be described as 'seriously?'. His mouth opened but no words escaped until a few seconds later.

"You literally just agreed not to do that."

"No," began Belle with a shake of her head. "I promised not to try convincing you, not that I'd not ask if you planned on joining us."

That made Rumple smile, she'd found a loophole to their deal. "Hmm, I suppose you have me there."

Belle chuckled. "Should have worded your deal better."

With that Belle headed off back to the fire to warm her hands while Rumple watched her go with a small smile. For the last three hundred years, every time Rumple had smiled, it had been one of mocking and cruelty designed to intimidate and unnerve. However, as he watched Belle depart, he found his smile a genuine one that a real warmth. Belle simply had something within her that made her easy to talk to and Rumple hadn't ever really had that in his life. Sure, he'd used to talk to Bae about almost everything back when he'd been human but, when he'd … failed Bae, Rumple had given up sharing his feelings with anybody entirely. Frankly, Jefferson and Victor were the closest things he had to actual friends any longer and even that was a serious stretch when it came to the blond doctor. Princess Belle though, she'd been trained to fear demon lords all her life – by the others she'd mentioned, Rumple knew he was by far the most dangerous, the truly evil one – yet there was Belle who kissed his cheek and told him he was kind. Strange but good-natured and munificent was Belle du Marchand.

Rumple ate another spoon of soup; a rather bland meal nowhere near as good as what Missus Potts cooked up, but the soup was designed to be warm and filling more than anything else. Besides, Rumple had learned not to care too much about the taste of what he ate long before he'd become the Dark One. Once he'd finished his evening meal, Rumple finished drawing the wards he'd been leaving in the cardinal directions in the dark soil and watched as the barrier vibrated upwards to form an invisible dome. He might not have figured out how to spin gold, but he'd rapidly regained much of his magic.

The group would be safe for the night – an army wouldn't be able to break through the barrier – and, though he spared another glance towards the campfire, Rumple made no attempt to join the group preferring to simply stare out at the sleepy landscape. A thick crop of trees to his distant left, the wagon and dozing horses to his right and endless expanse of Trade Road before him. During the day there had been a plethora of wagons and people travelling, but by twilight most had vanished from the road in search of safe places to camp for the night. A small, faint orangey glow a few miles away was the only indication anybody else was around. The realm of Dreymyr may have been a strange land of bizarre creatures and humanoids with cat ears, but, when he just stopped to look at the landscape, Rumple realized it wasn't all that dissimilar to the Enchanted Forest; oddly he found that comforting.

A shuffling sound caught his attention then and Rumple looked over his shoulder to see Belle, Callum and Ian settling down for some sleep. He hadn't got the first idea what would happen if he left the realm without freeing Belle of her enslavement collar, and he had no desire to find out. Their deal had been to find Jefferson first, but Rumple had started to give genuine thought to storming Kalecaster Castle and torturing this Haldor Tvon person alongside Gaston until they told him everything he wanted to know, including how to end the enslavement, because him repeatedly saying he released her hadn't done anything it was meant to. Unfortunately those idiots probably had no clue either. For the time being he'd just carry on as they had been doing; they'd get that horse – mostly for Belle – and then Rumple would go straight back to gathering as much information as possible, because he was nothing if not a magpie when it came to knowledge. Fluidity of his magic remained a hassle and, beyond the barrier he'd taught himself and tweaked, sigils were a struggle; he needed to master sigils before he went messing with the one keeping Belle's collar on, one wrong move and it could lop her head off for all he knew. Much too sweet and beautiful to be a corpse was Belle – wait, why did he keep looping back to how pretty she was? Quickly Rumple turned away from Belle and the warm fire back into the darkness. Last thing Belle wanted or needed was the likes of him ogling her.

Rumple hadn't needed all that much sleep since he'd become the terrifying Dark One, so it made sense for him to stay up on watch. He hoped Gordana returned some useful news about Jefferson's location soon because he couldn't play hard-working adventurer forever, not when Baelfire was still out there alone. The fact people didn't instantly recoil every time they saw him continued to unnerve Rumple as well. Oh, the sooner he found the damn Hatter, the better. He recalled the last time he'd seen the tall man: Jefferson had brought him a book he'd asked for and stuffed his pockets with golden threat while muttering about that little girl of his, and Rumple had just waved his hand to send him away so his castle would regain its silence. Though Rumple had focused himself on finding Jefferson, there wasn't any certainty that his aid would do anything to get them back to the Enchanted Forest; he chose to burn that bridge when he got to it.

Night steadily turned to day and camp was packed away after Belle, Callum, Ian and a reluctant Rumple had eaten a quick breakfast: Odd how Belle was technically his slave and yet she continuously made him do what she wanted, or maybe the real oddity was that he let her. Their journey continued without much fuss once the horses had been fed and, with several more miles behind them, the time came for Rumple and the chestnut-haired princess to depart the brothers' wagon and head off along a smaller road to Crystella. Thick trees lined the lane on one side while intermittent bushes littered the other, Rumple didn't give them long for sightseeing though, not when he quickly used his spacial magic to hurry them towards the Cylveran city.

Eventually he was forced to halt his rapid hops when they came to a fork in the road, one remained straight while the other seemed to veer off to the southwest, possibly towards Lalenburg.

"Look!" Belle suddenly shouted, gabbing him by the elbow as she did. He followed the finger she'd jutted out towards the distant trees with a squint; an animal, but he wasn't sure which, something with white fur was about all he could ascertain. "Is that a waheela? I've – I've never seen one, they're so rare." Excitedly, Belle, made her way towards the animal before Rumple could stop her, hurried to the treeline only to gasp and drop to her knees beside what Rumple now saw was a white wolf. "He's injured!"

Rumple followed, prepared to throw a fireball at it if needed, and realized just how big this waheela was despite appearing to be a juvenile. It's back leg had been caught in a snare, cutting deep and causing great pain to the poor creature. Either it had fallen victim to somebody's attempt to protect the local area, or a savage hunter's lack of remorse; either way the animal suffered.

"That's a very deep wound." He mused aloud.

"We have to help him." She smiled warmly at the snarling wolf and held her hands up as non-threateningly as possible. "Shush, you're okay. We'll help you."

For a split second Rumple wondered what she was playing at. "Will we now?"

Blue eyes glared at him. "I'm a tamer, I can't just leave an innocent animal to die. Of course we'll help him. Poor thing."

She had such concern in her eyes and voice that Rumple relented before he'd even realized he had. He stood quietly while Belle took out the dagger they'd bought from the Lyrelocket brothers and used it to carefully free the animal from the vicious snare. Though he continued to snarl, the waheela made no attempt to swipe or bite at Belle, and Rumple wasn't sure if that was due to sensing how powerful Rumple was or that the white wolf just knew she was trying to help him. Once free, Belle tucked the bloody snare into her pocket where it could never harm another animal again, and the wolf made to charge off into the trees' safety but collapsed after two steps. Blood poured from his back left paw so profusely that even Rumple felt sorry for him.

"You're going to be all right, sweetheart."

"I beg to differ." Rumple was quick to say. "That wound is deep, the wolf has lost a lot of blood and, judging by the blackish tint, it's likely infected as well. Death will be a mercy for him."

"No!" She shuffled closer to the dying waheela. Belle's magic may have been geared entirely towards animals and taming them, but that didn't extend to healing them and the recovery potions she had in her bag wouldn't have been strong enough to save this poor creature. "You could – you could use your magic. You healed Faris' mother."

Rumple lifted an eyebrow. "That was different."

Later he'd question why he insisted on being so stubborn; he wanted to see Belle happy, so why did he make her work so hard for it?

"Because it was a deal? Then I will make another deal with you. Heal the waheela, please."

"And what do I get in return? Hmm, Princess?"

"Whatever you want."

That was Belle's confident answer and it gave the Dark One a moment of pause because he knew her smarter than making open-ended deals with practically omnipotent monsters. Although, there was such vehement determination in her lovely cerulean eyes that he knew she'd not back down.

"Pretty girls shouldn't make such easily exploited deals." Warned Rumple pointlessly as the wolf continued to bleed out by Belle's knees.

"Maybe, but you're not the sort to take advantage of a woman. If you were, you'd have done it already." That was true, he'd had numerous opportunities to have his wicked way with her, and the collar would have ensured her compliance, but even monsters had lines they didn't cross, and abusing innocent women and children was Rumpelstiltskin's. "Please help him."

"Very well, but you owe me a favor Belle du Marchand and you will be expected to pay at some point."

She nodded while fingers brushed comfortingly through the waheela's bloodied coat. "I'm fine with that."

Like that, their deal was struck; a deal Rumple never should have even bothered with. He'd been different since his summoning to Dreymyr, but the stubbornness remained it would seem. With a simple wave of his hand, the young waheela's wounds healed and the luxurious white fur shed its crimson hue. Amazingly, the waheela didn't flee after the return if its stamina and health, instead he remained by Belle so she could pet his fluffy ears. It was then Rumple noticed the deformed back paw: three toes on the paw instead of four, the dewclaws were intact – which was a surprise since regular wolves didn't have them – but Rumple suspected the minor deformity had played a role in why an otherwise strong creature hadn't been able to escape the snare.

The expression of awe and happiness on Belle's face had Rumple thinking that was payment enough; just because she owed him a deal didn't mean he had to ask for something and besides, he'd already gotten what he wanted from her via their previous deal. Maybe one day, after he'd found Bae and made up for his terrible mistake, he'd tell the tale of how a bookish princess in a strange realm owed him a favor.

He let her have a few more moments to pet the waheela they'd saved from certain death since it acted more like a house cat than a wild animal around her – seemed to adore being cooed over – but they had to get to Crystella and couldn't linger in a ditch forever.

"Come on, hurry up." He encouraged with less annoyance than he'd expected. "I would like to make it to the city before nightfall."

That seemed to jolt Belle out of her little world – if that was a mindset of all tamers or just her, Rumple didn't know. She gave one more tickle to the young yet large waheela's white ears, then nodded.

"Of course, sorry." She pushed herself to her feet. "Bye, beautiful boy."

As she made her way back to him, a part of Rumple's mind he'd tried to forget existed wondered what it would be like to have her bestow such a sweet tone upon him: 'ridiculous idea' he chastised himself.

"These horses had better be as good as you claim." He announced simply to distract his mind once they'd begun walking once more.

"Oh they are, I assure you. Papa-"

"Gave them as gifts, I remember, Belle. However-"

Rumple cut himself off and glanced over his shoulder when he sensed something pursuing the pair. Belle quickly copied him leaving the two staring at the lane behind them almost comically, but neither laughed because it was the waheela who'd followed them.

"You should go back to your family." Said Belle, but her words did little since he continued to trail after them. Belle turned with a stern mien akin to a mother scolding their child. "You're a waheela, you need to be in the forest rather than with people."

This surprisingly intelligent wolf paid no heed to Belle's words and, frankly, Rumple didn't blame the animal: why would anybody turn down a chance to spend more time indulging in Belle's charming company? A spark of jealousy ran through him when the waheela nuzzled into Belle's leg; he'd never be permitted to touch her so freely. 'Stop thinking about that! You don't care about her, you're just using her to get back to the Enchanted Forest. She means nothing to you', screamed Rumple's mind but the words didn't sound convincing.

"I could make him leave."

Her head snapped in his direction. "Don't you dare."

For the second time, she crouched down beside the animal to tickle him with such loving care and sighed. "You don't have a family, do you? Poor boy, you're just lonely. Waheelas are solitary creatures, but that doesn't mean you have to like it." The hand not buried in white fur stretched up to brush against her enslavement collar thoughtfully. "You – you could come with us." Rumple lifted an eyebrow because he saw where this was going and didn't like the idea. "I could tame you?"

Most of the knowledge Rumple had accumulated about tamers had come from comments made in works about the enslavement collars. He knew taming to be about companionship, gregariousness and synergy rather than cruelty and subjugation, but beyond that, he'd not bothered to learn all that much about tamers: a failing on his part since Belle was one. Instead of deciding for the animal, she'd asked a question and requested permission: in all other realms only magical creatures had been capable of direct communication and full understanding, but in Dreymyr it looked as though certain animals had such levels of intelligence that they could not only understand but provide consent. And provide consent the wolf did: with a paw placed on her thigh, Belle knew the answer and Rumple watched on curiously.

For a moment wolf and princess simply looked at one another as though confirming what they were doing, then Belle suddenly pulled out her dagger and pricked her finger causing rich crimson to bubble up slowly. She drew a small sigil of concentric circles and geometric lines on her palm with practised movements. Once finished, she blew on it lightly and, just like starting a fire, her blood glowed an impossible ruby color and she held her hand out towards the waheela.

"I am Princess Belle du Marchand, heir apparent to the throne of Avonlea." In the same ruby glow, a second sigil appeared below the waheela's paws. "I ask you stand by my side."

Maylea nor Gordana back at the Guild building had seemed all that impressed with Belle's magic level, but for the first time Rumple realized Belle's magic wasn't weak. No, a more correct description would have been that her magic wasn't versatile, he could feel the power coming from those magic circles and knew her very soul had gone into making them. Taming was spirit magic: at first he'd thought it like blood magic back in his realm but no, the blood was just a catalyst, her soul was where the real power came from. Suddenly Rumple suspected why tamers were so rare, it wasn't to do with their magic level but the strengths of their souls, and Belle's was formidable.

The waheela pressed his muzzle to Belle's bloody hand and closed his amber eyes. "With my breath, I invite you. With my heart, I welcome you. With my soul, I cherish you."

Suddenly light enveloped them and Rumple could practically taste the magic in the air, then it faded and everything ended. Neither looked any different and the blood on Belle's hand had gone, but Rumple could feel the invisible tether connecting princess to wolf. He felt as though he'd just witnessed something exceedingly personal and to be honest, it had left him a touch uncomfortable.

"Right, well, you have your pet so we should be on our way. I have a horse to buy."

Belle stood and brushed dust from her knees. "He's not a pet, Rumple."

"Besides the point. Come along, it's not far now." Suddenly a thought struck him like an ogre's club: the enslavement required the consumption of the master's blood but he'd never even heard of Dreymyr, let alone allowed virgins to sample his blood. "Wait, You've consumed none of my blood, so how would you have even been able to cast the enslavement ritual? Surely your idiot usurper didn't think that would work."

The chestnut-haired beauty's face turned shy for a moment which had the waheela snuggle into her leg.

"Gaston never really thinks about anything, he just expects everything to go the way he envisions. Positively primeval. You're right that the ritual shouldn't have worked. Tvon though, he found an artefact that supposedly had the Dark One's blood on it and used it to summon you, that's what the magic circle you landed in was made of, your blood so you were summoned and – they had this idea that if they mixed it with my blood the ritual would be fooled into thinking it had been performed correctly. Gaston was too scared of what could go wrong to use his own blood and, since I'm a tamer, they decided I'd be a better fit. He thought that you'd be enslaved to me and I'd be enslaved to him. I was to be a proxy."

Artefact? Dark One's blood? Realization dawned on him. "That was blood from a different Dark One, that's why the ritual was so faulty. It connected more to my curse than to me." Rumple raked a hand down his face. "I used my magic to send Jefferson away the last time I saw him, that's how he got here, whatever that pea-brained mage cobbled together latched on to him purely out of sheer dumb luck."

"… I must admit, I'd not expected it to ever work."

"Pea-brained but lucky." Rumple grumbled. "I'm still not certain how it resulted in you being enslaved to me though."

Neither of them were, but at least they'd gotten a new piece to the puzzle if nothing else. While Rumple had used a spell to deflect any incoming attack when he'd been so rudely summoned, it should have just nullified such a faulty spell; especially since it had been designed to counter attack magic whereas the enslavement ritual was a binding spell.

Locked inside his own thoughts once more, Rumple continued walking while Belle followed with the waheela at her side. She'd tamed a few turkey shots in her early teens, but never something as impressive or beautiful as a waheela, When she'd really made a fuss about not marrying him after her papa had begun acting strange, Gaston had taken a crossbow to all of her tamed birds as punishment knowing the physical pain their deaths would cause her through their connection. A cruel act he'd taken great pride in.

Belle wasn't sure what Missus Potts would think when they returned to the Teapot Inn with such an animal, but she opted not to think about that as she walked the last leg of their journey. The waheela had needed a family and Belle's kind nature had given him one. Their real problem would be hunters and thieves, it was no secret that waheela fur fetched a pretty penny even when damaged, so the coat of such a gorgeous waheela must have been worth a fortune.

By the time they grew unnervingly close to Crystella's gates, Belle had shifted from solicitude to extreme concern. Belle's new friend might have only been a juvenile, but he was still the size of any regular wolf in adulthood. Whoever had placed that snare had to have come from Crystella so probably wouldn't take kindly to a waheela just waltzing inside the gates; it would also surely cause panic with the horses.

"Rumple, he can't be seen. What if someone tries to take or kill him?"

"Then leave him out here." Rumple responded without missing a beat. He was a wild animal, not a newborn babe and could take care of himself. "You have no choice but to accompany me, but he can remain in the safety of the treeline."

Her expression turned reluctant. "I know, but – well, it's not fair to just leave him here. There could be more snares and people leave their pets outside of places, he's our friend now, our companion."

Rumple felt a headache coming on as he sighed deeply and slowed to a stop. "Oh, the things I do just to make it through the day."

Belle rolled her eyes while Rumple thought about what to do with this new waheela. While annoying to deal with, Rumple concluded that ultimately it would be good for Belle to have her own loyal protector; especially after he'd returned to the Enchanted Forest.

Making the wolf invisible wouldn't be possible, he'd not figured invisibility out just yet and, even if he had, Rumple couldn't have been sure how long it would last. Having a waheela appear from nowhere mid-way through the market would yield a worse result than if they tried to enter the city with him in tow. All that said, Rumple did have one option he was interested in trying: shrinking. He'd read about it in the dragon book he'd bought for Belle from Mister Zule months back and become rather interested in the concept. The book had spoken of how some dragons had been able to shrink themselves and taken on a humanoid form for the sake of convenience. Curiosity had quickly turned to practical tests on a rat he'd found trying to sneak into Missus Potts' kitchen with a good level of success. However, a rat and waheela were very different creatures.

With more focus than he'd typically devote to a spell, Rumple snapped his fingers, a single sharp sound which echoed a surprising distance, and, thankfully, the large white wolf shrunk down rapidly to the size of a sheep dog. Belle gasped, the waheela shuddered, but in the end neither panicked. Amber eyes peered up at Rumple with such … something and Dreymyr's popular saying of 'as wise as the Jade' popped into his head.

"Is he okay?"

"He'll be fine, I can scale him back up later."

A grumble sound escaped the white wolf when Belle petted him; he obviously didn't like being tiny but understood why it had been done: as wise as the Jade indeed.

"Now, do you think you can resist adopting any other wild animals until we have a damn horse?"

His voice had been filled with irritation but, instead of being insulted, Belle chuckled and looped her arm with his as was usual when they walked city streets together.

"I'll endeavor to do my best." She teased. "I warn you though, I am partial to wing ears."

With the issue of the waheela dealt with, they paid the entrance fee for Crystella – surprisingly low for the price of the horses inside – and were instantly hit by the unmistakable scent of horse musk and manure: a powerful aroma if ever there was one but it wasn't exactly unbearable, just inescapable. Belle and her new friend seemed happy together, like a little girl and her new puppy out for a stroll - then again, everybody was a child compared to Rumple.

Crystella was different to other cities and towns they'd visited. The west was densely packed with buildings, the market and all manner of other things including the tavern and City Watch building: eastern Crystella though, that only had a few buildings here and there all of them stables. They'd mostly stuck to the Trade Road during their travels, so it was odd to see a city without the dramatically thick walls and small army of guards. To be honest, when Rumple stopped to think about it, Crystella seemed more akin to a town back in his realm.

As they glanced around and took note of a surprising amount of depressed faces – though three girls who'd been playing did let out a rather loud 'aww puppy' as soon as they spotted the shrunken waheela and, being the kind soul she was, Belle let them pet him for a few moments when he didn't seem to protest. Rumple just stared at the display; it truly was as if Belle had known the animal all her life rather than less than an hour. He understood having a pet and forming a taming contract, but Rumple hadn't expected the two to become so connected so quickly. Once the kids had gone on their way, Rumple fixed his large eyes on the pretty princess and her pup.

"I may have shrunk him, but that wolf is still a wild animal. Perhaps it's best not to treat him like a newborn kitten."

Blue eyes peered down at the waheela then up at Rumple, something she repeated a few more times before breathing out a laugh.

"Azadanes would never hurt a child. I don't have to have known him long to have figured that out."

"You say that now but -" Rumpelstiltskin stopped dead and ground to a halt as his face screwed into one of utter confusion. "What in the Enchanted Forest is an Azadanes?

Belle gestured to her new friend. "He is. A taming bond is always stronger when the creature has a name, and he just looks like an Azadanes."

"Belle, dearie, no one has ever 'just looked' like they'd be called Azadanes." He thrust a finger out at her. "From now on I'm not letting you name things."

"Well, he seems to like it and that is all that matters." Belle paid him no mind, just bent to snuggle the newly named Azadanes' little face. "You like your name, don't you? Yes, you do, Azzy."

"And I thought Zelena was a poor naming choice." The Dark One mused to himself, Belle instantly took notice though; she'd heard him mumble about Jefferson and some woman named Regina a few times, and she was fairly certain a Snow White had popped up at least once, but Zelena was new.

"Who's Zelena?"

"Nobody important." He shut her down quickly. The less said about that jealous witch the better. "Come on, we linger any longer and the horses will all be either sold or died of old age."

The newly formed trio steadily made their way towards one of the large stables with people guiding horses this way and that. A rhythmic tinging of a farrier shoeing a horse lingered in the air. Over in a distant pen, one could see a few mares with their little colts, but Belle couldn't shake the feeling something was off. Her papa had always had issue with Queen Kotryna Molinari due to how savagely she'd secured her rule; in some ways he understood her actions and recognized that she did care for Cylvera well, but the woman hadn't ever gotten over the Avonlea-Cylvera war despite it being ancient history long, long before she or Maurice were born. Then there was the way Kotryna had acted so offended when Belle's parents had married; while she'd not ever come out and said it, she'd thought Colette's and Maurice's marriage to be a weakening act rather than a strengthening one of love. 'Not friendly but not hostile' was Maurice's preferred way to describe Cylvera and the kingdom's queen: of course, were blatant opportunity to be handed out to Kotryna, she'd certainly take it, so conducting themselves with caution had been high on Belle's and Rumple's list of priorities since they'd entered the kingdom. Any kingdom who'd named their capital the Silver City had to be egotistical.

Out from her political thoughts Belle was knocked when they finally reached the large stable only for two burly men to toss a dark-skinned man maybe in his early to mid fifties out on his ass into the dust and mud nearly splashing Rumple's boots.

"Piss off ya pathetic old man," one of the men hissed before slamming the stable door shut with a thud.

Before Rumple could so much as glance down to check his boots weren't muddy, Belle had hurried over to the man, who's head was wrapped with a purple scarf, and helped him to his feet.

"Are you all right?" She asked with genuine concern, her good heart never ceased to amaze. "Why would those men do something so horrid to you?"

Brushing dust from himself, the man sighed almost defeatedly. "Because they're terrible people. Thank you for your help though, miss, very kind of you."

"Oh, think nothing of it. Are you hurt?"

"Just my pride." Another sigh. "And I suppose my livelihood as well. I'm Torsten Tinsen by the way, I own the next stable over." He loosely gestured over his shoulder with a thumb to a distant stable.

Belle smiled one of her sweet smiles and, for the smallest of seconds, Rumple was jealous it wasn't aimed at him.

"I'm Belle." She gestured to her two companions behind her. "That is Rumpelstiltskin and the furry sweetheart is Azzy."

Torsten nodded a greeting. "A pleasure. Again, thank you for your help. Few have time for kindness around here any longer."

The dark-skinned man's voice was a deep baritone but the melancholy in it was unmistakable: Belle's feeling had been correct, there was something wrong with Crystella. Meanwhile, Rumple's interest had been piqued, as indicated by his raised eyebrow.

"What do you mean by that, dearie?"

Torsten seemed hesitant. "I'm sure you know that Crystella has the best horses in all the kingdoms. Sure, we have a few possible challengers over in Leupolis, but even they can't really hold a candle to us. We Crystellan horse breeders have always had a rivalry, but it was healthy competition until Sumner took over."

"Has he done something wrong?" Enquired Belle with a hand absent-mindedly petting Azzy's cheek fluff.

Torsten breathed out a laugh. "Sumner Cem is fueled by nothing but greed. His father was a good man, a friend even, but since his death Sumner has rendered the Cem name almost worthless in my eyes. There used to be twelve families breeding horses here, now there are five. Sumner tried buying us all out at the start but when we said no he started threatening us." Torsten shrugged. "It worked on some, they sold their businesses and fled, others wouldn't play ball and were sabotaged. I'm sure Sumner had Old Tim's place burnt down."

"Why haven't you informed the City Watch? They'd help, surely."

The city watches were a staple of all cities and towns – though oddly never called the town watch – and were charged with keeping the peace. If what Torsten said was the truth, and they were inclined to believe it was, then the City Watch had to be aware.

"He pays the Watchers too damn well to look the other way." Torsten threw his arms up in a exasperated gesture to the rest of the city. "Sumner's turned the whole place on its head. And now his attention is on me. He wants my land, my horses, any money he can wring out of me, and I'm not sure how much longer I can hold out. I don't like the way he looks at my Esmeralda either, she's only sixteen." Another sigh escaped the man as a large hand stubbly gray beard. "Word of advice for you, sweet girl: you and your master should do what you're here to do quickly, then take that pup of yours and leave. Crystella isn't a good place to be any longer."

With that, Torsten Tinsen spun around and started to head toward his own stable while grumbling to himself, but Belle was quick to grab him by the elbow and draw him back.

"What if we could help you?" She asked the dark-skinned man only for the two men to share a look of confusion.

"How? Why?"

"Rumple is an exceptionally powerful mage, he could change things around here. And as for why: well, it's the right thing to do."

"Belle, I don't take kindly to my powers being loaned out for me."

She didn't miss a beat and quickly shot back, "Then make one of your deals."

Rumple scoffed. "He likely has nothing worth giving."

"I bet you came here looking for a horse, yes?" Wasn't exactly a hard puzzle to work out. "I might have a smaller stable, but I'm a damn fine horse breeder. Miss Belle said you make deals, so how about this: If you put a stop to Sumner Cem's tyranny, make him answer for his crimes instead of just throwing some more money around and worming out of it, then I'll give you my best stallion. Worth seven gold coins he is." The stubbled man peered around as if checking nobody would hear what he had to say next. "He's not entirely horse, there's some kelpie in him."

Rumple thought the offer over for a few moments and, having been told repeatedly by Belle how expensive but reliable these horses were, he quickly decided it was a good deal. Doing as Torsten asked would mean they could keep the gold accumulated to pay for a Crystellan horse – gods he missed just being able to make gold.

"All right, you have a deal, dearie." A deal was a deal and this one seemed to be in everybody's benefit. He scooted around Azzy, who'd been more interested in watching the horses, and came to a stop right in front of the taller man. "Where is the nearest inn?"

That question actually seemed to surprise Torsten for a second, the confusion evident on his face. "Oh, em, that would be the Luscious Leaf, it's about a half mile that way." He gestured off to their left. "Just go back the way you came until you hit the market, then walk along the road with the butcher's shop and it's on the corner. You can't miss it, whole building is bright green."

"Thank you muchly." Said Rumple dismissively while Belle gave a polite yet quick goodbye and hurried to catch up with Rumple and Azzy.

"Thank you for agreeing to help him, Rumple."

He brushed her gratitude off nonchalantly instead being more focused on getting to the inn. "A decent horse was being offered."

Their walk wasn't all that long and beyond a second set of children asking to pet Azzy, nothing of note happened. Rumple did make sure to make a mental note of where the Watch House was though, because surely that would become useful sooner or later.

Upon reaching the Luscious Leaf, Rumple recoiled because Torsten's warning had not quite prepared him for the alarming shade of green the inn had been painted in. For the second time that day he was unfortunately reminded of the Wicked Witch. Much to their relieve the interior had a significantly more muted color palette of natural wood and plastered walls. The pair sat at a table furthest away from the bar while Azzy sat at Belle's feet with his tail wagging – wasn't every day a waheela got to experience a normal human day – and soon a red-haired dwarf marched up to them."

"I don't let dogs in 'ere." He announced in a booming voice. "Had enough of 'em pissin' on me floors."

Out from his coin purse came a silver coin and Rumple waved it in front of the scruffy dwarf's face. "How about you forgive the dog if he promises to be polite and I give you this shiny coin?"

The Luscious Leaf's owner didn't even pause to think, just yanked the coin from Rumple's hand and pocketed it.

"I guess an exception can be made fer such a … polite mutt. Want anythin' else? I got fresh mead, brew it meself. Outta hammer boar stew but I got some good night deer."

They weren't there to indulge, they had a deal to uphold and a horse to claim.

"Tea for the girl and I, bowl of water for the pup. Oh, and we'll need a room for until I get my horse."

"Sure," the dwarf nodded. "Rooms are eight coppers a night but it'll be extra if ya want that dog up there. Should 'ave guessed ya wanted a 'orse, most do."

"Are Sumner Cem's as good as he claims?" Rumple enquired casually and Belle made sure to listen intently to the dwarf's answer.

"They're good, but they were great when his ol' man ran the stable."

"Not a fan then." Surmised the Dark One.

"Look," began the dwarf with the inn's hubbub as a backdrop. "I don't wanna speak poorly o' folk-" Rumple held up a second silver coin which was pocketed even more quickly than the first, then the redhead leaned on the table with both fists. "Sumner thinks himself king o' this city. Been bullyin' competitors outta business since the second his ol' man kicked the bucket, an' now he's started stickin' his nose in with me an' the other taverns."

Rumple let out a long hum. "King indeed."

"Mark me words, he's a bad one who don't take kindly to the word 'no', so ya better not say it to him if ya want this girl o' yours safe. Specially since Sumner and the Earl's son got all chummy."

The gruff dwarf was called to the other side of the Luscious Leaf then by another patron leaving Belle and Rumple alone while Azzy indulged in a scratch.

Belle appeared dubious. "This man doesn't sound like a very nice one."

"Possibly something of an understatement, Belle."

"You aren't just going to kill him, are you?"

Rumple shrugged. "Originally I was, but that Tinsen fellow was smart and worded his deal well. He didn't just ask for revenge or to get rid of Cem, he wanted the man to 'answer for his crimes'. Had he said 'pay' instead then I'd have snapped Cem's neck and collected my horse."

Belle smiled softly at him and a piece of himself Rumple had long thought dead flushed.

"You really don't ever go back on your deals, do you?"

"Once." Shock splashed across his face as two cups of tea were plonked down before them and a bowl on the floor. Rumple couldn't quite believe he'd just admitted that, but Belle looked at him so inquisitively and somehow he found he could trust Belle with that little nugget. "I did it once and I have regretted it every day since."

"What happened?"

For a moment she'd thought she'd actually get an answer but getting details out of Rumple was like pulling teeth, and he just never replied. Belle wouldn't push. She supposed that if he ever felt like telling her what had to be a painful story, he'd tell her without prompting. At the very start she'd feared asking questions of the Dark One, but Rumple had become her friend, a prickly one but still a friend, and she'd not force him to do something he wasn't comfortable with. So, for a time they sipped their hot tea while Azzy lapped his cool water and Belle chastised herself. Azzy had been in that snare a long time, he had to have been not only thirsty but hungry as well.

"Em, Rumple?" A non-committal noise was her only acknowledgement. "You remember how you said I earned some of the money from our quests? Can I use some too buy a bit of night deer for Azzy? He's hungry."

Rumple shrugged. "Your money, buy what you want."

That was good enough for Belle and hardly three minutes later Azzy had a big plate of night deer beside his water bowl. The dwarf had commented that it was wasted on the dog and Belle had almost pointed out Azzy was actually a waheela, but she'd managed to avoid that awkwardness. It was while Azzy ate with gusto that Rumple spoke again.

"I want to learn more about the Earl and his son the dwarf mentioned. You know them?"

"No." She shook her head. "I think it's the Xaver family, but that is all I can remember. I don't know all that much about Cylveran noble families because Avonlea doesn't have much to do with them. I memorized all the Avonlean noble families, most of the Vellan and Dorovothi ones as well."

"Lovely, so we're clueless."

"You could always go ask a annalist, I'm sure they'd know."

"A valid suggestion." Belle flashed him a smile, she enjoyed being helpful. "Unfortunately, I doubt that's a current option. We have a basic plan, a deal to complete and a problem I've found a solution to already."

"Problem?"

"The morning tea at the Teapott Inn is terrible, I've been looking for somewhere which serves a more palatable tea."

"The reason the morning tea is so bad is because Chip makes it. I'll ask Missus Potts to make your tea from now on when we get back. Besides, the only reason we think it is so bad is because we're used to more expensive blends."

"Terrible tea is terrible tea, Belle."

She chuckled to herself because a princess and the Dark One sipping tea in an inn with a waheela at their feet sounded like the start to a joke.

Chapter Text

It hadn't taken Rumple and Belle all that long to figure out what Sumner Cem and Xan Xaver were up to, frankly a dumb cat could have worked it out. With Earl Xaydrian Xaver ill and growing steadily frailer, his only son Xan had taken over much of the daily duties despite his younger sister being a much more suitable candidate. Xan was greedy, conniving and thought more about lining his own pockets than how his people would continue to feed themselves or even the reputation of his family name. Meanwhile, Sumner was ruthless enough to beat people into submission: regrettably they made the perfect team. While Xylda saw to their father's care, Xan had increased taxes, let City Watch standards plummet and installed Sumner Cem as his partner in crime. Due to the horse trade, Crystella was an exceptionally wealthy city and the two had realized that one stable monopolizing all that wealth would be no small thing. The City Watch commander was, of course, in on it and let Cem do as he pleased as long as his palm got greased often enough and this had unfortunately resulted in the honest Watchers all being either killed, fired or threatened to a standstill. It was one such threatened guard who'd filled in a few blank areas for the pair, specifically what Xan and Cem wanted to do with quite so much money: slaves. The slave trade was huge and had made some extremely rich. All the land they'd stolen from other horse breeders would quickly and quietly be converted into warehouses for slaves that would continue to swell the coffers of criminals.

Knowing that only somebody of equal rank or higher would be able to actually put an end to the situation and that Belle carried no sway in Cylvera, Rumple had ensured the Watcher they'd spoken with would be willing to repeat everything and hand over the evidence then made a bee-line for Lady Xylda Xaver. Throughout their short investigation people had said nothing but good things about the Earl's daughter, the denizens had spoken of her caring nature and mind for negotiation, of her consideration for those less fortunate and loyalty to her ageing father. Of the way she treated the less fortunate children like her own. Frankly, Rumple thought this woman sounded a lot like Belle, though he'd never voice that.

Creeping through the Xaver mansion had proven to be really rather easy, but most couldn't teleport through an open window and passed guards until they found what they were looking for. Exiting her father's bedchamber they found Xylda Xaver, a tall woman with blonde hair dusted with golden highlights. Her mouth opened to let out a scream as she tugged the two young boys with her behind her skirts, but Rumple silenced any noise with a hand over her mouth.

"None of that, dearie." He commanded quietly while Belle glanced around the halls to ensure nobody had seen them. "We aren't here to rob or kidnap you. Your little ones aren't in any danger, I assure you." Xylda simply pulled her boys closer. "If you're as smart as the people in this city say you are, then you're fully aware your brother is up to something." That got her brow to furrow because of course she knew Xan had done something. "I can give you the evidence to make it stop. I have no want for gold or gratitude, all I ask is you listen to what I have and then use it to have your brother, Sumner Cem and that City Watch commander arrested."

Slowly he removed his hand and backed up a step so he was flanked on one side by Belle and Azzy on the other. The children clung to their mother while she regarded the strange demon before her. Xan had always had a selfish nature, she'd known he'd be a terrible earl and the raising of taxes had just been yet more proof. Xan had been hiding something since their father had gotten sick, but with her husband away, caring for her sons and father as well as attending to her charitable acts, she'd not had time or resources to decipher just what evil he'd come up with. John-Anthony Rosengarten, though loving and devoted to his wife, was Cylvera's justiciar and so almost never found time to leave the capital. On many occasions John-Anthony had suggested Xylda and the boys simply moved to the Silver City, but she'd not wished to leave her father with him ailing. All that said, this bizarre demon who'd broken into her home with his slave and pet might have been her only chance to help the people of Cyrstella though.

Xylda nodded. "Very well, please come with me and we shall discuss it."

The woman carried herself with grace and elegance as she guided them down a few halls into her sitting room. She instructed her two sons, Xavier and Xenos – apparently X names were a tradition of this family – to play out on the balcony then took a seat and gestured for her guests to do the same.

"Please, leave no detail out and kindly start with your names, I like to know whom I'm talking with."

So Rumple explained and Xylda listened intently to everything her brother and Cem had put the city through and just what horrors they had planned for the stolen land. Belle peppered the conversation with opinions and polite comments to balance out Rumple's rude habits and, steadily, Xylda came to realize these intruders had actually gotten everything in order to crush plots and ploys of Xan and Cem, they just needed a noble respected by the city to enact everything. Xylda was more than happy for that noble to be her.

"Very well, Rumpelstiltskin, I shall do as you ask. You told me you had no want for gold or gratitude, but surely you want something in return for your hard work."

"A favor, just agree to owe me a favor and we have us a deal, dearie."

Xylda's brow furrowed deeply. "What sort of favor? I shan't do anything illegal, licit, sexual or that involves my children for you."

"What sort of monster do you think I am?"

"Forgive me, I simply meant there should be boundaries to this favor,"

Rumple liked Xylda, she'd not left herself at his mercy and he respected those smart enough to do that.

"That is perfectly fine. I agree to your terms, do we have a deal?"

The moment she agreed, Rumple knew he'd be getting his hands on that stallion Torsten had promised. Their deal was concluded, he had a favor to claim if he needed it and was one step closer to getting back to his son. However, when he stood up intending to leave, Belle pulled one of her revival potions out of her bag and offered it to the blonde.

"I'm not sure what your father's illness is, but Rumple's potions are very strong and cure just about anything."

"That is very kind of you, but my father suffers from old age and no amount of potions or healing magic can cure that."

Rumple shrugged. "Give him the potion anyway. Like Belle says, my potions are strong and will significantly slow any issues caused by old age."

Rumple paused: did he, the Dark One, the First Demon Lord – yeah, he'd started to like that title – actually just be nice to somebody without making a deal? He should have told Belle to put the potion away and teleported them over to Torsten's stable, but instead he'd pointed out potion benefits and let Belle hand it over to Xylda. That pondering lingered with Rumple even after they adjourned to the Luscious Leaf for tea while they waited for Xylda to put their plan in motion. Dreymyr had changed him, made him more like his human self.

Turned out the potion had gotten Earl Xaydrian on his feet in less than an hour and, alongside his daughter, had issued arrest warrants for Xan Xaver, Sumner Cem and all the Watchers they been able to prove were in on it, and word got around the city fast. Xan's wicked ways had been ended, Xaydrian had recovered and promptly named his daughter as his successor. The Xaver family had redeemed themselves.

Having completed his end of the bargain, Rumple sought out Torsten at his stable with Belle and Azzy. They found the man chatting to one of his stablehands, a muscular half-elf with silvery blond hair all the way down his back kept neatly in a braid. Rumple didn't announce himself, simply stood there looming as was his way.

Belle might not have voiced it to him, but she was proud of how he'd handled their impromptu quest in Crystella. When they'd first met he'd used every other sentence to remind her he was the Dark One, the First Demon Lord and an all-round monster, but Belle had read about the crimes of demon lords. Halinox had favored corrupting people's sense of self and used them like mindless puppets to kill, maim and torture whomever he damn well pleased. Later, Ivosanch had attempted to subjugate and enslave all in Dorovoth, Gralia and Cylvera – and would have succeeded had the deadly Shay-El Ta not been enacted but, of course, that had also caused the Black Claw Chain to erupt and part of the largest island still lay in ruins. Then there was Ravavena who'd fooled everybody into thinking she had a heart but had just used it as a smokescreen to gain more power: people didn't call her the Little Disaster for nothing and she'd certainly earned her cell at Akula Prison. The three of them were demon lords, savage, perfidious and cruel people, but the Dark One wasn't and Belle continued to see more evidence of it. Rumple would persist in playing everything off as him just wanting a free horse, but Belle knew better.

Finally Torsten Tinsen spotted them and did his best to hide the fright their sudden appearance had given him. He patted the long-haired half-elf on the shoulder comfortingly before he headed over to complete his end of the bargain; after all, nobody broke a deal with Rumpelstiltskin.

"I have fulfilled me half, dearie, and suggest you do the same."

Torsten nodded. "Word of Sumner's arrest and the warrant out for Lord Xan has circled around the city twice over. I don't know how you did it but I thank you for it. Lady Xylda arrived personally to oversee the City Watch commander's arrest and deliver her father's orders for who should temporarily replace Commander Ronson – she's always been a good one has Lady Xylda, takes after her father."

"Yes, lovely." Rumple honestly couldn't have cared less. "The horse, if you please."

Belle rolled her eyes. "Ignore him, rude seems to be his resting state."

"After all you and he have done, Miss Belle, he can be as rude as he wants." Said Torsten with a small chuckle.

The first time they'd met, Torsten had seemed like an exhausted man about ready to give in and let the world defeat him, his dark eyes had been sunken and his voice dominated by bitterness, frustration and concern for his young daughter. However, with the arrest of Sumner Cem and the warrant out for Xan, he'd regained his energy and looked practically vivacious. A weight had been lifted from Torsten's soul and probably the rest of the Tinsen family as well.

Rumple cared not for platitude so insisted they be taken to their reward and Torsten wasted no time, he guided them through to the very back stall where their reward stood eating from a bag of oats. He was a jet black stallion with a long mane and white star. The majestic creature was strong – beautiful really – but the horse's coat gave him away as being more than horse, it was thicker almost like that of a seal. Rumple had heard many legends about kelpies but hadn't ever actually seen one, the horse before him was probably as close as he'd get.

"This is Svadilfari." Torsten announced with a smile. "I'll have him saddled for you, think of it as an extra thank you."

"That's very kind, Mister Tinsen."

Rumple remained silent because he'd not quite gotten over the horse's name. What was it with Dreymyr and the odd names? And that had come from a man named Rumpelstiltskin.

After Belle had thanked the black man a handful more times, Svadilfari had been saddled and Rumple helped her up so they could leave Crystella. Of course he could have just used magic to return them to Ranga, but that would have aroused suspicion they could have done without, so Rumple opted to exit the city, head down the lane then use his magic once out of sight. That had been the plan but, unfortunately, it was thrown off when they found a red carriage outside the gate holding the Xaver family crest – a reared winged stallion topped with three horseshoes on a red field – and a guard informed Rumple: 'Lady Xylda wants a word'. Curious, Rumple slipped into the carriage while Belle waited with Azzy and Svadilfari.

The carriage blinds were down keeping any curious eyes from peering inside and Xylda had been embroidering to pass the time. As someone who'd spent forty-odd years making thread prior to the whole Dark One thing, Rumple instantly took notice of how gently the blue dye had been applied as well as the exceptional quality; a thread to be proud of, that was for damn sure.

"We were done, dearie." He pointed out once the carriage door was closed behind him. "What do you want?"

Xylda smiled as she set her embroidery down in her lap. "It is refreshing for someone to speak to me so bluntly, casual conversation is not something I can often partake in. Because of you, Crystella has been turned on its head, and I found myself wondering how a simple demon and his slave could unravel something those living here had failed to do. Xan is my elder brother, I have known him all my life and should have seen the darkness inside him, because I didn't I failed my people." Silence lingered a moment before the blonde woman moved the subject along. "Though, like I said, I wondered how you managed all of this. I don't know if you are aware, but there is an Adventurer's Guild building in this city due to us being more or less in the centre of the kingdom. I employed some of their men to aid in arresting Mister Cem and Commander Ronson."

Rumple sighed. "Just get to the point, dearie."

"Very well. While there I saw a very strange wanted poster issued in Avonlea and it made me want to ask you two questions. Since we are speaking bluntly, I'll just come out and ask: Are you the demon wanted for stealing something of value from Kalecaster Castle in St. Claes?"

Rumple leaned forward with a smirk, in a single second he could have Belle, Azzy and their new horse back to Ranga, but he wanted to know what the smart Lady Xylda had to say.

"And what are you going to do about it if I say yes?"

"Nothing." She shrugged a single shoulder. "Your potion saved my father's life and you have freed my city from a horrid fate, that has earned my silence. Also, something tells me it would be wise to have you as friend rather than foe."

"You said you had two questions."

"The other comes from me doing some guesswork. The contract states only that you stole something from Avonlea, something they very much want returned. I have always been very good with names, probably comes from my family's insistence on starting all our names with the letter X, so it didn't take me long to wonder if your slave Belle is actually Princess Belle."

"That's not a question, dearie."

"Is the girl enslaved to you part of the du Marchand royal family?"

"Blunt indeed." Rumple leaned back in his seat. "She is Avonlea's Princess, yes."

Again that silence lingered, somewhat longer this time and cogs could practically be seen turning in each of their minds.

"You saved my father and city, that has earned my silence for who you are, I shall give you my silence in regards to the location of Princess Belle for free. I am not a greedy woman, sir, I am grateful for the things I have and the health of my sons, but I am not some demure mouse who knows nothing of politics. Tensions between Cylvera and Avonlea have always been … strained to some extent, and while Queen Kotryna seems content to allow that to continue, I am not. I prefer making friends to making enemies. Since Princess Belle's situation does not seem forced and, despite your almost rude candor, you treated me with respect. I wish to have you as a friend."

"I don't do friends, dearie, and can anybody truly be friends with someone they're indebted to?"

"Oh, I doubt that will be a problem." Xylda took a breath. "I don't think you'll find many allies in Cylvera, especially amongst the noble families, so why should we not band together?"

Xylda Xaver had a point, having an earl's daughter on side was no small thing, especially now she knew about Belle, and, like she'd said, Crystella was in the centre of Cylvera making it strategic for him. There was one thing he wanted to gauge her reaction to first though.

"What do you think about demon lords?"

The blonde's brow furrowed deeply because it had been such a random question in her mind.

"I don't devote much time to contemplating them. Although, I suppose I would say that they are extremely powerful individuals who likely begin with altruistic goals only to become misguided. I don't believe anybody is inherently evil, sir. Why?"

"No reason." Rumple found himself impressed by her answer, this woman truly had her own way of viewing the world much as Belle did and stayed true to herself. "Very well, we shall be friends, but don't go expecting much."

"I can do that. Sorry for taking up your time, have a nice day."

Well, that was one of the more polite ways he'd been dismissed in his life. Having indulged in their clandestine conversation, Rumple slipped out of the carriage as Xylda took up her embroidery again and joined an impatient Belle. Of course she insisted on being told exactly what had gone on and Rumple saw no reason to keep it from her, so he relayed the tale as they put distance between themselves and the city. Belle rode Svadilfari while Rumple and Azzy walked alongside them as they discussed if having Xylda Xaver as a so-called friend would actually be beneficial or not. Belle had the opinion that friends in high places were always friends in high places and good to have, something Rumple agreed with. Xylda owed him a favor, it was there should he ever have need of it, and Rumple did like being prepared above all else: nobles to exploit was always useful.

Svadilfari turned out to be a fine horse as Cyrstella faded into the background, he was eerily large but surprisingly gentle and Belle had taken a clear liking to him. Also, with Svadilfari, or Svad as Belle quickly nicknamed him, Rumple wouldn't have to put quite so much strain on his magic by leapfrogging the landscape.

Once they reached roughly the area they'd discovered Azzy in, Rumple transported all four of them back to the familiarity of Ranga; or, more specifically, the main lobby of the Adventurer's Guild which caused the receptionists and few adventurers loitering around up jump out of their skins. Rumple cared little for the panic he'd caused, so simply strode to Maylea while Belle hopped down from Svad.

"Afternoon, dearie." He greeted without any real feeling towards the grasswalker. "I'm going to need you to give me access to the Guild's stable."

Maylea's long ear twitched, a clear sign of her annoyance at having a massive horse and dog in her lobby – oh if only she'd known that dog was actually a waheela.

"Our stable is at the west gate."

Rumple quipped: "Well, I didn't think it was under your desk."

That long ear twitched again. At first Maylea had feared Rumple but over time she'd just come to find his cavalier attitude irritating more than anything else. Still, she was the deputy head receptionist for the Guild's headquarters and would not let her standards slip.

"Would you like to pay weekly, monthly or is this a one-off thing?" She asked with a practised smile.

Rumple didn't miss a beat. "Monthly will do."

Wanting the horse Belle had a good hold on out of her lobby, Maylea quickly pulled out a large book bound in black leather from the shelf behind her reception desk and flicked through to the appropriate page. In looped handwriting she made note of Rumple's name, rank and a brief description of Svad, which seemed to consist only of 'massive, black with white star', and Svad's name of course. As soon as Rumple had signed the book, Maylea handed him a wooden pass that he peered at suspiciously.

"Give that to Calvin when you stable your horse."

"Lovely." He pocketed the pass then leaned against the reception desk uncaring there was an enslaved princess, giant horse and shrunken waheela behind him. "I heard some of the other adventurers talking about a storage system offered here. Tell me about that."

"It's rather self-explanatory. You can either rent a crate in one our store vaults under the building or rent an entire vault. We charge a monthly rent of fifty-five coppers for a crate or two silvers for a vault. The vaults are only accessible by a single guarded staircase inside the building and spells have been placed to protect your valuables. We have never been robbed and don't intend to be."

Back in the Enchanted Forest, Rumple had inherited the Dark One's vault and even he wasn't sure just how big it was, so two silvers a month sounded rather reasonable for the next best thing.

"And I can put anything in there?"

Maylea nodded. "Anything as long as it isn't alive or prone to rotting."

"I'll take one of your vaults, but I want to see it for myself."

"Most do. You should know, your first month's rent is to be paid upfront."

Rumple didn't argue, he'd expected for the first month's payment to be demanded right away so just tossed Maylea two silver coins while Belle started to grow impatient. Out came a second book, though this one was bound in green, and Maylea scanned through it until she found an available vault.

"Vault 113 is vacant." She glanced to Svad. "Please stable the horse before I show you the vault."

Flamboyantly, Rumple spun around and muttered something about having forgotten Svad even existed. Alarmingly fast he, Belle, Azzy and Svad all vanished only for Rumple, Belle and her new friend to reappear a moment later as though he'd not scared the life out of poor Maylea enough for one day.

"I'm horse-less."

"Yes, thank you. If you'd like to follow me, I'll show you to your vault."

The stairs down below the building were narrow, spiraled and uneven, all made of some kind of sandy stone that hadn't wished to be turned into a step. Belle nearly tripped as they descended only for Rumple to catch her by the elbow at the last second and poor Azzy struggled due to his change in size; walking after being shrunk was one thing, but heading down a winding staircase was quite another.

"Rumple, could you please put Azzy back to his proper size?"

For a moment he wondered if the adolescent waheela would fit in the stairwell at his full size, but Belle's pleading eyes had him waving his hand to scale up the wolf in less than a second. Back to normal, Azzy stretched and began to wag his tail happily. Meanwhile, Maylea flattened herself against the wall as her eyes went wide.

"What is that?!"

Rumple shrugged. "A pet, apparently."

"His name is Azadanes, Azzy for short, and he's my friend not a pet." Belle insisted but Maylea didn't seem comforted by that.

"It's a -" Maylea gulped. "A waheela."

"Yes, yes." Rumple really would have rather gotten along with things. "The wolfie won't hurt you, dearie, so let's just go look at my vault."

After a moment to steel herself, Maylea escorted them the rest of the way to vault number 113, though did keep glancing at Azzy with poorly hidden terror.

The vaults were set out on either side of a long hallway with sconces roughly every ten feet. The right-hand side held even numbers while odd ones were on the left and guards patrolled constantly. The long corridor was built of a blueish river rock with each vault door being a kind of wooden portcullis, and whatever number vault they were in brass numbers on the wall to the portcullis' left. According to Maylea, the Guild had three more of these hallways which left Rumple estimating they had about three hundred vaults total. Eventually they reached his and the counterweight lifted the door once Maylea had slipped a small, pillar-shaped yellow garnet into a hole just under the brass numbers.

Rumple found the vault poorly lit so he pulled the flaming torch from its sconce and headed inside for a look-see. Of course the size was nothing compared to his other vault, but it went much further back than he'd anticipated – possibly twice the size of their room back at the inn.

"Surely this would be big enough for whatever you want to keep down here, Rumple." Belle reasoned. "I don't think my book collection could even totally fill this place."

He didn't believe that for a second, Belle collected books the way magpies collected shiny things. Rumple suspected the sun would fade from the sky long before Belle finished her reading list.

"The yellow garnet is the only key and it will only open this vault, so don't lose it otherwise you'll be charged a fortune to replace it." Warned Maylea as Belle and Rumple exited the vault and the torch was returned.

As soon as the garnet was removed the portcullis slammed down and Rumple could feel the wards keeping any contents safe. Grasswalker handed demon the key which was quickly slipped into his coat.

"I assume I can rent more than one of these should I want?"

The redhead nodded while Belle started to wonder just what he planned to keep in these vaults.

"If you'd like, but I can't promise you it will be close to this one."

Rumple didn't see that being a problem, he'd just wanted to confirm he could take up as many of these protected storage vaults as needed. Maybe he'd store his potion crafting equipment in there now he'd gotten the hang of Dreymyr's ingredients, it would certainly be a safer option what with Belle's constant presence and now that of Azzy as well. They weren't too deep under ground so maybe he could leave her in the lobby while he worked? That could all be determined at a later date, for now he'd secured a replacement vault just as he'd wanted.

While Rumple stared at the portcullis lost in thought, while Belle couldn't stop noticing Maylea's fearful mien. Belle and Rumple knew Azzy wouldn't hurt anyone unless attacked first or protecting Belle, but that didn't mean other people did and that was something Belle had allowed herself to overlook. Wolves weren't animals tamers often formed contracts with and waheelas even less so. The sudden patterns her companion began to draw in the air before his new vault drew Belle's attention away though.

"What is he doing now?" She mostly asked herself but Maylea offered up an explanation regardless.

"He's warding. Just about every mage who has a vault does it and I can't really blame them. It's like an extra layer of security."

She would have said more but Azzy stepped closer causing the grasswalker to back away instinctively.

"I promise Azzy won't hurt you." Belle tickled his white ears. "He's a good boy and he's my friend. I tamed him so there's nothing to worry about."

Maylea swallowed audibly. "Sorry, I've just – I've never done well with wolves. They terrorized my village growing up."

"Oh?" Smiled the princess. "Where's your village?"

"In Balmund, just north of Denchelle. Rowe village was a lovely little place … except for the wolves." Belle didn't need to be a royal to know Balmund was way on the other side of the continent and would have taken one hell of a voyage to reach Dorovoth; a wagon would have taken three times as long and Belle didn't envy her. "My papa was an adventurer and, after Mama passed, he decided Ranga would offer better quest pay and better schooling for me and my brother." She breathed out a laugh. "Phaethon's an adventurer now, Papa's shining son, but with a magic level of six I couldn't be of much use."

"Some are destined for greatness and others are here to hold down the fort." Belle teased which earned a small chuckle from the grasswalker.

"Not one for treks either." Gray-green eyes watched Azzy while Rumple finished his warding: one woman's fluffy sweetheart was another's savage monster. "Can – Could I pet him? It might help."

The half-elf nodded. "I think Azzy would be fine with that. He's a cuddle bug."

Nervously, Maylea reached out a hand toward Azzy's head right between his ears and stroked the fur there a single time before recoiling; once was her limit. Rumple's abrupt swivel caught the two women off-guard but not Azzy, the waheela just kept on wagging his tail happy to be with his new family.

"We're done here, Belle, time to find out how much having your fluffball at the inn is going to cost me."

Belle's brow furrowed. "Surely Missus Potts won't mind, tamers take animals into the inns all the time, I'm sure."

Rumple wasn't as convinced but remained quiet on the topic, just rested a hand on Belle's lower back and Azzy's head so he could move them all to the Teapot Inn leaving Maylea alone. The trio appeared on the inn's stairs where they spotted Chip at the bottom eating a sandwich, but he dropped it almost comically into his lap as soon as he spotted Azzy behind him. 'Should have maybe shrunk him back down' Belle's mind muttered to her.

"Chip," began the Dark One. "We'll be dining in our room tonight. Bring a bath up now and then after sundown bring two bowls of whatever is hot and tea your mother has made."

"Three bowls," stressed Belle which had Rumple sigh.

"Fine, three bowls and it had better be a big one."

Chip nodded, hands still raised as though the sandwich hadn't fallen in his lap. "Em, sure, but that – that's a damn waheela."

Rumple saw them getting this same reaction from everybody for the foreseeable future much to his chagrin. If it became a problem he'd just insist Belle left him hidden away outside cities or figure out a way to shrink him even further.

"He's bonded to me, he's not going to be a problem."

With a single burst of magic, Rumple shrunk Azzy back down to the size he'd been back in Crystella and flashed Chip a demonic smile.

"Just a dog, Chip. Just a wee doggie and I'm sure it won't be too hard for you to convince your mother to let him stay. I've seen dogs in here before. You make sure he can stay and I'm sure Belle will let you pet him all you want."

That oddly perked Chip up because he suddenly nodded apparently onboard with the whole idea. Chip had always adored animals, even as a small child, but work at the inn kept him busy and he'd never gotten the tamer gift.

Having sorted the Azzy situation for the time being, Rumple and Belle returned to their room with the shrunk wolf in tow. As usual, Rumple headed straight for the small desk where he rifled through his many books to learn all he could about kelpies and traits offspring of a kelpie and a horse would have since he'd become the proud owner of just such an animal. Meanwhile, Belle cracked the square window open to ease some of the stuffiness in the room and let Azzy settle on the bed for a snooze like some kind of house cat.

"Why did you even need a vault anyway?"

"I have one back in my realm full of useful items and materials that I could summon whenever needed. Now I have one here as well."

"Okay, so what do you intend to do now we have Svad?"

Rumple turned to face her with a determined expression. "Find the Hatter."

"Your friend who was brought here before you?"

"I'd call him a handy tool or acquaintance more than a friend, but yes. Jefferson is a realm jumper which means he uses spacial magic similar to mine. If we find him then I might be able to decipher how we get back. Having been here longer than me, he could have found something I haven't."

"I know you have Gordana hunting him down, but – well, I wondered if placing a quest to find him might yield results faster for you."

Yes, Belle wanted to help Rumple, but the sooner his half of their deal was concluded, the sooner he'd put a stop to Gaston, Tvon and the horrid things they were doing to Avonlea in secret.

Rumple shook his head. "Bad idea, Princess. As soon as Jefferson got wind someone was trying to locate him, he'd vanish and never be seen again. I need him to stay calm and think he's the only one from outside this realm. Spook him and we lose him."

She fell down to sit on the bed - not that Azzy noticed, he was already in a deeper sleep than most corpses.

"But he could be anywhere. There are ten kingdoms in Dreymyr, numerous islands and the Ogre Territory – all right, I doubt he's ended up there, but my point is he could be as far away as Damuel Island by now if his powers are like yours."

The only answer Belle got was one of Rumple's grumbles.

~X~

Gaston, the greedy and ambitious son of Duke Pierre LeGume, stormed out of his meeting with King Maurice and around a corner snarling as he went. In the beginning Maurice had been so pliable, but ever since Belle had been taken by the damn Dark One and Prince Lorrimer had taken a turn for the worst, he'd started thinking again – well, maybe not coherent, autonomous thought, but Gaston had certainly had to start working harder to have Maurice go along with his plans.

At the end of the hall he spotted Avonlea's court mage Haldor Tvon slinking towards his tower and the anger had Gaston grab him by his blue robe in an instant.

"What is happening?!" Gaston demanded. "The fat oaf has started questioning me. I can't have that, Tvon. What if he gives orders to the guards or starts to wonder what really got Belle taken?!"

Tvon didn't seem phased, just wore a smirk on his goateed face. "Terribly sorry, Gaston, but the Ring of Halinox is a strange beast. To be perfectly honest, I'm starting to think the thing has some kind of sentience. It's likely that the King is developing a resistance to it."

Suddenly Gaston fisted Tvon's midnight blue cloak again and smashed him backwards into the stone wall.

"Do not give me excuses, you carnival magician. If he has started to resist that damn ring then figure out how to make it stronger! I will have this kingdom for my own and Belle for my wife."

With a sadistic expression Tvon glanced down to Gaston's hands upon him and carefully rested his own atop them. At first the Duke's son just looked confused but all too soon his skin started to burn and he pulled away with a yelp and a childish wafting of his hands.

"Don't threaten me, Gaston." Tvon warned. "You want Avonlea and you'll get it, but I want so much more and, as irritating as it is, we need one another. I will not lose control of King Maurice, you can be sure of that. I suggest you focus on finding Princess Belle, after all, no princess means no Avonlea."

Gaston sneered: "Oh, that pretty face will be my wife, you mark my words."

"Your whore, you mean."

"Same thing, Tvon." Gaston chuckled. "I have people all over Dreymyr looking for her, it won't take much longer."

Even the blind rat down in the kitchens could tell Tvon wasn't convinced of that in the slightest. "It's already been months. Besides, the Princess isn't the real problem, the Dark One is. We need him on a leash but now he's free doing as he pleases."

"Don't you dare act as though this is my fault." Gaston thrust a finger out at the long-haired mage accusingly. "You're the one who was in charge of summoning him, not me!"

"Keep your damn voice down. You want our little coup to become public knowledge?" The two glanced around a moment to ensure they'd not been overheard. "Just find Princess Belle and the Dark One while I figure out how to bind him properly. Perhaps I can decipher a way to tame him since he's more animal than man."

Two of the Rose Guard came down the long hall then so Gaston and Tvon put some distance between themselves in an attempt to look less suspicious. They'd already pulled a good-sized number of men over to their side with a promise of gold and power, others had been quietly fired and a few just straight-up killed: that chamberlain of Maurice's had been one of the first forced out of the castle.

"I'll find the pair of them," said Gaston quietly – or at least as quietly as a man like him was capable of – then he stormed off leaving Tvon to straighten his cloak.

With their little altercation dealt with, Tvon continued his journey back to his tower muttering the entire way. 'Stupid, egotistical, crixx-brained idiot!' screamed his mind, 'the sooner I'm done with him the better. Thinks he'll have this kingdom, does he. No! He has no idea what is going to happen.' He climbed the tower steps slowly while laughing to himself at just how expendable Gaston LeGume truly was, and he had no idea.

When he entered the round tower room six sconces burst to flaming life and Tvon stood there a moment to just enjoy the quietude. Avonlea's Court Mage tower consisted of three circular levels all the same size: The lowest level was his living quarters, the middle level his laboratory and storage room and the top doubled up as a meeting room and somewhere for him to cast larger spells. The tower had two entries, the first was the one he'd used at ground level, while the other was high up across a long walkway of stone open to the elements. To be a court mage was no small thing, the Arcane University hand-picked them for each kingdom, but Tvon had always wanted more: his magic wasn't gold ranked for nothing.

Tucked into one of the dimly lit corners created by the ring of arches which lined the top floor, was a young pantherian chained by the neck to the wall and half naked, her head was lowered defeatedly and beside her lay the body of her sister. Calico ears drooped and Tvon couldn't keep the smirk off his face, he could practically taste her despair and it was wonderful! Always better than any wine.

"Come here, little bitch." Instantly her collar's jewels glowed green and she did her best to shuffle forward on weak legs until the chain binding her to the wall yanked her back. Tvon burst out laughing again, maniacal and sadistic. "Aww, did that hurt?"

Numerous bruises littered her frozen body, mostly around her throat, all at different stages of healing; some violent shades of purple and black while others were more of a nauseating green-yellow color. Unlike Gaston, Tvon's evil ran to significantly more dangerous places than greed and pride. Tvon enjoyed watching others suffer, especially women, and took great pleasure in torturing those who found themselves in his tower; so high up where only the birds could hear them screaming. Even when he left these victims got no respite for the enslavement collar took over punishing them for too great a distance between them and their morally bankrupt master.

He petted her ears softly, a gentle caress which only served as foreboding. "I've always liked pantherian ears." Tvon mused aloud. "So fluffy, so perfectly attune to hearing the slightest sound … so fun to cut off." The girl paled even more than she already had. "Tell me, little bitch, did you hear when your sister's heart stopped beating?" The girl said nothing so Tvon snared the chain in his large hand and yanked her closer so he could hiss in her face. "Answer me you pathetic waste of space!"

"Yes," the girl cried. "I heard it."

Another of Tvon's sadistic giggles escaped him as he finally released the poor girl who simply collapsed to the ground. If somebody had bothered to ask, she'd not have been able to say how long she and her little sister had been prisoners there. They'd been sold to slavers by religious zealots who'd lived in their village and decided they wanted a bit more coin for the winter, had been passed around from market to market, but none of that had been nearly as bad as the horror Haldor Tvon put them through. They'd not done anything to deserve such savage treatment, and now her little sister was dead, the little sister she'd been meant to protect. She wasn't even the only one. Down in the storage room of his large tower, Tvon had three other pantherian girls and one little merfolk girl who couldn't have been older than seven or eight. They weren't people to him, just commodities to be used as he pleased.

"I'll have to have you describe the sound to me some time." He straightened back up only to look down at her impatiently. "Remind me why I let you live." She didn't move. "Hurry the fuck up!"

With a fearful jolt she pushed herself to her knees, shaky hands reached to push his robe aside and unfasten the laces of his breeches and did her best to fight the urge to throw up, all while Tvon stared down at her with a wide grin. He'd used other pantherians to death, grasswalkers and half-breeds too, and once she'd died he'd use her as an offering to the Ring of Halinox just like all the others. Tvon just wanted to play with them all first. Baron Danyel Tvon, his older brother, might have been a good man, but Haldor certainly wasn't.

Chapter Text

Rumple had finally managed to find a spinning wheel up to his standards in Westselo when they'd been on a small quest for the Guild. Rumor had it that Westselo was filled with thieves and cut-throats, but Rumple had thought it like most small towns and, as his new spinning wheel proved, actually had some interesting merchandise. Westselo wasn't important, they'd done their quest and gotten paid, the spinning wheel was just an added bonus. Rumple had quickly set it up in the corner of their room by his desk and instantly felt more at home. He'd spun for hours upon hours without speaking nor taking breaks as he tried to re-teach himself how to make gold but no success came. Straw into gold was his magical art, something only he did; sure Cora knew how but she'd never been any good at it and hadn't bothered again after she'd landed the prince she'd wanted.

Belle had been and gone several times during and had probably asked him to eat on half a dozen occasions or more, but he'd just ignored her. Although, he did vaguely remember her saying something about Martha Potts and helping to make supper, but he'd really not been paying attention. The sun had set and moonlight lit the night by the time Belle returned to their room with a sleepy Azzy hot on her heels. She placed a large bowl down on the floor for him by the door and placed a smaller one on Rumple's desk, it steamed and smelt faintly of fruity red wine.

"I brought you some dinner." Rumple said nothing, just tossed more thread down in frustration and grumbled. Belle's curious mind had her retrieve and inspect it. "Rumple, this is beautiful. It's so fine and delicate. I don't think even spinners in Gran Tkach could make something so lovely." Her brow furrowed slightly as she peered closer. "But this isn't thread it's – this is lead! That's amazing, Rumple."

Rumple was significantly less amazed. "I was aiming for gold."

Lead thread slipped back into the basket at Rumple's feet while the importance of what he'd just done sank in for her.

"Alchemists have been trying to turn lead into gold for centuries with no real success. We thought it couldn't be done."

Finally he looked away from his wheel. "I'm not an alchemist, I'm the damn Dark One."

"Who keeps saying magic is different here," she sighed. "You did break the measuring gem at the Guild and you made lead, that's more than I could ever do – than a lot of people could do. I understand you're frustrated you can't just make gold like back in your realm, but you have to see this is amazing progress. You'll get there and, when you do and you've found your friend in the hat, we'll get this collar off me, stop Gaston and you'll get to go home." Belle stepped a little closer, so close her legs brushed against his thigh, rested a hand atop his shoulder and bent to kiss his cheek. "I have faith in you, Rumpelstiltskin."

Then Belle was gone after telling him to eat his dinner and Rumple just sat there while Azzy curled up for a nap having polished off his own bowl. Slowly Rumple's fingers rose up to brush his cheek where she'd kissed him. Belle had kissed him. Nobody ever kissed the monster. No one had ever shown actual interest in him - except for Zelena and Cora but that was more of an obsession and a thirst for power than anything else, so he'd rather not think about either woman if at all possible. Belle's kiss had been so gentle and delicate, her lips smooth and soft; if just a kiss to the cheek had felt that amazing, he could only imagine what a proper kiss would be like. A real kiss wouldn't ever happen though, she was a beautiful princess destined to be a queen, while he was a terrible beast nobody could love.

~X~

After a few weeks as well as one or two small, hardly mentionable quests, Rumple had still had no success with his spinning, which had only made him grow more grumpy by the day. At first Belle had tolerated it, brought him meals he'd not eaten and chit-chatted with Missus Potts when Rumple ceased speaking altogether, but she'd reached the end of her rope the second he'd told her to shut up so violently that the enslavement collar activated. He'd apologized quickly and rescinded the order but the collar had made Belle bite her tongue and she wasn't happy.

"So you can't make gold here!" She snapped causing Azzy to jolt awake from his nap. "It's not the most important thing in the world. You have a lot of gold already thanks to how quickly you blow through quests. You'll easily earn more gold, so what does it matter if you can't spin straw into gold?!"

"I'm not as powerful here!" He hissed out of nowhere but Belle just rolled her eyes.

"Power isn't everything, Rumple. You may be the True Demon Lord but you're not a monster despite what you seem to think. Your power isn't want defines you or anybody else. The longer you sit there trying to make gold, the further away your friend gets and the more damage Gaston and Tvon do to Avonlea."

"Yes, yes, good luck with your little war."

"Don't be so cynical."

Gordana Aalto chose that moment to push their inn room door open and Azzy took the sudden quiet to settle down for more sleep. Her hair was in its usual complicated braids and a hand rested atop the hilt of her dagger; just because she specialized with a bow didn't mean she wasn't familiar with other weapons.

"Not interrupting a domestic, I hope." Her voice was laced with mirth, her lips with a teasing smile.

Rumple sighed as he rose to his feet. "What do you want, dearie?"

"Straight to business today then. Well, this must be a real doozy of a domestic." Rumpelstiltskin might have been the First Demon Lord but Gordana honestly did enjoy teasing him, his whit was fun to bounce off unlike most boring adventurers or the nutjobs from the Church. "You said you'd go on two quests for me with no questions asked, and I've come to collect one."

A flamboyant giggle escaped Rumple as if he'd not just been arguing with his slave two minutes earlier.

"Well, this is unusual. Normally it's me collecting."

"My father always said I'd do things others couldn't, guess having the First Demon Lord owe me a favor is just one of those things."

"Oh, I do like you." He giggled again. "You should be proud of that, dearie, I can count on one hand the people I actually like and I've lived more lifetimes than most can even begin to comprehend."

Upset that Rumple and Gordana appeared to be subtly flirting with one another – and she'd unpack just how she had reached that stage later – Belle got them back on track.

"Where do you want us to go, Gordana?"

"Avonlea," she answered with a shrug as if it were no big deal. "But don't worry, it's the Limestone not the mainland. I've been receiving an alarming amount of reports of disappearances in the last couple of months, most aren't found and those who are have been … torn apart. The Limestone has no large towns or cities except Dunnmere, just small villages spattered around."

"Yes," Belle nodded. "They mostly grow things like silver weed and other medicinal herbs, they do some fishing and hunting too."

"Right. Point is that there aren't any forts, the Watchers have to spread themselves thin to cover the whole area and there's no Guild building. In hindsight, we probably should have a small one." Gordana sighed. "These people are being picked off and I don't know why, how or by what. I've already sent two silver-ranked parties -"

Rumple cut her off. "Let me guess, they haven't come back?"

"No, they didn't. All communication has ended and I think it's pretty evident that they're dead. Folk are still going missing and I'm fairly sure it has something to do with the Osgar Hall Caverns." After a quick prompt from Rumple to explain on just what the hell that place was, Gordana elaborated. "The cave system travels through the whole place and there are entrances everywhere, half of which even the locals don't know about. Watchers have sealed up as many as they can but we all know the stories of mermaids abandoning the caves because of the creatures down there."

Rumple raised an eyebrow. "You look worried, that's a lot of concern for some old farmers."

"They're not just 'old farmers'." Gordana protested. "Whatever the fuck is down there isn't picky, kills indiscriminately. All manner of people, doesn't care about species or race … and now it's started taking children as well."

At the mention of children being harmed Rumple dropped his bravado and became disturbingly serious; that was the good man Belle knew her demon lord really was. 'Wait, my demon lord? When did I start wanting him to be mine?' Back when Faris had tried stealing from them, Rumple had been kinder than most who caught a half-elf pickpocketing; he'd healed Una Quartermaine for only a few garments. Underneath his prickly exterior, Rumple was a good person who took pity on children and, even though he was technically her master, Belle was pleased to have him as her companion.

"We'll leave at first light."

He was bound by the terms of their deal to take the quest, but his agreement still caused Gordana's shoulders to relax. Frankly, Gordana had half expected him to refuse his half of the deal until she'd found something about that Jefferson man he kept talking about, but he'd honored his deal and Gordana's tensions could fade a little. With two silver-ranked parties having gone missing, something very serous was clearly going on and only he may have stood a chance of getting to the bottom of it.

"Thank you, Rumpelstiltskin." She told him honestly. "I know going to Avonlea isn't a good idea for you so I took the liberty of chartering a ship. I'm glad you said you'd leave at first light because the ship leaves Quailwyn tomorrow afternoon. Her captain has been instructed to go directly to Dunnmere – not that there's anywhere for him to stop off on the way."

"How are the bodies being found?"

While a totally valid question and she understood it was in everybody's best interest if they went in with as much knowledge as possible, Belle would have rather not heard about the savage dissemination of corpses, especially those of kids. As a princess, she'd led a rather sheltered life lacking adventure and discovery, but it had also lacked the world's true horrors. Azzy, bless his heart, sensed Belle's sudden change in mood and rubbed his face against her hand, so she sat down on the bed to pet him while listening to the conversation. 'Be brave, Belle.'

"The information is spotty at best. First reports were that people were going missing, just not coming back from hunting or the fields. Then villagers started to report children going out to play and not being seen again. Dunnmere's City Watch is already spread too thin but searches found bodies mounted in trees and on rocks by streams like some kind of grizzly message. That was when the Guild was contacted. The bodies are said to be missing limbs, drained of blood, some with deep cuts or claw marks. Nobody can explain it."

"Could it be crixx?" Asked Belle quietly.

"That was my first guess, but the crixx haven't ever been this organized before nor have they shown signs of actively hunting humanoid races."

Rumple's brow furrowed deeply. "What in the Enchanted Forest is a crixx?"

"Muddy little creatures that look a bit like goblins and like to stab first and ask questions never."

He seemed happy with Belle's blunt description and let Gordana continue; poor woman looked ready for a drink.

"I have no clue what is happening on the Limestone, but I want it to stop. If it is crixx, burn them alive if you want. If it isn't them, then I beg you to find out who is doing this and put an end to it. I don't want one more child dying on that island or any more of my adventurers going missing."

"Relax, dearie, this is part of our deal and I always honor my deals."

"Good. The City Watch commander is expecting you, his name is Skane and he'll have more information. I know you're fulfilling our deal by doing this, but thank you because you're basically my last hope. You're a demon lord, you can certainly get to the bottom of this."

Rumple smirked. "Stroke my ego why don't you."

"I'm stroking nothing of yours. Besides, men aren't really my area. I'll leave you to your evening." She turned to pull the bedroom door open but stopped with her hand on the handle. "There's a little known path through Bear Forest we of the Guild use to reach Quailwyn quickly." She fished a rolled up map out and handed it to him. "Here."

"Ah, a map, I do love a good map." He tossed it over to his desk where it landed atop a book of herbs.

"Don't worry, Gordana," said Belle comfortingly while Azzy practically purred at her tickles. "Rumple will stop this."

"I hope so. Goodnight, Princess, Dark One."

The guildmaster left and silence dominated the room for several moments. He'd expected Gordana to cash in one of her quests sooner rather than later, but at least she'd tried other options before throwing the omnipotent Dark One at the problem.

Belle's eyes on him were heavy but not filled with any malice or anger, for a few seconds he pretended not to notice, to be lost in thought, but eventually he just had to acknowledge the beauty. So lovely, such porcelain skin and sapphire eyes, such a sweet smile and accent he's not soon forget.

"I think I've figured you out, Rumple."

"Oh?"

"If a child is in need, you drop everything and go running like the good man you are, but you're the First Demon Lord so you play it off as making deals."

"Continue working on your deductive reasoning, Princess." He told her dismissively, but Belle knew she was right. "Go to bed."

"Will you sleep?"

"I need to study the map so I can teleport us accurately."

"The ship won't be ready to depart if you do that and we have Svad for this kind of thing. We'll just travel by horse like everybody else."

"I'm not everybody else." He grumbled which just had Belle roll her lovely eyes.

"Yes, as you like to keep reminding me."

Rumple reached for the rolled up map Gordana had given him. "Didn't I tell you to go to bed?"

"Yes, and I am, though not because you told me to."

He smiled devilishly at her over the map. "I could order you."

It would have been so easy for him to issue that as an order, she'd have been compelled to settle down in bed and stay there, but he had already accidentally commanded her to shut up once that week and had no desire to further remind the lovely Belle he owned her. Forcing people to do what he wanted via deals was one thing, but to keep an eighteen-year-old princess with a heart of gold as his slave simply because there was a collar around her neck was quite another.

"But you won't."

With that Belle started to change for bed and Rumple quickly darted to his desk to give her his back and some semblance of privacy. This happened each night they were at the inn, Rumple would hunch over his desk while Belle performed her nightly routine and settled under the covers with a book. He'd pretend he didn't hear the sound of her removing the burgundy outfit he'd bought for her, or the sound of bare feet on the floorboards. Most of all though, he'd pretend he had no desire to run his clawed hands over all her porcelain flesh, through chestnut locks and kiss parts no man ever had. At first Rumple had only felt a mild attraction to her beauty, but it had quickly evolved to become all-consuming. He wanted Belle, wanted all of her and not just in a carnal way, Rumple wanted to love her but of course that wouldn't ever be allowed.

Once she'd finally slipped into bed, Belle cracked open a book and Azzy hopped up to settle at her feet as if he were little more than a lapdog. Only after he was sure she'd lost herself in her reading did Rumple risk looking over his shoulder at her propped up with pillows unbefitting of a royal. The sooner he got that collar off her the better. However, it oddly suited her – and wasn't that a landmine thought? The silver paired well with her pale skin, the green gems showed off the chestnut and hazel tones in her curls. Rumple hadn't ever agreed with slavery yet there he was thinking about how nice his mark of ownership looked on her. Rumple turned his brown eyes away shamefully; once a monster, always a monster.

What followed was fifteen minutes of silent chastisement, it would have been closer to an hour but Belle's beautiful voice broke him out of his self-hatred.

"Please sleep." She turned her book over and rested it in her lap to mark her place. "You know what I think about you not sleeping, and if there are children involved in our quest, you should be well rested."

Much to Belle's surprise, Rumple didn't argue. He'd been yelling at himself but by the gods did he want her. Just to lay beside her would be a gift well beyond the value of gold or jewels and, being a selfish beast, he'd snap up his chance to do so. Slowly he rolled the map back up then went to the bed where he stripped off his thick coat, vest and boots, before he lay atop the covers close enough to not fall off the bed, but far enough away that he couldn't touch her.

Pleased she'd finally gotten through to him, Belle set her book aside, blew out her candle and snuggled up to Azzy for the night.

~X~

Little was said on their trip to Quailwyn, Belle was so very tired thanks to how early Rumple had woken her so they could depart the Teapot Inn. She'd actually spent most of the trip dozing against Rumple's back while Svad carried them through the shortcut Gordana had told them about and Azzy jogged alongside them.

Wind danced through the trees and just enough light made it through Bear Forest's thick canopy for them to see by. Rumple had spotted two teratects earlier in their journey, but a quick fireball had put an ended to them, and a wave of his hand had sent the carcases off to his vault to be cleaned for parts later. Mostly he remained focused on his task, on fulfilling part of his and Gordana's deal. In a way he'd been enjoying the investigation of their quests, it had been refreshing after so very long of everything being easy back in the Enchanted Forest. Despite that, there were children involved now and snapping his fingers wouldn't make things better. He tried not to focus on the lack of power he still suffered, and amazingly the darkness inside him remained quiet. He might not have had his full power, but he was still more than capable of discovering who or what was harming those children and ripping it to shreds. This was why he'd taken the Dark One's power in the first place, so he could save kids and end the war. In a strange way, he felt as though he'd finally returned to how things were in the beginning, as if he'd gone back to his roots – or maybe it was all some lie he'd told himself to make him think Bae would have been proud of him again.

When they finally reached Quailwyn, they found the city noisy due to a mix of seagulls squawking and dockworkers shouting things all around the harbor. The scent of salt dominated the air and the sun had just reached it's zenith.

As soon as Belle had been jostled from her dozing and they'd dismounted Svad, Rumple hitched the horse up to a post at the dock beside a lovely shire horse who had her head stuck in a feed bag munching happily. Having shrunk Azzy down to the size of a regular dog as soon as Quailwyn had come into sight, nobody questioned the waheela as he trailed Belle and the Dark One through the crowded dock in search of their ship. Salty air stung their noses and pandemonium swirled all around. Out of nowhere a man carrying a barrel bumped into Belle, but Rumple caught her around the waist and pulled her close before she could stumble.

The teenager smiled at him with thanks. "Where do you think the harbormaster is? This place is chaos."

Rumple wasn't a tall man, but it hadn't taken much effort to spot a balding man being followed around by a young boy who carried a ledger and several other items in his arms.

"That one." He pointed at him so Belle could follow his finger. "Wave of authority rolling off him, followed by a lackey and everyone is automatically getting out of his way. That's our harbormaster."

Together the trio made a beeline to the harbormaster, but Belle was quick to speak before Rumple could just demand answers as was his usual way.

"Hello, sir." She greeted with a bright smile. "Could you please tell us where the Copper Cat is docked?"

The harbormaster raised a scruffy eyebrow. "That's the one Chief Commander Aalto commandeered. You two adventurers?"

Rumple would really have rather just got on with his day but didn't complain and just let Belle talk, folk were normally more helpful when she engaged them in conversation anyway.

"We are, yes. We need to depart as soon as possible."

The bald harbormaster let out a little hum and folded his arms across his chest. "Word is that there are killings going on over at the Limestone. Any truth to that?"

Rumple sighed deeply, they didn't have time for some old man to try pumping them for information. "Unfortunately yes, and the sooner we get to the ship, the sooner we can go stop kids and defensible old women being ripped apart like an evening meal." Belle nearly slammed her head into her palm as those around them suddenly took notice and stared. "Or would you rather delay us further?"

"Now hold on a minute there, you worthless demon." Hissed the harbormaster which only served to draw yet more attention to them. "I'm the harbormaster here and you will show me some respect or I'll have you, your pretty pet whore and your mutt tossed in a cell! Damn demons, for two seconds there I actually thought you things weren't savages."

Whore? Had the insignificant little flea just called Belle a whore? Rage thundered through Rumple in a way it hadn't since before he'd arrived in Dreymyr and, before he'd even realized it, Rumple had snapped his fingers turning the harbormaster into a haddock. For a split second Rumple stood there confused because, while a perfectly completable thing in most realms, such a transformation Rumple had thought impossible in Dreymyr. How he'd done that would be a mystery for later though because around them people gasped in shock and backed away lest they be turned into flopping fish themselves, while the smarter dockworkers amongst them pretended they'd seen nothing and got back to work.

Since they were on a schedule, Rumple ignored the floundering harbormaster and crouched down beside the boy with the ledger.

"May I see your logs, please?" The kid handed over the book without question, clearly scared but brave enough to stand his ground, and Rumple flipped through to the information he needed. Once he had the vessel's location, he returned the log and stood up. "Thank you, young man." He turned to Belle. "This way."

"No." That objection had him lift an eyebrow at her. "Rumple, you have to change him back, he's suffocating." Seeing an amusing loophole, he picked up the harbormaster by the caudal fin and walked to the water's edge. "That's not what I meant, Rumpelstiltskin." Oh, full name, she really wasn't in the mood for jokes. "What if he has a family?"

"They'd be better off without him."

"No they wouldn't." Belle protested and Rumple decided turning him back would be easier than arguing with her – at least he hoped it would be easier.

It took quite some concentration, but the harbormaster was soon a man again sat on the dock floor looking terrified and ready to throw up.

"You're a monster! A demon lord!"

Then the harbormaster charged away leaving the boy to hurry after him. Rumple didn't care what the bald man thought, they had a ship to catch, so he snaked an arm around Belle's slender waist and guided her towards the Copper Cat. The further away from the incident location they got, the less people stared at them until it was as if it hadn't ever happened. People went about their day while Rumple and Belle managed to slip into obscurity again: obscurity was no small thing when one was the Dark One and missing Princess of Avonlea.

The Copper Cat was a vessel built to be swift and agile but still carry copious amounts of cargo. The sails were red, a stark contrast to all the other traditional white sails scattered around the harbor, and it seemed the crew had almost finished taking cargo aboard. Looking at a map was a middle-aged man with patches of white running through his otherwise black locks and beard, he wore shades of blue that complemented Belle's eyes and had the bulk of a hard-working sailor. Rumple quickly informed him who they were and handed over the letter Gordana had rolled up with the map she'd given them to prove their identities before the man could even think of pointing out how rude it was to just wander onto a man's ship without permission. One look at the wax seal on Gordana's letter, and this man knew some extremely powerful adventurers had arrived.

"Ah, you're here earlier than I thought." The bearded man smiled kindly. "I like that. I'm Captain Emmerich Nalene."

Rumple had no good experiences with ship captains, but at least this one wasn't a damn pirate.

"How long until you're ready to depart, Captain Nalene?"

Nalene thrust a thumb over his shoulder toward the Copper Cat's cargo hold. "I have a few more crates to take on, got a bit delayed unfortunately. It's stuff for the local villages, not just Dunnmere."

Belle decided she liked this man, he was rather personable – something Belle had become a little starved for since her forced companionship with the Dark One. "They need all the help they can get."

"Can you load my horse as well?" Asked Rumple curiously.

Nalene nodded. "Sure, I'll have room. We'll depart in an hour."

Rumple brought Svad closer then, for the next hour, Rumple and Belle simply watched the world go by while Azzy stared at the water as though something was underneath the waves pretending it wasn't there.

Quailwyn wasn't like Ranga, it was loud and busting in the way only a port city could be. It reminded Rumple that he did actually miss the Dark Castle, its peace and quiet, not to mention the spinning wheel he'd had for three hundred years. Bae, everything he did was to find his son, so it didn't matter that he missed his castle or his spinning wheel, the only thing of import was getting out of Dreymyr, and this quest was just another step towards that goal. How much Bae would love meeting Azzy and Belle didn't matter, the love he'd developed for Missus Potts' hammer boar stew and fresh tea didn't matter, and, sadly, what he felt for Belle didn't matter.

"I don't think Azzy has ever seen the ocean before." Said Belle unintentionally pulling Rumple out of his cluttered mind.

"He'll be seeing a lot more of it soon enough." Belle smiled and Rumple knew he'd treasure it long after he escaped her realm. "Do you think that idiot-brained lummox of yours and his pet mage could have had anything to do with what's happening on that island?"

"I honestly don't know what goes on inside Gaston's brain and, when it comes to Tvon, I find it scary to even contemplate what he's capable of. The Limestone is Avonlea territory, my papa's territory, and I don't like the idea that this has been going on without the royal family noticing. I think Gaston and Tvon kept everything contained within the castle and Rutherford Tower as best they could, didn't want others finding out, so I doubt this is them. Duke Leondis Gonzada is charged with safeguarding the Limestone, but he's also a member of one of the du Marchand branch families. I doubt he'd recognize me but I should probably avoid him."

Rumple chuckled. "You're sounding as if you plan to have a nice chat with this man. We have more important things to deal with than family reunions."

"I suppose you're right, I just wanted you to know it would be better for me to keep my head down while there. What will we do upon our arrival?"

"Speak with the City Watch commander that Gordana mentioned." He answered simply. "Then I want to see the most recent body, it could be a well of information."

"Then?"

Rumple looked her dead in the eyes unwaveringly. "Find whoever or whatever has been doing this and make it regret the day it came into existence."

Of that Belle had no doubt, he was angry and she'd seen what he could do when a child was threatened. Frankly, Rumple's calm range was significantly more terrifying then his loud rage.

~X~

Aboard the ship, the sailors mostly kept to themselves focused on their work while Rumple just stared out at the sea lost inside his head. For a time Belle had stood with him but soon grew bored when he hardly even blinked. She'd been on a ship exactly eight times in her life, mostly for official journeys and the launching of a few naval vessels, so the Copper Cat wasn't a totally new experience but she chose to enjoy it regardless. The ship appeared to mostly be involved with cargo hauling since the hold was full, and the red sails seemed almost enchanted by how well they captured the wind. For a moment Belle worried she'd end up going too great a distance from Rumple, but the Copper Cat wasn't excessively large so, as long as she didn't take a trip into the ship's bowls, the collar was unlikely to trigger. Yes, Belle was free to go anywhere she pleased – not that Belle had ever actually felt like his slave. Sure, at first she'd been frightened and attempted to act like a good slave, but her heart hadn't ever really been in it, and Rumple was too good a man to actually want her enthralled to him.

Belle winced: Rumple was kind, compassionate and noble even though he pretended not to be. Not a monster despite the fact he appeared convinced he was. Then there were those eyes of his. Most probably thought them full of danger and evil but not Belle, she'd found herself captivated by them. To her he was very handsome, especially when he stopped frowning.

Captain Nalene appeared at her side then and leaned casually against the gunwale on his exposed elbows while she looked out at the horizon. Emmerich Nalene was a tall, broad man covered in faint scars here and there from years of being on the ocean, his beard neat and hair thick despite his middle-age and his deep voice was the sort of baritone that left women weak at the knees.

"Are you all right, my dear?"

"Oh yes, totally fine. I'm sorry, I was somewhat lost in thought."

Nalene smiled, the sort of smile that made his eyes twinkle. "Your master doesn't talk much, does he? Then again, I'm not sure I've seen him blink either."

"He's not that bad," Belle chuckled.

"He's the Dark One."

Blue eyes snapped up to Nalene's brown ones as fear flooded through her; it was such a sudden alarm that Azzy hurried across the deck to her to provide protection and comfort.

"… How do you know that?"

Nalene smiled again, this time as comfortingly as he could. "Well, I was told about the little display at the docks and a certain harbormaster's accusation. Although, I did have another inside source."

"Gordana told you." Belle realized with a sigh.

"She didn't want to but that girl hasn't ever been very good at keeping things from me. I was friends with her father, we were in the same party back when we were adventuring. Crispin Aalto was practically my brother." Nalene's expression grew sorrowful. "The world lost a great man the day Crispin died. Point is: I've known Gordana all her life, I was there when she became a member of Willow Blue and I sure as hell know when she omits or lies. I thought she'd gone mad at first – I mean the Dark One is just a myth, but she insisted and, if she was going to continue to let that man parade around as an adventurer, then -"

"You wanted to make sure she wasn't making a huge mistake."

"Not the average slave girl, are you?" He eyed her as cogs turned in his head. "Gordana did manage to keep hold of a few secrets by just never bringing up the subject, but now I'm starting to wonder if they were about you rather than the demon lord."

"Are you intending to force it out of me, Captain?"

Nalene breathed out a laugh. "No, you can keep your secrets for now, my dear."

That was a relief but Belle still had her worries. "You don't seem very concerned that the First Demon Lord is aboard your ship."

Nalene shrugged. "I was an adventure for decades before this ship, and not a helpless one. He might be a demon lord but Gordana vouched for him and I'm a pretty powerful water mage. Oh, and there's Bertha of course. She could certainly put him through his paces."

"Bertha?" A wife maybe, Belle supposed. "Who's Bertha?"

"She's my friend." He told her knowingly. "A bakunawa."

"They're not real, just a bedtime story."

Queen Colette had regaled Belle with stories of sea serpents and how they'd pull down unsuspecting ships in the night. Her father hadn't been pleased, thought she'd fill their children with nothing but nightmares.

"There are those who say the Dark One is a bedtime story, and yet you're his slave."

"I'm not his slave exactly."

Nalene slipped a little closer, his elbows still on the gunwals while the crew continued with their duties. He seemed a bit surprised by Belle's statement but there wasn't any disgust or malice in his expression or what he said next.

"So you choose to be with him?"

"Well, no." To be perfectly honest, Belle hadn't had much choice in anything for several years, not since Gaston had started getting really dominant and decided to strong-arm her into his evil plots. Rumple though, he'd given her a say in almost everything, had helped her make the best of a bad situation. "I'm not his slave though. I'm his … companion."

The dark-haired man laughed. "Is that what you're calling it?"

Captain Nalene turned around to face the distant horizon. There wasn't any attempt to push the subject further which Belle was thankful for, things would have gotten rather complicated had he continued asking questions. He might have been a curious man, but also a good enough one to know when a lady had just about reached her limit.

The older man glanced down at the water for a moment then took a deep breath and whistled; deep but ended with a sharp upturn. Nothing beyond Belle raising an eyebrow happened, she'd been just about to ask what the whistle meant when a gigantic blue head poked up out of the ocean and Belle startled backwards as Azzy growled. The sea serpent was a truly stunning shade of blue with three silver horns akin to a crown and large, pointed fangs. This scaled creature surely could have pulled the Copper Cat down in a instant and, for a second, Belle genuinely feared for her life. Captain Nalene said something but Belle was deaf to it as she just stared at the bakunawa open-mouthed and wide-eyed. Nalene's proffered hand filled her vision then which caused Belle to blink rapidly as the world came back to her. None of the crew had reacted at all to the sea serpent's emergence, not so much as a glance.

"Meet Bertha. Would you like to pet her?"

"Pet her?" Belle paled, she wanted adventure but surely petting a bakunawa wasn't an actual option, rather something from a children's story. "Really?"

Nalene nodded and his comforting smile gave Belle enough courage to step forward and take his large hand. How many people got the chance to pet a mythical creature like a bakunawa? The very moment she took his hand, ocean water dripped over the gunwale, formed a puddle under their feet then lifted the two up and carried them off the ship towards Bertha. Water both solid and liquid all at the same time but, then again, Captain Nalene had said he was a rather powerful water mage. Amazement and a little nervousness coursed through Belle's blood as they floated ever closer; she'd seen teratects, a linaelor and several other monsters since Rumple had entered her life but a bakunawa had been total myth until two minutes earlier.

Soon the water had carried them to Bertha's scaled back and set them down almost lovingly. They were hardly fifteen feet from the Copper Cat but that didn't prevent Belle feeling as though she were a world away. Bertha kept her movements slow and calm so as not to knock the people into the sea, but she did coil her large head around to face them and display those three silvery horns of hers. Beautiful, Bertha was a beauty. Each azure scale easily three times the size of Belle's hand and eyes like giant gold coins.

"Go ahead," Nalene encouraged. "Bertha is a sweetheart who lovers her cuddles."

Exceedingly cautiously, Belle stretched an arm out towards a section of damp scales while Bertha simply watched on apparently just as curious about Belle as she was about Bertha. When her hand finally made contact, Belle found the hard scales akin to a weathered pebble, smooth and cold but not slimy. Bertha might have been gigantic, might have been able to pull a whole ship down in a bad mood, but there wasn't any evil in this mythical creature.

"Just because something looked monstrous doesn't mean it is." Belle said mostly to herself. "You're like Rumple."

Blue eyes glanced back to the ship then where she and Nalene had been stood only a few moments earlier, to find Rumple beside Azzy both staring – at her or Bertha, Belle wasn't quite certain. He'd kill Captain Nalene and Bertha in a heartbeat if he needed to, of that Belle had no doubt. Instead of seeing threat and violence in his eyes, Belle thought he just looked like a man watching over someone he cared about: Belle smiled, did Rumple really care about her?

With a shake of her head to get thoughts of Rumple and how she felt about him out, Belle turned her attention back to Bertha and stroking those amazing scales. Nalene smiled at her like a father would at a child who'd met a cute dog for the first time, then sat down on Bertha's back like he had a million times before – his friend indeed.

When the ship drifted a little to starboard Rumple worried they'd just tip over their separation distance so teleported himself to Bertha's back as a precaution leaving poor Azzy with his paws hooked over the gunwale watching them. Mermaids and sailors both had tales of sea monsters but Rumple hadn't ever actually encountered one before unless one counted Ursula; Dreymyr just kept providing firsts, even to a man over three hundred.

"Made a new friend, have you?" He teased while Nalene leaned back on his hands enjoying the gentle motion of Bertha swimming. "The great Belle making friends with monsters and wild animals everywhere she goes."

"Got a good heart has that one."

"Indeed she does." Rumple hardly spared a glance over his shoulder to Captain Nalene. "I think the pup is getting jealous though."

"He's a good boy, he knows I'm just saying hello to Bertha." Suddenly she grabbed Rumple by the hand an pressed it to one of Bertha's shining scales. "Isn't she beautiful?"

He only just managed to prevent 'she is nothing compared to you' from tumbling out his mouth. Yes, Bertha was a truly outstanding creature with gorgeous scales that he doubted many ever got to see, but Belle was … Belle. Once he'd gotten whatever spell King Maurice had been placed under off of him, Rumple would slap him for ever letting someone as hedonistic as Gaston LeGume near Belle in the first place.

Eventually Bertha started to show signs of having had enough lugging people around on her back for one day, so Nalene told her she was a good girl and let her sink back under the waves, then used his magic to return them to the Copper Cat. Instantly, Azzy started to nuzzle into Belle's hip and stomach in search of tickles; that giant wolf truly was more of a pampered pooch.

"Satisfy my curiosity, dearie." Rumple started as he spun around on the spot flamboyantly. "How did you come to have a creature such as her as your ship's escort?"

"Way back when I was an adventurer -" Nalene tugged out his chain showing him to be a silver-ranked. " - I helped to break up a group selling dangerous and magical creatures on the underground markets. I found poor Bertha barely out of her shell and crammed into a tank hardly the length of my forearm. She was in so much pain." He sighed, understandably since he clearly hated the memory. "They'd pulled off a load of her scales as well. When I finally got the wards off the tank to free her, I decided to release her somewhere she wouldn't be bothered and made sure to visit. I say Bertha is my friend, but I think she believes me to be her father." He tucked his chain away. "When I retired from the Guild, I thought sailing would be a good fit for me so I could be with her more. Bertha and Gordana are the closest things to family I've got."

"How sweet." Rumple hummed, but amazed himself when the usual mocking tone just didn't permeate the words.

One of the crew jogged over then abruptly bringing their insightful conversation to an end. An apparent issue with the cargo stacking had Nalene politely excuse himself and vanish below deck grumbling something which sounded suspiciously like 'if you want something doing…' The work of a captain was never done it seemed.

"You shouldn't go wandering off ships with strangers, Belle."

Belle simply smiled at him. "I knew you'd not let any harm come to me."

"You presume too much, Princess."

"No, I presume just the right amount."

"Let's just get to the island."

Damn her and her ability to let everything he said roll off her back like some kind of blue-eyed swan.

Chapter Text

Belle had taken her sweet time saying farewell to Captain Nalene, but Rumple had moved things along by using magic to take Svad off the ship and glaring at her until she'd taken the hint. She'd taken quite the shine to Emmerich Nalene and, though Rumple saw it for the friendship it was, he couldn't shake the feeling of jealousy that coursed through him. He had no right to be jealous though so he buried it as far down as it would go.

As soon as they'd mounted Svadilfari, Rumple put the Copper Cat behind them and headed into Dunnmere; a much sleepier port town than Quailwyn that sloped upwards towards the market district somewhat lazily. Nowhere in Dunnmere was a hive of activity, instead there were little pockets of goings-on here and there and a few people inviting possible customers closer to their stalls. Shopping was certainly not the reason Belle and Rumple had voyaged to Dunnmere though, so stalls and incitements were ignored in favor of heading directly to the City Watch building; easily spotted thanks to the large sign outside that could be seen all over town.

Rumple made quick work of stabling Svad once they'd arrived by simply waving his hand and sending the horse back to Calvin at Ranga's Guild stable. Of course a large horse vanishing into a puff of smoke drew more than one raised eyebrow, but Rumple hardly seemed to notice. The scent of salt permeated the entire town and inside the Watch house was no different; looked like they'd just have to get used to it.

No frivolity nor mark of bravado coated the building's walls unlike other Watch houses they'd seen in their travels, instead the place seemed more geared to practicality than showmanship and Rumple found he respected that. However, it did suggest the commander they were there to see didn't mince his words or suffer fools lightly. Rumple's brown eyes soon spotted the quartermaster hunched over his desk staring angrily down at his records. As soon as the pair approached him to explain who they were and who they'd come to see, he let out a deep sight and tilted his head up.

"Commander ain't gonna like this." The quartermaster grumbled. "He's convinced Guild interference is just makin' things worse and makin' him look stupid."

"He doesn't need any help from me, dearie." Rumple chuckled much to Belle's dismay.

"I'll take ya to his office, I got my own shit to deal with."

So they followed the disgruntled man through the building, upstairs and down a long hallway to the Watch Commander's office. A few Watchers noticed Belle's collar but she'd gotten used to that at some point – wasn't as if she could hide it, unless she wrapped herself in a massive scarf. Quite frankly, Belle feared being spotted as Avonlea's princess much more than what a few locals thought of her being a demon's slave. As if fate wished to alarm her further, Belle ground to a halt when she spotted one of the wanted posters Gordana had done her best to keep from circulating. Rumple noticed as well and casually wrapped a comforting arm around her waist to keep her moving, then leaned in to whisper quietly.

"No need to worry, Belle. To these people we're just adventure sent by the guildmaster."

"Word of advice." The quartermaster came to a halt outside a rather unassuming wooden door and folded his arms across his broad chest. "Don't ask about the oilharo." With that odd nugget of information, he knocked loudly on the door. "Commander Skane, the adventurers are here as ordered."

A gruff 'bring them in' came from beyond the door which had the quartermaster push the door open and usher Belle and Rumple inside with Azzy padding behind them.

As they entered Rumple asked Belle in a hushed tone: "What's an oilharo?"

"A fat bird," was her quick and equally hushed reply.

The second Azzy's white tail was far enough into the office, the quartermaster slammed the door closed and vanished back to his work. Practical would have been the best word to describe Commander Skane's office; a room that lacked puffery as did the rest of the Watch House. A window on their right looking out towards the docks with two smaller ones adjacent to it, a few sparsely populated bookshelves were littered here and there, and a desk of dark wood behind which sat the Commander himself. The aforementioned bird perched on a shadowy shelf behind the desk though, that was what had their attention instantly; to Rumple it looked like an exceedingly fat pigeon.

"So you're the ones Chief Commander Aalto insisted on sending." Said Skane as he eyed them suspiciously. "Hasn't she lost enough people? Thinks a demon and a little girl carting her pooch around are going to make a difference?"

Selwyn Skane was probably only somewhere in his thirties but his resting scowl made him look older, the blue in his armor brought out his eyes and his long hair was so golden that Rumple suspected he'd make many a princess jealous.

Rumple waved Skane's grumblings off, he had little time for them. "Yes, yes, you don't want us treading on your toes, we're aware. If you could just get on with this so we can get out of your hair and the fat bird's feathers-"

Suddenly Skane slammed a hand down on his desk causing Belle to jump and Azzy to growl in warning.

"She's not fat! Gloria is perfectly healthy."

Maybe Rumple had misinterpreted what sort of person Skane was after all, he did make a mental note not to mention the bird again though. Belle, however, she jumped right in being kind and trying to make everybody her friend as usual; heroes like Snow White back in his realm would have adored her.

"Gloria is a lovely name." She smiled in an attempt to ease tensions. "I'm sorry if we're intruding, but we all want to stop the deaths, right? So surely the more people on this, the better."

Skane raked a hand down his clean-shaven face and fell back in his chair; it squeaked. "I suppose so," he relented and looked to Rumple. "You're girl is a good talker."

Out from the right side of his desk, the blond man took a rolled page and tossed it onto his desk for Rumple to look at. Once unfurled, he found it to be a record of names in two columns: the leftmost was marked 'Missing' while the right had been marked as 'Dead', the amount of overlapping names was startling. When Gordana had given them the quest, they'd thought roughly a dozen people had been killed or gone missing, but Skane's list showed the number to be closer to thirty.

"I'll tell you what I told the last party Aalto sent: There wasn't any warning to this and victims seem random. People from the villages on the Limestone were vanishing for almost two months before the City Watch was notified. Ulthar lost their shit when one of their cats was killed – weird fucking village it is, obsessed with cats. Few days after my men calmed that down the first body was found. A hunter missing his bow and knife… and his arms."

Rumple's head tilted to the side questioningly. "Removed with tools, claws or teeth?"

"We couldn't tell," Skane shrugged. "If I were forced to guess, I'd say claws but the physicians seemed to think the limbs had been ripped from his torso."

Belle paled. "Ripped? What's strong enough to do that?"

"Goblin could if it pulled really hard, I suppose. You can never trust those fuckers." Skane remarked having become desensitized to this sort of thing decades ago.

While Belle did her best to get that mental image out of her head by petting Azzy's fluffy ears, Rumple jabbed a claw at the list. Gloria squawked. Some days Belle envied Rumple's ability to just totally ignore those around him and what they thought of him, to simply carry on unfazed, but somebody had to continue to be outraged by these monstrosities.

"These wounds are consistent for all the dead you've found?"

"Yes," the blond nodded. "All are missing at least one limb, a few men were headless. The children though, all of them have been exsanguinated. Public opinion is divided between blaming everything on crixx or a mad man butchering people and living in the woods. Either way, it's getting out of fucking hand. I've got stories coming out of hunters about ghosts and the ground shaking in localized areas, folk taking those crackpot future sight potions and scaring kids by saying Nynio is going to sink the Limestone. I can't even keep up with the rumors any longer and I've lost countless scouts down in the caves."

It had been fairly obvious quite early on that Selwyn Skane was damn good at his job, he valued lives and didn't seek attention for the Watchers or himself personally for their work. In all honesty, the realms could have probably done with more like Skane, but he was overworked, sleep deprived and clearly at a loss for what else to do. He might not have liked the idea of more adventurers heading into the Osgar Hall Caverns, but he just didn't have the manpower to protect the whole Limestone and figure out what was happening down in the tunnels.

"I know you have to keep strong for the families of those still missing," began Belle with that comforting smile of hers. "But Rumpelstiltskin is the most powerful mage in all Dreymyr, that's why Gordana sent him."

Skane eyed Rumple suspiciously just as he had when they'd first entered the office. Rumple knew he wasn't the tallest of men, the insult 'imp' hadn't come from nowhere, but his claws were sharp and Dreymyr's magic laws had started to bend to his will.

"Take it you're a gold-ranked?"

Rumple fished out his guild chain; something he'd grown increasingly fond of doing since it got such an amazed reaction. "Double."

"Fuck, you might actually stand a chance." Skane rose to his feet seemingly amused by the rank Rumple had achieved, and went to tickle Gloria's feathery head. "All right, it's pretty obvious whatever is happening has something to do with the Osgar Hall Caverns. Nobody has been down there in at least four generations as far as we can tell, not since we closed off all the branch openings. I'll give you a map for what has been charted, but I can't say it's accurate. The main entrance is down the other end of the Limestone under guard."

"Then let's go."

Skane nodded in agreement. "I'll send Lieutenant Erling and Corporal Ektor with you."

"They'll slow us down."

Belle jumped in quickly. "He means thank you."

"No, I don't." Rumple muttered as he left the office knowing everybody would follow him; Belle had no choice and the City Watch Commander wanted them out of his luxurious hair.

Skane quickly spotted a young Watcher carrying a box and all but caught him by the scruff of his neck.

"Bengtsson, go find Erling and Ektor. Have them report to the main entrance ten minutes ago, they're taking these two into the Caverns. Have Erling sign out a communication crystal as well, I want regular updates. Get Quartermaster Fang to issue provisions for four days too." The Watcher nodded then quickly hurried off to obey his orders. Skane gave Belle and Rumple what he hoped was a reassuring expression. "Good luck, you're going to fucking need it." He crouched down before Azzy. "Keep this one safe."

Ah, Rumple had finally figured out exactly what kind of man Selwyn Skane was: one loving with animals and distant with people, Rumple saw a lot of himself in that realization.

Belle smiled brightly, a smile which lit up her cerulean eyes. "You love animals, don't you?"

"Can't help it," Skane shrugged while still petting Azzy. "Found Gloria when I was a kid on the mainland and had a soft spot for animals ever since. You know, if you take good care of them, oilharos can live for almost as long as a human."

He abruptly stood after that insightful comment and headed back towards his office, a second wish of luck was the only goodbye they got. At first, all of Skane's scrutinizing glances had worried Rumple, had made him think he'd be spotted as the so-called 'mutated demon' from the wanted poster, but the man had seemed remarkably more focused on the spate of mysterious deaths ravaging the Limestone to really acknowledge the odd hue of Rumple's skin. Almost as soon as Gordana had informed them of that damn poster he'd made attempts to glamor himself to no avail; toss that onto the pile of spells Dreymyr wouldn't let him use.

Before Rumple could lose himself inside his thoughts as he had aboard theCopper Cat, they headed back down to the building's main entrance where they found Corporal Ektor had already arrived. His beard had just fallen over the line which separated stubble from an actual beard and, like all Watchers save for Commander Skane, his armor was a golden-brown color accented with a navy gambeson.

"I'm Ektor." He nodded a greeting to them. The Watcher looked more irritated than anything else, though he had basically been assigned to escort duty and nobody enjoyed that game. "We'll gather provisions and depart within the hour."

"You have thirty minutes." Rumple had no intention of lingering around Dunnmere where any of Duke Gonzada's men could have spotted Belle or he could have been recognized from that poster a moment longer than needed. "We'll be outside."

Belle, being the kind young woman she was, flashed Ektor an apologetic smile as she followed the Dark One out and around the side of the building so he could summon Svadilfari back.

"There's no need to be so rude all the time, you know." She chastised lightly.

Rumple shrugged. "It's who I am."

"No, it isn't. You may have scales and sharp claws, and you frown too much, but you're a nice man really. I keep telling you that because I firmly believe it. There's good in you, so don't give me some witty put-down just to keep your demon lord reputation up." She rested a hand atop his forearm and Rumple froze, Svad's reins held deathly tight in his hand. "I know you, Rumpelstiltskin, I know your heart isn't as black as you think."

He wasn't entirely sure if he didn't want to say anything in reply or if he just didn't know what to say – in hindsight, it was probably both. Thankfully she removed her warm hand from his person to pet Svad's neck allowing Rumple to decompress a moment. They waited in silence for the next thirty minutes, Svad and Azzy were surprisingly affectionate creatures so monopolized Belle's attention when they got half a chance, and Rumple came to a startling realization: if it hadn't been for Bae, he'd have been perfectly content to remain in Dreymyr with Belle. Milah would have rather he'd died than come back a coward, Cora had just used him to obtain more power, Zelena was crazy and that was about the extent of his love history – no, maybe lust would have been a better word since none of those women had actually loved him, just lusted after his power. Belle though, she was much too good for the likes of him, too kind, beautiful and young, but she had gone out of her way to be his friend and not just because of the enslavement collar. A woman's love wasn't in the cards for Rumple, he'd long accepted that, but Belle happily gave him friendship and companionship despite knowing what he was. Yes, he'd have willingly abandoned the other realms if it meant he could stay with Belle. However, none of that was a viable option, Rumple had to find Baelfire and, as soon as he'd freed Avonlea and King Maurice, Belle would have more important things to do than spend time with him. 'Find Jefferson, find a way back to the Enchanted Forest, get Regina to enact the Dark Curse and find Bae' Rumple's mind announced firmly. 'That's the way it has to be. All of this is for my boy'.

Meanwhile, Belle had perched on an empty crate left pressed against the wall and pulled open the satchel she always carried with her, the one that held the potions Rumple had crafted. She'd amazed herself at how skilled she'd become at packing things into such a small bag, but apparently she'd not packed everything.

"Damn."

Rumple jolted, blinked rapidly, then turned to the Princess of Avonlea. "What is it?"

"Oh, it's okay." Mumbled Belle while rummaging through her bag. "I thought I'd hidden an apple in here as a snack but apparently it never made it in the bag."

Muscle memory had him try to conjure up an apple all red and juicy for her pleasure, but nothing happened – oh look, another thing for the pile. He could feel the magical energy but it couldn't solidify into the desired object and Rumple hated feeling so weak. His understanding of Dreymyr's magic had come on in leaps and bounds, he'd turned a man into a fish and been able to shrink Azzy for crying out loud and that was a forgotten spell! Providing a shining apple for a hungry eighteen-year-old princess wasn't off the table though, they still had to wait for Erling and Ektor to ready themselves so a quick trip to the market wouldn't be an issue.

"Let us go buy something," he began as though he'd not just had a full internal argument. "Who knows what these Watchers deem to be provisions." That got a smirk out of her. "Put your hood up though."

She did as asked then went to loop her arm with his after Rumple had hitched Svad to a post and used one of his newer skills to turn the reins to lead so nobody could try wandering off with him.

"Onward my demon lord master," she teased. "To the freshly baked bread and matured cheeses."

There was no denying that Rumple enjoyed seeing her happy; Belle du Marchand was a light amidst an ocean of darkness. Wonderful warmth drifted from her, through his clothes to his golden-green skin as they walked, an extra treat for him. She'd pulled up her hood to conceal her face, but Rumple could still see dazzling chestnut locks that he itched to touch, to loop around his fingers before he kissed her. 'That's never happening, you pathetic sap!' Oh, but he wanted it to so desperately. Pining, the Dark One was pining. A princess like no other was Belle, not spoilt or entitled, just caring and honest. On one distant day, after he'd found his son and repaired their relationship, he'd tell Bae about Belle, of the beauty who'd restored some of his humanity just by being near him.

Eventually they reached a stall selling fresh bread and baked sweets, Belle bought some of the bread just as she'd wanted and one of the bacon scones which was quickly given to Azzy much to his delight. Some months back they'd gotten Belle her own coin purse that Rumple quietly filled with coins, Belle had insisted that she'd hardly done enough on their quests to earn so much, but Rumple had picked up how to stretch a week's worth of money out to last almost a month back when he'd been a lowly spinner, and didn't see much point keeping the coin from her when he'd have just bought her what she asked for anyway: Rumple had only streamlined the process. So he watched her merrily wander the market stalls buying this and that, as well as a few apples since it was the whole reason they'd gone to the market, while Rumple did his best not to be reminded of the way Bae had joyfully hopped about markets seeking out a treat.

The intense scent of flowers bombarded the Dark One and he looked to his left to see an older half-pantherian selling roses, carnations, tulips and other floral delights.

"They're lovely." Belle commented as they passed and Rumple didn't even stop to think, just tossed a copper to the woman and helped himself to one of the red roses.

He rounded the teenage beauty and offered it to her like the sap he'd become. "If you'll have it."

Frankly, Belle appeared surprised by the gesture – he didn't look like the sort of man to do public romantic displays after all. However, Belle couldn't keep the smile off her pink lips and quickly accepted the rose and lifted it to her nose.

"Thank you, Rumple, it's beautiful."

Nothing, nothing, would ever overshadow Belle's beauty, but the rose did complement it nicely.

They continued to walk the market, Belle's arm looped with his as had become normal while Azzy trailed alongside them. There was a lot more locally made merchandise for sale on the Limestone than in the other places they'd travelled, but that was to be expected when the whole island consisted of one town, a handful of villages and a smaller demand for outside goods than on the mainland.

That salty sea air still drifted through Dunnmere, but they'd become accustom to it and hardly noticed any longer. To anybody who glanced their way, the pair probably looked like a couple out for a stroll, especially once Belle had the rose; Rumple envied them for that, they could think it without having the truth destroying the illusion.

All good things came to an end eventually, and soon they'd bought what they needed and returned to the Watch house where they found the Watchers loaded and ready to go. Rumple restored Svad's reins, helped Belle onto the horse while Lieutenant Erling tried to make himself sound in charge, then headed off for the Osgar Hall Cavern's entrance. Roughly four hours the journey would take if they pushed the horses and took the shortcut – they would, Skane had insisted – but getting to the entrance was only the first leg of their journey.

~X~

Arriving at the Caverns pleased Belle greatly because of the simple fact that four hours on a horse with next to no breaks was remarkably unkind to one's lower back and spine. The Osgar Hall Caverns might have been extensive but, after they'd hitched Svad up with the other horses, Rumple found the entrance to be little more than a giant hole in the ground. It was guarded like Commander Skane had said, but the camp had done little more than stake a few poles into the ground to hang lanterns on at night. If this was the state of things, Rumple nor Belle had any desire to see the other so-called openings.

Maybe fifteen Watchers had been stationed at the camp and none of them seemed particularly happy to see the arrival of more adventurers. The one in charge, if his confident swagger was anything to go by, approached Lieutenant Erling and glared expectantly.

"Captain Underwood, we have orders from Commander Skane to take these two adventurers down into the Caverns."

"Do you now?" Underwood thrust out his hand demandingly. "Orders." Erling quickly handed them over while Belle rubbed subtly at her back and Rumple stepped closer to the entrance for a better look. "Fine, but on your heads be it."

Fortunately for convenience's sake, Rumple could see the floor at the bottom of the shaft – littered with debris and soggy from condensation, but he could see it.

Belle pulled down her hood then and stretched while Azzy took the chance to curl up at her feet and rest; she might have ridden Svad all the way, but the poor waheela had been forced to jog alongside them. Captain Underwood took the opportunity to flagrantly ogle Belle; his grin actually had her creep a little closer to Rumple while Azzy, who'd picked up on Belle's sudden change in mood via the taming bond they shared, pushed passed his fatigue to growl warningly at the Watcher.

"You sure you want to go down there, darlin'?"

"I go with my master." She told him without hesitation.

Azzy growled again and Captain Underwood thankfully took the hint because he sighed and pointed vaguely towards the perilous entrance.

"I'll have the climbing equipment readied for you."

A flurry of activity erupted then as Watchers went this way and that preparing gear. Ektor helped with the ropes and Erling muttered quietly with Underwood in what Rumple assumed was a joint effort to appear important, all while Belle and Rumple gathered what they required from Svad's saddle bags. They needed to get into the tunnel network soon or they'd lose the light.

"I've never been in a cave before." She disclosed as though such a thing were unusual for a princess. "Still no idea what is down there?"

Rumple shrugged. "None whatsoever."

"Good job I have the First Demon Lord to protect me then."

Quietly, his mind uttered the words 'odd princess' as they headed over to the entrance with their things. The Watchers seemed ready for an arduous trek what with their heavy equipment and repeated checking that the ropes were secured.

"We'll go first, then you and the girl can follow us down." Announced Erling as he adjusted his helmet. "Be careful though, it's a long way to the bottom."

Rumple waved the false concern off. "No need for ropes, dearie."

With that Belle rested one hand on his forearm and the other on Azzy's head, while Rumple grabbed Erling and Ektor by the shoulder, then swiftly teleported them down to the bottom gracefully as though it were nothing. Up top the Watchers stared, some were even open-mouthed.

"What was that? Was that – was that spacial magic?" Ektor stuttered. "I thought only demon lords could do that."

"Gordana sent us for a reason, dearie." Rumple sighed as he skilfully sidestepped the comment. "Just give me that map Skane spoke of."

"That's Commander Skane to you." Erling insisted and for the first time Rumple actually looked at him.

The two Watchers were about the same height, both had dark hair and short beards, but Erling seemed glued to his helmet despite most of his kin not bothering with them. His right eye was missing and scarring ran down his cheek which probably had something to do with it: if he feared being stared at or that whatever took the right eye would return for the left, remained unknown.

To be perfectly honest, it didn't matter one iota what the two Watchers looked like, Rumple would surely forget them as soon as he departed the Limestone like the background characters they were. These men almost certainly had families and friends, things they were proud of and the odd interesting story or two, but to Rumple they were just there to slow him down. That had always been a trait of Rumple – actually, it was a trait of all Dark Ones, that a person remained firmly in the realm of unimportance until a use for them suddenly presented itself. Had he bothered to ask, Rumple would have learned that Ektor was the youngest of seven sons and actually Skane's cousin, he'd have also discovered that Erling never removed his helmet not because he was a stickler, but because he'd once seen an arrow embed itself in his best friend's skull on the one day he'd not bothered to put his helmet on. Sadly, those stories, nor the fact that the two Watchers actually shared the same first name, wouldn't ever make it to Rumple or Belle

Rumple snatched the map from Erling once he'd fished it out and leaned towards the sunlight for a proper look. It was crudely drawn, clearly by a Watcher rather than an actual cartographer, and there were multiple sections which simply ended. Skane had mentioned the Caverns went on forever and not all of it had been mapped, but Rumple had hoped for more than dead ends and mysteries. A couple of sections had been given rather unimaginable names such as the 'Loops' and the 'Pit' but at least they knew there had been a City Watch camp down there at one point – long abandoned, but it did suggest that the upper level of the Osgar Hall Caverns would be fairly safe. Annoyingly the tunnels all seemed to circle back on each other meaning that Rumple would likely utilize his spacial magic several times before the night was through. At least nothing looked narrow, but that didn't automatically mean easy terrain. If anything showed itself to be too strenuous he'd just have to see how far his understanding of earth magic had come.

"This City Watch camp, why was it abandoned?"

"We aren't entirely sure," admitted Erling while Ektor lit a torch. "It was a very long time ago. Probably had something to do with crixx or a collapsing tunnel."

Belle peered over Rumple's shoulder at the underwhelming map. "There are six unmapped tunnels, at least one of them must lead deeper down."

If the section with the abandoned camp might have been unstable, they'd ignore the unexplored tunnel by the Loops until last.

"Systematic is best, Belle. We map the first one after the Cathedral and see what happens."

Ektor squinted at them. "Do all adventurers act so death-or-glory?"

Was that what it looked like? Sure he could be flamboyant and dramatic at times for his own amusement or to irritate some do-gooder but, as an immortal, he couldn't die and he certainly had no desire for glory.

Rumple rolled up the map. "I prefer to think of myself as getting on with it."

Then he was off with Azzy and Belle who did her best to hide her giggle; she really was the only one who laughed at his quips and deadpan comments. The two Watchers shared a glance then shouldered their stuff and followed. Exactly what they'd done to get dumped with this job, they'd likely never know.

The tunnel leading to Osgar's Cathedral – whoever the hell Osgar was – turned out to be fairly level and dry, but by the gods did it get cold fast. Rumple was grateful for the coat Una Quartermaine had made for him and Belle was soon forced to pull the woollen coat they'd purchased at the same time as his spinning wheel out of her satchel.

At the opening the walls had been a yellowy-brown color, but the further they went the grayer everything became and the Limestone proved just how it had gotten its name. At the first fork there was a disturbing looking crack leading deep down into the darkness that they all stepped around carefully as they continued to the right, the second fork had startled the Watchers into almost drawing their swords until Rumple had pointed a clawed finger upwards to the intermittent drips which kept splatting onto the cold ground. When they reached the Cathedral, the group came to an abrupt stop and Belle actually gasped because she couldn't quite believe just how big the room was. The word cathedral had not been an overstatement. Three large pillars in various sizes held up the cavernous room and stalactites hung precariously all over the ceiling. Most of the right side seemed unstable thanks to the numerous stalagmites and watery cracks in the rock, not to mention the rubble in the far corner, so they awkwardly began their trek through the sloped room in single file. All the eerie shadows left Belle praying undead didn't suddenly burst forth to slay them all. With the natural light totally gone, and Ektor's torch impractical, Rumple made a fireball and shot it up over their heads to float with them.

"Is a big ball of fire wise?"

"It gives us light and it'll dim if the oxygen level gets low."

Belle seemed proud of him, and why did that stroke his ego? "Light and an early warning system in one. Very smart."

Yes, there was a subsection of fire magic which had a spell called 'ball light' for just such a situation, but Rumple hadn't quite got the hang of light magic yet or any of the spells in its arsenal. Of course, he'd not go telling anybody that if he could help it.

Traversing the Cathedral and the narrowing tunnel which followed had taken much longer than they'd hoped and little conversation occurred during that time. Erling and Ektor thought they were on babysitting duty and clearly didn't trust Rumple after he'd shown he could use spacial magic; Belle wearing a slave collar hadn't helped either. While Rumple had gone unimaginably long periods of time without talking so didn't feel the compulsion. To be perfectly honest, the only one who'd broken the quietude had been Belle when she'd sporadically asked questions or when she'd thanked Rumple for catching her after her foot had slipped.

Towards Spider's Nexus the path had levelled out allowing them to pick up speed. It was a straight tunnel with nowhere for monsters to jump out or dripping water to scare the Watchers, so making it to the end had been a breeze. Unlike Osgar's Cathedral, the path to Spider's Nexus had rather low ceilings – Erling and Ektor probably would have been able to easily touch it with their hands. As long as they didn't have to crawl, nobody cared. Rumple pulled the map back out while Erling dropped his pack to the floor.

"Okay, we rest now. Ektor, you're on watch."

Belle nor Azzy needed telling twice, they slumped down for a well deserved rest while Ektor kept an eye out and Rumple studied his map. Had he been on his own, Rumple would have kept moving, but he wasn't on his own.

"Want to share the apple I brought?"

Gods, could Belle be any more angelic? Her sweet smile and kindness – he shook his head both to quieten his mind and answer Belle. He wanted to hurry up and get this quest Gordana had forced upon them over with because, if there was one thing he wouldn't stand for, it was the savage murder and mutilation of children. Still, Rumple was fully aware Belle and the two other men weren't like him, they needed breaks to eat and sleep. To be honest, he needed sleep no matter how much he pretended he didn't. After scrabbling their way around boulders through the Cathedral, Rumple supposed they'd earned a rest – a short one.

After fifteen minutes Rumple insisted that they continue on and, though he honestly didn't like the demon, Erling agreed. Belle hadn't been a pampered princess even before Gaston had shown up with his primeval ideas to ruin her life and kingdom, so she had no complaint when Rumple helped her to her feet. The bath she'd take once everything was over and they'd returned to the Teapot Inn gave her feet the will to keep moving.

An hour, it took an hour for them to figure out that the northern unmapped tunnel between the Cathedral and Nexus just came to an anticlimactic dead end with a precarious hole.

"Total waste of time." Rumple grumbled as he scribbled the path they'd taken down on the map.

"It's another damn pit." Ektor commented, so Rumple labelled this newly explored section as 'Other Pit', then, just like at the entrance, teleported them back to where they'd taken a break earlier. "Good Drazva! You have to stop doing that."

Rumple just smirked, he didn't care if the Corporal felt unwell, not when he'd just saved them an hour walk. Belle, meanwhile, knew how long it had taken her to get used to the First Demon Lord's powers and took pity on Ektor by offering him some water.

The Spider's Nexus turned out to have a rather domed shape to it and all of the unexplored tunnels were up on ledges which explained why they'd not been traversed sooner. There were so many places to be ambushed though, so much so that Belle could feel the Watchers go onto high alert. They might not have seen so much as a mouse so far but anything could have been lurking anywhere.

They had to find somewhere to camp for the night, they'd packed provisions for four days and Belle's entire satchel smelt of fresh bread, so there wasn't any big hurry to head back up to the surface. This time when Rumple teleported them it was up to one of the ledges which led to the far west tunnel. If they didn't find somewhere suitable to camp then he could always just use the spot he'd spied just before the Cathedral.

With determination, Rumple marched froward with hope of finding some kind of convenient staircase that would guide them to the exact place the needed to be, but that didn't happen and soon the tunnel narrowed so much they'd got no hope of squeezing any further. Defeated Rumple moved the group back to a more open section, walled up the tunnel with magic to prevent any pesky spiders or other such monsters grabbing them in the night, and finally gave his companions the respite they needed.

These dark passageways weren't safe by any definition of the word, any of Dreymyr's strange beasts could have jumped out snarling or hissing, so Rumple set to work building a barrier just as he had when they'd been travelling with Callum and Ian. Erling and Ektor appeared to share his concerns because they quickly started talking about a watch rotation that Rumple ignored. Were anything drastic to happen, he could always teleport them back outside.

How long rainwater had taken to dig out such an extensive karst cave was almost incomprehensible; it seemed like less than one percent of the Osgar Hall Caverns had actually been explored and Rumple had no desire to navigate the whole place before he found out exactly what was causing all those deaths.

Erling pulled his bedroll out from his pack while Ektor focused on making a fire for them to warm themselves by. Neither Belle nor Rumple had packed bedrolls, just food and smaller items; not because they'd forgotten, but because Rumple simply snapped his fingers to summon the bedrolls from his vault back in Ranga. The Watchers might have had to cart their stuff around like pack mules, but Rumple certainly didn't.

Soon a campfire roared to life bouncing a soothing orange glow off of the sad cave walls and causing kindling to crackle. There hadn't been any striking of flint, no, Ektor had instead created the smallest fireball ever seen and set it amongst the tinder. Belle helped him in preparing a simple soup for their meal, a skill she'd picked up from Callum, while Rumple finished making his barrier and Erling used the communication crystal – which looked far more like a hand mirror than expected – to make his report to Skane. Once he had finished, the man ever glued to his helmet stared towards the single opening to their camp.

"I have first watch."

"No, you don't. I'll do it."

Rumple didn't wait a single second for a response, simply moved away from the fire to slip into the inky darkness with his map. Belle watched him go; he only ever seemed to be nice to her – irritating because it left her constantly apologizing for his attitude, but also something which made Belle feel special. Erling slumped down opposite her, the crackling fire between them.

"Okay, seriously, what is with that demon?" He gestured loosely behind him with a jolt of his head. "I don't know if I should be protecting him from monsters or me from him."

Ektor breathed out a laugh. "You can say that again, sir. What was Commander Skane thinking sending only four of us down here? This is suicide."

"Rumpelstiltskin may be a demon but he's not a monster. He just isn't very good with people." There she went apologizing for him again and providing reassurance. "I fully understand his magic can be intimidating and even scary, but he truly does want to put a stop to whatever is doing those horrible things to people. He is here to help."

"Not to sound rude," began Ektor as he leaned towards her. "You're his slave, so don't you have to say nice things about him?"

"I may have a collar but he didn't enslave me."

Realization dawned on Erling and Ektor, a realization she'd seen dawn on a few people since Gaston's idiocy had gotten her accidentally enthralled to the Dark One. As soon as folk learned Rumple hadn't put that collar on her for his benefit, there was only one other reason people thought of.

"Ah," Erling nodded. "You're one of those who chose it."

A slight accusation crept into his deep voice though Belle opted to pretend she'd not noticed. While she could have started an argument over the reason she had that collar around her neck, point out what Rumple had told her about magic bouncing back and all, it honestly wasn't worth it and would have given away who she truly was.

Belle decided to nod and go along with their assumption. "Yes."

Telling them what they'd already concluded for themselves got her strange looks, like they couldn't comprehend why a woman would willingly bind herself to Rumple, but Belle didn't care. The topic had been dealt with and Belle – well, she found the idea of being bound to Rumple had started to sound slightly pleasant.

Chapter Text

Belle awoke the next morning to Rumple pacing a few feet away; back and forth, back and forth as though he intended to dig his own tunnel through the rock. He looked just like when she'd settled down to sleep causing her to highly doubt he'd slept. The two Watchers had already begun packing their things away so Belle followed suit quickly after giving Azzy a bowl of water. Though morning, Belle saw no evidence of it, the cave would have been pitch black had Rumple not already used one of his fireballs to light the place since the campfire had gone out. Everything smelt cold and damp, icy water dripped down sections of rock from the surface and Belle hoped she never had to sleep in a cave again once they left the Osgar Hall Caverns. Sunlight's radiant warmth on her skin had been a pleasure she'd taken for granted until waking up in the Caverns, never again.

Soon they'd tucked into their morning rations and, since Belle felt more comfortable with Rumple than the two Watchers, she'd headed over to him with the last of her breakfast. Just as with the night before he scrutinized the map and had clearly added notes at some point.

"Did you sleep?"

"We're going through the branching tunnels off of the Pit first. They're closest and appear to descend more than the tunnels we've already traversed."

Well, that answered her question then; frankly she was pleased he'd not asked about her sleep because she'd had nightmares of undead creeping up on her. The eighteen-year-old beauty knew this quest for Gordana was pressing, of the utmost importance, but Belle had started to wonder if simply wandering the Caverns hoping to find a path lower was just plain dangerous. All that said, Belle didn't really have a better idea.

To save time once camp had been packed away, Rumple just teleported them back to Spider's Nexus and up onto the ledge which led to the Pit. Erling looked like he wanted to say something about spacial magic being only accessible to those who used dark magic, but thankfully held his tongue. Last thing they needed was the Watchers turning on them down in the darkness.

Their walk took them down a small but constant slope until they finally reached the Pit, an aptly named shaft which just descended into darkness and possibly the underworld as well. A painful death awaited anybody who lost their footing.

"Does that ever end?"

"Probably, but I'd not volunteer to find out." Ektor peeked over the side into the abyss.

While certainly a way downward, Rumple could neither see the bottom nor determine if travelling that way would actually take them to the source of all these deaths. The tunnels remained the better option.

"Belle, want to go left or right first?"

"Does it matter?"

"Not in the slightest." Rumple answered with a small shrug.

"Then let's go right, it looks wider."

So that was exactly what they did. For a time their path seemed to be constantly folding back on itself, but then they found themselves on a ledge with teratects below. Sizeable beasts of brown scampering about in the darkness like living stone. The Watchers unsheathed their swords but it was all for naught, Rumple simply incinerated the monsters then teleported them all down so they could continue on their way: he had no time for eight-legged hindrances. Eventually their exploring funnelled them out into a chilled cavernous room with a hellish drop into nothingness on either side, and a single rock bridge providing access to the other side. Erling and Ektor tested the bridge a few times for stability's sake, while Rumple lamented being unable to use magic to hop forward. Since the other side was littered with cracks and shadows, he couldn't be certain he'd not just drop them down a hole.

When the two Watchers had decided the bridge to be stable enough, the group slowly made their way across. It was wide so falling didn't seem like too much of an option, but the stalactites appeared precarious to say the least. The whole room radiated with unease.

Suddenly Azzy stopped, his hackles up as he sniffed the air. Before Belle could question though a sandstone spear launched from a higher ledge and skewered Ektor through the chest killing him instantly. Belle's mouth fell open as all hell broke loose. Crixx launched down from wherever they'd been hidden, spears in hand and ready to kill with savage ferocity. Erling rushed the front two mud-colored monsters, cutting them down swiftly while Azzy darted around him to bite a third in half. More crixx dropped down behind them, half of which were instantly burnt to a crisp by an angry Rumpelstiltskin. 

Rumple swung around to pull Belle close … but she wasn't there. She couldn't have just vanished, then the screaming started. Be it pushed or stumbled, Belle had gone over the edge and the distance had triggered her collar. All Rumple could see was a fading green glow as she tumbled deeper, deeper and deeper. He'd let one person he loved fall alone and lost him, Rumple wouldn't let Belle suffer the same fate. Her screams were of pure agony, just unimaginable pain as the collar tortured her for something totally out of her control. Rumple couldn't summon her back, she was falling too fast for him to get a lock on her, but if he teleported below her, he might have stood a chance. Azzy and Erling were left to deal with the crixx, Rumple had a princess to save.

He appeared in the darkness with Belle's collar being the only pathetic light to guide his movements. With not knowing how deep the shaft actually was, he only had a single chance to catch her and he'd not waste it. A teleport then a burst of wind thrust him upwards just in time to grab Belle then, in the blink of an eye, he took them back up to the bridge. Her collar had ceased its punishment, but the agony continued to have her body spasm. Rumple would have set her down but he distantly heard Erling scream for them to run and then the bridge exploded dropping it, the remaining crixx and Erling into the unending darkness never to be seen again. Rumple just blinked; everything had happened so suddenly, so violently. Rock rumbled and cracked as the cavern caved in on itself, and Rumple had no choice but to grab Azzy by the tail and teleport them all up to the ledge the crixx had attacked from in the first place.

Belle continued to scream and convulse. Rumple set her down on the cold ground and pushed her beautiful hair out of her eyes knowing there was little else he could do for her. The collar hadn't actually caused any damage to her body that magic need heal, just inflicted a draconian level of pain as a punishment for something which hadn't even been her fault. That realization was when Rumple started to panic – now that hadn't happened in a few hundred years. If his magic couldn't help Belle then he was useless to her, all he could do was lift her head to rest on his thighs while tears streamed down her face and yelps escaped her throat.

It took a long time for screams and tears to lessen to whimpers and sniffles, but when they finally had, her cerulean eyes fluttered open to look at him.

"We have to get this collar off you." If he spoke to himself or Belle neither were certain.

She continued shaking – or maybe trembling was a better description. Azzy, bless his heart, started to circle the perimeter with a snarl lest any other crixx try their luck: Rumple hoped he ripped their lungs out.

"We should return to the inn so you can rest."

Rumple made to lift Belle into his arms but Belle shook her head and grabbed his wrist. "No, we'll fail the quest and you can't go back on your deal."

For a moment Rumple actually couldn't have cared less, but he'd made a silent vow to never break another deal and couldn't give that up. Brave was Belle, so brave and resilient to the point she made him want to be a better man. With a nod he consented to them seeing things through and helped her to sit up.

The section of the Caverns they'd found themselves in was fairly flat despite being so high up, and had thick stalagmites which hid them from where the bridge had collapsed – probably the reason neither of the Watchers nor Rumple himself had spotted the crixx until it was too late. A passage so small even Belle would have struggled to squeeze through, lay off to Rumple's right. From the way Azzy sniffed at it and stared intently, he suspected that was how the crixx had gotten up there in the first place. Rumple called Azzy over so he could use earth magic to block the crack then set to work building another barrier. They might not have been travelling very long that day, but both Erling and Ektor were dead, part of the Cavern's had collapsed and Belle desperately needed to rest. It had been Rumple and Skane who'd wanted everything dealt with fast, but the quest hadn't actually placed them on a time limit. 'If this is the first quest Gordana has made me do for her, I shudder to think what the second will be' Rumple's mind sighed as he crafted wards.

When the barrier finally sprang up it formed a small dome about twice the height of Rumple, a dome strong enough to keep even the most persistent of monsters out. Meanwhile, Belle rested lethargically against one of the larger stalagmites and stroked tiny specks of rubble out of Azzy's fur while he fussed over her. The pain had died down but her legs still felt numb and random muscles would occasionally twitch, hopefully the fire Rumple set about building would warm her up and sooth away the lingering twinges. Stuck in the Osgar Hall Caverns with a waheela and the famed Dark One quietly fussing over her – well, at least Belle's life wasn't boring. Erling and Ektor had died fighting those crixx and it hurt Belle's heart, but they'd known the dangers of entering the cave and Belle tried not to let her thirst for adventure overshadow that fact.

From his vault, Rumple had summoned tea which he'd brewed over the fire; Belle drank her steaming cup while she watched Rumple scribble the new parts of the cave down on the map as best he could. It occurred to her as she watched him that they were in parts of the Caverns no other person had likely ever seen, it was the adventure Belle had always wanted. Once rid of the collar and Avonlea had been saved, Belle would miss Rumpelstiltskin, miss his quips and their journeys together. She hoped he got to meet Lorrimer before he returned to his realm, her little brother would surely love to meet the True Demon Lord who'd saved them all and won the heart of the princess – 'Wait!' Belle's mind suddenly ground to a halt. 'I know I like him but do I really like him that much? He's attractive even though he scowls all the time, he's funny and thoughtful too but – oh gods, I do! I feel … that way about him.' Blue eyes subtly peered over at the man on the other side of the fire clearly lost in thought. Belle had fallen in love with a demon lord and not even noticed.

~X~

The next morning when she awoke – or at least she thought it was morning – Belle jolted upon seeing a massive teratect atop the dome barrier trying to break through it. Apparently, Rumple had just been leaving it be since it couldn't penetrate the barrier and Rumple hadn't wished to wake Belle; who'd been snoozing on Azzy lovely fluff. That animal slept more than any other being Belle had encountered in her eighteen years and didn't so much as twitch an ear when she sat upright, eyes wide as she stared at the giant spider over her head.

"Now you're awake, I'll deal with it." He shot a fireball upwards without so much as glancing. The fire burst through the gold-tinted shield to kill the spider instantly, legs curled inward and it simply slipped off the dome and into the dark abyss below. "That's better. There is tea, Belle, should you like."

Tea did sound good, so Belle left Azzy snuggled up and snoring, in favor of joining Rumple by the campfire. She stretched almost obscenely then accepted a cup of tea and took a sip: If there was one thing she'd never expected of the Dark One, it was how good his tea was. He stared down at his half-empty cup thinking as he always did, so Belle leaned in to kiss his golden-green cheek. Unique brown eyes snapped to Belle with so much confusion it was practically comical though also adorable.

"Why?" He asked quietly.

"You're always taking care of me. Always so kind even though you don't think you are." She placed her tea down as the realization from the other day returned to her. "You're a good man, Rumple. It doesn't matter that you're a demon lord, you're still good and I care about you."

Having decided to be brave, Belle closed the gap between them and kissed him properly for the first time, a gentle brush of lips that left him dumbfounded – 'dumbfounded demon lord' sounded like a children's book.

For a moment after their lips parted, he floundered as if trying to remember how to speak. He'd thought about kissing her so many times but never expected it to actually happen. 'Maybe I was hit with some rubble and this is all in my head? Yes, that seems more likely'. He was a monster, so blunt force trauma was statistically more probable in his eyes.

"Belle-"

She'd made her mind up and wouldn't let him overthink his way out of this situation. Their titles and the reasons they'd been thrown together didn't matter, only what they felt. Belle kissed him again, this time with more passion and desire before she moved to straddle his leather-clad thighs.

"Please, Rumple, I want this." She told him between kisses. "I want you."

"You – you can't mean that, sweetheart."

"I do! I mean it. I want to be with you, Rumple. I love you."

Nobody loved him; only Bae ever had and he'd destroyed that. Yet there Belle was atop him, kissing him, wanting him. It had been so very long since he'd felt the warmth of a woman and with every fibre of his being he wanted her, but Belle was an eighteen-year-old princess who could have done significantly better than a beast like him. Rumple tried to do the right thing, tried to push her away and explain it to her, but she didn't relent, just kept kissing him. Selfish, Rumple was a selfish man, and it eventually won out. If Belle was willing to be with him, then he'd savor every blissful second of it until she came to her senses. It had been so painfully long and Belle smelt so good.

Rumple's whole body vibrated with want for her. Part of him continued to scream that he should have said no, that she deserved silk sheets and a soft bed at the very least, but selfishness and desire had overtaken him leaving him deaf to logical arguments.

Carefully he lay her down on her back by the fire, a warm glow illuminated her porcelain skin as her arms snaked around his neck to deepen their kisses. Her legs parted to accommodate him, her body so warm and wonderful.

"Belle, sweetheart, we don't have to do this." Maybe he hadn't entirely gone deaf to logical reason after all.

"I'm not changing my mind, Rumple." She breathed. "I want this, I've just … never done this before.

Eighteen, a princess and future queen, of course she was a damn virgin and Rumple should have made himself stop, but he'd dreamed of being with her.

Slowly, so as not to spook the beauty, he leaned back on his haunches and pushed off his thick coat. She looked so stunning beneath him, so willing and her eyes so filled with … love? Did he dare think Belle could love him the way he'd come to love her?

Blue eyes like polished sapphires watched him as he carefully removed her burgundy outfit; the way he loosened the laces with talented fingers to steadily reveal her flesh to him. Flat stomach, beautiful breasts and a bottom lip held wantonly between her teeth; had Rumple not been an immortal, he'd have died a happy man. Tantalizing was Belle du Marchand.

"Can I?" He asked as a claw pointed to her burgundy breeches, his words but a whisper as though he feared a louder noise would suddenly change her mind.

Belle nodded eagerly and that was the true moment that he went deaf to those cautious voices at the back of his head.

Once finally bare to him, Belle innately tried to press her thighs together but all she succeeded in doing was wrapping her legs around Rumple's hips.

A growl escaped his throat. "No, sweetheart, let me see you."

He looked upon Belle as though she were a goddess unlike Gaston who'd ogled her like a slab of meat: was it any wonder Rumpelstiltskin was the first man she allowed to see the most intimate parts of herself?

Her delicate chestnut locks had fallen to the rock floor like a warm cloak which reflected the fire's orange glow leaving Belle appearing etherial. Her pointed ears flushed a little at the tips.

Between her legs was where his attention kept returning though, so wet and all he'd done was kiss her. If there was any doubt left that she wanted him, that glistering wetness surely banished it.

She moaned, loud and needy; if Rumple never heard another sound ever again he'd die a happy man. She was beautiful beneath him, arms falling from covering herself to grip at bed sheets that weren't there, lips parted to let little groans and pants escape as his clever fingers explored her wetness.

Belle had touched herself before in the quietude of night, she wasn't a prude nor naïve to the ways of bedfellows, but she'd never ached so desperately for someone else's touch before. The timid and curious exploration of her body hadn't been anything when compared to the moment Rumple's fingers found her wetness. She craved Rumple in a way no romantic novel or risqué dream had ever prepared her for.

His tongue found her nipples while his skilled fingers explored her core in a way no other had, all while Belle mewed and moaned out his name and tried to cling to the floor with clenching fingers.

Desperate to give this stunningly perfect woman every ounce of pleasure she deserved and more, Rumple brought her to the brink of pleasure while bestowing kisses to every inch of her between lips and navel. Yet, just when Belle felt as though a dam would burst, he pulled away to sit on his haunches once more.

"Please, Rumple, please don't stop."

"Oh, my beautiful Belle, I don't think I could stop now if I tried."

Grinning, he pushed her thighs further apart to kiss and nip at them while Belle watched him through half-lidded eyes. When his tongue found her needy sex, Belle let out a moan and let her head fall backwards in bliss. As she'd approached marriage age, maids had started to warn her that the first time would always hurt, that a man would rut into her and be done with it, it had sounded scary and violent. Maids hadn't ever told her of the things Rumple did, hadn't told her how good fingers would feel inside her, how sensitive her nipples would be when a man kissed them, and they'd certainly not told her how utterly amazing being pleasured orally would be.

Being buried in her core was something Rumple had fantasized about for months. His tongue licked at her folds hungry and desperate for the nectar between his Belle's thighs – because she was his now. Belle gasped out a strangled moan as her hips bucked, an encouragement for the Dark One to redouble his efforts. However, when her soft fingers slid into his hair, nails against his scalp, Rumple groaned into her then circled her clit with his tongue. He lavished that sensitive bundle of nerves with all the attention it deserved, kissed, licked and sucked over and over as he delighted in those wanton gasps until he slipped two fingers back inside her and they turned to moans. Rumple crooked them as she started to push desperately to meet his thrusts, her fingers fisted in his brown hair. Belle was extremely close so, with his free hand, Rumple reached up to tease a nipple and Belle finally came with the cutest squeal he'd ever heard. Her body convulsed, her eyes fluttered shut and his name fell from her tongue.

Rumple smirked, nothing had stroked his ego so perfectly in – well, nothing had ever stroked his ego so perfectly before. His lips found hers, her fingers still balled in his hair. Belle may have technically remained a virgin, but she certainly couldn't be considered innocent any longer. Their lips met again and Rumple knew he'd savor it for the rest of eternity.

He strained inside his leather breeches, that demanding part of him which urged to be inside her. In a flash he'd opened the laces while Belle managed to regain enough composure to push at his shirt. He'd tried to stop her but Belle refused to be denied; he wasn't muscular, just more monstrous skin that oddly twinkled in the firelight. He thought himself beastly, but Belle smiled warmly once his shirt was on the ground and seemed genuinely happy.

Rumple didn't miss the way she eyed his manhood as he pulled himself free of his breeches, her curious mind anticipated a new experience.

"Are you sure, sweetheart?" Later, he'd be proud he managed to ask that with his mind so clouded by lust, love and amazement.

"… Completely."

Her beautiful smile turned out to be infectious and her voice enticing. An evil beast like him shouldn't have gotten the girl and a happy ending though, thanks to Belle's eternally wonderful heart and a good deed probably performed in a previous life, Rumple had eked out this small piece of happiness.

"You have no idea how beautiful you are, Belle." She smiled at him before pulling him into another kiss. "Utter perfection."

In that moment as he lined himself up with her core, nothing mattered; the collar around her neck, the quest, his need to get back to the Enchanted Forest or the Dark Curse, nothing but the angelic beauty who'd chosen him over all others.

Rumple's hips thrust teasingly against her opening as he fisted a handful of Belle's luxurious hair and tipped her head back exposing her neck to his kisses and nips. A tiny sound somewhere between a whimper and purr escaped her when he finally entered her, Belle's hands flew to his shoulders at the intrusion. This was more akin to what her maids had quietly described, but she'd have called it uncomfortable instead of painful.

The enslavement collar said he owned Belle, but only in that moment did she really think she became his. Being taken by the Dark One was the sort of thing the Church would turn into a horror story, but Belle felt loved rather than terrified.

"Relax, sweetheart." Rumple whispered with a gentle smile few knew him capable of. "The more you tense, the more likely I am to hurt you, and we don't want that."

His words were soothing and helped lingering worries to melt away. The fire crackled. She took a deep breath and willed her body to relax. She'd have given herself to the First Demon Lord quite willingly. Polished sapphires met his oddly hypnotic eyes and, with a nod, Rumple began to move. At first his thrusts were slow and gentle, but soon need and want took over turning those thrusts into swift snaps of his hips. Belle's arms stayed around his neck urging passionate kisses out of him while Rumple's clawed hands gripped her hips tightly to maintain the unrelenting rhythm.

Belle could only moan into their kisses as she dangled on the very edge looking down into the euphoric depths below with her demon lord not far behind her. She may have been a virgin when this had started but Belle was a quick study and soon wiggled her hips in just the right way to send Rumple into some kind of primal rut. Deep thrusts illuminated only by the dying fire and a grasp so tight on her hips she'd surely have fingertip bruises. It was then that she could take it no longer and plunged into the smouldering waters of bliss and euphoria, her body clamped down around Rumple as she rode out her orgasm which forced him over the edge and into climax alongside her.

Panting, he fell onto his back, the cool rock a welcome relief for his heated skin, and Belle snuggled into him. Nothing needed to be said, so no word was spoken. A peaceful silence punctuated only by deep breaths and the crackles of the fire.

The day would come when Belle returned to being royalty and Rumple continued his quest to find his son and, because of the pleasure they'd just shared, it would be an even more painful farewell than before. Had he not had a son to find, Rumple would have remained in Dreymyr with her and, had Belle not had a kingdom to eventually rule over, he'd have asked her to go with him forever: if he wished on every star and cashed in every favor, maybe she'd have even said yes. Their lives weren't one of her romantic novels though, Belle wasn't a damsel and Rumple was certainly no prince charming. 'Parting is such sweet sorrow' was the famed line, but the sweetness would never come for there wouldn't be a pleasant renewed acquaintance in the future. Perhaps he'd steal one of her books or a lock of hair as a memento, he'd certainly steal a kiss for true love did exist … and Belle was his.

Chapter Text

As much as they'd have rather remained in each other's arms until the sun turned cold, Gordana had sent them to the Osgar Hall Caverns for a specific reason and Rumple couldn't turn his back on a deal. They'd dressed before Rumple doused the fire while Belle woke Azzy, who'd been politely pretending to be asleep, then continued on their way through the stone labyrinth.

Things between Rumple and Belle were different after their love-making, she stood a little closer while he seemed happier. Rumple didn't know what to do with that knowledge though; he'd gotten so used to being alone that he was unsure how to just … be with Belle. He liked touching her, enjoyed being around her but he worried he'd do something wrong and scare her away, that she'd suddenly come to her senses. They'd have to part eventually but – Belle suddenly jolted him out of his internal worries and concerns when she squeezed his hand and rocked up onto her tiptoes to kiss his cheek.

"You're a loud thinker, or maybe you're plotting." She teased.

This was the man who'd taken her purity, the man she'd willingly given it to, and Belle had no desire to let him think of reasons to regret it.

"Plotting," he teased back. "I do a lot of plotting."

Belle chuckled then kissed him again as Azzy sniffed along the path ahead of them, he'd been on high alert since they'd started moving again. Rumple still seemed surprised by her gentle kisses, as though he'd imagined thrusting into her by the campfire. Those in her father's court could call her a fallen woman unfit for marriage despite being a princess, that she'd allowed a monster to defile her, but Belle couldn't have cared less; she'd chosen Rumpelstiltskin and nobody could take her choice from her.

A little hungry, Belle released Rumple's hand and reached into her satchel for an apple just as Azzy ground to a halt with ears raised. She slipped, a sudden gasp of alarm escaped her as she stumbled backward, arms flailed and Rumple only just managed to catch her before Belle collapsed entirely. Looking down the pair found blood, congealed crimson smeared all over the gray rock in splatters, puddles and drips. This was what had brought Azzy to such a cautious stop and the reason Belle had lost her footing. A slaughter, the narrow tunnel looked like a slaughter had taken place. Belle clung to Rumple's forearm as they approached whatever it was that had caught the waheela's eye. The stench hit them unapologetically then and Belle doubled over as she wretched. Death. Everything smelt of death; that sickly sweet scent, overly sugary for the first millisecond before the putrefaction and sulphur burst forth to choke whomever it found. A cloud of cadaverine and other toxic gasses had started to permeate through the narrow tunnel which caused Belle to slap a hand over her mouth in a pointless attempt to ease the stench. Pinned to a wall by one of the spears the crixx used, was a hunter who'd begun to decompose.

"Look away, Belle."

She couldn't though, not from the man who'd been strung up like a tapestry and suffered so much.

"That poor man." She whispered from behind her hand.

Rumple looked back the way they'd come remembering a few blocked shafts they'd seen heading toward the surface, then ahead to where Azzy had poked his head through a narrow opening.

"Probably dragged in from an entrance the Watchers blocked off already or doesn't know about." Rumple pointed at the body. "This is fresh, he hasn't been dead more than three days." Part of Belle, the curious bookworm part, wanted to ask just how he knew this hunter had only been dead a handful of days, but the part of her still doing its best not to vomit put her off the idea. "We're probably close to whatever is causing these deaths."

Belle clung tighter to Rumple, they'd shared such romantic bliss such a short amount of time ago, and now everything had turned to horror. No matter how long she lived Belle would never forget the smell of death from that poor hunter, so she refused to let Rumple simply carry on walking.

"Rumple, he has to go back to his family. Maybe he has children."

He nodded. Long ago Rumple had stopped bothering to argue with Belle when it came to her easing the suffering of others, she had a good heart and always looked at him with such determination. Regardless, children didn't deserve to live their lives wondering why their father just hadn't come home. From his vault in Ranga, Rumple summoned a quill and piece of parchment that he quickly wrote a note on, then tucked it into the hunter's shirt and snapped his fingers. The hunter vanished leaving behind the spear embedded in the tunnel wall.

"Where did you send him?"

"To the City Watch." Rumple replied. "Skane will know what to do with him."

With Belle's wish fulfilled, they gradually continued to the gap Azzy had squeezed through while they disturbingly grew accustom to the smell. Everything inside Rumple screamed at him to send Belle away, but he had to complete this quest and parting them simply wasn't a viable option. Belle, of course, was nervous, but having Rumple and Azzy there to protect her did wonders to ease her worries.

Through the crack was another large room maybe half the size and height of the Cathedral, somebody somewhere in history had cut crude steps into the wall leading down to what seemed to be a ceremonial space. Torches and candles had been lit in various places casting an oddly eerie glow and a large dish circled by candles had been placed before an altar cut into the rock. An odd carving on the altar showed what may have been a dragon or snake before a broken egg. To the altar's far left stood wooden tables lined with knives and torture devices as if somebody had placed them with care and attention. The far right was what had drew Azzy's scrutiny, Belle and Rumple though; the disgusting horror of it all. A pile of partially decomposed corpses had been stacked in the corner, this was where the horrific smell had originated rather than the hunter. While Belle clung to Azzy, Rumple approached the pile of bodies.

"If these torches are lit then people have been here recently, right? I'd started to worry this was a lich, but one of them wouldn't bother with light."

"Unless magic is being used to keep them lit. Either way, we should remain cautious, Belle."

He peeked closer at the dead to learn three things. One: There was a large crack towards the back of the pile through which a body would occasionally fall, never to be seen again. Two: Only the remains of children had been drained of their blood. Three: The adult's bodies had been tortured and beaten, but none of them had been dismembered in any way.

"Oh gods!"

Rumple's head snapped around to find Belle stood by the huge bowl ringed with candles. He quickly strode towards her to see for himself and discovered it to be a vat of coagulated blood. Suddenly the question of where the blood of all those children had gone had a morbid answer.

Into the blood bowl had been carved an intricate symbol like a coiled snake, it quickly had Rumple ask: "Do you recognize it?"

Belle paled when she turned to find a book bound in dragon leather rested on a stubby rock used as a podium. The book had the same symbol on its cover that the bowl had. Normally picking up a new book was a joyous occasion, but lifting that book into her hands left Belle feeling tainted.

"… Yes."

"Why do you sound so concerned?"

"Because – because I think I know what's happening here." She told him with scared eyes threatening to shed tears. "I think these people are the Sons of Rael."

Azzy snuggled into Belle's leg in a desperate attempt to comfort his friend.

"Who are they?"

"It's a cult." Belle explained, book still in hand. "There's a bedtime story everyone knows, it's terrifying really, an ancient legend used to scare kids into doing as they're told. You know about the five cardinal dragons, right?" Rumple nodded. "Well, in the story there is a sixth. He's a creature of pure darkness, pure evil. The darkness dragon, Isra. He mated with a basilisk named Msiddi and they had a son, Rael. He was a monstrous creature filled with dark magic. A huge amphisbaena, a beast with two heads. Together Isra and Rael destroyed and consumed, stole land and murdered simply because it was fun and the humanoid races couldn't stop them. However, in retaliation a divine hero and a party of adventurers found where Msiddi was guarding her second egg, they slayed her and smashed the egg. As revenge Isra and Rael began to gather humans, elves, demi-humans, anybody they could capture and sucked out their souls because they are so full of magic. Eventually the other dragons had no choice but to intervene, if they hadn't darkness would have taken over the whole realm."

Belle had been right, it sounded like a scary bedtime story designed to teach children to be good little boys and girls, to never stray from the path, to do as they were told, the usual stuff. However, Rumple suspected there was some truth to the tale, he just couldn't quite pick out which bits. That said, if this tale spoke of a dragon using dark magic, then clearly his magic wasn't so alien to Dreymyr after all.

"And what does this cult want exactly?"

"The Sons of Rael think that when he was killed, all the souls he'd consumed were in his blood as magical power, that the souls had been strengthened through being inside the amphisbaena. They supposedly think that his blood seeped into the ground when he was killed and eventually found new bodies. They are literally a cult of people who think they're the reincarnated mutilated souls of those who died in the legend. They're convinced that they're divinely stronger than everybody else and believe that Rael's soul was reincarnated into somebody as well. They want to find and resurrect him in his true form."

"Two questions and a statement. Are these people totally insane? How do you know so many detailed facts about this evil cult? And I think all that story proves is what level of madness and thirst for revenge murdering a man's wife and child will cause."

"Yes, they're insane." Belle shuffled closer to him and wished Gordana hadn't ever sent them to the Osgar Hall Caverns. "I know about the Sons of Rael because there is a hidden section in Avonlea's royal library full of books former court mages and kings kept, and one of those books is written almost like a religious text for the Sons of Rael. It looks disturbingly like this book in all honesty." Belle sighed. "As for your statement, I agree. Isra, Msiddi and Rael weren't good in any sense of the word, but the rampage didn't start until after the Hero and adventurers did what they did."

Rumple looked around the altar room at the torture tools, the scores of innocent dead and even at that godforsaken blood bowl. They'd gone looking for savage crixx but discovered a much darker evil, one that rivalled Rumple's own darkness.

"These cultists are just going to keep on killing until they run out of people. Rael's soul is just a story. I say we stop them, it completes the quest and my obligation." He left out the fact he'd enjoy killing child murderers.

The chestnut-haired beauty's brow furrowed deeply. "I don't understand why the bodies are being returned to the surface having been mutilated. Surely the cultists would wish to keep all of this a secret instead of flaunting it."

"You saw the spear in that hunter." Said Rumple. "The crixx have proven their skills in ambushing, so my guess would be they pick off anybody who escapes. There is also a large opening where the bodies are piled, would be easy for one to slip through into a deeper part of the Caverns. The crixx are likely finding them, mutilating them for some reason – possibly to indicate what will happen to those who invade their territory – then dumping them outside as warnings."

Belle nodded slightly. "I suppose that makes sense. What do we do, Rumple?"

Alerting Commander Skane and the rest of Dunnmere's City Watch seemed like the wisest course of action, but Belle already knew how thin the Watchers had been stretched, Skane wouldn't be able to spare enough people to send in to deal with cultists despite the urgency. Belle made a decision then and there; as soon as her papa was returned to the good and honest king he was, she'd discuss making improvements to Dunnmere's City Watch with him, she'd figure out a way to improve protection of the Limestone and what to do about the Caverns, and probably get Skane a pay rise as well.

"We wait."

That had Belle lift an eyebrow because, whatever he had planned, would not end well for the Sons of Rael.

~X~

It took a great many hours - so many that Azzy took himself off for another nap, all that waheela did was sleep – but cultists did eventually start to trickle into the altar room dressed in stereotypical black robes with hoods covering their faces. Belle clung to the book as she, Rumple and Azzy remained in hiding behind a large boulder in the corner of the room closest to the body pile. In the Enchanted Forest he wouldn't have needed to hug a rock, could have simply turned himself invisible, but this was Dreymyr not the Enchanted Forest.

Shortly after the group of maybe twenty had gathered at the altar, another cultist entered hauling a small girl dressed in rags by the hair, she cried, kicked and screamed bloody murder but it did nothing to free her. She was to be the Sons of Rael's latest victim then.

Belle made to rush forward but Rumple stopped her with a firm grip on her shoulder. He understood the urge to save the little girl, he wanted to as well, but they needed to be sure all the cultists had indeed arrived. Quietly, they watched as the girl was bound to a stone table opposite the altar which had been surrounded by candles and eager madmen hiding under their robes; the stench of iron and decay seemed to excite them more than anything else. The blonde girl continued to cry desperately as her arms and legs were secured to the stone table with thick black rope; poor girl was so young.

Around the table walked a pantherian: they could just see his tail poking out from his robe and the two points under his hood caused by ears. He retrieved a golden goblet into which each of the cultists dripped a few drops of their own blood after they'd pricked their finger with the pantherian's dagger. A final person entered the chamber then – this one was obviously the leader since he carried himself so regally and the others bowed their heads to him. As the pantherian passed him, he lowered his hood revealing him to be a light-haired elf with a stoic face. The goblet of blood the pantherian had was tipped into the blood bowl with all the blood of their victims, but when he went to retrieve the book it slipped out of his hand and clattered to the ground.

The cult leader's eyes grew dark. "Where is it!?"

That was their moment; Azzy was at full size, they had the book and Rumple had confirmed to himself that this was all of their twisted group. He stepped out from his hiding place with Azzy behind him growling.

"Looking for this, dearies?" Rumple pointed to the book in Belle's arms with one of his sadistic giggles.

"Who are you, demon?"

Deep down Rumple knew he'd always be a coward no matter how much power he had, but he'd not be intimidated by the likes of a child-murdering elf. Besides, he was one of those dark legends they favored.

"That's Demon Lord to you, you pathetic ball of scum."

The cult leader didn't believe him, not that he'd expected anybody to, just pointed a finger at Rumple.

"Kill him, the wolf and the half-breed!" He commanded. "Return the grimoire to us!"

All hell broke loose. Azzy launched at the cultists on the left while Belle slipped back behind the boulder for cover. Rumple though, he didn't move a step, just started killing with extreme accuracy with attacks designed to deal as much pain as was physically possible before death. The pantherian pulled a sword from under his robe, but Azzy ripped his tail off before he could swing it even once. Many of the robed monsters tried to flee when they realized they weren't any match for Rumple and the waheela, but they'd not escape, not when Rumple was angry.

For a moment Belle had cowered, she'd hidden and closed her eyes, but her mother had taught Belle to be brave. She hated the idea of killing, didn't want people to get hurt, but adventurers had to kill sometimes and she'd become and adventurer. Those cultists weren't innocents, they'd done horrific things and wouldn't stop unless somebody like Rumple stopped them. Blue eyes spotted one with a long beard rush at Rumple from the side and Belle just reacted, out from her satchel came one of black potions that she'd never allowed herself to use before. She threw it at the cultist where the glass shattered staining his face in the black, ink-like potion. Unlike her other potions there was no puff of smoke, instead it wormed its way into his eyes and mouth then, with hardly any fuss, the man collapsed dead. Her literary mind hadn't named that potion 'End's Kiss' for nothing. She'd killed a man, a horrific murderer, but a man nonetheless. Those potions always clinking in her satchel had been made specifically to keep Belle safe and that was what she'd done, right? She'd protected herself and a man she cared deeply for from somebody who wanted to kill them. Still, just because an act was justified didn't make it right. Rumple always kept her safe, this time she'd returned the favor.

While Belle internally dealt with what she'd done, Rumple went after the cult leader as Azzy tore into the others who remained. The elf threw up a barrier but Rumple wasn't deterred in the slightest. He took a breath, stretched a hand out and thought of stones, their weight, shape and color. Relearning magic had been aggravating but, in a way, he felt closer to magic than he ever had before. The stones formed as tiny pebbles before his hands while the elf watched on smugly assured of his barrier's strength.

"You can't hope to defeat the Sons."

Those pebbles lengthened into sharp shards then though and the smugness faltered. In an instant the stone spikes punctured through the barrier to skewer the elf in the shoulder and pectoral. It might have been a small hole in the barrier, but was enough for Rumple to magic through and, once the elf had nothing left to protect him, Rumple snagged him by the collar and launched him into the altar wall knocking him out. He'd always been able to use magic to strengthen his body, but he'd rather taken to having wind act as thrust to throw people across the room.

Originally he'd viewed exploring the Caverns as little more than fulfilling his half of the guildmaster's deal, but as he stared at the unconscious cult leader, Rumple realized he'd done something good, he'd actually helped people; maybe Belle was correct about there being goodness in him somewhere.

With the cultists all dead, injured or cowering from an angry waheela, Belle rushed to the crying girl tied to the stone table and used her dagger to free her. She looked to be roughly the same age as Belle's little brother, probably a bit younger, with long blonde hair and pale skin. Her eyes were a pale blue and, had her whole face not been puffy, red and stained with tears, she likely would have been a very beautiful child. Her ears gave her away as a full elf, dramatic points that burst out from her hair. Carefully, Belle helped the scared girl to sit up as Rumple joined them. He couldn't help but be reminded of Bae back when he was about eight.

"You're okay now, sweetheart." Belle promised. "You're safe." The girl only blinked through her sniffles. "Do you speak Common or just Elvish?"

"I- I know Common."

Rumple made a mental note to put more effort into learning Elvish, Belle was fluent thanks to her mother, but Rumple needed to learn it as well as Dwarven and probably Draconic if he wanted to fully understand the full capabilities of magic in Dreymyr.

The blonde shuffled closer to Belle when she spotted the demon beside her; Rumple supposed in his leather coat with his odd skin, he was just as scary to children in Dreymyr as he was in every other realm.

"You're okay," assured Belle. "Rumple won't hurt you, promise. We're adventurers. He's the party leader." Is that what he was? He wasn't entirely convinced that two people classified as a party, though perhaps she counted Azzy as a third. Blue eyes turned to him. "Show her your chain."

He fished it out from his shirt while Belle did the same so the girl could see they spoke the truth. The girl had curled in on herself but the moment she saw Rumple's chain, she reached for it.

"Gold?" She questioned ever so quietly and Rumple couldn't prevent a small smile. 'She's brave like Belle' said his mind. "… amazing."

Everybody knew being gold-ranked was exceptionally rare, but he'd not seen it cause so much wonder before and it was what sparked his next actions. He took off his chain and placed it in the child's hands with as gentle a smile as he was capable of.

"Double gold. The Chief Commander made a new rank just for me."

If that identification chain brought even a drop of comfort to the girl, Rumple would let her hold it as long as she wanted. There was something odd about the girl's reaction to almost being sacrificed; she'd fought like a tiger to get free, but now she had been, she'd not wailed like other kids her age, instead she'd started trying to mentally move on. Rumple recognized it as something he'd done as a child, compartmentalized so dangerously well to distract the mind and allow it to keep functioning. This girl didn't have a collar, but she'd likely not had a good day in all her life.

Belle pulled her close to sooth when Rumple turned his attention back to the cultists. Most were dead, but those who weren't were quickly snared by rope he'd kept in his vault and transported to the Watch House in Dunnmere.

Like a loving mother, Belle assisted the girl down to the cold floor and guided her over to where Azzy and Rumple had gathered. She shied away from the huge white wolf, which nobody could blame her for, and stared at Rumple's clawed hand when he offered it.

"You have to hold my hand if we are to leave here." He explained gently while Belle placed one hand on Azzy's head and the other atop Rumple's forearm.

After a moment of hesitation, the brave girl slipped her little pale hand into Rumple's larger golden one and they were swiftly carried to Dunnmere's Watch House. The girl gasped and stumbled as they landed but managed to keep from doubling over like most did; Rumple was proud of her for that.

Surrounded by the dead, half dead and unconscious cultists, was Selywn Skane wearing a scowl while several other Watchers did what their name implied. At some point the sun had set but the Watch building had been lit well by lanterns and frankly it was blissful to get some fresh air.

"I take it you're responsible for my Watch House turning into a damn morgue." Skane grumbled as he approached them.

Rumple shrugged, the girl's hand still in his. "You wanted to know who was behind this and these are your culprits. A cult of lunatics calling themselves the Sons of Rael."

Skane's eyes widened a moment, the only indication he'd gone from mild irritation to genuine concern, then he spun around to one of his men who'd been whispering with Bengtsson.

"Himman, have these people moved to the basement and toss the living in the cells."

"Yes, Commander Skane."

The blond man in blue armor turned his attention to Rumple and his companions. "My office might be a better place for this conversation." Rumple fully agreed with that assessment so they followed Skane to his office after grabbing a little metal bucket from a side table. The office was just as practical as they remembered, just as boring. Skane headed straight for Gloria up on her perch so he could tickle her feathers, then set the bucket on his desk and sat down while Belle shut the door behind them all. "I'm assuming that my men not being with you means what I think it does?"

"There was an ambush," Rumple explained as the little girl went to Belle's side for comfort. "The crixx attacked and Erling collapsed the section with some kind of explosive. I couldn't save either of them." Not that Rumple had tried all that hard, he'd been significantly more focused on Belle.

Skane sighed deeply. "Hopefully they'll be the last deaths caused by these people." Belle offered words of condolence in that lyrical voice of hers and Skane thanked her before his attention turned to the blonde girl. "Do you have a name, child?"

She looked to Belle for reassurance that was quickly given. "… A- Amicia."

"It's Gloria's feeding time, Amicia, would you like to feed her?"

Amicia slowly stood after Belle encouraged her, and padded barefoot to Skane's desk where he offered her the bucket then carefully moved Gloria from perch to desk and showed Amicia how to feed the oilharo.

With the elf girl occupied, Skane went to Belle and Rumple determined to discover all he could; especially since he'd just lost his cousin.

"Tell me everything, please."

So they did. They told Commander Skane about mapping sections of the tunnels, how the crixx had come out of nowhere to kill Ektor and Erling, about the chamber they'd found and their theory of why the bodies were showing up on the surface mutilated. Belle offered him the grimoire she'd taken while explaining what the Sons of Rael had been doing down in the Osgar Hall Caverns, about the blood bowl and what they'd wanted to do to Amicia. A terrible story Belle had no desire to relive, but each word was truth and Skane needed to know. Gordana had been right to send Rumple on the quest, he was the only one capable of routing out the evil.

"What will happen to Amicia?" Asked Belle once the tale was over and Skane had begun writing them a letter of quest completion. "She's so young?"

"Which village are you from, Amicia?" Skane questioned the girl petting Gloria only to receive a shrug and the words 'I'm not' in a quiet voice.

That gave the three adults pause, there wasn't a large concentration of elves on the Limestone but they certainly weren't unheard of. It dawned on Skane a few moments later, after he'd asked her how she'd gotten to the Limestone, that she'd been purchased by the Sons and shipped to the island. Her parents had almost certainly been elf slaves and probably passed around from slaver to slaver since she'd learned to walk. As if Skane didn't have enough to deal with he now had to tighten security at the docks to avoid illegal slave trading.

"Dunnmere is small," he began with his head turned to Belle and Rumple. "There's no orphanage here so I'll send her to the Royal Heart in Huntington."

Amicia launched away from Gloria so quickly the bird startled and fled back to her perch behind the desk. In an instant Rumple had the child's arms wrapped around his waist and her face buried into his hip. He didn't know what to do for a few seconds because children didn't seek comfort from the Dark One, but then his parental instincts took over and he stroked her hair lovingly.

"Want to stay with you." She mumbled into his side.

Skane sighed. "There isn't really another option. The orphanage in Huntington is heralded as excellent."

The blond man was right, Belle's mother had worked tirelessly to ensure the orphanage and school were the best they could possibly be. Yig, the man who ran the Royal Heart, was a staunch protector of children despite being a little off: Belle had always suspected him to be a werewolf. All that said, Huntington was so far away.

"What if we take her back to Ranga with us?" Belle reasoned. "Gordana will want more first-hand information surely, and Amicia can provide that. Ranga is a big city too, there will be a home for her."

"Works for me." Skane shrugged.

Belle crouched down beside Amicia who thankfully pulled her face from Rumple's hip.

"Does that sound better?" Amicia nodded. "Right, then that's what we'll do."

With the blonde girl's fate decided, Skane handed over the quest completion letter which Rumple shoved into his pocket while Belle took Amicia's soft hand into her own.

"Is he going to use the magic again?"

Belle nodded with a sweet smile and, just for a moment as she looped her arm with his, Rumple felt they looked like a little family – and wasn't that a painful thought. There he was playing pretend with a princess and an orphan while his son was out there somewhere.

"No offence to you and your party, but I hope I don't ever see you a-fucking-gain."

"I get that a lot, dearie." Rumple commented right before the smoke enveloped them and returned them to the Teapot Inn in Dorovoth.

Belle glanced around their little room with a confused expression as Rumple snapped his fingers to light the various candles and lanterns around the room filling it with a soft orange glow. Azzy, however, had no such lack of certainty at being back in the room, he simply settled down on the floor for a well earned nap. At some point Belle would have to wash the blood staining his white fur off, but he could snooze until then.

"Not the Guild?"

Rumple shook his head and gestured to the moon high in the sky through the little window.

"It's late, we'll deal with it tomorrow." Translation: 'the kid is exhausted and needs feeding, plus I'm done talking to people for today'. Belle understood so didn't bother questioning him. "Go order food and a bath for the girl, I'll refill your potions."

She took off her satchel then set it down on the desk just as Rumple shrunk a sleeping Azzy down to make him better fit the room's size. He'd expected Belle to take Amicia with her when she'd headed downstairs to Missus Potts, but the girl had remained so Rumple quickly found her watching over his shoulder as he worked.

Internally, he sighed. This girl truly had seen enough dark things to simply carry on without succumbing to trauma that would scar other children for life. He hated that she'd had to build this shell, that she buried her trauma rather than dealing with it; how could he complain though when he'd been doing the same thing all his life? A coping mechanism which shoved the problem aside never to actually be dealt with.

"How are you so strong?" She finally asked, her voice curious but quiet.

"Because I'm the Dark One."

He could have slapped his hand to his forehead! Amicia had literally just found people who provided some modicum of safety and he'd just blurted out he was the First Demon Lord. Amazingly though, instead of fleeing the room, crying or some other expected reaction, Amicia breathed out a laugh until she realized it hadn't been a joke.

"… He's real?"

Rumple nodded. "I am, little one." She went quiet again and looked down to his identification chain still in her possession. "You like adventurers?"

"They're strong. They help people and fight monsters."

"Well, who knows, maybe you can be one when you grow up." Rumple did his best to sound positive rather than slipping to his usual doom and gloom: he was many things, but he couldn't be cruel to children.

Rumple looked at her properly then. Amicia was filthy, hair greasy and dark smudges of dirt all over her body, her feet practically black and lacking shoes. The redness of her face had subsided a bit but the whites of her eyes were still angry. A bath was the best thing he could have sent Belle to get her, it would do wonders and help the girl to feel alive again. Down in the Caverns her hair had looked dirty blond, but Rumple suspected it would be golden once washed. Her ears were longer than Belle's with a much more pronounced point, other than that he couldn't really see much difference between elves and half-elves. As far as he could tell, all elves were beautiful, even that cult leader had been exceptionally handsome with his chiselled jaw and piercing eyes.

The eighteen-year-old beauty returned then with a smile and the promise Chip had made to get a bath ready as quickly as possible. Of course Belle would help Amicia to bathe and soon they'd left the room leaving Rumple alone with a snoring waheela.

Refilling Belle's potions and enjoying the quietude had been his intention but, as he sat at his desk staring out the square window, Rumple found his mind drift yet again to the strange realm he'd been summoned to. He honestly didn't have anything against Dreymyr, it was an interesting place full of new wonders and a stunning princess with sapphires for eyes. Three hundred years in the Enchanted Forest had started to grow boring, but it was his home, that was his isolation and punishment for his evil. He'd only leave for the mandatory twenty-eight years of the Dark Curse to seek his son out. Bae, everything was for Bae. Just to say how sorry he was would mean everything to Rumple. His boy would have enjoyed Dreymyr with it's fluffy-eared races and endless adventure, the realm wasn't like the Frontlands or anywhere else and Rumple was different in Dreymyr as well, he was better. Maybe, in some better version of his story, Bae could have seen Belle's homeland. A shake of the head forced those thoughts out of his mind, it wasn't something he could dwell on, all he'd do was upset himself then get angry and scare Amicia.

More potions were crafted, Belle's satchel refilled with a few extra healing potions this time, and the rest were sent off to his vault for safe keeping. Belle was another thing on his mind. Sex, they'd had sex and just not spoken of it since. Had she regretted it after all? Milah had regretted marring him.

A knock sounded on the door then and Missus Potts entered with a friendly smile allowing him to avoid descending into self-deprecation.

"Good evening, Milord, glad to have you back with us." He doubted that. "Your meals are ready but Milady Belle didn't say if you wanted to eat up here or downstairs. There aren't many in tonight, just Chip's friends and a few from the Guild."

"We'll eat downstairs," he concluded.

"Right you are, Milord."

With that she made to shut the door behind her but stepped aside when Belle and Amicia returned. The girls seemed brighter after their bath, more cheerful and Rumple had been correct about the young elf's hair being golden. Once back inside their little sanctuary, Amicia knelt by Azzy to pet him while he slept but Belle slipped over to Rumple and leaned down to speak quietly.

"Rumple, I've come across a small problem."

"And what would that be?"

"Amicia doesn't have any clean clothes and the rags she has are filthy."

Yes, Rumple could see that to be a problem, an easily solved one though. Since gaining his vault at the Guild, he'd been able to store all sorts of things just as he had in the Dark One's Vault. One of those random objects was a bolt of pale green fabric he'd bought on a whim at the Ramstadt market, it had been of such a fine quality that the spinner inside Rumple had urged him to have it, so purchase it he had. The soft green would play well with Amicia's pale skin while showing off the gold and butter colors in her hair; the color would bring out the blue in her eyes as well. With a flamboyant wave of his hand the fabric appeared on his desk which had Belle lift an eyebrow in silent question. He called Amicia over then set to work, his magic snared the fabric around her, tightened it and sewed it all together in a matter of seconds. Once finished, Amicia was left with a rather fetching dress that ended at her knees and had little cap sleeves. It wasn't his best work, nothing compared to the splendor he could craft back home, but Amicia beamed up at him with so much delight that he didn't care. Her happy grin had his dark heart flutter. She gave a little twirl causing the skirt to flare, then her arms were around him.

"Thank you, Milord."

Rumple had always adored children, their happy faces and innocent souls, but being the Dark One kept kids far away. However, there was Amicia hugging him and Rumple treasured it.

"You are very welcome, little one, and you don't have to call me milord." He had enough with the old woman who owned the inn doing that since she'd found out he was the First Demon Lord, he didn't need it from Amicia too. "Missus Potts says supper is ready."

"Are you hungry, Amicia?" Asked Belle with a smile as she hung their towels up to dry. The girl nodded so Belle offered her a hand and the trio headed downstairs.

Missus Potts hadn't lied, there were next to no people in the inn that evening, just a few people sat at the bar chatting with Chip and a handful of adventurers who'd probably had too much mead for one night.

Rumple wasted no time going to his preferred table right at the back of the room, the one partially hidden in shadows that the regulars had come to understand was his table and his only. As soon as they'd taken their seats Amicia glanced to the other patrons with caution, but it faded once Missus Potts brought out their meal; lovely fresh bread, warming bowls of stew and some little tarts for dessert as well as a big pot of tea. The tea Chip made was an affront to nature in Rumple's mind, but his mothers was some of the best he'd ever had.

"Well hello," Martha greeted the little girl. "You must be why Milady Belle asked for three meals. I'm Missus Potts."

Amicia glanced up at the nice old lady. "… Amicia."

"Nice to meet you, sweetheart." She gave a little wave to the child. "You enjoy your meal now."

Missus Potts returned to the kitchen then only to call her son a few seconds later who headed upstairs with a bowl. Azzy might have been left to sleep upstairs but he'd howl the inn down if he woke up to no dinner bowl.

For a few seconds while Rumple poured himself some tea, Amicia simply glanced between her bowl of stew and him with uncertainty. Her little hands itched to grab one of the bread rolls but she refrained.

"Can I really have this, Milord?"

Rumple nodded and offered her, what he hoped, was a kind smile. "Of course you can. That's why it's in front of you."

"But-"

Belle cut in with a loving glow in her polished sapphires and a tone of comfort. "We're going to take care of you for a while, Amicia. No more slavery, no more masters."

The blonde's brow furrowed adorably. "You have a collar."

Rumple and Belle shared a glance before he told the girl: "That wasn't intentional, someone else's poor attempts at magic."

"So I can really have the stew, Milord?"

"Yes, little one, eat up."

That was the final encouragement Amicia needed to grab a roll and begin to eat. She reminded him of the days when Bae got a good meal, how he'd lit up and Rumple had been sure that look alone was enough to sustain his soul. He'd make sure Amicia went somewhere safe, somewhere people like that cult leader couldn't ever touch her again.

Chapter Text

Tvon let out a long, exasperated sigh. He'd grown sick of going through slaves quite so quickly but the ring demanded it. Torturing them was what he delighted in, it was the fun bit, but a sacrifice was a sacrifice and the Ring of Halinox insisted upon it. That was how he'd ended up with a terrified pantherian woman – he favored those – chained in his tower atop a hexagonal onyx floor with numerous ancient spells inlaid in copper. Her wrists chained to the ceiling while her ankles were bound to the floor ending any thought of escape before it could start, fear kept her struggling though. Tvon hadn't fed her in days and hardly more than a mouthful of water had passed her lips in that time either. The scroll he'd found with Halinox's ring had spoken of unharmed sacrifices but Tvon didn't see the point, they'd be dying anyway so why not have some fun first?

"Struggle all you like, my dear." He mused aloud. "I do like to watch little kitties like you struggle." Tvon chuckled like the monster and aspiring demon lord he was as he readied the needed ingredients. The young woman screamed out for help but, with them being so high up and a barrier around the tower, nobody stood a chance of hearing her. "Have you not learned by now that all the yelling and begging in the world will do you no good? Stupid bitch."

Oh, the fight did amuse him though. Some fought to the very end while others simply gave up and accepted their fates quietly. Torturing someone to the brink was never quite the same, and Tvon revelled in it.

He picked up his athame – a gaudy and ornate thing with nacre set into the handle – then began to chant quietly. No other knew the spell, not even the Grand Mage, no, they'd all thought Halinox taken it to his grave but Tvon had pieced it back together. Gaston thought too small: Tvon wouldn't let his genius be constrained by the small.

Magic built in the blade's tip as the pantherian screamed and violently tried to escape her chains, she begged and even prayed to Drazva, a goddess she'd never believed in, but no one came to her aid. The athame plunged deep into her heart, a fast death was all she could hope for in that moment. Rich red gushed out of the wound when Tvon freed the blade and set it aside, trailed down her cold skin and splashed onto the ground like the last solo of a dying musician. Tvon watched her, watched the life literally pour out of that innocent woman to further his own dark desires. He prided himself on the mosaic of bruises and cuts he'd left all over her, she'd been a strong one but he'd broken her. He liked breaking his toys. She'd been on her last legs, that was the only reason he'd selected her out of all his play things to offer up to the Ring of Halinox. Who knew, maybe once Gaston had outlived his usefulness Tvon would take Princess Belle for his own and see how long she'd last; that girl had a stubborn streak that would surely not disappoint. A sadistic giggle escaped him as a fizz of deranged lust bubbled down to his nether regions.

Eventually the pantherian's blood formed a smooth pool with a mirror-like sheen to it; morbidly beautiful. But, just when everything seemed to have reached a conclusion, her blood began to move. It was slow at first, just a hint here and there to form a perfect circle, then the centre shot upwards until the blood had formed a goblet with sigils adorning the rim. Any other would have been awestruck, horrified or both, but Tvon had seen the spell so many times the wonder had died long ago. Carefully, he lifted it into his hands like a pretty blood clot and placed it down on a table behind him where he added a few secret ingredients – which included three beggar's buttons and a touch of lobelia – then watched as the goblet absorbed it all. The blood goblet bubbled and gave off a pungent odor as it turned from liquid crimson to solid black. Once hard enough, Tvon placed the goblet into his mortar and ground it into dust with the pestle and a quiet determination. When the powder had a consistency like sand it was ready, so Tvon went to the window, opened it and tossed the powder out into the air.

Tvon smirked. "Eat up."

As though it had a mind of its own, the black powder floated in a thin line like a snake through the air, weaved around the castle and danced through a window near the throne room. It moved this way and that, up and down, flew where no person would spot it and even swirled around a maid at one point, until it reached the throne room's heavy door and slipped underneath. Inside Gaston spoke with Avonlea's King but didn't seem to be getting anywhere.

" - and it's not a good idea, Gaston." Maurice insisted. "I want my people to be safe and your plan is simply recklessand pointless. You're a good soldier but a terrible strategist, Gaston. If we do what you propose then so many lives will be lost unnecessarily, you're essentially declaring war." Maurice cleared his throat and shuffled on his throne. "Now, where is Belle, you keep dodging the question. I need to visit little Lorrimer -"

Anger bubbled inside Gaston but as soon as he spotted the black powder working towards the King, the anger faded to smugness. He cocked his head to the side and waited, Maurice's demands wouldn't be an issue aftera few moments. The powder slithered up the side of the throne, down Maurice's sleeve to the ring he wore on his right middle finger, a garish thing with a large ruby that happily ate up the powder.

King Maurice stopped mid-sentence, shut his eyes and, when he opened them again, he acted like a different person because – well, that wasn't King Maurice any longer.

"I'll have arrangements made shall I, sire?" Asked Gaston with a knowing smirk.

King Maurice nodded. "Of course, Gaston, whatever you think is best."

Pleased, Gaston swivelled around and left the throne room with a dark smirk.

~X~

Rumple sat on the stairs at the Teapot Inn staring out the window above his head, he could only see the night sky and didn't know the names of the constellations. Part of him supposed he should have felthomesick but he didn't in the slightest; his belly was full of a home-cooked meal and he'd honestly begun to wonder if he felt happier in Dreymyr. No, he didn't need to wonder about it, Rumple did prefer Dreymyr and that was the problem.

Footsteps sounded then and he felt Belle sit down beside him on the step. She wore only her nightdress, chestnut locks hung messily around her face and her smile was enough to warm even the coldest of hearts.

"You really never sleep, do you?" She teased.

"I haven't had a regular sleep schedule since … ever."

"Not even when you were a child?"

"Especially not then." He snorted. "You should go back to bed, Belle. It's late and you get grumpy when you're tired."

That got a chuckle out of the gorgeous half-elf. "Look who's talking." She leaned in to kiss him on the corner of his mouth; the two sat in an awkward silence a moment until Belle broke it, she was the brave one after all. "Can't help but notice we just ignored what happened between us in the Osgar Hall Caverns."

Rumple's cowardice forced him to keep his eyes on the steps. "You didn't mention it, thought you wanted to forget it."

"Why would I want that, Rumple?" Belle's brow furrowed deeply with puzzlement. "Because you're a demon lord? Because you're older? Why couldn't a demon lord and a half-eld be together? Is it my ears?"

That got Rumple's head to snap up. How could that possibly have anything to do with anything?

"You're beautiful, Belle. I don't care about the shape of your ears."

She smiled sweetly and shuffled closer. "Good. Then can I have a kiss, please?"

Belle didn't regret being with him, giving her virginity to him, and Rumple's dark heart soared. Belle wasn't anything like Milah or Cora, she wasn't obsessive or jealous like Zelena, she was just a beautiful young woman who'd found a kernel of goodness deep inside him that even Rumple hadn't suspected existed. Still, she was much too good for him.

"You're a princess." He pointed out.

"I'm an adventurer." She countered. "I'm in your party." Then she was kissing him and Rumple, being the selfish man he was, soaked it all up eagerly. Soon she was sat in his lap with her arms wrapped around his neck to keep him close. Their kisses were gentle and loving, soft and tender. "Do you really think I'm beautiful?"

"Yes." He confirmed. "One would have to be blind not to recognize your beauty. I thought you were above fishing for complements though."

Belle smirked. "I have to fish, you don't hand them out very often."

The pair ended up with Belle rested in Rumple's lap in a comfortable silence, his chin rested atop her head of luscious chestnut curls. In one of the other rooms slept a man snoring loud enough to wake the dead but he went ignored so Rumple could indulge in Belle's warmth. Had she been Bae's mother rather than Milah, maybe he never would have ended up as the Dark One.

"It must be strange for you," she began after a few moments, her blue eyes focused on the sky beyond the window. "To look up at the stars and find them so different from the ones you've always known."

He shrugged a little, chin still atop her head. "It's happened before. There are numerous other realms, Belle, yours is just harder to travel to and from."

"What are these other places like?" Belle was nothing if not curious.

"There's one without any color. Everything is just varying shades of gray."

Her head tilted up so their eyes met, polished sapphires to inhuman chunks of amber.

"No color at all?"

"None." Rumple confirmed with a small shake of his head. "There is very little magic there as well. I met a man who calls himself a doctor there. Victor Frankenstein believes science is better than magic, that it can do the one thing magic can't: restore the dead."

"He sounds very interesting."

Rumple breathed out a laugh as his arms tightened around Belle in his lap. "He's a little mad."

"So are you." That earned a smirk and a muttered 'touché' as she snuggled further into him. "You're so warm."

It had been so exceptionally long since someone had sought comfort from him, then Belle and Amicia had both come along at once. In Dreymyr he was the most powerful evil in all the realm, same story as the Enchanted Forest just with the title of True Demon Lord rather than Dark One. However, Belle had no issue snuggling into him, and Rumple was a greedy man who'd take everything she was willing to give him while chastising himself for it. A voice in the back of his mind kept reminding him the day would come when they parted never to see one another again, but Rumple shoved it away in that moment.

"What will happen to Amicia?" Asked Belle as she unintentionally nudged him out of his thoughts. "I know we spoke of orphanages with Commander Skane but -"

"We'll discuss it with Gordana tomorrow, she knows Ranga better than you or I. No need to worry, sweetheart."

"You were so kind to Faris and his mother, so I know you'd not let anything bad happen to Amicia."

Belle yawned then, her hand flew up to cover her mouth and Rumple couldn't shake how adorable she appeared. He insisted it was time for bed, rose to his feet with her in a princess hold and carefully carried her back to their room. He set her down on the bed beside a sleeping Amicia and pulled the sheets over her; Azzy lifted his head from his spot on the floor at the foot of the bed but lowered it again as soon as he realized who'd entered. Belle looked good beside Amicia, she' d make an excellent mother one day. Rumple made for the desk but Belle caught him by the sleeve and stared at him with such pleading that he quickly relented to her silent request. He sat on the bed to remove his boots while Belle gently shuffled Amicia further across the bed to make room, then he settled down so Belle's back was to his chest and watched as she drifted off into sleep. With the introduction of the blonde girl, the bed had grown somewhat cramped, but Rumple didn't care as he lay there holding his beautiful princess. Normally he avoided sleep, it only led to nightmares and regrets, but he found he felt somehow lighter laying there with Belle in his arms. Soon slumber found him.

~X~

Rumple awoke to find the sun had already risen, surprising for a man who slept infrequently and always awoke before dawn when he did. The ceiling kept wobbling side to side – no, nope, he was the one wobbling. When Rumple glanced to his right he found Amicia shaking his arm softly; her long blonde hair was everywhere with her pointed ear sticking out and the nightdress Missus Potts had found for her had slipped off one shoulder.

"Milord? Milord, wake up." A sudden memory of Bae in his younger years doing the very same thing danced across his mind, only he'd been papa then instead of milord: he needed her to stop calling him that.

"I'm very awake, dearie, what do you want?"

Gently he disentangled himself from Belle and sat up while wiping sleep from his eyes. He actually felt … rested. How long had it been since he'd been able to sleep through the night?

"Could you help me get my dress on, please?" Asked the little girl.

Rumple swung his legs off the bed to look at her properly, the dress was balled in her hands and he realized her attempt to get it on by herself had been what caused the messy hair rather than just bed hair. Rumple smirked, Amicia truly was an adorable little girl.

"Sure, dearie."

So he helped dress her and adjusted the cap sleeves, then grabbed Belle's hairbrush to ease the bird's nest Amicia's hair threatened to become. Of course, Rumple had only ever been father to a son, but he'd always liked the idea of a daughter so he could put his sewing and braiding skills to work making a little girl happy.

"There," he said. "Pretty as a picture."

Amicia beamed, seemed sleep, reassurance and cuddles from a waheela had done wonders for her.

"Thank you, Milord."

"Little one, you don't have to call me that. I don't need reminding I'm the Dark One. You can just call me Rumple like Belle does." She nodded and he hoped that was the end of the whole milord situation: he wasn't some noble with a fragile ego who needed reminding of his status in every other sentence. "How about we get you some breakfast?"

"I can have breakfast!?" Powder-blue eyes lit up.

"Growing girls need breakfast." He told her as he laced up his dramatic boots and slipped on the coat Una Quartermaine had made.

By the time he offered his hand to Amicia, Azzy had awoke, stretched and gone to sit by the door in anticipation of his own breakfast. Amicia took his hand but stared over at a still sleeping Belle.

"Is she not getting breakfast?"

"We'll let her sleep." Rumple replied. "Missus Potts can save her something."

That was enough for the elf because she let Rumple guide her downstairs with Azzy right behind them. They took their place at Rumple's usual table and Chip quickly got the downsized waheela a bowl of water. Missus Potts wandered over a few seconds later after she'd dropped off food for a group Rumple recognized as adventurers and flashed Amicia a motherly smile.

"You're up late today, Milord. Can I get you some tea?"

He nodded. "Yes. Kindly bring breakfast out for Amicia and Azzy as well."

"Of course, right away. Anything for Milady Belle?"

"Still asleep."

The old woman went off to fetch breakfast and tea while Rumple watched Amicia subreptitiously out the corner of his eye. She swung her legs in eager anticipation of breakfast and stretched down to pet Azzy's head all happy and as though they'd not rescued her from a savage cult. He wondered if how quickly she'd become at ease around them would be a problem in the long run. Belle and Rumple wanted to give Amicia somewhere safe to live where she stood a chance at a normal life, but – Rumple didn't know. The last three hundred years had been about finding his son, he wasn't sure he knew how to ensure the continued safety of Amicia after he'd left her life. Then there was Belle's enslavement collar to worry about. Until she'd fallen back at the Osgar Hall Caverns, it had just been an inconvenience for him, but that fall had proven just how dangerous it actually was. He had to find a way of getting it off, had started to think that Gaston or his pet mage would be able to shed some light since they'd set up the spell, but he needed to find Jefferson before all that.

Rumple didn't get to linger in his thoughts very long thanks to Missus Potts returning with tea, a bowl of left over stew for Azzy and a plate of fresh bread, eggs and bacon for Amicia. It took little more than an encouraging nod for Amicia to tuck in.

"Sure I can't get you anything?"

"I'm fine." Rumple reached for the tea.

"But you're practically skin and bone, Milord."

"I'm immortal." He snapped but the old woman didn't seem deterred in the slightest.

"I'll bring you some eggs and bacon."

"I said no." He tried but Missus Potts had already left the table for the kitchen.

That damn woman hadn't ever been truly afraid of him despite knowing him to be the Dark One, but she'd started acting like the housekeeper who'd known him since childhood's hour and Rumple could honestly have done without it. Before long he had a plate in front of him and orders to clean it. The Church of Drazva had stories in their religious texts about his savagery and machinations, yet there he was sat in an inn with a child at his side being commanded by an elderly woman to clean his plate. Being told what to do hadn't been good, but he had to admit it smelt wonderful.

Amicia ate with such childish enthusiasm which took his mind off of all the other things circling around inside his head. He'd missed seeing a happy child sat beside him at meals – missed seeing happy children at all really. One day he'd share a meal with his boy again.

"Morning." Belle greeted as she sat down opposite him and Amicia dressed in her usual burgundy outfit, she helped herself to tea and offered the blonde girl a warm smile.

"Wondered if you'd be getting up today." He grumbled with mock irritation.

She sipped her tea. "This from the man who clearly let me sleep in." Missus Potts dropped off another breakfast plate for Belle totally unprompted and again insisted Rumple ate before leaving. "Are we still going to see Gordana after this?"

"Yes," he nodded as he finally took up his fork. "We've got to report the quest completion and she surely has to have found something on Jefferson by now. Bichelberger is the home of that magical university, correct?" Belle let out a hum of confirmation. "Then I would bet he went there, it's the biggest hub of magical information and I suspect Jefferson's magic isn't working properly just like mine. I'd further suspect that, with his hat classing as spacial magic, it's viewed as dark magic here."

"Bichelberger is so very far away. There are four kingdoms and two mountain ranges between us and the Arcane University. The Trade Road will be the quickest route but it'll still be a long journey."

"We'd better speak to Gordana and get going then."

Belle smiled. "Are you telling me to eat faster?"

"Insightful, aren't you?" He quipped and refilled his tea cup.

Eventually breakfast was over and Belle took Amicia and Azzy upstairs to get Belle's satchel while Rumple made his way to the inn's kitchen where he found Missus Potts and her son cleaning up after the breakfast rush. Chip took a while to notice him, but Martha picked up on his presence right away.

"Missus Potts, a word." The old woman dried her hands off on her apron as she approached so the two could converse in private. "With any luck I and Belle will be leaving again shortly. We won't be back for quite some time though."

"Oh, it'll be sad to see you go, Milord."

Of course it would, he and Belle had been continuous customers for months in a place where most only stayed a few weeks at most.

"Hmm, kindly hold the room for me." That had her head tilt to one side questioningly. Sure, he had enough money to afford any inn in Ranga, but Missus Potts was aware of who he was and didn't ask questions. She'd proven her trustworthiness and Rumple had no desire to lose that. "I'll pay you of course. A night at this inn is twenty-five coppers, so when I take into account how long I think we'll be gone and the loss of earnings from not renting out that room , not to mention meals from an occupant – how does three gold coins sound?"

Missus Potts eyes widened. "Milord, surely that is far too much."

Rumple shrugged. "Slightly, I'd say it would buy me about a thousand nights here meals included, but I'm tossing in some more for your digression and the fact you know but haven't informed the Church or attempted to throw us out."

"Know what?"

"Don't play coy, Missus Potts, it doesn't suit you. You are fully aware I am the Dark One, that is why you insist on calling me 'milord'."

The older woman sighed and glanced down at the flagstones a moment. "Yes, I know who you are. I thought it was a lie at first but, after my conversation with Milady Belle, I knew it to be the truth, especially with that double gold chain around your neck. You are the First Demon Lord. I feared you as a child, but no longer. You pay your rent without question and treat me and my boy with a surprising level of respect. Milady wears a slave collar, but you are good to her. And now there's little Amicia who looks at you with such fondness." She folded her arms over her chest. "Demon lords are vicious, horrible beasts is what we're all taught from birth, but you're nothing of the sort, Milord."

"Quite the complement, I'll have to make note of it." He told her sarcastically and produced three gold coins from his vault.

"Thank you." Missus Potts took them with a genuine smile. "Even with not alerting the Watchers or Church to the Dark One's presence, this much has to be too high a price.

He brushed off her concerns. "Well, you're keeping Belle's secret as well so I doubt it is."

"When will you leave, Milord?"

Yes, he supposed giving her that information would probably be for the best. He honestly wasn't used to informing people of his departures, there hadn't been anybody to inform for centuries.

"First thing in the morning." Rumple spoke over his shoulder as he made to leave the kitchen but paused and swivelled back around as a thought struck him. "A question: Where would you recommend as a good place to purchase a covered wagon?"

Missus Potts seemed surprised but pleased he'd bothered to ask her advice, though she'd lived in Ranga all her life and knew the city like the back of her hand.

"Em, well, there's the Dravenhyde Company Store. It's in the same plaza as the Adventurers Guild."

"Lovely." And with that, he was gone to await the girls and Azzy.

~X~

Within twenty minutes they reached the Guild building and headed directly up to Gordana's office with Rumple totally uncaring that it was technically a restricted area; he dared Maylea to try having that argument with him. As soon as Rumple opened the door to Gordana's office and arrow was instinctively loosed but he caught it before it entered his eye socket and simply tossed it aside completely unfazed.

"You're greetings require work, dearie."

He shut the door behind the girls and Azzy as Gordana set her bow down and fell back into her chair. Until that moment she'd got no idea he'd left the Limestone.

"Or maybe you shouldn't barge into a lady's office while she's cleaning her bow." Gordana sighed, did a lot of that around the Dark One. "I'm glad you're back, Rumpelstiltskin, it means you have answers and I won't be losing any more people in those damn Caverns." The brunette finally noticed Amicia then as Belle guided her to sit in one of the armchairs off to the side of the door by a bookshelf. "I know you and Belle get things done quickly, but a child her age is fast even for you."

"She's part of the report you want." He shot back, the darker part of him would have forced a snide remark out of him but that darker part had lately grown quieter.

Rumple went to Gordana's desk and dropped into one of the guest chairs while Belle opted to sit with Amicia. He tossed Commander Skane's quest completion letter to the guildmaster and watched disinterestedly while she read it. That letter was evidence he'd completed one of the quests he owed her, the woman got one more and one more only.

"This is certainty Selwyn Skane's stamp, who else loves oilharos so much?" She peered up to Rumple. "Tell me everything that happened in the Osgar Hall Caverns from beginning to end."

"We went down there expecting it to be crixx like everyone else." He explained. "Those tunnels are winding and mostly unmapped so it would be easy for any normal person to get hopelessly lost. Eventually though, we found our way to a chamber being used as a lair. There was an altar, a stack of dead missing persons and a lot of pedantic rituals going on. Frankly the monsters appear to be keeping mostly to themselves, it's the cultists that were the main problem. Belle called them the Sons of Rael."

Gordana gasped. "You can't be fucking serious!"

"Do I look like I'm joking, dearie? Regardless, most of them are dead or in a cell. They can't resurrect their dragon-snake god thing now."

"Amphisbaena." Belle corrected but Rumple didn't much care.

Meanwhile, confusion coated Gordana's face as she tried to take everything in. "If it was the Sons of Rael killing all these people, how were the corpses getting mutilated and hauled back to the surface?"

"The bodies were slipping through a crack in the floor to a lower level. My guess would be crixx were collecting them, mutilating them and dumping them outside hidden entrances as warnings to stay out. Humans like to put the heads of enemies on spikes, crixx like to break a few limbs off apparently."

"Could you not seem quite so blasé about this please?" Gordana snapped but Rumple hardly noticed.

"Had we not found their hideout when we did, Amicia here would have been their next victim."

The guildmaster's attention turned to the young elf girl sat beside Belle. "Poor kid. What is to be done with her? Does she have family she can return to?"

"No, otherwise I'd have done it already."

"Of course you would have." Gordana's tone took Rumple by surprise, had she actually glimpsed some of the goodness inside him Belle saw so easily? She honestly believed Rumple would do what was best for Amicia and it amazed him to know he actually appreciated her faith in him. "Ranga has a large orphanage on the other side of the city near the church. It's well maintained and treats elves and demi-humans quite well. She'll be safe there, I assure you." Out from her desk, Gordana took a sheet of parchment and began to write while Belle kept Amicia distracted to avoid a repeat of what had happened in Commander Skane's office. When she was done, a little red wax was poured onto the bottom and she pressed her ring into it then rolled it up and proffered it to Rumple. "Give that to whoever is in charge over there, it will help her."

Rumple took it without question and slipped it into his coat. Frankly Amicia needed all the help she could get with having a normal life and loving home, so Rumple would take any help Gordana was willing to offer.

Belle stood then and pulled the grimoire she'd stolen from the Sons out of her satchel, she placed it down on the desk while Amicia continued playing with Azzy.

"I took this from the chamber, didn't know if you'd require more proof or not."

"Thank you, Belle." She quickly hid it away in her desk drawer. "I'll contact Commander Skane and see about sending further adventurers to assist in rounding up any other cultists. I request that you say nothing about the Sons of Rael to anyone else, if people realize they aren't just an evil story, we'll have a panic on our hands."

"Of course not," Belle nodded. "I'd rather not know about them honestly."

Gordana took a pad from the corner of her desk and again made quick work of jotting down information, though this time she didn't place her seal on it. It soon made its way into Rumple's hands as well.

"That is for Maylea, she'll get you your quest reward."

"Lovely, dearie." He rose to his full height and flashed Gordana a knowing smile. "Oh, just so you remember; you can only send me off on one more quest."

The guildmaster sighed. "I know. Speaking of our deal, I might have something about that man in the hat you are looking for." That got Rumple to perk up so quickly Belle couldn't hide her smile. "There have been whispers of a strange, dark-haired man with an odd hat in both Evony and Knight's Rest, though that was some time ago. One of my most trustworthy contacts reported a man fitting your friend's description showing up in Durendurel a few days ago." This was the best information he'd been able to gather on Jefferson since he'd begun looking. "My guess would be he's making for Bichelberger. The city is large, there are many people and a wealth of magical information due to the Arcane University."

"So, I was right." Rumple mused aloud. "The Hatter had the same idea I did, only he made a bee-line for the city. Perfect, I was heading that way myself. You've done well, Gordana."

She breathed out a laugh and fell back in her chair. "You really aren't like the legends, are you? Ooh, ahh, fear the Dark One, he's the most horrific of the demon lords, just a savage." Gordana teased. "You aren't though, it's like that story was a different person."

"It was." He muttered mostly to himself but Gordana still overheard it and it caused her brow to furrow but, before she could question it, he'd moved on with his train of thought. "We'll get our rewards and be off to buy a wagon. Enjoy cleaning your bow, dearie."

"Wagon? Wasting no time to find your man in the hat, I see."

"I'm not going to sit around twiddling my thumbs."

"I'll be sure to send a letter to Grand Mage Demeer at the University, he might know where your friend is."

"Much appreciated."

Belle laced Amicia's hand with hers then followed Rumple out with Azzy after saying a quick goodbye. Grabbing their reward hadn't taken long and even less time for Rumple to stash it in the vault, though he did tip several coins into his hand first. Belle looked at him with confusion for a moment when he pulled on her coin purse and tipped them in."

"A refill, sweetheart, tell me if you need more."

Belle flashed him a smile; whoever thought this man was a monster was clearly an idiot. "Thank you."

Outside the Guild building Rumple scanned is eyes around the plaza until he spotted a large sign ahead and to the right of them that read 'Dravenhyde Company Store'. A mental note for later was made before he turned his attention to Amicia and the orphanage Gordana had told them about. Since he'd walked almost every street in Ranga by this point, he easily transported them to the church then they walked the rest of the way. She may have been kept distracted in Gordana's office, but Amicia cottoned on pretty quickly to where they were going when she saw the metal sign over the gate and kids playing just inside. Amicia stopped dead as fear flooded through her little body, stopped so abruptly that Belle actually stumbled backwards where she held the child's hand. Tears started small at first, just glossy pools over her blue eyes, but soon those pools turned to rivers as she sobbed quietly. Rumple's dark heart actually ached because the noise sounded so defeated, so disconsolate and pitiable: no child should have ever had to cry like that. Before he'd realized he'd moved, Rumple had lifted the little girl of no more than ten or eleven into his arms and begun to pet her blonde hair.

Out from behind the side of the building came a woman about Rumple's height with long black hair in twin braids, her eyes were dark and suspicious of the display before her despite her practiced smile.

"Can I help you?" She asked in a voice which sounded disturbingly like that damn Blue Fairy he hated so much.

Frankly he didn't blame the woman for her suspicion, a demon carrying around a heartbroken and crying little girl who quite clearly wasn't his child was cause for alarm. Rumple hated making Amicia so upset but the orphanage would be the safest place for her in the long run.

Rumple got right to the point. "Chief Commander Aalto said you'd be able to take in this girl."

He shuffled Amicia into one arm so he could produce the letter Gordana had given them, the dark-haired woman took it and lifted a surprised eyebrow when she spotted the seal.

"I don't want to stay here." Amicia sobbed. "Please don't make me."

Belle took Amicia's hand into her own to give it a comforting squeeze. "We know you don't, beautiful girl, but it's for the best."

With the letter read, the olive-skinned woman flashed a significantly less cautious smile at the two adventurers.

"Forgive my lack of manners. I am Ninym Honeywood, the caretaker here. Please follow me to my office, Milord."

Rumple mentally questioned the title and what Gordana must have written to have Ninym tack it on the end. He seriously doubted she'd written something along the lines of: 'He's a demon lord, an actual demon lord, so don't piss him off and say nothing about the slave collar on the Princess of Avonlea'. They were there for Amicia's care and protection though rather than spreading word of his Dark One nature. Belle went first with Azzy while Rumple followed with a crying Amicia still in his arms, they passed a trio of pantherian boys playing at the bottom of the stairs who seemed happy and properly fed much to Rumple's approval. The orphanage was simply decorated, nothing ornate or expensive, but clean and homely. At the top of the stairs Ninym called for a young girl to stop running and Rumple concluded Gordana had been right about Amicia being safe there. There was a healthy mix of species, including a dwarf and, though her voice reminded him of the Blue Fairy, Ninym Honeywood did seem to care about the children.

The office was well lit and filled with flowers and small plants in little pots, a tiny jar of multi-colored hard candies sat on the desk and children's laughter drifted through the open window. Amicia was set down on her bare feet and Belle ushered her to the red sofa much as she had in Gordana's office earlier that day, she wiped away the tears as best she could and cuddled the girl in an attempt to comfort her.

Ninym excused herself only to return a few moments later alongside a pale women with ginger hair up in a severe bun. Ninym crouched down before Amicia with a sweet smile and brushed a stray strand of blonde hair behind her ear.

"Sweetheart, could you tell me your name?"

"… Amicia."

"That's lovely." Ninym complemented then gestured to the ginger woman. "This is Miss Abigail, she's my assistant."

Abigail waved and wore a similarly practised smile to Ninym. "Hello, Amicia, I'd like to show you around, if that's okay. We've got a lovely little garden where we grow our own strawberries and you're just in time to help Heather pick apples off the tree."

"No!" The young elf snapped as her attention turned to Belle. "Please let me stay with you."

All her life, this girl had known sadness and loneliness, then two adventurers had come along and showered her with care and attention, they'd fed and protected her then just dumped her in an orphanage. With the kindest smile he was capable of, Rumple took a knee beside Ninym. Amicia looked so small and reminded him of Bae when Milah abandoned them for that damn pirate.

"Little one, you know I will not harm you, right?" Amicia nodded. "Good. Then you also know I will not allow anybody else to hurt you. You'll be safe here, Amicia. Who knows, if you look around maybe you'll like it here."

The blonde didn't want to agree, wanted to argue, but arguing with the Dark One didn't seem like an actual option, so she reluctantly nodded and wiped more tears away. Everybody stood up and Abigail took Amicia's hand.

"Azzy, go with them."

The wahleela didn't need telling twice, he padded off with Amicia and Abigail as they left the office. Silence lingered a few seconds as Ninym sat herself down at her desk and gestured for Rumple and Belle to do the same.

"Chief Commander Aalto's letter says Amicia was rescued during a quest where her life was put in jeopardy. I assume this means there are no possible relatives?"

"It seems she was born to some kind of servitude, no collar, but there's been no schooling or proper care."

"Poor girl." Ninym whispered before she pulled a ledger out from her desk.

To be perfectly honest, Rumple had grown sick of hearing people say that. It was a reactional comment without any true meaning.

"Yes, dearie, I've heard several people say that lately."

Belle wanted to chastise him for his rudeness but she'd seen Ninym take note of her enslavement collar and didn't wish to raise too many questions, she also understood Rumple's frustrations and sympathized with them.

"I just need a little information from you so we can register her properly." She dipped her quill into the ink pot, jotted Amicia's name down then turned her dark eyes back up to Rumple. "She's a full elf, yes?" Belle confirmed she was. "How old is she?"

"We don't know, doubt she does either, dearie. I'd estimate nine to eleven."

"I'd be inclined to agree. Now, where was she located?"

"The Limestone."

Ninym's eyebrows raised and her hand stilled. "Avonlea? May I ask why you brought her to Ranga?"

"It was easier since Dunnmere has no orphanage and we are based here." He said as if it were all very simple. "Need anything else?"

"No, Milord." Ninym shook her head. "We have children here who came with even less information. Some haven't even got a name." That hurt Belle's soul. "Thank you for taking the time to bring her here. I'll take you down to the garden so you can say your goodbyes, it'll mean a lot to her once she's gotten over the initial upset."

Rumple hated the idea of abandoning another child, but it needed to be done. Amicia needed to have a stable, safe life and Ninym Honeywood's orphanage could provide that. He wasn't abandoning a child, he was simply placing her with good people who could give Amicia a happy life. So, with Belle at his side, Rumple followed Ninym down to the garden where they found Amicia and Abigail picking fresh strawberries with two other children. Amicia's face remained red but, thankfully, the tears had reached an end.

"How's the garden, little one?"

Amicia shrugged. "Pretty, I guess."

"Good." Rumple nodded. "Miss Honeywood and Miss Abigail are gong to take care of you now, okay?"

"I want to stay with you." Blue eyes stared at him desperately but Rumple stayed strong. "Please? You're nice. I'll put a collar on too."

All the adults stilled at that with eyes widened with shock. A collar? Amicia shouldn't have known what the hell an enslavement collar was, let alone be willing to wear one.

"No." He said firmly with a shake of his head. "You are no one's slave, certainly not mine. Belle and I are giving you a home by leaving you here, little one. You have other children to play with, a bed to sleep in."

Amicia rushed forward, her little hands clutched Rumple's leather coat. "I'm useful though! Let me stay with you."

Belle crouched down to rest a hand on the blonde's shoulder. "You shouldn't have to be useful, Amicia, you should play and grow up with friends. You should be free to be a little girl." Said little girl was pulled into a hug while Amicia continued to mutter about wanting to go with them. All the situation did was make Rumple even more determined to find Baelfire and make things right. "We'll come visit you when we get back from Bichelberger, I promise."

That seemed to provide Amicia with a little comfort but those blue eyes of hers remained sorrowful.

"What if I don't like it here?"

"You will." Belle assured, a bright smile on her face.

Rumple and Belle kept their goodbyes brief in an attempt to not make things more difficult for Amicia. She may have been upset in that moment, but she hardly knew Rumple or Belle and would surely be able to move on with her life eventually. Ninym clearly cared for the children under her supervision and, with so many other kids to play with, Amicia would surely adjust quickly.

They left the orphanage as Amicia began to cry and Rumple did everything he could to force the memory of Bae's face the day he'd let go of his hand out his head. Belle clutched his clawed hand, for her benefit or his Rumple didn't know, he was just grateful for her touch. By the main door Rumple saw a large wooden box secured to the wall clearly for donations. Without hesitation he summoned ten gold coins and dropped them through the slot. Belle didn't mention it, but she was pleased to see yet another display of him being a good person at heart.

Once the orphanage was firmly behind them a single tear slipped down Belle's porcelain cheek, so Rumple snared her in his arms uncaring of the stares they got. They'd not known Amicia long, but she'd truly made an impact, on Belle more so than he'd realized.

"I know we hardly know her, but I liked having her around." Belle whispered against his neck.

"It's all right, sweetheart, it's better for her here."

Both knew the orphanage to be the best place for Amicia, so Belle nodded and wiped her cheek as their hug broke apart. They'd rescued Amicia from certain death and that was what was truly important.

"You're right."

"Usually am." He quipped but Belle simply continued.

"We should go buy that covered wagon and find your friend."

So that was what they did. The pair walked back to the plaza with their arms looped like any fine couple; of course Rumple could have teleported them back but the walk did them good, let them clear their heads. There were a few odd looks, even in an inclusive kingdom like Dorovoth, seeing a demon and half-elf together was unusual; especially one in an enslavement collar.

The Dravenhyde Company Store sat large and proud on one corner of the plaza, big windows let in an abundance of natural light, but otherwise the building didn't look all that dissimilar to everything else in the plaza. Inside though, that was unlike Rumple had seen in any realm. Chandeliers were everywhere with smaller lanterns lighting shaded corners, numerous products were stacked on display podiums or shelves, but that wasn't what truly amazed Rumple, no, the fact the store had several different departments for this and that all contained in one place did. Even in the royal capitals Rumple hadn't seen such convenient organization. The store had multiple levels and was packed with shoppers; a whole market inside a single building.

"Maybe we should split up and search for clues as to where anything is." He quipped which got a breathy laugh from Belle as a young demon padded over to them with a smile.

"Good day, sir, my name is Eloise." She greeted, her red eyes twinkled in that practised way of anyone trying to sell something, and her green uniform appeared to have been designed to be enticingly cute without tipping into risqué. "I'm afraid I must ask you to leave your … dog outside."

Belle and Rumple both glanced down to Azzy sitting at their feet, they'd gotten so used to his presence that they often forgot many businesses didn't want animals in their establishments. Chip had talked his mother into letting Azzy stay at the Teapot Inn – though Rumple being the Dark One had probably also played a part. Rumple glanced to Belle expectantly which had her reluctantly nodding, she could understand a no dogs rule even if Azzy was actually a waheela.

"Please?" Asked Belle; until that moment she'd not known a wolf could frown so deeply. "Don't give me that look, Azadanes."

Ooh, she'd broken out the full name, Rumple didn't envy the wolf. With what could only be described as a huff, Azzy turned around and headed for the open door to wait outside. Unsure of what she'd just seen, Eloise brightened her smile.

"Thank you, sir. Is there anything I can help you find today?"

"A wagon." Rumple replied quickly while Belle pretended not to feel bad for having sent Azzy outside.

"Oh." Said the demon girl with tiny pointed horns sticking out the top of her head. "Of course, sir, we have several models to choose from in the outside lot. Kindly follow me."

Eloise guided them through the store, passed trinkets and items which oddly reminded Rumple of his collection back at the Dark Castle, then out into an open area with a wooden shelter protecting at least a dozen wagons, handcarts, phaetons and carriages. Carts were too small for the long journey they'd be taking, while a carriage would have been impractical, lacking storage and too showy for their needs. For quite some time they perused the wagons while Eloise peppered the time with various bits of noteworthy information about each model. Unlike most people on long journeys, Belle and Rumple didn't need to take as much equipment with them since Rumple could summon just about anything from his vault. No, the wagon was more about travel speed, Azzy having somewhere to rest and fresh food and water for Belle since Rumple didn't actually need to eat. The gold earned from questing had racked up quickly, especially since they'd not needed to pay for Svadilfari, so money wasn't an issue.

Eventually a choice was made, one of the bigger covered wagons to accommodate Azzy, but Rumple knew Svad wouldn't have an issue pulling it. He couldn't just magic them to Bichelberger so they'd spend a lot of time in that wagon, it would be better to ensure Belle would be comfortable. A carriage was more befitting her status but she was no normal princess and seemed happy with Rumple's selection.

"An excellent choice, sir." Eloise commented, but Rumple expected she'd have said that about anything he'd chosen even if it had been falling apart and on fire. "If you'd follow me to the main desk please, We can sort out payment and ownership papers."

Without a word they followed Eloise back into the Dravenhyde Company Store and through the network of corridors to the main desk, as they passed the haberdashery section Belle leaned in close with mild concern on her face.

"Azzy is getting worried." She told Rumple conspiratorially. "He doesn't like being away from me and we've been gone a while."

Sometimes Rumple forgot Belle was a tamer, a totally unique form of magic only found in Dreymyr, and that her connection to the white wolf was deeper than just owner and pet. They were friends and comrades above all else: at least after Rumple was gone Azzy would still stand at Belle's side.

"It's not for too much longer." He comforted while Eloise prepared all the paperwork.

The covered wagon ended up costing four silvers and twenty coppers, which seemed really rather reasonable, and the ownership papers were taken into the back to be stamped. Eloise's smile might have been over the top but she was damn good at her job, knew just about every detail of everything in the store – Dravenhyde trained their staff well.

"Thank you very much for your purchase, sir." She said as the ownership papers were handed over and tucked into Rumple's coat pocket. "Where shall we have it delivered for you?"

"No need, I'll take it now." He waved his hand though seemingly nothing happened. "There, all sorted, dearie."

"Em, okay." The bright smile faltered a moment. "Is there anything else you'd like help with? We have several accessories and storage items for covered wagons."

"That shan't be necessary, dearie. We have everything we -"

Rumple's words were abruptly cut off when a young man burst through one of the doors behind the main desk.

"Eloise, I'm so sorry for interrupting, but that wagon you're selling just disappeared."

Belle actually felt bad for the staff, she just took Rumple's omnipotent powers for granted by this point, expected him to just do the impossible, but the Dravenhyde staff still believed the Dark One to be a myth.

"Worry not," began Rumple as Eloise's face fell. "I simply moved it to my Guild vault. Perk of spacial magic."

Frankly the thought of that poor wagon squished into the corner of that vault was slightly amusing.

"I thought only demon lords were capable of such magic." Said Eloise before she'd even realized her lips had parted.

Rumple did not want to have that conversation, it always ended with more questions than it was worth. Then there was the luck they'd encountered; everybody from Martha Potts to Xylda Xaver had been friendly and accepting of the fact Rumple was the First Demon Lord, but that wouldn't always be the case, eventually someone would choose confrontation and report them to the Watchers, Gaston, Church or all of the above.

"Bye now, dearies."

They left the confused staff behind and soon found Azzy waiting on the steps outside looking impatient. Belle quickly rushed to pet his ears and scratch behind them in that spot he liked while Rumple glanced around the plaza and pondered to himself.

"We should return to Locheart, I want you to have a better dagger."

Belle lifted an eyebrow and turned away from Azzy. "Really? But I hardly ever use the one I have."

"Regardless, you need a better one, something magic imbued."

"That's expensive."

Rumple shrugged. "You've seen the quests we've done, Belle, we have a lot of money."

She knew this was one of his quiet ways of keeping her safe, it might have been unnecessary to her but Rumple had made his mind up and there was little point in arguing.

"All right," she agreed, and a moment later they'd teleported half way across the kingdom to Locheart and landed by the counter at the Lyrelocket brother's shop.

"Holy fuck!" The dwarf known as Ulfur jumped almost out his skin behind the counter. "Oh, it's you. Welcome back, how's that dagger been treating you, lass?"

There was a short exchange between Belle and Ulfur about the dagger while Rumple glanced at the various tables of weapons – skilfully made but useless to Belle. Outside children played and women chit-chatted, but Rumple wanted them to be underway quickly so got right to the point.

"We're in the market for something new, a little better."

The dwarf nodded. "An upgrade, is it? Need something made of crimson steel? It's expensive but the magic in it is strong."

Rumple waved the price warning off. "That is fine, dearie."

"Good, because I don't like talk of discounts." Ulfur's teasing got Belle to chuckle, a sweet and wonderful sound that Rumple soaked up. "What sort of imbued spell were you looking for? Increased strength and sharpness?"

To Belle that sounded perfect but Rumple shook his head with that demonic smirk of his. "I was thinking something a little more … painful. Can you craft a dagger that burns when it cuts? Something strong enough to dissuade a larger monster if needed?"

"Yes," Ulfur nodded quickly. "That shouldn't be hard, done it before. Oskar's better at the magic side of things, he's bronze-ranked. We can get it done by the end of the day but, like I say, it won't be -"

"Won't be cheep, I know. How much, dearie?"

Ulfur leaned on the counter as he ran the math through his head. "Such a spell is powerful so it requires a lot of rust salts, and it'll need dragonling horn as a core to contain the spell. I'd say you're looking one gold and fifty silvers."

An acceptable amount to Rumple, he'd given out more than that to Missus Potts earlier that day and to Ninym Honeywood's orphanage. Belle though, even a princess knew it was expensive for a dagger.

"That's fine. We'll be back later."

With their business concluded for the time being, the pair left the shadowy weaponsmiths and returned to the warm sunlight that shined down on the street. The ball was firmly in the court of the Lyrelocket brothers now and Rumple had every confidence in their forging skills.

"Why are you getting me such a powerful blade, Rumple? I don't use this one very often and I have my potions."

"True," he agreed. "Though you can run out of potions or lose them and, while I am powerful, I would feel better if you had a weapon which can deal large amounts of damage quickly."

Belle smiled softly, the sort of smile that lit up her eyes to make those sapphire sparkle.

"You want me safe." She rocked up onto her tiptoes to kiss her demon lord, delicate hands rested atop his forearm. "I love you." Oh, how he adored her, how he longed to just wrap her up in his arms and never let go – Bae! Bae was the priority, had been for almost longer than he could remember. Everything in him wanted to say those words back, to tell Belle just how much he loved her, but that would just make things harder when the time came for him to leave. Fortunately, Belle's happy mood drove her onwards to another subject. "Okay, so if we need to wait for them to forge and imbue the dagger, what will we do until it is ready?"

All this talk of daggers made Rumple itch to hold his own, just to ensure it was safe.

"Last time we were here I noticed a supplies store, we'll need food for the journey."

Belle's lovely brow furrowed. "Couldn't we have bought that from the Dravenhyde Company Store?"

"Could have, but Dravenhyde didn't have a bakery – which, quite frankly, was a surprise considering the ostentatious level of goods in there."

Rumple made to begin the walk but paused and swivelled back around when he noticed Belle hadn't followed, she wore a small smile and her eyes twinkled in that way they always did when amused. He cocked his head to the side questioningly.

"We came all the way back to Locheart for sweet treats, didn't we?" Well, that and the dagger. "Just when I think you can't get any more adorable, you take me to a bakery and pretend it's all for my benefit."

Nobody in three hundred years had discovered his sweet tooth, yet there was Belle pulling away layers to see his core. She chuckled and hurried to catch up with him. As they walked Rumple found himself pondering how he'd developed that sweet tooth; he supposed that, like so many other things, it was all down to Bae. On the odd occasion when they'd made enough money at market, Rumple would buy a honey bun for him and Bae as a treat before they started the long walk back to their hovel. Those moments together had been delightful, comforting and full of joy and he supposed, even after so many years and how he'd abandoned his boy, something sweet still supplied that feeling that everything would be all right. A cake or candy couldn't solve any real problem – apart from maybe a child throwing a tantrum – but Rumple secretly basked in the feeling anyway.

Their feet soon arrived at the Bosworth building complete with it's own gourmet bakery inside, and Belle had to admit, it certainly looked inviting. Of course it wasn't anywhere near the size of the Dravenhyde place, but that said nothing about the quality inside. A repeat of Eloise's request was expected, so Rumple and Belle made the executive decision to leave Azzy to wait outside, a decision he was displeased with. The three of them knew Azzy to be the waheela companion and protector of Princess Belle of Avonlea, though, to everybody else, he was just a pet.

As soon as they were across the threshold they were hit by a wonderful scent of sugar and fresh fruit, the sort of scent that threatened to make one's teeth hurt. The bakeries Rumple was familiar with were all in large cities and mostly focused on bread, but the Bosworth Store and Bakery had taken things to a whole new level. The bakery counter had several glass panels that allowed customers to see the available goods, and a number of ribbon rosettes lined the walls showing off the awards their baking skills had won them. Bae could have died happy in such a place. A line had formed of people young and old awaiting their turn to buy the fresh bread and cakes, while others flitted around shelves where items such as wrapped candies sat. A flight of stairs tucked away at the back indicated their healthier goods were on the second floor.

"They have lemon cakes!" Belle announced quickly and went to join the line with glee, but Rumple caught her by the hand to tug her back.

"Supplies for the wagon first, sweetheart."

Reluctantly she nodded, Belle knew he'd not deny her one little lemon cake before they departed.

Having seen they weren't just there for the bakery, a young salesman dressed in a brown and blue uniform approached. He smiled brightly – 'oh look, another person with a practised smile designed to make me buy something I didn't want or need' muttered Rumple's cynical mind.

"Welcome to Bosworth, I am McKellen. How may I help you today?"

Rumple offered neither greetings nor pleasantries, instead he simply reeled off their supply needs as though they were a list of demands while Belle wondered quite how he'd gotten so rude.

"We are going to need several pounds of rice, cured meats and vegetables."

"Ah," McKellen started knowingly. "Going on a journey, I see. All right, sir, I'll have your requested items collected for you in one of our private rooms. Should you like, I can escort you around the store so you may peruse our wares and better supply yourself."

Working around all the tasty treats had left McKellen far too sugary sweet for Rumple's liking; cloying was the only polite word he had for the man before him. However, his presence would probably help to hurry things along, so Rumple put up with it and allowed him to guide them around the upper floors. Bosworth had an impressive selection of goods as well as a few magic items to assist in cold storage for the wealthier customer, Rumple didn't need such things since he'd figured out ice magic. In hardly an hour, everything they actually needed had been gathered as well as some candy Belle had insisted upon, cookware, hard cheeses and those lemon cakes that had so taken Belle's attention. A princess and the Dark One going on a road trip, it sounded like the start of a bad joke.

Rumple hunched over the table of the private room when the bill arrived to sign and ensure everything was there. Two silvers and five coppers, a sum mostly caused by items of confectionery for Belle and extra dried meats for Azzy. Still, they weren't exactly hurting for money after they'd been paid for their quest to the Limestone, so Rumple paid without question.

"Thank you for your purchase today, sir." It irked Belle that people spotted the collar then just ignored her presence. "I shall call one of our attendants to assist delivering your items."

"No need."

A wave of his hand that no longer caused Belle to bat an eye, sent everything to the vault for safekeeping. Maylea had told them perishables weren't allowed in the vaults, but it would only be until the new wagon was loaded; and, of course, Rumple wasn't afraid of a five-foot-nothing woman with rabbit ears and a cottontail yelling at him about storage. With their business done and a lack of care for McKellen's astonishment, Belle and Rumple departed Bosworth Store and Bakery arm in arm to find Azzy sat under the shade of a tree patiently in eyesight of the door.

"You're very smart." Said Belle sweetly.

"True, but what has brought this bolstering on, sweetheart?"

"Well," she began as she patted Azzy's head and they continued their walk. "Those lemon cakes do look amazing. I'm already longing to eat them with some hot tea. You were right to bring us here." Her face fell then. "Lemon cakes are Lorrimer's favorite. I miss him."

Rumple did everything to be with Bae again, and sometimes it was easy to forget Belle did it all to be with her brother and papa rather than just restoring her kingdom. Ten, Prince Lorrimer du Marchand was ten years old, his mother had died, his father was being controlled and his sister had vanished, then there was his sickly nature.

"He will be fine, Belle. I told you, Gaston won't risk harming him until your and his bond is ironclad. Lorrimer will be fine."

She nodded, wanted to believe the man she loved but couldn't shake the bitter feeling everything would soon fall apart. Rumple squeezed her hand then and the darkness faded away, he was the True Demon Lord and had vowed to restore her kingdom, Lorrimer would be fine. Maybe after Gaston and Tvon had been outed she could introduce her little brother to Bosworth's lemon cakes.

Since the making of Belle's new dagger would surely take hours yet, the trio spent the afternoon wandering the market. Rumple had hardly any interest but Belle enjoyed seeing what people had made and the simple act of exploring a market still hadn't lost its uniqueness for the Princess. Belle bought a new hair ribbon and Rumple insisted they stopped off at the apothecary to top up his stash of ingredients, but there wasn't any urgency to their movements. How long had it been since Rumple had just taken a walk with somebody? How long since he'd not shied away from the sun or been consumed by the urge to snarl at anyone who stood too close? How long since he'd felt … human? Everything was down to Belle, down to the wonderful eighteen-year-old princess who saw beyond a beast.

As night fell, they returned to the Lyrelocket's shop where they found Oskar sat at a grindstone sharpening a sword. He nodded a greeting to them then tilted his head back to call for his brother all without slowing his movements even a little.

"Ulfur, they're back!"

Out from the back came the dwarf brother quickly, excitement sparkled in his one working eye. He held the dagger secured in a sheath of red leather.

"Excellent timing." Said Ulfur. "Oskar's just finished imbuing the spell and I've completed the sheath."

Carefully he removed the blade from said sheath and set it atop the counter: his brother's sharpening little more than a background noise. Rumple and Belle looked it over: a quillon dagger tinted red as all crimson steel was, with fluted black handle – deadly and perfect. How the Lyrelockets could forge something so perfect in only a day begged belief, but Dreymyr's dwarves were famed for their blacksmithing and, with a bronze-ranked brother, imbuing magic into the blade probably wasn't much of a task.

Belle lifted it into her hand. "It's beautiful, and so light!"

"Thank you, lass." Nodded Ulfur. "Nice to have Lyrelocket work appreciated."

Rumple had to admit the craftsmanship was amazing. "I can feel the magic within it."

Oskar finally left the grindstone and moved his ridiculously tall form over to them; side by side the brothers were practically comical.

"My brother said you asked for an edge that burned when it cut, so I used Viren's Wrath for the rune." From his reading, Rumple had learned that 'runes' were a specific type of spell devoted entirely to magical weapons, armor and tools, they were essentially their own subclass of magic much as Belle's taming ability was. "You asked for burning and this will burn. Some of my best work, if I do say so myself."

Rumple took the dagger from Belle and used it to slice through the tip of his thumb, it cut deep and damn did it burn like acid. Belle snatched it away to sheath it while Rumple concealed a hiss of pain and watched his thumb heal itself. He'd be feeling that in his hand for the rest of the night, so any creature that dared bother Belle would certainly suffer.

"Very well done," he complemented, which surprised him because he didn't often throw those around. "Here."

The debt was paid while Belle worked her new dagger onto her belt beside the old one. The first dagger got used mostly as a tool rather than anything else, and she saw no reason to discard the dagger simply because she had a new one. However, she had found herself curious if she could toast bread while slicing it.

"Thank you for this."

"Let everyone know where you got it." Oskar bantered. "Oh, fun tip for you: If you slice it slowly on a dry piece of kindling, you can use it to start a campfire."

Well, that actually did sound like a fun tip. Normally Belle just waited for Rumple to light a fire with magic, but the dagger would make her feel more self-sufficient.

Leaving with Belle's dagger meant their trip to Locheart had come to an end, something Belle didn't have an issue with since she was hungry and Azzy had grown thirsty. The blink of an eye was all it took to return them to the Teapot Inn and, after dinner, Belle would indulge in some tea and lemon cakes while she read one of her books.

Chapter Text

Rumpelstiltskin had made a really rather impressive display of packing up the wagon. Bedrolls, cookware and all manner of other things had been loaded with an easy wave of his hand. Belle, meanwhile, had set up a cosy selection of furs and blankets for Azzy's naps at the back of the wagon before they'd gone to get breakfast. If she wasn't mistaken, Rumple had fashioned himself a sort of potions corner with a box or two of ingredients he liked to keep on hand. A few books may have been stashed within easy reach for the journey as well.

After their breakfast, Rumple had summoned Svad from the stables and hooked him up to the wagon so he could get used to the feeling. Pulling a wagon was clearly a first for him, but the horse was strong, well-behaved and didn't make a fuss beyond shuffling a little to get used to the harness.

"Looks like we're ready to go."

Rumple nodded. "I'd say so. I'll use magic to take us as far as Breamark to save us time, it's as far as I can go."

"You have to have been somewhere before in order to use your spacial magic, I know." She pulled herself up to her seat.

"We should stick to the Trade Road for the sake of convenience. They're maintained and who knows how much information I could overhear about the Hatter." Belle, who'd already figured out this exact plan the night before while sipping tea and eating lemon cakes, allowed Rumple to go on with his explanation. "Border crossings might be somewhat hazardous though, those wanted posters are still up, gold will probably get us through most encounters though."

Gods he wished he'd figured out how to make gold in Dreymyr, the act was part of him, helped him forget, but it just wouldn't happen.

"I'm sure everything will be fine, Rumple. We should get going though, it'll likely be the Month of Heroes by the time we get there, even with your spacial magic."

He squinted. "Refresh my memory, Belle. That's three months from now?"

"Two. It's the twelfth day of the Month of Beasts at the moment."

A golden-green hand waved her off. "Yes, your confusing calendar."

"I was thinking that we should maybe get some medical supplies. I know you are immortal and I have potions, but I'd thought bandages and such might be a good idea."

They honestly didn't need those things, Rumple could heal just about anything and the potions he'd given to Belle were of high quality. Although, if having those things made Belle feel better, then he'd allow it. The apothecary wasn't too far and their stock of bandages had proven plentiful; in the end the trip had taken fifteen minutes and an instruction to Azzy to watch the wagon and Svad. When they returned, Rumple helped Belle up to her seat then before doing the same, then Azzy, who'd been shrunk, jumped up to sit between them.

"Ready?"

She nodded as he took the reins and then they were outside Breamark off in a clearing where nobody could have noticed a covered wagon suddenly pop out of nowhere. They got underway quickly, every moment counted after all, and were soon on their way to Nulmerth: not a short journey in the slightest, but at least it was a direct and relatively safe one. Svad seemed to appreciate the chance to get some proper exercise and the weather being quite mild allowed them to make good time.

Back in his days as a lowly spinner, a horse and wagon might as well have been some mythical deity because Rumple hadn't stood a chance of affording either. Instead of the relaxed comfort of a wagon, Rumple had suffered each and every step to the markets; every step for Bae and his care. If they'd not had their boy, Rumple wouldn't have cared when Milah left, they'd had good times and happiness at the beginning, but both knew they'd been too young to get married and hadn't actually had anything in common. Milah had liked attention, nights out and fun that Rumple would have termed 'unnecessary frivolity', while he'd preferred quiet, warm fires to curl up by and as few people in a room as possible. No, even if he'd made it home without having committed that act of cowardice and Hook hadn't ever shown his face in their village, his marriage to Milah would have fallen apart. Why couldn't Belle had been born in his village all those hundreds of years ago? He'd have been able to live a happy life had she been.

While Rumple thought of what might have been, Belle stroked Azzy's furry white ears, enjoyed birds singing in the trees and warm sun on her face. Of course she'd taken trips to Bruckstone Castle in Gorasitz to visit Demelza, or to the summer palace in End until the proximity to the Ogre Blockade became too dangerous, but that had always been inside a carriage carrying her family's royal crest with a battalion of guards around her. This trip with Rumple wasn't like anything she'd experienced before. On one hand, not having to be a princess was a welcomed respite for the chestnut-haired beauty, but, on the other hand, she felt guilty for enjoying herself while her papa remained under a cruel spell and her brother lay in bed not knowing if his sister would ever return. Logically, she knew not to feel guilty, that their trip would guide them to Bichelberger and hopefully Jefferson as well, but to enjoy herself even for a moment seemed somehow disrespectful.

She'd fallen in love with the Dark One, she loved him, but he'd never said those words back. The way he'd touched her, held her, kissed her, all said Rumple did love her … so why hadn't he said it? 'You know why,' mumbled her mind, 'it's because he wants to go back to his own realm.' That fact pained her, but how could she be angry with somebody for wanting to go home? After all, Belle wanted to go back to Avonlea.

Belle glanced to Rumple; he held Svad's reins and watched the road but appeared to have travelled deep into his thoughts, when he was like that Belle tried not to bother him. Azzy had rested his head on her lap, so Belle simply pulled out her latest tome and lost herself in a story instead of her internal worries.

Some hours later when the sun had just started to threaten setting, Belle had almost finished her book and Rumple had stumbled out of his memories, Azzy began to fuss. The spell Rumple used to shrink the waheela down halved every bone, organ and muscle he had leaving behind a bizarre feeling inside the animal that Rumple supposed must have felt similar to Alice's little 'Drink Me' potions. Normally they kept him shrunk down for only a few hours at a time, but this had been all day and it had apparently started to take a toll.

"Could you size him back up, please?" Asked Belle once she'd set her book aside. "He's uncomfortable and wants that bed I built in the back for him."

Azzy may have been a juvenile waheela, but he seemed bigger at full size every day. Eventually he'd need his own room at the Teapot Inn, of that Rumple had no doubt.

A nod from Rumple was all it took to have Azzy hop into the main body of the wagon only to instantly double in size. He padded happily to his pile of blankets and furs while -

"Ouch!"

Reins were pulled hard which caused Svad to stop quickly. Belle and Rumple shared a glance before shoving the wagon cover aside just in time to see Amicia pour out from the mass of blankets and Azzy nuzzle into her.

"Amicia?!" Belle exclaimed.

The blonde elf rubbed at her eyes, had clearly been asleep but cuteness wouldn't save her. Rumple was inside the wagon instantly leaving Belle to follow with growing confusion. Last time they'd seen her, she'd been in the garden at Ninym Honeywood's orphanage. Azzy plopped down onto his blankets and furs as Rumple loomed over the child.

"What are you doing here?"

His demand had the girl hang her head and grow despondent, her nerves threatened to take over but Belle crouched down to smile fondly which put her at ease. Rumple's harsh gaze didn't let up though. He didn't know who he was more angry at; Amicia for stowing away, himself for not noticing her presence hours ago, or Ninym for allowing Amicia to slip away after not even a full day.

"I – I didn't – didn't like that place." She told them while sniffling.

Rumple sighed deeply but his anger did subside a little. "Did you really even give it a chance? Nobody likes new places at first."

"But there were boys. They said – said nasty things about my ears and stole my dinner."

Belle wanted to breath out a laugh, after all Amicia had been through it was nice to hear her talk childishly about childish things. To prevent the tears falling, Belle pulled Amicia into a hug but eyed Azzy with suspicion.

"You knew she was there, didn't you, Azadanes?" The wolf tilted his head in a display of playing innocent. "The only time she could have gotten into the wagon is when we went to the apothecary and you were guarding it."

Suddenly Rumple regretted making that deal with Belle to free the damn waheela from the snare. She still owned him a favor for that, maybe he should have made dumping the animal on the side of the road his price. 'No,' he sighed internally. 'That would cause more problems than it's worth.'

"It wasn't nice there." Amicia insisted, which had Belle kiss the top of her head.

"Rumple is right, you just need to give it time. Settling in is hard."

"We can jump back to Ranga then-"

"Please!?" Amicia's big blue eyes widened desperately as she pulled out of Belle's hug and grabbed Rumple's thick coat. "Please let me stay with you. I'll wear the collar." No, that wouldn't ever be an option. "Please, I'm …"

She trailed off lamely as though she'd given up mid-sentence and a painful shiver ran through Rumple's entire being. He'd not seen so much hurt, defeat and heart-break inside a child since he'd – since he'd let his boy slip into that portal alone. He'd never wanted to feel that pain again, but there he was with it coursing through his veins. Rumple should have just taken her back, but that expression had him kneel down before Amicia quietly.

"You're what, little one?"

The answer came cautiously. "… I'm scared without you."

Rumple's dark heart practically broke at that and the look on Belle's face said hers had as well. Most people ran screaming in fear at the sight of him, he was a horror story in numerous realms and Dreymyr had turned the Dark One into the Devil, but Amicia saw him as protected rather than monster, rescuer instead of beast. He'd taken on the Dark One's Curse to protect children, a good intention which had guided him into darkness.

"Let her stay, Rumple." Said Belle eventually which surprised him. "You're the First Demon Lord, she's surely safer here with us than anyone else."

"Children should be with other children, should have a normal life."

Belle quickly covered Amicia's long, pointy ears so she could whisper to him. "I don't think she's ever really been around other kids, Rumple. We're the only people who've been kind to her and she's latched on."

"We do dangerous things, Belle. Things that aren't safe for an – what is she? Ten?"

"A small child who got out of the orphanage without anyone noticing, back to the inn and stowed away in our wagon, is what she is. If you take her back, who's to say she won't do it again? The only difference will be we'll be long gone. What if she tries leaving the city looking for us or somebody … does something to her?"

Belle was right no matter how much he hated it. The orphanage clearly wasn't any match for a sneaky elf girl determined to escape and Rumple couldn't quite handle abandoning another child. Bae would want him to take care of this little girl, right? The damn Dark One was Rumpelstiltskin, he could keep her safe with all his powers.

"Fine." He eventually relented and Belle removed her hands from Amicia's ears. "You can stay." She lit up only to snap back to hesitancy when he thrust a warning finger out towards her. "You do what Belle and I tell you to do when we tell you. There will be no running off, especially at night, and if things grow too dangerous, I will return you to that orphanage where you will stay. Deal?"

Amicia nodded emphatically. "Deal."

"No one ever breaks a deal with me, little one, remember that."

With their extra passenger, Rumple returned to Svad's reins to get them moving again while Belle wrapped one of Azzy's blankets around Amicia and started to pull more information out of her about her time at the orphanage.

One part of Rumple was angry, Ninym and Abigail should have kept Amicia safe inside the orphanage, that was their one fucking job. Children shouldn't have been playing adventurer with a demon lord and a princess, they should have been tucked up in bed with a stuffed toy. Amicia may have acted rather maturely for her tender age, but recklessness was very much still in her wheelhouse. The other half of him was both delighted and impressed she'd returned. He'd always adored children and, if Amicia had escaped so easily, Ninym's orphanage didn't deserve the endorsement Gordana had given it – or all those gold coins. Subtly, he glanced behind him into the wagon where Amicia had settled against Azzy's soft fur with a blanket over her while Belle sliced up an apple.

At some point in their stop the sun had gone from threatening to set to practically down, so Rumple knew it wouldn't be all that long before Belle insisted on stopping to prepare a proper meal and get some sleep. They'd made good progress thanks to the direct Trade Road, decent weather and the fact he'd been able to teleport them so far, so Rumple wouldn't refuse his darling Belle her warm meal. Others had decided to make camp as well, he could see the starts of a few campfires short distances from the stone road. He chose to take them a bit further away from those travelling before he directed a tired Svad to pull off onto the grass where the wagon finally came to a stop.

While he put up the wards for the barrier and started a fire, Belle had Amicia help to feed Svad and gather up what they'd need for dinner from the wagon. Though small, Amicia seemed eager to help and, just for a second, he allowed himself to pretend they were a real family taking a trip. If the blonde elf was to remain with them then they'd need to get her some more clothes and a pair of sturdy boots.

Between Missus Potts and their journey with Callum and Ian, Belle had become quite the competent cook; she'd not win any awards but her rustic food was filling and quite flavorful. Gathered around the fire's warm glow, with the barrier protecting them and the wagon from just about anything, Rumple let Belle ramble on about her latest book while they ate their soup. Happy, Rumple was happy and that made him feel guilty as well. In his mind he didn't deserve happiness until he'd fixed everything between him and Baelfire. The guilt threatened to consume him, but then Belle wrapped his left arm around her as she settled against him and all that guilt was banished so gratitude could replace it. Gratitude that some entity had taken pity on the patheticness that was Rumpelstiltskin and gave him Belle.

"You keep saying that finding Jefferson will help you get back to your realm," she began after a moment. "But how exactly? He isn't a demon lord, so surely he isn't as powerful as you."

"There are more than four demon lords?" Amicia suddenly asked, mouth still full of half-chewed roll.

"No. There's only me and the others everyone already knows about. You're safe and don't speak with your mouth full." He turned his attention back to the beauty in his arms. "The Hatter might not be a demon lord, but he isn't weak. His hat is a totally unique magic that even I do not fully understand. He has been here longer, had more time to gather information from areas you and I have not visited, and he can understand what you call 'spacial magic' from a different perspective. Furthermore, Gaston and Tvon were attempting to summon me to this realm but got Jefferson likely because I'd sent him away with my magic. This means the spell they used is unstable, inaccurate and probably powered by a specific type of magic or magical item."

"Wouldn't demanding the information from Tvon be better?"

"No, I like to have my own research and figure out if there is a work around before I pin all of my hopes on a mad mage who had no qualms using you as a shield."

Amicia yawned loudly then which drew both the adults' attention. Her long ears had begun to droop and here eyelids had grown heavy. Rumple hadn't realized the hour, he was so used to avoiding sleep that he'd forgotten Amicia needed it. Like the loving and caring half-elf she was, Belle tucked Amicia up inside the wagon with Azzy snoozing beside her then returned to the fire and Rumple. Unlike most times she watched him, Rumple hadn't begun staring off blankly, instead he glanced up at the stars and fidgeted with his hands – something she'd noticed he did when he'd been parted from his spinning wheel for too long. Spinning, an odd pastime for a man let alone the First Demon Lord, but it seemed fitting for the person Rumple was underneath everything. He was somebody who enjoyed creating, fixing and inventing, at heart she could see he was more of a builder than a destroyer.

The barrier would protect them from any bandits or monsters that came upon them – watching slimes just sort of bounce off it before they slithered off on their way had actually been a fairly amusing sight. So, without hesitation, Belle settled herself back against his lean chest and stretched up to kiss his cheek.

"Thank you for letting Amicia stay. I know it's not exactly the safest option to be with us but at least she can't escape you like the orphanage."

"You were rather persuasive, sweetheart."

That got her to chuckle a little as she moved to straddle him, her blue eyes shined brightly in the flickering fire light.

"Amicia is asleep with Azzy in the wagon." Said Belle with a kiss. "We can be quiet."

The fact this beautiful goddess actually wanted him still amazed Rumple, he didn't deserve such perfection. However, none of that stopped him burying himself between her legs, one hand planted on the ground by her head to support himself while the other gripped her hip. They didn't have sex, they made love that night underneath the stars, flesh lit by the campfire and sweet nothings on their lips. Belle kept her hand clamped over her mouth to avoid waking innocent Amicia. So many unexpected firsts had taken place with Rumple, she'd grown as a person not just a woman and knew her heart firmly belonged to the Dark One.

No other man could ever touch her with such loving gentleness, no other man would ever make her feel so completely adored, no other man could ever make her shudder wantonly with little more than a glance, and she didn't want any of them to. The thing about love was that, once one had given their heart to another, it was very hard to take it back. Belle though, she'd given her heart to her true love, the one man who saw Belle for who she truly was and adored her for it. He may have been a beast to everybody else, but he was Belle's beast.

~X~

Very little of note happened between Breamark and Omura, they'd bypassed Nulmerth by leaving the Trade Road and cutting across to Twin Pine then occasionally passed other wagons and travellers all the way to the first Gralian city Rumple – or Amicia for that matter – had ever entered. According to the ever informative Belle, Gralia was King Benedikt Sunringham's territory and had managed to maintain the kingdom's expansive border the same way the last six royals before him had – the old 'speak softly and carry a big stick' method. King Benedikt, much like King Artem, preferred to discuss issues, problems and threats when they were made rather than simply declaring war like many royals would have done – like King Reginald would have done. Gralia's army was large, strong and stationed so wisely at various military instillations, that it would be practically impossible to surprise the kingdom with an attack. This King Benedikt sounded like quite the smart ruler. Princess Emmeline was a handful of years older than Belle and, if Belle's glowing report was anything to go by, would follow in her father's footsteps well once she ascended to the throne.

Rumple listened to everything his beautiful blue-eyed girl had to say on the topic of rulers and kingdoms. Back when they'd mostly kept to Dorovoth there hadn't been quite so much need, but as they continued to travel the length of Dreymyr, Rumple realized the more he knew the better armed he was.

Avonlea, Nalessa, Vell and Yanhil were by far the largest kingdoms and, thankfully, seemed to be ruled by the more level-headed royals: in fact, Avonlea, Nalessa and Vell were on such good terms that some referred to them as the 'sister kingdoms'. Belle was King Gasper's great-grandniece after all. Dorovoth and Worynheim were also ruled by those with heads on their shoulders and, what they lacked on land, they more than made up for with their navies. According to Belle's understanding, Balmund could be temperamental. King Huw valued traditions and self-sufficiency, his people were hard-working and skilled to the point surprisingly little was actually imported to Balmund. Meanwhile, Cylvera presented itself as a tolerant kingdom and, for the most part, it was, but Queen Kotryna was ruthlessly intelligent and refused to let anything rival her rule. Avonlea and Cylvera had repeatedly bumped heads and even gone to war at one point, but Kotryna appeared to prefer to rule with her plots hidden in the shadows and Rumple would let them remain there as long as they didn't interferer with him finding his son. Then there was Olgarth where one couldn't tell where the monarchy ended and the Church began. Most travelling merchants who weren't human took the southern route along the Trade Road and all ancient elvish sites within Olgarth had been mercilessly destroyed. It sounded as though none of the other kingdoms were entirely sure what, if anything, could be done about Olgarth's mistreatment of demi-humans, elves and dwarves: frankly, Rumple was at a bit of a loss as well. Most of the commoner's hate for non-human species had likely stemmed from the Church's encouragement, but the real question was how engrained had it become in the populous.

With each new day Amicia ventured further out of her shell, ceased jumping at every loud noise or offering to be enslaved to Rumple. Slowly, she started to act more like the little girl she was and less like the timid slave others had forced her to be. Amicia had also taken a liking to Svad, a creature easily twice her height, and by the end of the first week it had become Amicia's job to feed and water the horse. Evils and horrors no child should have ever seen were the things Amicia had been forced through but, with them, she'd begun to heal.

When they reached Omura, Rumple had allowed the girls a day free of wagon travel. They'd eaten at an inn for the first time since their pause in Twin Pine and Rumple had finally purchased Amicia a pair of shoes, brown boots with little bronze buckles and strong soles that could stand up to a child charging about. They'd been a bit overpriced, but the ecstatic grin on her face had made it worth every coin. She'd pranced about the market after that happy to show off her new boots to anybody who glanced her way. Belle had just smiled at him as though he were a loving father doting on his daughter and, while the thought warmed his heart, guilt descended each time he thought of Bae.

Leaving Omura was the first time Belle questioned any of his travel decisions because, instead of heading down the southern branch of the Trade Road toward Amselozero, Rumple had taken the northern route that led to Vinn. Upon first glance, such a choice didn't seem like an issue, the northern route would cut a significant amount of time off their journey as it bypassed a lake so large it was basically a landlocked sea, and the Blade Backs. However, Vinn was located in Olgarth, a kingdom known for its mistreatment of non-human species and where the Church practically had more power than King Reginald. With their group consisting of an elf, half-elf and demon, Belle's concern wasn't unfounded. Of course Rumple understood Belle's desire to take the southern path, but it was time none of them had, not when there was a much faster option staring them in the face. Yes, there were several villages between Vinn and Windmir – a city in Nalessa – but Rumple had no desire to stop off at any of them and his barrier would keep any monster, bandit or religious zealot from doing them harm. His girls were safe and Rumple made sure to assure them of that fact. Though he'd seen her reluctance shine in those stunning sapphire eyes of hers, Belle had relented and allowed them to continue to Olgarth's border.

As soon as they'd reached that border, Rumple had understood Belle hadn't exaggerated her warnings about the tensions in the kingdom. Flags and religious iconography littered the walls while a large statue of Drazva designed to stare judgementally stood by the main gate. Their wagon was inspected for almost a full ten minutes longer than any human who arrived at the border, Belle and Amicia were referred to only as 'knife-ear' which had made Rumple itch to kill the guards – Belle's pleading hand on his forearm being the only reason he hadn't – and Azzy had been threatened with a sword at one point when he'd yawned despite having been shrunk down to the size of a regular dog. Then there was the way they'd looked at him: Rumple had long grown numb to the looks of hate or fear but the pure disgust in the eyes of those guards, the contempt they felt for him, actually shocked Rumple. In the Enchanted Forest, people hated him because they knew the evils he'd committed, the things he was capable of, but those guards thought he was just some regular demon and still hated him more than any in the Enchanted Forest.

The inspections were dragged out, clearly done simply to amuse the guards, but they were eventually permitted to enter Olgarth after a totally exorbitant tax had been paid. As soon as they were passed the check point though, Rumple encouraged Svad to move faster while Amicia snuggled a regular sized Azzy for comfort. Belle though, as they travelled the next stretch of the Trade Road, she grew more and more quiet, distant and distracted as though preoccupied and he hated that he was the cause of it. Rumple might have grown a thick skin to combat what others said about his scales, but Belle hadn't done the same. Belle's elf half came from her deceased mother, and those guards had just spend their entire interaction making out elves weren't even people. He squeezed her hand, it was all he could think to do in order to comfort her; it must have been right because Belle smiled back and rested her head against his shoulder.

Since staying at Vinn's inn didn't sit right with any of the party, they passed through quickly without so much as a pause to stretch their legs. Instead they camped out like they had many nights before with Amicia seeing to Svad and Belle preparing a meal for them. For a princess with no real experience with cooking, she'd learned quickly and even begun putting her own twist on certain things. At night, gathered around the campfire, Belle would teach Amicia to read while Rumple alternated between enjoying his time with his girls and hating himself for enjoying his time with them.

They moved through Olgarth quickly enough, Svad seemed to never run out of steam; that kelpie blood really had made him a damn reliable horse. Still, Belle's quiet worries remained and Rumple sought to ease them.

"Amicia," he began as he leaned back to call to the child in the wagon. "Would you pass me the item on top of my potions box?"

"Uh-huh." She muttered as she pushed herself to her feet and padded across the wagon then thrust the item, a book, out to him.

"Thank you, little one."

He offered the tome to Belle who accepted any books without question. Rumple had bought it back in Omura while the girls had been next door at a bakery but he'd kept it hidden from Belle despite it being intended as a gift. Had somebody asked him why he'd not just offered it, Rumple likely wouldn't have provided a sufficient answer. Maybe, deep down, he'd wanted to save it for the right moment, a moment when Belle would appreciate it most; or maybe he'd just worried he'd overstepped.

The beauty with chestnut locks flipped her new book over to read the cover: 'Her Handsome Hero'. For a moment Belle didn't speak, but when Rumple glanced to her she wore a smile.

"I purchased it while we were in Omura. I know it's not your mother's copy, but you can have this one with you."

"Oh Rumple." She shuffled closer to kiss him properly, a delicate brush of her lips against his. "Thank you, this is really sweet of you."

She kissed him again only for Amicia to ruin it. "Ew, kissing."

The pair chuckled into their parting kiss, they truly were thankful for each day of her being a kid again.

Belle soon had her favorite book open and Amicia had crawled through from the back to sit in Rumple's lap having insisted she wanted to hold the reins. He'd made his girls happy and that worked to banish some of his darkness.

Belle and Rumple would part when he left Dreymyr, it had to be done so he could find his son and she could rule a kingdom. However, Amicia was a different topic. At first he'd supposed remaining with Belle would be in her best interest since there weren't any elves in the Enchanted Forest and Rumple had twenty-eight years of being cursed to suffer. Although, with her in his lap and smiling, Rumple wondered if there would be a way to take her with him. 'No!' his mind screamed. 'Don't be so damn stupid. You'd just be forcing another child to be abandoned. The Dark Curse takes everybody's happy ending and, if you take Amicia with you, she'll have hers stolen as well.' Yes, the only real option was to leave Amicia in Belle's care.

Chapter Text

Tvon had just helped himself to a generous goblet of wine when Gaston threw the double doors to his tower open causing him to sigh deeply. By this point of their iniquitous partnership, Gaston storming in like an angry child had become boring, predictable and yielded little reaction from the dark-haired mage. Frankly, if Gaston had put that energy into finding Princess Belle and the Dark One, they'd have taken over the whole realm by now.

"Haldor!" The mage tried not to roll his eyes out of his head as he spun around to face the entitled duke's son.

"Can I be of assistance?"

Gaston snarled. "I'm sick of this shit! Maurice's brain is turning to goo because of that damn ring and no one has reported seeing the Dark One." He thrust a finger out to Tvon. "Then there's you, you were supposed to take care of this to begin with."

In Tvon's opinion he'd done literally everything; he'd tracked down the Ring of Halinox; he'd figured out how to use it and gotten it on King Maurice's finger; he'd figured out how to summon the Dark One to Dreymyr and he'd certainly been the one to ensure they'd made it this far without all of Avonlea coming after them. Gaston's jobs had been so simple, so easy, just to keep track of a teenage princess and provide enough soldiers to ensure the Dark One didn't escape Rutherford Tower. Failure: Gaston LeGume had been a total failure.

"What would you have me do?"

Suddenly a bloody arrow was tossed down at the mage's feet, it landed with a clattered clank and Tvon lifted a thick eyebrow.

"One of my men hit him with an enchanted arrow when we first summoned him. That is his blood. Surely we can use that to re-summon the bastard."

All right, that wasn't actually a bad idea but the delay had lessened their chances of such a thing being a success.

"Perhaps if it were fresh blood." He took a sip of his wine. "Why didn't you bring me this that very day?"

"Don't take that tone with me!" Gaston warned. "My idiot underlings have only just determined this is his blood. The Dark One did kill all the men we took with us to Rutherford Tower." Yes, Gaston had said his underlings were idiots and Tvon had no issue believing him. Still, that was the actual blood of the Dark One and it was significantly fresher than what they'd originally used to summon him. They only needed to summon him from another kingdom rather than some distant realm they'd never visited. "You can summon him, yes? You're capable of that much?"

"Of course I can, don't question my capabilities."

"Don't anger your future king!" Gaston hissed then stormed to the door. "Inform me the moment everything is ready."

Then the greedy Lothario was gone and Tvon fell into a hooded chair and gulped at his wine. Gaston might not have been the cause of all Tvon's problems, but he certainly helped him to forget what the others were.

For a long time the long-haired mage simply stared at the bloody arrow with suspicion. The older blood got, the less power survived in it. The only reason the blood he'd sourced for the first summonings had remained viable was because of the level of power the Dark One wielded. Tvon wouldn't fail though, he was too good a mage for that.

People had started to notice Princess Belle's absence from the castle though and that had become a more pressing matter. Her absence hadn't been planned and fatherly concern had been powerful enough to allow King Maurice to fight back against the ring's hold. Gaston's marriage to Belle had been their original intention but, if they couldn't get her back, they'd have to re-plan everything around Prince Lorrimer. That was all Gaston's desire though, Tvon had bigger plans. Tvon would be the next demon lord and he'd keep the Dark One as a pet.

His sips were slow and calm, he'd not jump to work just because Gaston had thrown another fit.

~X~

They'd made it through Olgarth in record time and thankfully without incident. Unlike the border to Olgarth, the guards of Nalessa showed no hostility and one had even helped Amicia down from the wagon with a smile. The stark difference was genuinely jarring but Belle had instantly perked back up to her normal self which Rumple was grateful for. Though the landscape hardly changed – though there were suddenly more slimes around – and the Trade Road continued to stretch on, a weight eased from their shoulders and Svad seemed to relax enough to cease his charge.

Despite being so close to the city of Windmir, night had descended and Belle had been complaining about being hungry for a good half hour, so Rumple had acquiesced to making camp. They went through the routine the trio had gotten down to a fine art: Rumple built the barrier, Amicia fed Svad and gave him a brush, and Belle prepared a meal for them all. The knife crafted by the Lyrelockets did wonders for starting fires, a simple cut to a small piece of kindling and flames burst forth: worth every coin.

After the last sigil had been drawn the barrier surged upward forming a small dome and Rumple glanced over to Amicia as she watched Svad eat. At first he'd been concerned about having Amicia with them, but she'd been good as gold and listened to what they told her. A good kid was Amicia and, frankly, Rumple thought the journey wouldn't have been nearly as enjoyable without her presence. If finding Bae hadn't been his mission, Rumple wouldn't have thought twice about remaining in Dreymyr with Belle and Amicia. But Baelfire was his mission and, each time the thought crossed his mind, Rumple's black heart stung with guilt.

Belle didn't take long to finish with dinner and, once eaten, Belle wrapped a sleepy Amicia up in a warm woollen blanket. The night was chilly despite the campfire so it wasn't long before the girl had snuggled up against Azzy's comforting fluff. Each day that waheela got bigger and bigger, he'd be an adult soon and Rumple doubted he'd ever have to worry for Belle's safety again. While they sipped hot tea, Rumple listened quietly to one of the later chapters of 'Her Handsome Hero' which Belle read to Amicia and stared up at the constellations he'd slowly started to learn. Pauk Major and Pauk Minor were commonly called the 'Teratect and it's Queen' and was the largest constellation being made up of over seventy stars; the brightest called Zraic. Then there was the Small Throne, said to have once belonged to a dwarven king so loved by his subjects that Velevonne had carried him and his throne into the sky upon his death so he could watch over his people from the heavens. Aikaterini was the daughter of a cobbler who had been made a saint and given a place amongst the stars as a reward by Drazva, while the constellation of Ealhhere was the first legendary hero stood with his sword and shield. All those myths and legends up there provedthat, at its core, Dreymyr was no different to the other realms he'd visited. One day he'd stargaze with his beloved boy again and he'd tell him of the strange realm and what they'd named their stars.

Amicia crawled into Rumple's lap then with the blanket still wrapped around her. Belle closed the book quietly with a smile while Rumple stared down at the little girl and Azzy took himself off to the bathroom. Her blonde hair hung around her face while beautiful blue eyes fluttered in that way only a half-asleep child wascapable of.

"Time for bed for you, I think." He said quietly as he stroked golden locks out of her face.

" … Okay, Papa."

With that one word Rumple turned to stone, his fingers stilled, his blinking ceased and Belle's eyes widened because she was positive his breathing had stopped as well. Sleep finally took Amicia, her little body curled up in Rumple's lap, his hand still in her hair. It wasn't until Belle rested her hand atop his forearm that he came back to himself.

"Rumple, she didn't mean to upset you." He'd never told Belle about Bae, hadn't told her why returning tothe Enchanted Forest was so important. "But … you kind of are."

Was he? Rumple surely was the only man to ever show her fatherly concern or affection. He'd not been able to help himself, he adored children. Although, what right did he have to father Amicia when he'd failed so spectacularly with Bae? Brown eyes peered downward to the little girl as Belle offered him a sweet smile. His curse had left him a beast, a monster, an abomination, but Amicia had gone to such lengths to remain with him, she sought comfort from him, and he'd come to love her company. Yes, he cared deeply for Amicia but … he'd leave eventually and he couldn't take her with him.

With a calm nod to Belle to reassure her, he carried Amicia to the wagon and tucked her in for the night as Azzy, who'd returned,settled down on his blankets and furs to watch over her. Then, after a few calming breaths and a shake of his head to push the situation away, Rumple returned to the toasty orange glow where Belle snuggled into him as had become their habit. She kissed him, lips soft and warm.

"We've only got Windmir and Durendurel to go and then we're in Bichelberger." She commented. "I'm sure your friend will be there."

Rumple let out a deep hum. "He'd better be otherwise, when I do find him, I'll wring his damn neck."

Belle took that as the frustration it was rather than assuming it to be an actual threat towards the Hatter. The fire crackled as Belle shuffled closer to Rumple's chest.

"Do you think anybody from the Arcane University will be able to get this collar off?"

Gordana had sent correspondence off to the Grand Mage regarding Jefferson, but he doubted she'd mentioned Belle's collar or their quest to rid her of it; probably hadn't mentioned him being the First Demon Lord either. Still, the Grand Mage was the head of the Mages Guild and the Arcane University, if anybody could figure out a way to get the enslavement collar off of Belle, he surely could.

"I hope so," confessed Rumple. "They have a wider knowledge of the subject than I and more magical tools at their disposal. They may have a work around for the botched magic that forced the collar on you just sitting on a shelf for all we know, sweetheart."

Pale fingers reached up to touch it, she'd grown so used to wearing it that half the time Belle forgot it was there. Of course it was a slave mark, but it was also what bound her to the man she loved, it was the reason she'd been at his side so long and been allowed to see who he truly was. Without that collar, she'd have just continued to think him a monster like the stories claimed. Her slave collar was no burden to her when she had such a kind master who'd won her heart. All that said, being able to take a trip to the bookshop without constantly panicking she'd move too far away would be nice.

"Want me to tell you more about the constellations? I saw you looking at them while I was reading to Amicia."

Rumple could have listened to Belle's sweet voice for the rest of his life so, after an 'aye', Belle pointed up to a patch of stars circled around an orangey one, and told the tale of the Orange Dove.

~X~

Their stay in Windmir had lasted only so long as it had taken them to refresh their water supply, restock on bread and fresh fruit – Svad was rather partial to apples as it turned out – and Rumple had even bought Amicia a few new dresses and a coat to protect her from the chilly night air. The poor girl had woken up frantically apologizing for calling him papa and vowed never to do it again. She'd been terrified that Rumple would toss her back in the orphanage for her audacity, and Rumple hadn't know what to say. He shouldn't have pulled her in closer, he couldn't remain in Dreymyr forever, but he'd come to love the girl from the points of her long ears to the tips of her toes. The moment he'd kissed her forehead and told her he'd be her papa had almost killed him with guilt, but the way blue eyes had looked up at him through tears had banished it all away. He was the Dark One, he could plan for anything and he would figure out how to take care of Amicia while ensuring he went to find his boy if it was the last thing he did. Her joyous smile was a memory he'd never trade away. A daughter, Rumple had a daughter and he vowed to never make her feel what he'd made Baelfire feel. Belle? Belle just smiled proudly at him. One day soon he'd have to tell her about Bae, it wasn't fair to keep knowledge of him from the sweet princess. Since then he'd felt fulfilment each time she'd tentatively called him papa, every 'thank you, papa' and the way she clung to his hand as they walked through the market. A hate-filled voice at the back of his mind had remained insistent he didn't deserve Amicia's love or such a title from her, but, much to his own surprise, Rumple managed to find the strength to ignore that horrid voice and shove it back to the darkness where it belonged.

Leaving Windmir had been a blessing and a curse, they had to hurry to Bichelberger but Rumple had loved his relaxed day with his girls, just watching them smile and be themselves. However, leaving when they had ultimately was for the best since Rumple kept getting offers and fliers for the Mockingbird brothel which had just caused Belle to glare at him as though he'd somehow been inviting the offers.

They were ahead of Belle's estimates when it came to travel time. She'd expected them to arrive in in Durendurel by the beginning of the Month of Heroes, but Svad's strong legs and Rumple's ability to teleport them as far as Breamark had meant they were a month ahead of themselves and were in the first half of the Month of Harvest. They'd likely arrive in Bichelberger just before the month's end. Unlike Belle, Rumple hadn't paid too much attention to the month's name. He'd never had much care for the date, even before he'd become the Dark One, only cared about Bae's birthday when – 'wait', said his mind. It suddenly occurred to him that he had no clue when Amicia had been born, they couldn't even be certain how old she was: ten was their best guess, but her surprising level of maturity hinted she could have been older. They'd found her on the third day of the Month of Beasts, he knew that much because Commander Skane had dated the quest completion note, but that was it. 'Maybe that could be her birthday?' suggested the fatherly part of his brain. Did her calling him papa give him the right to decide such a thing though? He'd have to consult Belle on the matter before he suggested it to Amicia; a woman's perspective would surely be best.

They'd soon passed into Yanhil and thankfully be done with border crossings for a good while. Rumple had picked up a lot of cities and every inch of the Trade Road between Twin Pine and Durendurel, so he'd hopefully not have to undertake such a wagon ride again. However, while it had been a long journey, Rumple hadn't hated it at all, not when he'd had such wonderful company. He liked to pretend being alone didn't bother him, that monsters enjoyed their solitude, but Rumple truly detested loneliness and would eternally be grateful to Belle, Amicia and even Azzy for their constant companionship long after he'd left the realm.

~X~

Gaston's growing panic about Belle's whereabouts and what it meant for his domination of the Dark One had left him acting on instinct rather than pausing to think about anything logically. Not that rational thinking had ever been one of Gaston's strong suits; that was why he'd hardly ever listened to Tvon's warnings, why he'd tossed away all of King Artem's letters to Maurice about his growing concerns, and why every man he'd taken to Rutherford Tower would be killed once they returned to the castle.

Rutherford Tower, or Windsprite Tower to give it its correct name, had been built by Ser Vasco Rutherford many years previous then abandoned upon his death. Its height was deceptive and there had long been rumor of a secret cellar Gaston couldn't have cared less about. Nature had tried to reclaim the stone structure but still it stood proud against the rolling hills to the point it had become an unofficial landmark.

It had taken ages to reach Rutherford Tower, even with Tvon's new spacial magic ability, and, frankly, Gaston had started to lose what little faith he had in the mage. Of course he'd not listened when Tvon had explained why they had to use Rutherford Tower as their summoning spot. To Gaston it was little more than for show and so nobody still loyal to King Maurice or the damn Church uncovered their plans, but Tvon had a different reason. Vasco Rutherford hadn't just slapped a tower down in the middle of nowhere because he was a misunderstood loner, no, instead the tower had been placed where it was because the hills in the area funnelled wind over the top of the tower allowing Ser Vasco, a gold-ranked wind mage, to strengthen his spells. The tower also lay on a fairly large copper vein, a magically conductive metal, which meant Tvon could use Rutherford Tower to amplify his summoning spell.

Having given up with the enslavement collar idea, Tvon had crafted a cage coated in squid ink to contain their prey but even he wasn't certain if it would actually hold such a powerful mage.

"Get on with it!" Gaston growled once the cage was in place; what little patience he had was all but gone.

Tvon readied the blood-coated arrow in the centre of the cage, locked it and backed away to the line of objects he'd sourced from past demon lords. As he chanted his spell, the various objects began to drain of dark magic and were amplified by the copper under Rutherford Tower. Gaston simply watched from the stairs with Avonlea as a backdrop. Without Belle being used as a middleman the spell went significantly faster. If the Dark One had killed or kept that girl, Gaston didn't know, but once he had the Dark One at his beck and call it wouldn't matter.

When that tall man in the unusual hat had shown up, Gaston had let himself get excited for just a few seconds, but he'd not looked anything like the Dark One legends and, when the enslavement hadn't activated, it had proven he wasn't the Dark One. Then he'd tossed his hat down as though he'd expected something to happen but, when nothing had, he'd simply charged away. The fact such a weakling had managed to elude his men had been a point of shame for Gaston that he'd rather have ignored entirely. Instead, he'd blamed everything on Haldor Tvon and demanded he tried again. In Gaston's mind his plan would succeed; he'd have Belle for his wife, he'd rule Avonlea and using the Dark One he'd take the other kingdoms as his own, then crush the Church, elves, Valkyries and anybody else who thought they could stop him.

Finally, the spell activated and a bright light burst forth inside the cage just as it had the other times they'd tried to summon the Dark One to them. Gaston shielded his eyes behind his hand as the magical items quickly drained of power and Tvon's chanting grew strained. Then, the light faded just as quickly as it had appeared and a smile crossed Gaston's face - until he saw what they'd summoned and it turned into a snarl. Inside the cage, rather than who he'd wanted to see there or even that man in the hat, Gaston saw yet more failure. A child, a damn teenage boy with a mop of dark hair collapsed to the cage floor while Gaston and Tvon watched him with confusion and anger.

"A boy?!" Gaston exploded while Tvon's head cocked to one side in growing puzzlement. "A fucking child! How hard is it to summon one little demon lord here when he's already in the realm somewhere?! Why are you totally incompetent?!"

"No," breathed Tvon with a shake of his head. "This – this makes no sense."

"You don't fucking say!"

Tvon continued to just stare at the terrified boy. "This shouldn't have happened. We had his blood." His head snapped to Gaston. "Are you sure that it was his blood?"

"Yes! Do not question me, Haldor!"

Tvon had felt the power coming from that blood-coated arrow, he'd not doubted its authenticity, but there had to be a logical reason for such a backfire.

"If it is the First Demon Lord's blood then…" He trailed off and rushed to the cage where the teen boy had managed to haul himself to his knees. "Boy, tell me honestly: Do you share blood with the Dark One?"

Brown eyes filled with shock, panic and Tvon knew he had his answer. If the answer was no then the boy surely would have looked up at him with confusion rather than shock. A boy that young, he could have only been the Dark One's child.

"Son." Tvon turned to Gaston. "He's his son."

His son? Gaston couldn't quite believe his ears. How could it be so hard to cage the Dark One? How had Tvon failed so amazingly? But then his irritation faded to be replaced by amusement. If they had the Dark One's son then there wouldn't be any need to continue with summoning him back, they'd just wait for him to come to them and use the boy as bait and a hostage. Yes, the plan was still in motion. Nothing could stop Gaston.

Gaston chuckled. "You know, I might prefer it this way." Of course he'd still slap an enslavement collar on the beast the second he got a chance, but at least their trip to Rutherford Tower hadn't been a total waste of time. "We're taking the boy back to the castle."

They'd got a bargaining chip at last.

~X~

Finally arriving at Bichelberger had taken a weight off of Rumple's shoulders because it was another step forward in his mission. Bichelberger wasn't like any city they'd seen before, it sprawled and had significantly more people than other cities they'd visited. One of the first things they'd noticed once they'd paid the tax to enter the city, was a large church up in incline some distance away. It had been constructed of limestone with white marble details that tipped it over the edge into ostentatious. Didn't matter, Rumple had zero interest in entering the church and, as women with elven blood, he seriously doubted Belle or Amicia would want to go inside either. It wasn't the church that stole Rumple's attention though, that was the gargantuan building atop the mini mountain at the centre of the city; that had to be the Arcane University. It overshadowed the church in size, sat regally looking over the Bichelberger and Rumple suddenly realized why the University pulled so much respect.

Less to do with the architecture was the odd spark of dark magic he tasted on the air. Odd, but with the Arcane University surely having a collection of magical objects, Rumple didn't pay too much attention; maybe they had possessions of other demon lords.

The Arcane University and goods on offer could all wait though, the first thing they needed to do was locate an inn. So, after disembarking the wagon, Rumple returned it to his vault in Ranga for safe keeping, sent Svad to the Guild stables – Calvin was used to the horse appearing and disappearing in a puff of smoke by now – then straightened his coat and glanced around the hectic city. Their wagon had been directed in through one of the trade gates, so they were closer to the shopping district and could hear the hustle and bustle from where they stood. Rumple quickly spotted the Innsmouth Fishmonger and suspected all inn owners would want to put as much distance as possible between themselves and the smell of fish, so Rumple headed west while Belle followed behind holding Amicia's hand. Both women seemed somewhat in awe of Bichelberger, it was so heavily populated and sat under the shadow of the Arcane University, but there wasn't any intimidating weight in the air and Belle thought Bichelberger beautiful.

Once they'd rounded a general store they were treated to a view of the Endless River and docks. Belle only bore witness to the Endless River once before when she was very young and her mother had taken her to visit her great-granduncle in Vell. Her blurry memory hadn't done it justice, it was larger and faster moving than she'd remembered. Rumple paid the river little attention, he was more focused on Azzy who'd charged off: the waheela had literally never done such a thing before. Just as Rumple had opened his mouth to question Belle on just what her fluffy companion thought he was doing, Azzy returned to sit at Belle's feet.

"Azzy says there is an inn down that street." She pointed away from the river. "Apparently it's rather big."

Well, at least the waheela had made himself useful. Suddenly he remembered Belle owed him a favor for saving Azzy from the snare; maybe one day he'd ask for something.

With a happy little girl, the group made their way to the inn led by Azzy and soon found a sign proclaiming the inn as 'The Squiffy Mage', a poor attempt at humor in Rumple's mind.

Inside they found many a candle had been lit providing a warm glow to the entire inn, and one look at the flagstones said they could eat off them should the mood take them. The trio was greeted by a middle-aged demon with a bald head and ram-like horns who quoted them a much higher price than Chip had, but Rumple supposed that was mostly due to Bichelberger's size and the University atop the hill that was more akin to a small mountain. Rumple might not have been able to spin straw into gold any longer, but he'd made rather a lot of coin from adventuring and, for a little extra, soon got Azzy admitted to the upstairs room as well. Their room at the Squiffy Mage was easily twice the size of the one at the Teapot Inn, since he'd asked for an extra bed to accommodate Amicia. Also, because that damn wolf hadn't slept enough on their trip, Azzy settled down by the foot of Amicia's bed and soon started to snore.

While Belle helped the girl get her coat off, Rumple went to the little desk and made note of the new cities he could freely teleport to. Seven of the ten kingdoms were easily accessible to him now and the entire northern Trade Road was his to do as he pleased. The only capital city he'd passed through was Gorasitz, but that didn't seem too much of an issue.

The girls quickly requested a bath, so Rumple sent them downstairs to order one while he went over his mental itinerary. Gordana had sent word to whoever the Grand Mage was informing them of the visit, that Rumple wanted information on Jefferson and asking for permission to enter the Arcane University's library in exchange for the formulas to some of the new potions Rumple had invented. The communication crystal, which was actually just a small mirror about the size of Rumple's palm, she'd given them before they'd departed Ranga had come in helpful as it had allowed Gordana to inform them the request had been accepted; probably out of curiosity than anything else. Rumple had expected curiosity, wasn't every day the guildmaster of the Adventurers Guild had to invent a new rank.

Azzy brushed against Rumple's leg then and brown eyes peered down. Rumple had thought the animal asleep but instead he gazed up at Rumple knowingly; Azzy was far smarter than he let on. Having sensed the silent request, Rumple sized the white wolf up and summoned his blanket back from the wagon.

"Must be very easy being you." Rumple said quietly. "Fed regularly, never have to do anything but be tickled behind the ears by a beautiful princess and kind little girl. You are called Azadanes though, so that's a hardship." Azzy ignored him in favor of settling down on his blanket. Besides, his name was Rumpelstiltskin, so he couldn't really judge the waheela. "Belle is terrible at naming things, we all know that."

Rumple would have liked to look around Bichelberger but he couldn't risk putting any further distance between himself and Belle. In Ranga they'd figured out where the boundaries stood rather well, but Bichelberger was a whole new area with a very different topography. He remembered her screams back in the Osgar Hall Caverns and had no desire to ever hear them again. He'd hurt too many people he cared about in his life. He'd hurt Baelfire in the worst way and he supposed he'd even hurt Milah, not that Rumple wasn't naïve enough to think she was the only one responsible for destroying their marriage. Knowingly hurting Belle wasn't something he could allow himself to do, and nor would he make Amicia watch. So Rumple remained in the room staring out the window toward the Endless River where ships docked as he waited for his girls to return.

Didn't take long for a bath to be brought up and Rumple sat with is back to them while they bathed. Amicia giggled as Belle washed her lovely blonde hair and Rumple tried not to think of when Bae had been only four or five and he'd washed his son's hair for him. In the last week or so Rumple had felt as though Bae were closer than he'd been in decades, as though he were within arm's reach, but that was surely just the yearning of a foolish father. It had probably stemmed from Amicia's presence, he was a father again now; Rumple just hoped Bae wouldn't think he'd been replaced.

About an hour later, the girls had finished their bath and had donned fresh clothes. Amicia grinned happily, the sort of smile that warmed a parent's heart, and let Belle braid her hair. Since it was rather late in the day and the sun would think about setting before long, the trio opted to have a little look around the shopping district before they had dinner. The Arcane University could wait until the morning and Belle insisted it would be the more polite course of action. That was how the three of them ended up leaving Azzy to his nap and venturing back out into the streets.

Numerous apothecaries littered the streets all battling for customers, tailors that specialized in mage robes but it was, of course, the bookshop which drew Belle's interest. On their journey she'd been teaching Amicia to read and write, so Rumple had little choice but to follow his girls inside where they had a most in-depth look around.

His girls. Rumple wasn't entirely certain when he'd begun thinking of them as 'his' but he found he couldn't stop, he enjoyed that they were his girls. Once everything was right between himself and Bae, Rumple would find a way to introduce Bae to his sister because that was exactly what Amicia was now; the Dark One's daughter and Baelfire's little sister. 'One day, Rumple' he said to himself. 'One day everything will be right again'.

Eventually the time came for Rumple to rein his bookworms in, but only after they'd selected a healthy new collection which he sent to their room without a second thought. For the rest of their look around Belle held his hand which had Rumple internally preening. Back in the Enchanted Forest people would do all they could to avoid being seen with him and spent only the amount of time with him that it took to conclude a deal. However, Belle had no qualms with standing by his side, with letting the world know she loved him, and Rumple would forever be grateful for her.

Amicia hurried from window to window so she could see what was being sold inside, but it was the little candy shop which had her light up. Rumple purchased her a small bag of sugar mice then watched her sort the white from the pink so she could eat the somehow better pink ones last. He did at least get one of the little mice though, his sweet tooth had been rather pleased about that.

Only when the sun actually started to set did they turn around and return to their room at the Squiffy Mage for dinner. The place was lively but that didn't prevent Rumple from rooting out a quiet table at the back for himself and his girls. They ordered their meals and Belle excused herself a moment to take Azzy his bowl up, while Rumple happily listened to Amicia tell him the story of Antosha and his party slaying the last basilisk; apparently it had been the latest story Belle had read to the child.

Their meals weren't as flavorful as those Missus Potts prepared, though the tea was still better than the swill Chip forced on people. The roast venison had sated their appetites and, with a full belly, Amicia had soon grown sleepy. Rumple hadn't objected when Belle had decided to take her up to bed while he subreptitiously inquired if the innkeeper had seen Jefferson around the city. The answer might have been no but, for a shiny silver coin, the innkeeper had pointed Rumple in the direction of his wife who had mentioned something about a strange hat a few days before. Inge, who'd been in the kitchens doing all the cooking, had indeed seen a man fitting Jefferson's description and had only mentioned it to her husband because the top hat was so bizarre in Dreymyr. This was the only corroborated first-hand sighting of Jefferson since Belle had told him of the man's summoning and showed he'd been wise in his choice to travel to Bichelberger. The sighting had apparently taken place in the market, so Rumple asked for directions then headed upstairs just as Belle pulled the covers over Amicia. From all of the realm to a single city, Rumple would find the Hatter and then he'd find his son.

As he watched Belle read the little elf girl a bedtime story, he once again confirmed to himself that he'd make sure he returned to Dreymyr one day to see them again.

Chapter Text

Dark, cold and dank, that was the cell Baelfire had been tossed into underneath Kalecaster Castle. He'd been there for weeks if the plates of stale bread and water were anything to go by and for the first time in countless years, Bae thought he should have stayed with Hook. That man wouldn't rest until his father had been killed and Captain Hook was the reason his mother had abandoned them in the first place, but at least he'd genuinely cared about the young teen. Bae was sick of portals and magic deciding his life for him, sick of it destroying everybody he loved. Rumpelstiltskin may have been a cripple, but he'd been a good and loving father until that dagger had entered their lives. He'd become the Dark One with the intention of stopping a war and saving children, but Bae saw that all Rumple had done was trade those lives for his own. At first he'd hated his father for letting him fall through the portal alone, hated him, but, over the years, Bae had come to understand that the Darkness took pride in twisting its host's mind into clinging to the evil as well as the power. If anything of the wonderful papa he'd so adored remained, it was shrouded in darkness and buried so deep nothing was likely to ever find it again.

That damn Darkness was how he'd ended up in the cell as well. Why he sat on a cold stone floor with hardly enough candles to light the place – not that the guards cared about him being able to see properly. Shadows and spiders were Bae's only company. Well, them and whatever poor creature was locked up down there with him. He heard its chains clank and rattle across the stone floors and the sorrowful wails it would let out; it might not have been human, but the cries sounded so young.

Those two men with savage snarls on their faces who'd hauled him to the dungeon in a cage, the knight and the sorcerer, they'd been looking for the Dark One, they'd wanted his father rather than Bae and, from what he'd overheard of the two men growling at each other, he'd only been sucked out of Neverland because he carried his father's blood in his veins. For the life of him, Bae couldn't quite figure out if a cell in this new land was better or worse than Pan and Neverland. As they'd travelled Bae had wondered if he'd been summoned back to the Enchanted Forest, it didn't look like the Frontlands, but similar enough that he'd guessed himself back in his birth realm. However, when the two dungeon guards who'd tossed him in his cell had possessed the ears and tails of cats, Bae had second-guessed himself. Never before had he seen such a creature: fairies, dwarves, trolls, they he all knew of, but cat-men? Had he not seen it for himself he'd not have believed it. Maybe he'd not been pulled back to the Enchanted Forest after all.

His location wasn't something Bae could dwell on, he'd always made the most of wherever he'd ended up before and could do it again. No, what the young teen needed to focus on was his papa. Those men sought the Dark One which meant that, no matter which realm he'd wound up in, Rumpelstiltskin was there and just as hated and powerful. The knight and the sorcerer, Bae had heard them speaking of using him as a bargaining chip, a pawn.

The scruffy boy leaned back against the cold wall and sighed deeply. All the Dark One's Curse ever did was hurt people. How many families had it destroyed? How many good people had gotten their goodness stolen? He fell down on his side then, maybe he could get some sleep, but Bae jolted back up with a yelp when his hand pressed into something sharp. A searching hand soon found whatever the object was amidst the straw; a partially rusted spoon. He hurried to the only sliver of his cell which the lantern light reached to find – yes, it was indeed a spoon. Somebody had sharpened the end down to a point but never had a chance to make their escape attempt. Suddenly footsteps sounded at the end of the hall and Bae rushed to hide the rusted spoon, he had a chance to escape and Bae would wait for the very right moment. He'd survived the Dark One, angry mermaids, pirates and even Peter Pan, he'd damn well survive a dungeon. Getting out wouldn't be easy without help, but Bae was a fighter if nothing else.

~X~

Bruckstone Castle, which sat at the base of the Spikes and was well known for its turret roofs since they were the color of plums, was the jewel of Gorasitz and home to King Atrem Van Winchell first of his name. A good man, a wise king and talented mediator with a quick wit and passion for doing the right thing. He'd learned all he knew from his father, the late King Rupert, and knew that one day his son would follow in his footsteps.

At first he'd chalked his suspicions up to delays and other logical things, but, when Princess Belle had stopped writing to his granddaughter, he had become concerned. Artem and Maurice had been on friendly terms for as long as either of them could remember – Hell, Artem had attended Maurice's coronation and been the one to introduce him to Colette Desjardins. Belle and Demelza had been friends since they were little more than toddlers and a total lack of correspondence from either of them was plain strange.

Artem worried a hand through his thick white beard as the carriage wobbled. He might have been an old king, but he was no fool. Something had happened in Avonlea, something neither Maurice nor Belle could or would mention, and Artem intended to figure out exactly what. That was what had him and his guards make way to St. Claes for an impromptu visit. It was rude to arrive at the castle unannounced, uninvited and with many a suspicion, but Artem felt it would be for the best not to give anyone warning of his arrival.

His son, Prince Gottfried, hadn't been pleased about the sudden departure and would have rather entrusted an envoy to check on the du Marchand family, but he'd reluctantly accepted his father's intentions. Gottfried was a grown man with a daughter of his own, he could cope with completing his father's duties for a short time. Artem had every faith in his boy.

The best horses in Crystella had carried Artem's carriage swiftly from Gorasitz to St. Claes, and one of his mages had pumped enough enhancement magic into those horses to ensure the journey time was halved: cruel to the horses maybe, but Artem felt the situation warranted it. Arrival at Kalecaster Castle had put his teeth on edge, something just didn't feel right to Artem.

The rose gardens Colette had so adored were always kept in pristine condition by Princess Belle, but Artem saw the flower beds full of weeds and drooping. As expected, his arrival caused chaos amongst the staff who apologized profusely for not having a greeting party prepared despite their total lack of warning. Soon he was funnelled over to Duke Pierre LeGume's son, who did his best to smile and reassure the old king all was well. Artem had no like for Gaston, the man was dripping with false bravado and his eyes twinkled with greed. His granddaughter had told him tales of how Gaston would constantly interrupt her time with Belle with stupid things and mock her love of reading; Demelza didn't approve of Gaston and nor did Artem. The dark-haired man did make a good go of trying to get the older man to leave, but Artem remained polite and stuck to his guns about speaking with King Maurice. Didn't matter how desperately Gaston wished to be king, for the time being he was still just a duke's son and Artem outranked him even outside of his own kingdom.

Eventually Gaston caved and set up an audience with King Maurice which eased Artem's nerves a little. He was escorted into the throne room where his friend sat gazing off out the window as though he were asleep with his eyes open: Artem hadn't seen such a display since Queen Colette had died and he suddenly worried for sickly Lorrimer's health.

"It is good to see you, my friend." Began Artem once he'd glared Gaston out the room. "I had started to grow concerned. You've been so lax in your correspondence lately that I felt the need to check on you myself. Forgive the intrusion, Maurice. I hope Lorrimer is well."

Maurice's blue eyes finally turned to Artem but he couldn't shake the feeling of being looked through rather than looked at.

"My son is fine. I have been ill recently but am fine now."

Maurice didn't elaborate further which was odd because he was usually quite talkative, especially with Artem. This wasn't right, not right at all.

"Where is Princess Belle?" He inquired. "Demelza attempted several times to invite Belle to her birthday celebration next month but no reply has come. You know how close the girls are."

"Belle is away," informed Maurice in a monotone voice. "Something about purchasing a rare collection of books in Worynheim."

"I am well aware Princess Belle's devotion to literature borders on the extreme, she got it from the late Queen."

No princess would travel all the way to Worynheim just for some books, not even one such as Belle. There were merchants, middlemen and servants for that sort of thing. Something was seriously wrong with Avonlea and his friend, but Artem kept a pleasant smile on his bearded face.

"You did not need to come all this way. Gorasitz to St. Claes is a long journey. I am honored you'd come personally, but it was not necessary."

That monotone continued to concern the older king. "Nonsense, Maurice, we've been friends for years, I've known you since you were a boy. When no word came from you or Princess Belle, I confess, I grew concerned for little Lorrimer. Maybe it was a bit silly for me to shove my duties on Gottfried and travel here, forgive an old man."

Maurice shook his head and smiled but none of it reached his eyes, those blue orbs were totally dead inside.

"No forgiveness needed, Artem. You will, of course, stay the night to rest before you journey home in the morning. I'm afraid I still feel a little under the weather so I shan't join you for dinner. I hope you will accept Gaston's company in place of my own."

Though phrased politely, King Maurice's words were dismissive and ultimately translated to: go away and don't come back. This wasn't his friend, not at all. Maurice could be gruff and hadn't ever been all that good a strategist, but he cared deeply for his subjects, friends and family, he adored his children and tinkering with things: Colette had always teased he should have been an inventor rather than a king. He'd raised Belle to be independent and treat people with kindness, he'd ensured his son was happy and had a good life while knowing Lorrimer likely wouldn't live to adulthood. Maurice had taken an elf for his queen even though the Church had done all they could to dissuade him and Maurice wouldn't have ever given Gaston LeGume so much free rein of his castle.

Begrudgingly, Artem accepted mostly to keep whomever was really pulling all these strings from thinking he was on to them. That was how he spent the evening pretending he cared about Gaston's hunting tales and that he was dumb enough to not be suspicious in the slightest. The younger man went on and on about his battle achievements but Artem knew Gaston hadn't ever seen a real war, hadn't ever actually fought for anything in his life. He spoke as though he'd already succeeded his father and become Duke LeGume, spoke as though his marriage to Belle was set in stone when Artem knew for a fact Gaston was Maurice's least favorite of her suitors. If what Maurice had told him before all this strangeness had begun was true, then Belle's husband would be Duke Nichol Brandt Van Winchell, head of Artem's branch family; a smart match in his opinion. Whichever monster commanded the House of Red Coats would have made a better betrothed than the pathetic excuse for a man sat across the table from him.

Most of the times Gaston had been mentioned to him was a result of his granddaughter complaining about his arrogance, but now he saw Demelza had been underselling Gaston's unsavory character rather tremendously. Belle had no desire to marry this vain, power esurient man and Artem couldn't blame her. Quite frankly, Gaston acted as though he owned the castle and it disgusted Artem.

Eventually dinner ended and the Dorovothi king managed to lock himself away behind his chamber door fully aware his guards would protect him. As he readied himself for bed, worries continued to swirl around inside his mind and he found himself sat at the foot of his bed for quite some time to ponder. He should have had the foresight to bring Dorovoth's court mage with him, Perseus Lamb had always been a logical mind quick to come up with a theory. Maurice hadn't acted like himself in the slightest, Lorrimer apparently had a fever – which was honestly the only believable part of any of this – and Belle had supposedly undertaken a trip to Worynheim. Gaston had taken to acting like he was the next king and Artem had almost been told to leave like a common messenger. Something was very, very wrong and surely Gaston LeGume was at the centre of it all.

Artem couldn't risk giving his misgivings and reservations away, so he'd play the dumb old king who wanted one more adventure to see his friend before he died, then, once he'd returned to Gorasitz, he'd begin investigating and also look to see if there were any truths to the story of Belle's trip. Maurice might not have been a skilled strategist but Artem was, he'd suss out what was really going on in Avonlea and how to help.

~X~

The next morning Artem awoke with the sun – truthfully, he'd half expected an attempt on his life during the night – and, after a breakfast just as annoying as dinner, Artem had his men make a show of preparing for their departure while taking as long was as physically possible. Artem had used that time to insist upon visiting Lorrimer to put his mind at ease. Though he did have a fever, the nursemaid Evie, assured him that Lorrimer had suffered from them before and this was one of the more mild ones. Whatever evil had wormed its way into Avonlea, it hadn't caused the young prince harm just yet. Once assuring the ten-year-old boy's safety, he'd again spoken with Maurice who'd essentially repeated everything he'd said the day before and only shown a single glimmer of emotion when Artem had mentioned Lorrimer's fever. A spell, whatever this was it could have only been caused by a spell and Artem doubted Gaston capable of such a thing.

When he could no longer stall for time, Artem was forced to take his leave. He climbed into the large carriage and was just about to give the order to return home, when a bell began to ring sounding an alarm. One of his men grabbed a castle guard to learn the cause; an escape from the dungeon. Artem was urged to leave quickly to protect himself, but he sat there a few minutes wondering if it was something he should have stuck around to investigate. Remaining any longer would surely give away he wasn't as dim-witted and doddery as Gaston believed, though perhaps the escape would provide Artem with valuable information.

Artem's blue eyes spared one last glance around the courtyard and paused a moment on the dying rose gardens Belle so adored, yet, out the corner of his eye he spotted movement over at a ditch which was surely sewer access. It took a moment for his old eyes to adjust to the distance but, once they had, Artem saw the movement to be a young boy peeking around for guards. He was shabbily dressed and covered in grime, pale, scared and looked hungry. Was this who'd escaped? Why would a boy have been imprisoned in a royal dungeon? What crime could he have possibly committed? Finally the eyes of king and commoner met and almost a full conversation passed between them, then he ordered his guard commander to get them moving and pushed the carriage door open with a gesture for the boy to hurry to him. The guards were distracted and, if the young teen moved quick enough, the carriage would always stay between him and the watch tower. After all, who would expect the King of Dorovoth to aid a prisoner's escape?

Bae launched for the carriage seeing it was his only real option for escape and, hardly a handful of seconds after the carriage door closed, they'd passed through the castle gates only for the portcullis to drop down behind them. Free, Bae was free.

The aid who sat opposite his king stared at the grubby boy he suddenly shared air with and shuffled away, but held his orders for the urchin to leave the carriage. For several minutes Bae and Artem just stared at one another as though trying to quietly gage who the other was as a person. Once far enough from the castle, Artem ordered his aid to go ride with one of the guards leaving adult and child alone.

"I am King Artem of Dorovoth." He greeted the grubby child he'd just saved; Bae's eyes went wide at the word 'king'. "What is your name, boy?"

"… Baelfire, Your Majesty."

A king. Of all the people who could have helped him escape the knight and sorcerer, a king had come to his rescue. Had he found himself in an 'out of the frying pan and into the fire' situation?

"We have a long journey back to Dorovoth, Baelfire. I have my horses going at top speed, but it will still be a long trip." He flashed a comforting smile. "I'll confess, I'm very worried about my friend and a girl I view as a granddaughter. I think this may have something to do with why you needed to escape the dungeons. You are the escaped prisoner, yes?"

Reluctantly Bae nodded. "Yes… Sire."

"I can tell you are nervous, not every day one flees a palace and talks with a king, but you can relax. I mean you no harm. You are safe with me, I give you my word as a sovereign." Artem ran a hand through his beard as was his habit. "Please, tell me your story as we journey. Perhaps we can assist one another."

Bae didn't want to, it didn't seem like a wise course of action, but he didn't see any other options. The old man before him seemed too smart to believe any quick lie Bae came up with, but mentioning the Dark One would assuredly end poorly. Lying wasn't an option but nor was telling the truth, so Bae just remained silent for a great many minutes until Artem sighed and removed his ornate crown encrusted with rubies. He placed the crown in his lap and brushed imaginary lint from it.

"Speak to me as a person rather than as a king, Baelfire. You may think telling me will worsen your situation, but silence is truly the only harmful thing here. Better to take the chance of exacerbating things than the certainty of it. My intent is not to fan the flames but rather extinguish them. People I care about are missing and bespelled, and you seem to be the only one able to tell me the truth of what is going on here. Help me, Baelfire."

Bae swallowed. Trusting adults hadn't worked out all that well for him in recent memory, but this old king was right, it was surely better to take the chance instead of the certainty. That knowledge was what finally had Bae loosen his lips. While slimes bounced around beside the lane and horses hurried back to Gorasitz, Bae told Artem everything and Artem, being the wise man he was, simply listened.

Chapter Text

Searching for Jefferson at the market had been more or less a total bust. While many had confirmed they'd seen a stranger in a tall hat, nobody knew where he'd taken lodgings nor did they know where he might have headed next. They'd located one woman selling fresh fruit who'd said she'd sold him some apples the previous day, that he'd showed up a few times for them and was always charming. For a coin she'd agreed to pass along a letter to Jefferson were she to see him again, and Rumple had even bought a lovely red apple for Amicia.

"We're closer." Belle encouraged as they walked away from the fruit stall, her arm looped with his. "You'll find him."

He knew Belle to be correct; they'd found a way to contact Jefferson and were clearly only a few hours behind him. They were another step closer.

With the task of finding Jefferson at an impasse, attention turned to the Arcane University and the mysteries it held. So, while Amicia ate her apple and Belle enjoyed the day's warm sun, they approached the magic school up on the hill. A stone staircase led up the almost ovular mountainesque hill, a winding path that folded back on itself at least half a dozen times and seemed to be the only route to the Arcane University. Rumple nor Belle really minded the long walk but Amicia soon managed to convince Rumple to carry her; had he been able to properly see the top, he'd have just magicked them up there. The University itself had a regal appearance that could be seen from all over Bichelberger and stretched upwards toward the sky. Though somewhat gothic in appearance, none of the building could be called ostentatious or gaudy – in fact the color palette was rather subdued and there weren't any showy ornaments. In a way the building reminded Rumple of his Dark Castle; large, imposing and separate from people, but an inescapable entity looming over the common man.

The tingling of dark magic grew more prominent with each new step until Rumple began to question just what sort of artefacts they had stashed away inside, and made a mental note to discover what the objects belonging to other demon lords were. In a way he felt as though something were absorbing fragments of expended dark magic, but that sounded unrealistic even to him, so Rumple pushed those thoughts to the back of his mind for the time being.

Upon arriving at the top of the stairs Rumple set Amicia down on her feet and headed towards the vast double doors only to be blocked by two human women wielding lances and dressed in cobalt-colored armor. The invitation letter Gordana had forwarded to them was presented which got them admitted to the building somewhat begrudgingly, then passed from one uninteresting person to another as they were guided through the expansive school. Rumple's eye twitched with irritation but Belle remained calm and let Amicia swing their hands back and forth where they were joined. Amicia of coursed sensed her new papa's growing annoyance but her curiosity was just too strong

to let worry in; there were far too many new things to see, especially when she spotted a white … something rush passed so fast she'd hardly seen it. A fast-moving, tiny cloud was probably the best description of whatever it was, a particular thing which nobody else seemed to take notice of, as though it were normal and, for the Arcane University, maybe it was.

After surely walking the entire length of the vast building, Rumple, Belle, Azzy and little Amicia were handed over to yet another person, this time an exceptionally tall and muscular black man with flowing long hair and stern gaze, dressed in robes of blue and orange. His claws, similar to the Dark One's gave him away as a werewolf. To Rumple, the medallion around his neck must have meant little, but Belle recognized it as the Asena Pack emblem; one of the oldest and most respected werewolf packs in all Dreymyr that even the Church normally left alone. This man introduced himself as Leotomas Shadowhyve, the Grand Mage's adjutant, in a deep baritone that likely left most weak at the knees.

Though not an ounce of dark magic drifted from his body, Rumple could tell Leotomas to be a powerful mage – surely silver-ranked at the least. Unlike Rumple, he didn't have any flamboyance or pop any drama into the situation, instead he just led them through the school while quietly answering Belle's occasional questions coherently and without ado. Leotomas may have had the body of a Greek god, but Rumple found the personality to be lacking – not that it was of any real importance to him in the end.

They followed the tall man through the building, which appeared more like a palace than a school on the inside, until they finally reached the base of one of the square towers. Leotomas ushered the group to stand in a small circle with him which suddenly glowed a white-green color. Rumple recognized it as wind magic rather quickly – after fire, wind was the element he'd had the most luck with but the University seemed to have found a use he'd not thought of. A single stomp from Leotomas had the glowing sigil rise slowly upward carrying them to an otherwise inaccessible part of the building. Frankly Rumple was impressed with their ingenuity, as was Belle.

"You've harnessed wind magic to carry us between floors? That's outstanding."

Leotomas nodded kindly. "Thank you, but the praise should go to a former Grand Mage by the name of Alianora Zem. She was wise as the Jade, that one."

A sigil into a floating surface was rather splendid and he'd make damn sure to play around with the idea himself at some point. The circle itself was rather complicated and not easy to duplicate, which was probably the reason he'd not come across it elsewhere. Still, Rumple thrived on new knowledge so he'd be experimenting with Alianora Zem's creation.

"I've heard of her." Said Belle: Rumple suspected she could probably name all Grand Mages for the last hundred years if pushed. "She specialized in magical tools, yes?"

"That is correct." He finally turned to face them. "Though your bond with this small waheela is quite impressive as well."

Belle flashed a loving smile down to Azzy who was getting chin tickles from Amicia.

"We became friends very quickly. Oh, and he's only so small because Rumple shrinks him when we're in public so a panic isn't caused."

Another nod which had his long hair fall over his shoulders. "A wise decision. However, as long as he is in the administration section of the Arcane University, allowing him to stand at full size shouldn't be an issue."

Out of curiosity for what Leotomas' reaction would be, Rumple shot Azzy up to full size without warning and was impressed when Leotomas hardly even blinked: this man was a strong one both physically and mentally. Although, a wolf jumping at another wolf didn't seem likely.

The circle finally came to a stop at the tower's top, they all stepped off and made their way to a set of unmarked doors made of dark wood. Leotomas knocked, entered alone, spoke a few inaudible words, then threw the door open properly for Rumple and the others to enter. Inside a man somewhere in his forties with a goatee sat at his desk with a full wall of windows at his back. Before him stood two women, one human the other pantherian. Though they wore cobalt-colored armor like the two at the main doors had, their armor was rather different as well. The human had an exceptionally expensive chest plate and gauntlets detailed in a network of gold and carried a claymore on her back – which should have surely been too heavy for such a slender woman – while the white-haired pantherian had lighter leather armor with metal plates only at the shoulders and her breast. Her weapons seemed much more befitting a woman of her stature as she carried both daggers and a short sword. Whoever all these women may have been was unclear to Rumple, but he could tell each of them was highly trained and not to be underestimated.

"Welcome to the Arcane University. It is a pleasure -"

The brunet man cut himself off abruptly as soon as his eyes flicked to Rumple and, without a moment's hesitation, he threw up a strengthened wall of wind which glowed in the same way as the magic circle, and did a good job of separating Rumple and his party from everybody else. 'Ah, so Gordana really didn't tell him I'm the Dark One' mumbled his mind as he eyed the barrier splitting the office in twain. It was strong, filled with magic and the Grand Mage seemed ready for a fight which had the two women unsheathe their weapons.

"You're a demon lord!" There'd be no pulling the wool over his eyes then.

Rumple chuckled. "I'm impressed, dearie, you're the first to figure that out so quickly."

"I'm level ninety-nine and the Grand Mage, I am not as oblivious as others. Give me one good reason I shouldn't have the Valkyries toss you in Akula Prison with Ravavena."

Ah, Valkyries was what these women were, it certainly explained the blue uniforms if nothing else. He felt as though Belle might have mentioned them in passing before when Rumple paused to think about it.

"He might be the Dark One, but he means you no harm, I promise." Belle insisted which only caused more hostility. He'd gone from being a demon lord to the terrifying Dark One in a single sentence.

"Dark One?!" Leotomas exclaimed, the first time he'd shown anything other than propriety and calm.

The Grand Mage though, he looked Rumple over thoroughly; saw that he'd not moved to fight, that a young woman and wise waheela appeared to willingly stand by his side, and spotted the little elf girl who clung to his sleeve while hiding behind him. This demon lord wasn't in his office for a fight and the curiosity his teachers had once called reckless was piqued.

"Being the Dark One would explain why I feel so much magic coming off of you."

"Please don't hurt my papa."

"As if they could." Rumple snorted.

Chief Commander Aalto had asked the Grand Mage to admit a demon named Rumpelstiltskin and his party into the library, she'd spoken of him being an unusual person but he'd ever expected that to mean he was the mythic Dark One. With a small sigh, he rested his hand on the barrier and it dissolved in an instant. The Valkyrie with the bob and claymore made to attack but the Grand Mage's voice stopped her in her tracks.

"Vice-Captain Stonecrop, that will not be necessary." She made to object while the pantherian simply sheathed her short sword. "He is powerful enough to have killed us all by now yet hasn't. Besides, Chief Commander Aalto asked for this meeting and has vouched for him."

Rumple lifted an eyebrow as Amicia finally stopped hiding behind him. "Surprisingly enough, Gordana has proven herself … friendly. You don't need your pretty protectors, dearie."

The white-haired pantherian with the softest looking ears Rumple had ever had the good fortune to come across snapped her head toward him.

"Pretty protectors?! I am Phria Federlord, Captain of the Valkyries, and she is Vice-Captain Cynthia Stonecrop. We are not for show."

That might have been but it didn't stop the pantherian being pretty. Her long hair was like snow held up in an unruly ponytail, emeralds in place of eyes, delicate ears and a long tail which clearly gave away her mood. A scar ran over her left eye, the only blemish on an otherwise heavenly face. Yes, other than Belle, there was no more stunning a woman. Surely too young to be the captain of anything though, Phria hardly seemed older than Belle.

"Yes, yes, everybody here insists on having an elaborate title and just loves making sure I know it." He gestured to a white hamster who had not been on the desk a moment earlier. "Next you'll be telling me your fat rat's name."

The Grand Mage took his seat again and smiled at the hamster as he played along for nothing else than to tease. "He is called Ognyan and he is no rat, I assure you. Feel free to call him Yan."

Cynthia couldn't stand there listening to her Grand Mage be nice to a disgusting beast, the Church had taught them of his evil and Cynthia urged to stomp it out with steel and fist.

"How dare you come here! Your kind have no right to anything here."

The Grand Mage lifted an eyebrow. "Vice-Captain, that is enough. You do not get to choose who my guests are or how they are spoken to. Fates and chances are funny things, Vice-Captain. Fates are inevitable, it is the chances we're presented with which lead us to a fate, and now here is a myth made flesh. I would like to see which fates this will lead to. Now, all of you kindly leave, I wish to speak to Rumpelstiltskin alone."

Phria seemed cautious while Rumple pretended not to be looking at her soft ears. "Grand Mage, it may be better if I remain -"

"I will be fine, Captain." He assured her. "Though, if you are so concerned, I shall allow you to stand guard outside."

A little reluctantly, Phria accepted the brunet's wishes and departed along with Leotomas and a snarling Cynthia. A moment of silence passed which almost had Amicia hide behind her omnipotent papa again.

"Please take a seat. I feel this will be a long story." Rumple and Belle accepted the invitation to sit and Belle perched little Amicia on her lap. "Your name is Rumpelstiltskin, yes?" Rumple nodded. "Forgive my lack of manners. I am Grand Mage Maximilian Demeer."

"I suppose I'll start with the basics rather than beating around bushes, dearie. I am indeed the Dark One and was summoned to this realm against my will by an ambitious dullard named Gaston LeGume and who is, according to Belle, Avonlea's court mage Haldor Tvon." Demeer paled. It had always been the duty of the Grand Mage to assign a court mage for each kingdom. He and his predecessors had taken pride in it, it had never been something to take lightly and only the most capable had ever been given such a prestigious position. Demeer had sent Haldor Tvon to Avonlea and the du Marchand family shortly after he'd become Grand Mage – how had he misjudged Tvon so? "Apparently Gaston has some ridiculous idea that he can enslave me to use as his own personal assassin. He's tried it before but accidentally summoned an acquaintance of mine instead because I used spacial magic on him."

"Do you have any evidence to corroborate your story? Accusing the son of a duke and a respected mage is quite an accusation."

"I witnessed their previous attempts, sir." Explained Belle. "I saw Rumple's friend be sucked into this realm. Jefferson and his hat must now be in this city." She took a breath. "Gaston attempted to use the enslavement ritual but Rumple's magic reflected the spell and now I wear the collar instead of him."

Demeer eyed Belle's collar and took a moment to mentally process the ramifications of such a young woman being bound to the Dark One. However, Belle didn't seem all that bothered by it, save for the obvious of course. The longer he looked at the chestnut-haired beauty, the more certain Demeer grew that he'd seen this young woman before. Her accent, it sounded so familiar.

"You look somewhat familiar, my dear, but I cannot seem to place you." Rumple had purposely not mentioned Belle's noble rank in front of the Valkyries and Leotomas knowing what it would cause. Demeer though, he didn't need it explaining for he figured it out a few seconds later after staring at those blue eyes a moment longer. Realization dawned on him. "Forgive my lack of memory, Your Highness, I did not recognize you at first."

Belle flashed a smile: nice to everybody was that girl. "That's really not needed, Grand Mage."

Quite frankly Rumple had taken just about all he could of niceties for one day, so he simply jumped back to the task at hand in that abrupt way of his.

"Can you get it off or not, dearie?"

A very odd demon lord was Rumpelstiltskin to Demeer. The Church would have him believe the Dark One to be an animalistic monster with no purpose other than to kill and carry out despicable machinations, a savage beast that should have been executed on sight. However, Demeer saw a set of scary eyes with no malice inside them; darkness, pain and misery, but no actual malice. Those of the Vita Tree insisted demon lords were a result of a lack of balance in Dreymyr, that the tensions and prejudices had birthed these concentrated evils and, frankly, Demeer had always been more inclined to believe their way of thinking than the Church's. The Mages Guild and Church had always had their problems in Bichelberger and, with his great-grandmother having been an elf, knew the level of poorly concealed loathing they had for any non-human. He refused to be a sheep, he would think for himself rather than letting old propaganda stories form his conclusions about the Dark One. Demeer suspected Gordana Aalto likely had the same way of thinking or she'd not have written to him in the first place.

"So," he began eventually. "You are the Dark One and are attempting to help Princess Belle?" The two men shared a glance for a moment. Were they to actually come to blows it wasn't quite clear who would win, logic dictated the Dark One would but one never knew. Just as Belle's mouth opened to support Rumple's character, Demeer continued. "I believe you. I can feel the dark energy radiating off you, it's dripping from every pore and, quite frankly, it is terrifying. However, I feel only power, not hostility and Princess Belle has no fear of you despite that collar. In fact, she's been subconsciously leaning closer to you this entire time. This little girl of yours is unharmed, healthy and happy, so I will believe your story, Rumpelstiltskin. Yes, I shall aid in removing the enslavement collar. I shall look for a solution personally."

"I want access to your library vault too. I need to find a way back to my realm."

"The Chief Commander's letter already requested that and I agreed. You may have access to the Arcane University's library. Those tomes are likely the only ones capable of helping you return home." Demeer folded his fingers into a pyramid then so he could rest his chin atop them. "That said, according to what we know of you, you like bargains."

Rumple smirked while Belle sighed because he really liked his deals. Whomever had been the Dark One that all Dreymyr's legends talked about had probably had much the same thought processes as Rumple himself. Keeping magic balanced was always the best option, so a deal entered into freely was a perfect scale. That or the previous Dark One had just figured it a quick and easy method of gathering information on Dreymyr and how to leave.

"What do you want, dearie?" He questioned with amusement in his unique eyes.

"Nothing all that arduous." Demeer assured. "Train with the Valkyriess to drastically improve their dark magic defence. That is all. Captain Federlord is a strong, capable warrior though she is still very young and her magic level isn't as high as one would expect. As for the Vice-Captain – well, let us just say she thinks there is nothing else for her to learn. I can't let the opportunity of training with an actual demon lord be passed up." Rumple made a show of thinking it over while Belle watched on curiously and Amicia stared out the window at the city. "In exchange I shall permit you access to the restricted section of the library and, as an added incentive, I shall collect the man with the strange hat for you."

That had Rumple snap to attention. "Deal."

Through Demeer his tasks had been streamlined and would hopefully fall into place quickly. The Grand Mage nodded in agreement then leaned slightly to the side so he could call out toward the large doors opposite his desk. He summoned both the pantherian and human Valkyries back inside where the human tried to burn a hole in the back of Rumple's head with her glare. It was obvious just how desperately she wanted to lop his head from his neck with that claymore of hers.

"Vice-Captain Stonecrop, would you kindly deploy a unit to track down that dark-haired man with the unusual hat who keeps trying to gain admittance and bring him here, please." Though phrased as a question, it certainly wasn't one.

Most respectable soldiers would have responded with a 'right away, sir' or something of that ilk, but Rumple figured out rather quickly that this Cynthia Stonecrop felt herself superior to those around her in every way. Rumple wasn't naïve, he knew them finding level-headed people willing to make their own decisions in positions of power like Gordana Aalto and Maximilian Demeer was extremely good fortune rather than anything else, but this Stonecrop woman, this harridan in the making, would likely be trouble; the pretty pantherian he was undecided on.

"I thought he was some insane drunk."

Rumple chuckled in that disturbing way he had. "Oh, he's insane, dearie, but not drunk."

Demeer cleared his throat. "As I say, bring him to me." Cynthia nodded then departed after throwing one more disgusted glare at the Dark One. Demeer's attention turned to the white-haired pantherian with the most lovely green eyes Rumple had ever seen. "Captain Federlord, there is no denying this man is the demon lord known as the Dark One. However, Rumpelstiltskin has kindly agreed to train with you and the other Valkyries to strengthen your defence against dark magic. Please be courteous to him and Princess Belle."

"Are you certain it is safe to just accept a demon lor- Wait! Princess?!" Those green eyes went wide. In an instant Phria had bowed low causing her long ponytail to fall over her shoulders and her white tail seemed ramrod straight. "Forgive me and Vice-Captain Stonecrop, Your Highness."

Belle waved her off as Rumple admired Phria's flowing white hair, he almost wanted to reach out and touch it.

"There's no need for the formalities. Belle is fine, really."

Frankly Belle hadn't ever really been fond of the titles. Until Gaston had come along with his vicious plan and swapped all her maids, even they had just called her Belle.

"Rumpelstiltskin, please go to the training ground with Captain Federlord, when the Vice-Captain returns with your friend, I will have you all taken to the library vault."

"Fine."

Rumple waved him off, it seemed acceptable to him and the sooner this so-called training was done, the better.

The Valkyries were an all-female unit of soldiers under the control of the Mages Guild and therefore Demeer himself. They weren't to be sneered at, each one was a powerful warrior that wouldn't go down easily. Still, Rumple was the Dark One rather than the imposter demon lords they'd fought before, and would have no trouble snapping their necks.

As they followed the white-haired pantherian through the building Amicia chatted with Belle sweetly, but Rumple saw the sideways glances Phria gave him whenever she thought he couldn't see her. Unlike the Stonecrop woman, Phria didn't appear openly hostile or stabby-stabby, but there was clear distrust in those lovely green eyes. He couldn't blame her for her lack of trust of course, he'd have felt the same in her position, but she didn't shy away from him or shudder in silent fear; Rumple admired Phria for that.

After a short walk and a second trip on the floating sigil, they stepped out into a vast courtyard with a fountain in the centre heated by the warm afternoon sun. Numerous different species wandered around with a pleasing lack of conflict, some as young as Belle, others with deep wrinkles and gray hair. Mage students and staff going about there day and Phria had chosen to walk a monster such as himself right passed them; either she thought she could take him alone, or had too much faith in the words of her Grand Mage. They moved away from the people through a narrow gate in a stone wall with Azzy traipsing along behind them. This area wasn't like the courtyard, not in the slightest. The area had been flattened to create a clear training area upon which a few other Valkyries sparred but, other that that, the place was desolate and quiet. In the very centre stood a smaller two-story building which had a crest Rumple nor Belle recognized above the door. As soon as they entered Phria threw her arms out and spun around proudly.

"Welcome to the home of the Valkyries. Five hundred and sixty-four of the strongest female warriors from all the kingdoms."

"A school with its own army, how quaint."

He'd meant it as a quip but Phria's response sounded like she was used to people looking down on her.

"We prefer guards, army makes us sound like the Knightly Order."

"Not a fan, dearie?"

Later, after night had fallen and it had started raining, Rumple would ask himself why the hell he'd taken an interest in this woman's life, she wasn't of any importance to him after all.

"I'm a pantherian, so no." Belle smiled softly, the slightly older woman's – twenty maybe – blunt nature reminded her a little of Gordana. "This way, please."

They made their way to a spiral staircase to descend down deep under the Valkyrie building and, for a split second, Rumple was reminded of the vaults under the Adventurers Guild: no fancy floating circles for the Valkyries. Every now and again they'd come to a new floor filled with proficient women all dressed in cobalt until they reached the very bottom.

"Like Snow White with a better outfit and less frivolity." He mumbled to himself, hadn't actually realized he'd spoken aloud until Phria questioned it.

"What is a Snow White?"

"A who, dearie. A precocious princess determined to be with her true love." He sing-songed disturbingly.

Phria did her best to ignore the beast and instead continued to guide them, occasionally they'd pass more women dressed in one of the three variations of the cobalt armor and soon Belle took his hand and leaned against him to whisper while Azzy assured Amicia didn't wander off.

"So, you like the uniform, do you? Maybe I should join the Valkyries."

Her teasing had him tense as his mind flooded with the mental image of her dressed in Phria's leather armor; somehow practical yet feminine all at the same time. Rumple had no desire to admit he liked the uniform, or that he still had a quiet voice in the back of his head telling him to pet Phria's soft ears. Although, Belle could always see through him so just continued to smile up at him teasingly. The fact he didn't instantly feel the need to snap at her and deny what she'd said should have surprised him much more than it did; the way his curse's evil had been practically non-existent since his summoning was glaringly obvious to him, but Rumple couldn't bring himself to care, not when he felt so much lighter having had that voice shut up.

The Dark One was suddenly sucked out of his thoughts when Phria stopped to quickly pass some orders to a woman with a side braid much like Belle's own. This Valkyrie had carried a bow on her back and didn't even glance at Rumple or his party – 'Is it a party?' Rumple asked himself. 'Or are we family now?'

Finally they reached a big square doorway that Phria pushed open without issue and stepped aside for the others to enter first. Beyond the door was an exceptionally large room with flagstones and pillars holding up the ridiculously high ceiling. They might have travelled down multiplet flights of stairs but the room was so tall that each side of the room had large windows between the supporting beams. An ogre surely could have stood in the centre with ease. Several benches had been placed around the room as if ready to hold spectators, but it was the sigils carved into the pillars Rumple noticed above all else. This really was quite the training room.

"This is the training room we use for magic sparring. It's down here to contain blasts and magical misfires."

Rumple hummed. "Yes, I can tell from all the warding, dearie."

Behind them several women entered the vast room, maybe thirty of them, all guided by the Valkyrie with the braid Phria had spoken to on their way down. Amicia seemed excited to see what was going on but Belle and Rumple remained somewhat more reserved.

"I brought Ariadne and the others as you requested, Captain."

"Thank you, Isadora." To answer Rumple's silent question, Phria gestured to her subordinates. "These are the Valkyries not currently dispatched or about to go on guard duty. The Grand Mage believes you can improve our abilities because you are the Dark One -" Half the room erupted in gasps while the other half reached for their weapons as hostilities rose dramatically. If one of them was stupid enough to try something he'd teleport himself, Belle, Amicia and Azzy right back to Demeer's office and throttle him. " - Stand down!" Fortunately the other Valkyries obeyed but Rumple could tell everybody in that room expected a war. Phria might have been young, certainly no more than twenty-four, but she didn't fear him and drew her sword in one smooth motion. Crimson steel judging by the color, very well made and certainly sharp; the Lyrelockets would probably have been keen to take a look. "I wish to know your skill before I unleash you on my Valkyries, Rumpelstiltskin. Hit me with your best shot."

By this point, Rumple and Belle had both guessed Phria's confidence to mostly be for show, which was odd since she didn't seem to fear the demon lord in front of her. Was it possible she feared her own soldiers?

Rumple slipped off his coat, handed it to Amicia then ushered his newfound family to a safe distance, before he rolled his shoulders and faced Phria fully.

"Maybe a medium shot. I am the First Demon Lord after all."

Had he rather taken to that title? Yes, yes he had. Had he denied it he'd have been lying. Deal Maker, Beast, Crocodile, Spinner, Trickster, Imp, there had been so many aliases for him over the years, but First Demon Lord just had a certain ring to it the others couldn't hope for. Rumple hadn't ever desired to be a lord or king, but he liked the prestigious sound in Dreymyr's term for him.

Phira may have been more polite than her Vice-Captain, but that didn't prevent her from making assumptions, part of her surely still thought him little more than a mad mage despite the Grand Mage's certainty and a princess at his side. To be perfectly honest, Rumple wanted to see what this little kitten was capable of just as much as she did him. Without his immortality and his power the coward inside him surely would have forced Rumple to flee, to hide away in some shadow where the powerful warrior couldn't have found him, but Rumple did have his magical power so he feared nothing. Phria took up her stance.

"Whenever you're ready, dearie."

"I am Captain Federlord, not your dearie."

That was his only warning before the pantherian launched at him, her attacks were quick, controlled and precise but ultimately child's play for him to dodge. Her level of control reminded him of Prince Charming, but with many more years of practice than that farm boy had gotten. Rumple dodged over and over, delighted in watching her movements and the way her ears would twitch to his new position each time he dodged before her head turned, the slight sag in her white tail each time she missed him. Clearly his games had angered her because Phria's attacks suddenly came faster than even he'd been prepared to expect; this was the advantage of being a pantherian, the agility no other species could utilize. Rather than flamboyantly skirting to the side away from her blade, Rumple used magic to transport himself across the room in a puff of smoke, and that, that was the moment each and every Valkyrie finally understood he really was the Dark One: only demon lords could use spacial magic after all.

He grinned at Phria when she turned: this had actually turned out to be fun for him. "Lesson one: Never expect a demon lord to play fair, dearie."

"Stop calling me that!"

She might have sounded irritated and gone straight back to attacking him, but Rumple could see the small upturn at the corner of her lips and the twinkle in those lovely emeralds of hers; Phria had just as much fun as himself. Anger didn't guide her attacks nor did exhilaration, instead each fluid movement was carefully calculated to the point that, were he a lesser mage, he'd have already been on his back. Rumple made to dodge yet another swing only to feel a spark of magic and suddenly her short sword was on the other side of him which forced Rumple to block it with his forearm rather than dodge. A spell, she'd used whatever spell was in that crimson steel, some kind of mirage or phantom. Sensing her first opening, Phria pulled out a dagger only for Rumple to knock it away swiftly, but he had felt the heat of a second imbued spell. If the beautiful pantherian wanted to play with fire then Rumple would happily oblige her. In an instant he'd formed a fire ball; small but concentrated just enough to hurt without maiming. Phria backed off and threw up a barrier similar to Demeer's but with significantly less power, and the fireball smashed right through it. Rumple couldn't remember the last time he'd had so much fun, probably back when Bae had been a small boy and they'd played together.

Phria's skill was commendable – it suddenly dawned on him Demeer had probably intended for all the Valkyries to collectively see what he was capable of and that he meant them no harm despite his power. Oh, Maximilian Demeer was a smart one. His momentary distraction lulled Phria into thinking she had the upper hand but no, and dodging again sounded boring, so he pulled the sword from a Valkyrie's hip to block the incoming blow. With a grin he kicked Phria at the hip hard enough to knock her to the ground, then planted the sword tip between his feet and smirked knowing she'd been defeated.

"I win, darling. Well done though."

While Amicia clapped happily for her papa's victory, he dropped the sword: whoever it belonged to could fetch it at their leisure. Phria pulled herself onto her knees then planted one foot firmly in front of her with a fist over her heart. Rumple raised an eyebrow, as did most of the Valkyries.

"Allow me to call you master?" Rumple's expression was a perfect visual display of the phrase 'say what now?' "Please train the Valkyries. Only now do I realize how woefully unprepared we all are for if another demon lord should appear. Ravavena was defeated long before any of us were born, we have never actually faced a demon lord."

"Master?" He'd not liked that word when Belle had used it either.

Phria nodded. "You are unrivalled, it should be respected and revered. If you are to teach us, then you are my master." Well, she'd gone from one extreme to another. Instead of the distrust he'd seen earlier, Rumple now only saw awe and intrigue in her polished emeralds. He quickly commanded her to her feet because she was freaking him out. Phria sheathed her sword then retrieved her dagger before looking back at him. "How do you wish to train us, Master? I assume you have your own preferences."

Though the urge to leave the room and never return was strong, Rumple had made a deal with Demeer and it had to be honored. Over by one of the pillars he could see Belle hiding quiet giggles behind her hand, apparently his discomfort was amusing to her.

Rumple sighed. "From what I discussed with Demeer, he wanted your magic defence and resilience boosted rather than your skill with blades." He thought for a moment, perhaps these women would benefit from the same lessons he'd given Regina in the beginning. "How about this: order your ladies into groups of six. You can throw whatever you like at me but I will do the same. Your task isn't to cut me down, it's to put up so much of a fight that you're not worth the effort. Your soldiers might not be able to kill a demon lord, but I'll teach you to dissuade one from trying to kill you."

It was like ants really; they took down significantly larger creatures by working together and making fleeing the most viable option, the easiest and least effort-consuming option. He'd not met the other three demon lords nor did he know their powers, but this seemed like as good a place to start as any.

"Send him off to lick his wounds? Is that all you think us capable of?" One of the humans at the front of Valkyries grumbled.

"Enough, Theano." Phria insisted, that confidence was back. "Master's training style will force us to adapt and function better as a unit."

The pantherian got right to work dividing everybody up while Rumple wondered just how he'd gotten himself in this situation. Amicia pulled Belle and Azzy to sit on one of the long benches clearly delighted to see her papa spar more, and Rumple thought her adorable. It occurred to him then that they'd not actually assessed Amicia's magic level; a terrible oversight. Surely there had to be one of those crystal books somewhere in the Arcane University.

Rumple spent the next four hours training the female soldiers who were all exceptionally skilled. For the most part they fended him off pretty well but he kept winning of course. Eventually though the Vice-Captain returned from her errand and a clerk informed them they'd been requested in the Grand Mage's office. Jefferson! Demeer had found him the damn Hatter!

Rumple didn't wait for another utterance, just gathered his girls and the waheela then magicked them back to Demeer's office in a puff of smoke.

Chapter Text

With a display of imposing flamboyant flare for the dramatic Rumple, Belle, Amicia and Azzy appeared in the centre of Demeer's large office. The Grand Mage sat at his desk with his fingers rested in a pyramid and his chin perched atop them much as the last time they'd seen him, but he went totally ignored as soon as Rumple laid eyes on a clearly Jefferson shape sitting in one of the guest chairs with his back to him: Leotomas by the door went as equally ignored.

Rumple buried his glee for the sake of his reputation. Finally, finally he'd found a piece of his realm. Finally he'd found the Hatter. Finally going home looked like a real possibility rather than just a desire or a plan. Rumple couldn't let that show on his face though, so bury it he did.

"About time you showed your face, Hatter."

Jefferson spun around, his hat on the desk and amazement in his eyes as a big smile spread across his face. Jefferson apparently felt much as Rumple did but didn't hide it as well. In half a second Jefferson had Rumple snared in his arms happy to see a familiar face, even if it was the Dark One's, and confirm Rumple to be real rather than wishful thinking. The hug took all by surprise, especially Rumple himself.

"You have no idea how happy I am to see you, Rumple." He breathed out. "I'd started to think I was alone here."

"You and me both, dearie. Let go."

"Yeah, right. Sorry." Having realized just how tightly he'd clung to the shorter man, Jefferson finally released him and took a step backward as he ran a hand down his face. "My magic doesn't work properly here, Rumple. I can travel through my hat but only to places in this realm, places I've already been to. Every time I try to return to the Enchanted Forest or the Land Without Color or, hell, even damn Wonderland, it's like I hit an invisible wall. I just bounce back."

Rumple let out a long hum while Demeer quietly watched the proceedings. "Yes, I've had the same trouble. This realm's magic is so different to what we're used to that your hat and my curse, have pieces which don't function here."

While the two men spoke quickly but coherently about their magic issues, what they'd encountered and how they'd each found their way to Bichelberger, Belle watched Jefferson quietly. He was definitely the same man she'd seen summoned by Tvon's spell, but he seemed thinner than before, he'd not faired as well alone in Dreymyr as Rumple had; then again, he' been alone. Jefferson wore the same black outfit as well but it had faded a little and had clearly been repaired at the shoulder at least once.

Amicia tugged on Rumple's sleeve then to draw his attention downward; he lifted her up into his arms.

"Papa, who is he?"

"This is Jefferson, he's quite mad."

That got the child to chuckle, but Jefferson paled now he'd finally noticed her, a pain settled in his eyes.

"Papa? You adopted an elf?" He spoke mostly to himself. "I miss Grace."

Grace, that was a new name Belle hadn't heard Rumple mention before and Jefferson had said it with such … sorrow.

"Who is Grace?" Belle's curiosity made her ask.

"His daughter."

Daughter? That one word caused Belle's heart to ache. Tvon and Gaston may have set all the wheels in motion, but Belle had played her part in summoning Jefferson to Dreymyr. She'd stolen a man from his child.

"I've been here so many months, Rumple. I don't even know how long. Grace is all alone." Jefferson fretted with desperation in his watery eyes. "I have to go back! She probably thinks I'm dead."

Rumple nodded. "I understand entirely. Now that there are two of us and we have access to the University's library, we stand a significantly better chance of deciphering a way of returning to the Enchanted Forest."

Amicia wrapped her arms around Rumple's neck to help him better support her, he was always so warm and comforting to her.

For the first time since Rumple and his party had appeared in his office, Demeer broke into the conversation; he leaned back in his chair with the afternoon light around his brown hair like a halo.

"As promised, I've already started looking into the issue with the Princess' enslavement collar, but so far have learned nothing to aid you. I will have Leotomas take you to the library vault while I continue to find a solution. I wish to speak with some colleagues – I suspect Sebas Emmot will have some bright idea, he usually does." Demeer cleared his throat. "I may have to consult some of the city's slave traders as well."

Belle smiled softly. "Thank you for trying, Grand Mage."

In Belle's mind any help was better than nothing, so she'd be grateful for it.

"Of course, Princess Belle." He looked passed them to the excessively tall black man. "Leotomas, please take them to the library vault now."

The werewolf nodded and obeyed, he politely led them out of the office and off toward the vast library which was sure to be full of treasures. As they walked Rumple couldn't help noticing the way Jefferson lingered a little too close to him, but Rumple found he couldn't really bring himself to say anything about it. Jefferson had found a way back to Grace and wouldn't be convinced to let it go easily. Rumple and Jefferson were very different men, but were exactly the same when it came to the lengths they'd go to in order to protect their children: Rumple squeezed Amicia tight unconsciously.

They stepped inside the main library to find it spilling over with books, the afternoon light poured in from high windows while sconces lit the shadowy areas. Though the ceiling was high and ornate, it looked like any other library in Rumple's opinion, it was just the opening to the vault hidden underneath. Down a narrow staircase lay a large stone door bound in chains with wards carved into them.

Jefferson lifted his eyebrows. "This place is locked down tighter than Excalibur. Who are you trying to keep out?"

"Ogres, the Thieves Guild, House of Red Coats and -" Leotomas turned his dark eyes to Rumple. "- demon lords."

Rumple snickered as he finally set Amicia down on her little feet. "And here I am about to waltz on in. You should mark it in your calendar."

"The day the Mages Guild and the Dark One work together, we already have."

That only had Rumple chuckle again before Leotomas turned to the barred door. It took several minutes to release the wards, each one broken caused a large chain to collapse to the ground with a heavy thud powerful enough to snap tree trunks in half. Belle and Amicia watched with awe while Jefferson, Rumple and Azzy remained unfazed. The Arcane University didn't take its security lightly.

It was then that Rumple felt that odd draw of dark magic once more, the same one he'd felt when he'd first entered the city. He'd have pondered the drifting magic longer but Jefferson's voice drew his mind away.

"I've been trying to get in here since I heard about it, thought I'd get some answers, but you lot all thought I was a kook or spy."

Leotomas made no apologies. "We have a lot of strangers use fantastical stories to gain access, all had theft on their minds. The Dark One is who gave your story validity."

The last chain broke and toppled down to the ground admitting them into the library vault. Sconces topped with delicate balls of yellow-white light illuminated the further the went until, with a sudden whoosh, all the sconces and chandelier surged to life revealing an expansive underground library that just went on forever punctuated by countless bookshelves. Belle lit up: a beautiful sight Rumple watched out the corner of his eye.

"It's huge! I could read forever."

Nobody doubted that Belle would give that a damn good go given half the chance; didn't matter what sort of book she found, Belle would read it. Leotomas guided them to one of the larger reading tables close to the appropriate section of dark magic informational tomes, he gestured lightly to them.

"These books have been collected over centuries regarding demon lords and their dark magic. Please explore at your leisure while I gather books pertaining to summoning and magic circles."

So they did. Rumple, Belle nor Jefferson really knew what they were looking for exactly, but suspected they'd know it when they saw it. The men set to work while Belle alternated between helping and correcting Amicia's reading; she'd truly thrown herself into learning to read and write.

Before they knew it several hours had passed, night had fallen outside, the streets had grown quiet and rain fell heavily from the sky. There would be more rain as they entered the latter half of the year and, with more of a chill, Rumple would need to acquire Amicia and Belle some warmer clothing.

After their hours of reading, books littered the large table, some lay open while others had been stacked off to one side to be later returned to their shelves. Amicia's eyes had grown heavy, Azzy had long since curled up for a nap and Rumple's eyes stung from gazing at the tiny text.

"I think I finally understand why my hat hasn't been working properly." Began Jefferson with one hand on the pages of an open book while the other had curled into a fist for him to rest his chin on. "Since magic is based on five elements, anything outside of those elements is automatically classified as dark magic which seems to be an element of its own." Rumple made to comment something along the lines of 'you've only just figured that out' but he managed to refrain thanks to what Jefferson said next. "That darkness dragon created something called spacial magic which is how my hat and your power are still functioning but only by the rules of this realm."

All dark magic in Dreymyr seemed to constantly trace back to that darkness dragon one way or another and Rumple found himself with the question of whether the dragon had been born in Dreymyr or summoned like himself and Jefferson.

Rumple turned his attention to Belle. "That dragon is involved with the Sons of Rael, yes?"

"Yes," Belle said as she poked her head out from behind a particularly large book. "Isra was Rael's father only defeated when the other Cardinal Dragons intervened which let the Hero slay him."

Jefferson didn't like the idea of an evil cult running around in the shadows on top of everything else, but they'd be a problem for another day.

"Why are you whacking a the on the front of hero?" Jefferson's brow furrowed.

"They're appointed by the Church as warriors with almost impossibly high magic levels." Belle explained. "They're supposedly chosen by Drazva to fight against evil in times of upheaval but one hasn't been selected in decades."

"Hmm, sounds like a Savior." Rumple muttered quietly to himself. "Worry not for the limitations placed on our magic, Jefferson. I have most of the northern cities along the northern Trade Road and I suspect you have many of the southern cities. Between us we have ready access to most of the central continent."

Belle's head tilted. "Do you think the reason your hat and magic isn't working properly also has to do with why you can't return to the Enchanted Forest?"

"The two are likely connected, sweetheart, but I don't think one caused the other."

Leotomas returned with yet more books then, his muscular arms doing their best to prevent the tall stack collapsing onto the floor. Amicia kindly shoved some of the open books aside to make space he was thankful for. Without hesitation Jefferson quickly stretched to snatch the top book only to snap his arm back when a spark of electricity shocked him causing his muscles to go numb a moment.

"These are warded against dark magic users." Leotomas responded simply. "I or Princess Belle will need to go through these tomes for you."

"I'm really classed as a dark magic user here then," Jefferson sighed. "Lovely. Does this make me an unofficial fifth demon lord?"

The werewolf thought Dreymyr had more than enough demon lords already.

"Welcome to team evil, Hatter." Rumple chuckled as he turned a page only for Belle to frown.

"Neither of you are evil."

Amicia nodded in firm agreement as she slipped from her chair to pull herself into Rumple's lap. "Papa's kind."

"Well, aren't you sweet."

Leotomas ignored the Dark One smiling down at his adopted daughter and instead devoted his attention to searching through the ancient warded books. Thick layers of dust had formed on their covers, the pages were cracked in the corners while others threatened to fall apart entirely. The monetary value of them couldn't possibly be quantified, but their price was nothing compared to secrets and counsel they possessed. The Grand Mage might have been convinced aiding Rumpelstiltskin to be the correct course of action, but Leotomas remained reserved. The Dark One appeared to be non-hostile and willing to work in harmony with them, but Ravavena had done a similar thing only to slaughter for amusement. With that in mind, Leotomas reserved his right to be dubious about the offer of synergy. However, he would forever be loyal to the Grand Mage and complete his orders.

"Most of this text appears to be creature summons," commented Leotomas after a while. "I shall keep searching though."

Belle looked between the three men then sighed and closed her book. "They're not going to say it, so I shall. Thank you for your help, Mister Shadowhyve."

Her sweet words cracked the black man's standoffish mask long enough for him to smile down at her kindly; Belle could break through anybody's defences.

"Leotomas, please. And you are quite welcome. I must admit, I've been the Grand Mage's adjutant since he took over from Abraham Mossmorris and nothing this interesting has ever happen."

With a hard task ahead of them, they all turned back to their books while Amicia tried her best not to slip off to sleep.

~X~

Gordana Aalto sat in her office going over the exorbitant pile of paperwork the day-to-day workings of the Guild caused when her peaceful quiet was cut short when William, head of the receptionists, threw open her office door with such force that it bounced off the stone wall. Gordana's brow furrowed deeply with anger but, before she could say a word, William practically screamed information out at her.

"His Majesty is here! He wants to speak with you, Chief Commander. Now."

Anger was instantly replaced by shock as her mouth went dry.

"K-King? King Artem is here?"

William nodded frantically. "Yes, the King himself."

She needed a moment to take all of that in but, with King Artem waiting, she couldn't let herself have that moment. Instead of dawdling, Gordana quickly instructed William to show His Majesty in. As soon as the white-haired king entered, William politely closed the door behind him and Gordana knelt respectively.

"Your Majesty, you honor me with your presence. I would have come to you, there was no need for you to trouble yourself, Sire."

Artem waved Gordana's comments off and found himself a leather armchair to perch in; the stress of the last few weeks had left him tired.

"Please dispense with pleasantries and stand, Chief Commander, for I believe we cannot spare the time." Gordana obeyed and rose to her feet before King Artem. "Something strange is going on in Dreymyr and I want to get to the bottom of it."

"I do not understand, Your Majesty."

Gordana had dealt with much strangeness over the last half year; more monster attacks than previous years, the Sons of Rael down in the Osgar Hall Caverns, talk of a sea monster lurking in the War Cry Sea that even the Valkyrie Naval Unit hadn't managed to unravel yet, and, of course, there was the arrival of Rumpelstiltskin the True Demon Lord. Unfortunately, she'd need the King to be more specific.

"I hear a great many things that go on within my kingdom, Chief Commander, and I make a point to know as much as I can in order to serve my people." Artem thought he really was getting too old for this, Prince Gottfried would soon take the Dorovothi throne though. "I hear you have a most unusual battlemage in your Guild and, to be perfectly frank, I think he has something to do with that strangeness." She swallowed giving herself away. "You will tell me of him and you will leave nothing out."

"Yes, Your Majesty." Honestly she should have expected something like this; should have expected having the Dark One running around wouldn't go unnoticed forever. The only real surprising bit was that Artem had come to speak with her himself. "… Quite some time ago now a demon and his half-elf slave arrived and requested to register with us. The half-elf girl is a tamer with a fairly low level, lower than most with elven blood. The demon though, when we measured him the crystal exploded." Artem lifted a white eyebrow. "I've never seen someone that powerful before but he wasn't hostile and treated his slave with a level of respect not regularly seen and …" She trailed off lamely.

"Speak."

"And he readily admitted to being the Dark One. Nobody would claim to be him in their right mind, but Rumpelstiltskin was over level one hundred and I saw him slit his own throat without taking damage. I had no choice but to believe what he said. I understand you must think me reckless, Your Majesty, but he is not like the Church's stories, the half-elf fully supported him and he has completed quests better than any other of my adventurers. I created a new rank for him called double gold and classed him as a battlemage. The entire time I've known Rumpelstiltskin he has completed all his quests without issue and even shut down a pocket of the Sons of Rael using the caves under the Limestone as a hideout."

"Those insane cultists still live?"

Gordana nodded. "It would seem so, my King."

"They will be a problem for another time."

"May I speak freely, Your Majesty? I'm fully aware I've likely lost any faith you had in me as the Chief Commander of the Adventurers Guild, but please allow me the chance to speak plainly."

"I was under the impression you already were, but go ahead."

"Thank you. I – I know he is the First Demon Lord and every legend insists he's a savage monster like the other demon lords, but … Rumpelstiltskin is not evil. He has done far more good than harm. He isn't like Ravavena with her sweet words and hidden plans. Rumpelstiltskin just wants to find his friend and return home. There is no plot to cease control of the realm, no evil machination nor chaos he intends to spread."

One word got the old king's attention. "Friend?"

"A man named Jefferson with a unique hat; a tall cylindrical thing which he is apparently never without. Rumpelstiltskin said those who summoned him to Dreymyr against his will somehow managed to accidentality summon this Jefferson person beforehand. I got word a man fitting that description was headed for Bichelberger and Rumpelstiltskin took his party after him to the Arcane University."

Artem nodded while quietly calculating and sorting a timeline out inside his mind. Gordana worried her lip, King Artem was known for his wisdom and kindness, but she'd hidden the presence of the Dark One from everybody; if she'd misjudged him then all the kingdoms wouldn't just fall, they'd burn.

"This half-elf you spoke of, it's Princess Belle, isn't it?"

Gordana gulped, that was another thing she'd hidden without much hesitation. "Yes, Your Majesty. She wears an enslavement collar due to a magical misfire which is why she's accompanying him. Princess Belle assures me she was not being mistreated and begged me to keep her secret, I sensed no magic clouding her mind, so I did as she asked. Until you, of course." This honestly had started to look rather dark for Gordana, she may well have been digging herself a hole to die in or left sleeping in a gutter by nightfall while someone else moved into her office: Lou Westing probably would have been selected, they'd been gunning for her job for years now. "This may not be a popular opinion, Your Majesty, but Rumpelstiltskin is good for this realm despite being a demon lord. Truthfully, I have come to think of him as- as a friend."

Artem looked the brunette woman over: she'd been in her position for just over a decade if he remembered correctly and not once had there been issue, scandal or complaint beyond those from snobbish nobles who'd been seeking to further their own reputation. Gordana did indeed possess good judgement, but she'd told quite a different story in regards to Rumpelstiltskin's personality than Baelfire had.

"You're right, that's not a very popular opinion. However, you have no reason to lie to me and have run this guild with grace for many years. If it is the opinion one as intelligent as yourself has formed, then I shall take it under advisement." Artem shuffled in his chair. "Now, should any quests come from Kalecaster Castle, specifically from Gaston LeGume, you inform me before placing the quest. You will also inform me as soon as the Dark One and Princess Belle return, understood?"

"Completely, Your Majesty."

"Good. Should I have any other tasks for you, I will contact you via a communication crystal." Out from his robes came a small round mirror approximately the size of his palm that he handed to Gordana. "That will be all, Chief Commander."

"Of course, Sire."

Unsure of what else to say to her surprisingly calm King, Gordana watched him leave only to slump into her desk chair as an exhausted sigh escaped her and let her head to fall back. If King Artem knew the Dark One had returned to Dreymyr then it wouldn't be long until the Church and rest of the realm learned of it. With the Church would come uproar, but Rumple had no intention of becoming their new overlord or murdering the mortal species for his own amusement. Demon lord worshipers would surely attempt to flock to him as well, but Gordana knew he'd send them packing quickly enough. Rumple had found himself some strong allies in herself and the Grand Mage, maybe he'd find another ally in King Artem as well. She saw that working with the Dark One would benefit everybody, Gordana just hoped the rest of the realm could be convinced of the same.

Chapter Text

Bae sat at a small circular table inside Bruckstone Castle – the royal palace located in Gorasitz – to eat his fill. King Artem might have ruled an entire kingdom, but he'd been nothing but kind and caring toward Bae which was something the boy wasn't quite used to. Artem had listened to everything he'd told him of how he'd ended up in yet another new realm and shown genuine concern for his fellow king and a princess named Belle, that was what had ked Bae to conclude Artem to be a decent human being he was probably safe with. Neither knew why precisely the Dark One had been forcibly summoned to Dreymyr, but both adult and child were smart enough to know it couldn't have been anything good. So, since he had nowhere better to run off to and food wasn't always readily available in Neverland, Bae filled his belly quietly.

A man entered then, tall with a beard, long moustache and wild ginger hair; those eyes though, they could probably stare even a dragon down. He stopped dead upon seeing Bae and cocked his head to the side curiously.

"And where did you come from, boy?"

Bae sighed, he'd truly grown tired of that question. "People keep asking me that."

"These are the King's chambers, you shouldn't be in here."

King Artem entered then with a maid in tow, he scooted around the ginger and slowly approached the table Bae ate at.

"Indeed they are, Gottfried, which is why he is perfectly welcome." The old man gestured between Bae and the ginger. "Gottfried, this is my guest Baelfire. Baelfire, this is my son and heir, Prince Gottfried."

Prince? Bae had thought him a some sort of guard since he wasn't dressed all that elaborately. In an instant he'd dropped the piece of fruit halfway to his mouth and shuffled off his chair to bow his head respectfully; King Artem might have been kind and understanding, but that didn't mean his son would be as well.

"No need for that, Bae." Artem patted his back and ushered Bae to stand straight. "As I said, you're my guest. Please go with the maid. Lana will get you a bath and some proper clothes. I promise your meal will be waiting for you when you return."

A bath and fresh clothing did sound wonderful, and he could sense the two men wanted to speak about him without Bae there, so he obeyed and followed Lana out of the room to give them their privacy. Father and son watched him go and, once the door was closed, Artem lowered his old body into a comfy chair and awaited his only son's inevitable opinion. A side effect of having a son as wise as himself was that Artem had to accept his son to be as opinionated as himself too.

"Father, I know you have always been fond of children, but where did you even find such an urchin? All you did was travel to St. Claes. Remarkably quickly, I might add."

Artem sighed, he longed to just be able to sit beside his beloved Lilianne as the fire crackled and read his books in peace.

"You remember the lack of contact I was having with Maurice?"

Gottfried nodded. "Of course I remember, Father, you have been most concerned. My daughter is becoming increasingly worried as well."

"Yes, Demelza is right to." Artem rubbed at his temples before he continued. "As you know, I went to Avonlea to speak with Maurice directly but … he isn't himself. Gaston LeGume is acting as though he's king, excuses are being made as to Belle's whereabouts and Maurice seems positively bespelled."

"Then where is Princess Belle and is Prince Lorrimer okay?" Gottfried's expression grew serious and deepened the lines in his face. "If this is the state of Avonlea, do you think Lord Gaston has done something to them? How could he have bespelled King Maurice?"

"Your guess is as good as mine, my boy. Lorrimer is ill in bed as usual and, though Belle is elsewhere, I have confirmed she is safe. Mostly anyway."

"Accusing a duke's son of staging a coup is a serious thing, Father, and it will need to be investigated. I suggest doing so quietly in order to avoid causing a scandal opportunists will surely flock toward. Although, I'm failing to see where that child fits into all of this."

"My boy, have I ever been the sort to sit on my hands? I started investigating the moment I departed St. Claes. I have come to understand that LeGume and Avonlea's Court Mage, Haldor Tvon, are at the centre of all this and have no care for the danger they're putting the realm in." Artem looked Gottfried dead in the eyes. "They have summoned the Dark One."

"No." Gottfried laughed it off, the very idea was ridiculous. "You expect me to believe that kid is the Dark One?"

Artem shook his head. "No, not him. Baelfire was summoned accidentally because LeGume and Tvon have lost track of the Dark One and are likely scrambling to lure him back. I've been gone all morning because I was meeting with Chief Commander Aalto of the Adventurers Guild. She informed me that the Dark One has been aiding her and serving as a law-abiding adventurer for several months now. In fact, she seems rather fond of him." Gottfried opened his mouth to protest such an insane story, but Artem simply continued to speak. "Belle is with him but does not seem to be under duress in the Chief Commander's opinion."

"So, not only has the Dark One, a scary story told to children, returned to Dreymyr, he's also stolen Princess Belle from her home and is … nice?" He slumped down into a chair opposite the King. "Father, what madness is this?"

"Nice does not strike me as the correct word, Gottfried, and, though it may sound mad, this appears to be the truth. We only have vague legends written by scared people to go off of and claims made by Church priests – Drazvan wasn't even a religion the last time the Dark One was here. The Chief Commander is a good judge of character and spoke of something good inside him, that Princess Belle had no fear of him. So, until I can form my own judgement, I shall heed the Chief Commander's view. Hastily formed opinions are surely faulted."

Gottfried let out a long breath and twirled his moustache absent-mindedly. "And that is why you are such a wise king, Father."

"You know I detest flattery, Gottfried. To answer your earlier question though, Baelfire was mistakenly summoned because he shares the Dark One's blood. Baelfire is his son."

"A demon lord with a child? How strange."

"Unlike the Chief Commander, Baelfire is less keen on his father, though he admits it has been many years since they last saw one another – I decided not to ask why. Regardless, keeping Baelfire here with us rather than leaving him in Avonlea's dungeons means LeGume, Tvon and whomever else is helping them, can't use him against the Dark One. While I am determined to get to the bottom of this situation, I am smart enough to realize that the First Demon Lord is powerful and probably capable of deceiving just about anybody, so I would rather him be grateful to us for protecting his son than angry we did nothing."

"You're showing Dorovoth to be useful and able to provide assistance while keeping us officially neutral should any of this reach the public. A logical course of action, Father, but should the Dark One prove himself just another beastly demon lord, how do you intend to defend the kingdom from his spite?"

Artem worried a frail hand through his white beard. "I honestly don't know, Gottfried, I'm not sure there would be a way. For now I am hoping Chief Commander Aalto's assessment of this Rumpelstiltskin is correct. While I am devoting my attention to this, I will need you to continue carrying out my duties for me. Consider it more practice for when your reign comes."

"If that is what you wish, Father." Gottfried nodded, he had little other choice anyway. "… Are you certain Princess Belle is all right? Demelza counts her as one of her closest friends and I'm not sure I could bear seeing the sadness in her eyes were something to happen to Princess Belle."

"I shan't lie to you and say she is out of harms way, but I have it on good authority that the Dark One is disinclined to hurt her. From what the Chief Commander tells me, he went so far as to buy her weapons and allow her to make a taming contract with a wolf."

A ginger eyebrow lifted. "This demon lord is strange."

"If strangeness is all we have to contend with, I shall be grateful." Artem gestured to the door. "Excuse me, Gottfried, I need to pen a letter to the Arcane University. I apologize for dumping my duties on you."

"Not a problem, Father."

With that, Gottfried stood and left the room so Artem could write his letter. When he'd entered his father's chambers, the Dark One being real and on the loose was the last thing he'd expected to be told. Resilience and mental fortitude were two things Prince Gottfried had always prided himself on but, stood in the hallway with nobody else around, he felt his hands shake. Halinox had been a puppeteer who'd used people as playthings, Ivosanch had wanted to take over all the kingdoms and subjugate the mortal races, while Ravavena had just caused chaos on an unimaginable scale. The Dark One, the original demon lord more powerful than the other three combined – Gottfried didn't want to think of the wasteland he could turn Dreymyr into.

~X~

Four days had passed since Rumple and the others had arrived in Bichelberger, four days of thumbing through every book they could find, four days of eye strain and an exceedingly disinterested Azzy with very little to show for their efforts. That occasional whiff of dark magic kept popping up but Rumple had long since ended his acknowledgement of it; just dark magical artefacts down in the vaults calling to a familiar power.

Despite having access to a library few could ever dream of, Belle had seized her chance to learn more about the Enchanted Forest, the Land Without Color and even Wonderland. Jefferson had been happy to answer her questions for the most part, he'd been equally curious about the unusual princess and little elf girl who called Rumple her papa. It was during that conversation that Belle finally made her apology for her part in yanking Jefferson into her realm and he realized why she'd looked so familiar to him. Part of Jefferson had wanted to blame Belle for separating him from Grace, wanted to shove all of it onto her shoulders since Gaston and Tvon were on the other side of Dreymyr, but ultimately Jefferson knew she'd been as forced into the situation as he was. Blaming Belle might have been easier but it wouldn't have been right, so, with a charming smile and after a moment to calm his thoughts, Jefferson had assured Belle he felt no ill-will toward her. Rumple had expected nothing less since none of it had been Belle's fault, but it had meant the world to Belle; had put her soul at ease.

With the tension out of the way, Jefferson and Belle had soon begun to joke with one another and Jefferson had even assisted in teaching Amicia to read. The dark-haired man had always liked children, they were the only true innocents in his mind and Amicia's glowing smile reminded him of Grace. Thank the gods Rumple had found him because until then, Jefferson had honestly thought he'd never see his little girl again.

Suddenly the silence was broken when Demeer stormed into the library vault so quickly that Azzy had snarled for a moment. There were bags underneath his eyes and his goatee wasn't quite as neat as normal, his brow was furrowed deeply and he grumbled to himself as he approached.

"… total moron. The Jade would be ashamed."

Leotomas flashed a concerned expression to the older man. "Is everything all right, Grand Mage?"

Demeer finally came to a stop at the head of the long table then leaned on it with his fists.

"I have spoken to twelve staff members and three slavers regarding the enslavement collar with no success. I've also read through a plethora of tomes on the topic to no avail." He straightened up. "Yet, as I sipped my tea, an idea occurred to me that the enslavement ritual can enslave a person or creature to more than one person." Demeer gestured loosely to the chestnut-haired beauty. "Princess Belle was meant to be the master but, since Rumpelstiltskin's power reflected it, I started to wonder if one can enslave themselves."

"Why would anyone bother?"

"Exactly, Leotomas, it is pointless and ridiculous so I doubt it has ever been tested." The Grand Mage turned his eyes to the Dark One. "Rumpelstiltskin, I assume you've attempted the usual method for releasing her?"

"Literally the first thing I tried, dearie, but it didn't take."

"Good." Demeer abruptly snapped his fingers as a smile spread across his face; he was onto something. "Would you release her again but, while you do, Princess Belle needs to release herself. It has to be at the same time."

The idea seemed rather unnatural, borderline risible really, but it was worth a shot so, after sparing a glance at one another, Rumple and Belle did as told and instantly the collar vanished without an ounce of fuss. Belle's hands shot up to her throat while Rumple and the others just stared at her in amazement. Months Rumple and Belle had been attempting to decipher how to get that damn collar off and then Demeer had solved it so simply?

"It was that easy the whole time?!" Belle exclaimed while Amicia stared at her neck with something akin to awe.

Demeer nodded. "So simple we all overlooked such a thing. I promised to find a way to free you and now you are."

"Thank you so much, truly."

"Didn't like being my slave, sweetheart?" Teased Rumple as he turned a page in his latest dusty book, Belle just smiled back at him.

"There are worse people to be enslaved to but I'd always rather be free."

Nobody could fault her for that; being enslaved by a merciful, relaxed master was still enslavement. That was why Rumple had hid his dagger so securely, he'd never let himself be another's slave.

Naked, a peculiar feeling of nakedness invaded Belle's mind now the collar was gone, like she'd been stripped of something precious. Part of Belle's mind insisted that was fatuous but another part quietly mourned the loss of a stout connection to a man she'd come to love. The collar hadn't brought them together – sure, it had forced them into constant close physical proximity, but their bond had come about by a friendship and understanding of one another. Being freed from the collar wouldn't change how she felt about Rumple and it certainly wouldn't change how he felt about her.

Still, one problem had been solved so attention could be returned to their remaining checklist of issues. Rumple's eyes flicked to Amicia who had clearly grown rather bored of the endless reading, she'd been very well behaved throughout but the poor girl deserved some excitement and Rumple had found the perfect opportunity.

"Belle," began the Dark One while still watching his adopted daughter. "why don't you test your new found freedom and take Amicia to get some lunch? She's a little restless."

Belle would have rather stayed to help, but she understood his reasoning and knew Rumple wanted to prove to himself that the spell had been broken. One little trip wouldn't hurt.

"That sounds like a great idea." She smiled and petted Amicia's hair before she rose to her feet so she could kiss Rumple's cheek; an act that made Jefferson smirk. "We can get some fresh air."

Without much encouragement, Amicia followed Belle out of the library vault and off toward the market for an afternoon away from the Arcane University with Azzy as their protector. The men watched them leave before attention turned to Demeer when he clapped his hands together.

"Please excuse me as well, I have other matters to attend to."

With that the Grand Mage departed as well leaving only Rumple, Jefferson and Leotomas inside the dimly lit library vault. While Rumple and Leotomas were content to return to their reading, Jefferson simply smirked at the Dark One until its constant grating grew distractingly irritating.

"What?!" Rumple demanded. "You've been staring at me so long that you're beginning to burn a hole in my face."

The dark-haired man simply breathed out a laugh as he leaned back in his chair and Leotomas did his best to pretend he wasn't listening to the conversation. Then again, as a werewolf, he could have stood on the other side of the vault and still been privy to every word.

"I never thought I'd see it."

Rumple squinted. "See what?"

"You love somebody. Or, more importantly, somebody love you." He gestured loosely off in the direction Belle had left in. "Belle is wonderful, you keep her happy and with you."

"I have no intentions of throwing her away now Belle is no longer bound to me."

Jefferson nodded, clearly pleased with that statement. "Good."

Since meeting in Demeer's office, Jefferson had slowly started to act more like his usual self rather than the desperate man he'd been slowly becoming. Back were his sarcastic comments, smirks and bright eyes. Of course he still urged to return to his sweet Grace, his beloved only child, but Jefferson had shifted back to his usual level of madness rather than the distressing display Rumple had seen in Demeer's office. Hope, with Rumple had come hope and Jefferson had gripped on tight. Grace just had to hold on a little longer and her daddy would come back to her. Jefferson promised, he vowed it to her.

Their search continued until Ognyan, or the White Inferno as most called him, surged into the library vault with a small slip of paper upon which was written a request for Rumple's presence in the Valkyrie training room from Captain Federlord. While he'd got no real desire to continue training the Valkyries, a deal was a deal so, after a sigh and a nod to the white hamster, Rumple left Leotomas and the Hatter to continue the search for a way back to the Enchanted Forest on their own.

~X~

Outside the Arcane University there was a powerful smell of petrichor thanks to the rain that morning, the streets had mostly dried off and people went about their days unhindered, but the earthy scent refused to budge. Amicia couldn't have cared less, she was just pleased to be out in the fresh air, but Belle had a lingering unease at being so far from Rumple. He could always find her, Belle knew that, one call of his name and he'd appear to protect her.

Despite the peculiarity of being away from Rumple, Belle was determined to give Amicia the carefree afternoon she deserved. Slowly they'd made their way to the market where people of all species sold and bought while chatting happily outside small shops and enjoying the sunny weather the post-rain had brought. The girls' noses had quickly drawn them to to a stall in the far east corner that sold wonderfully fragrant hammer boar skewers, the second Amicia had spotted them her eyes had gone wide and, with that, Belle knew they'd found their lunch. As the pair ate – Azzy had devoured his the second it had been presented to him – they wandered through the market place in a slow meander, around them sellers called out prices and beckoning customers in encouragingly. Scents of various meats from stalls intermingled to the point Belle honestly regretted only buying one hammer boar skewer for each of them.

Energetic was probably the best word to describe Bichelberger's bustling Borobello market and a smile settled on Belle's soft lips as she watched Amicia happily inspect each stall's wares. The child had certainly found more happiness than in the library. Yes, Amicia enjoyed learning to read and write, but even a little girl of her maturity needed times to just be a kid – especially after what she'd gone through. Had they been back in Avonlea, she and Belle would have had the best of the Rose Guard to watch over them while out in public. Sure, nobody knew the position of Belle's birth in Bichelberger, but eventually people would find out the Dark One had returned to the realm and, when they did, Amicia would surely need a guard for afternoons like this. While Azzy would never let harm come to either of the girls, he was a companion rather than a guard dog. Belle shook all those thoughts from her head, she didn't wish to think about when the public learned of who Rumple really was or the fact he'd one day depart Dreymyr.

The blonde child hurried ahead of Belle then as she still chewed the last bite of her lunch, Belle hastened after Amicia only to see her stop before a smaller stall selling cheep but pretty jewelry; obviously the objects had been too much for Amicia because she'd already started excitingly looking the pieces over by the time Belle and Azzy caught up. Nothing was all that expensive, each piece crafted from bronze, iron, glass and shells. The bold colors on certain items more than made up for their lack of precious metals or gems and were sure to draw the attention of little girls. Back in Avonlea all of Belle's jewelry had been crafted from gold or silver with intricate stones, but Belle thought the pieces before her far more beautiful because one could tell they'd been made with love and attention rather than simply to display wealth.

"Would you like something?" Belle offered after a moment and Amicia's bright blue eyes lit up at the prospect. "Go on, pick something pretty."

Markets weren't something Belle had experienced until she'd become enslaved to Rumple, but she'd grown to enjoy the way such a simple trinket could bring such happiness. Markets were a hive of activity where everything could be purchased from a hearty meal to new clothes, they really were the perfect representation of a city's heart.

"Can I really?" Asked the young elf girl as her eyes scanned the items in awe.

"Of course." Belle insisted as Azzy peeked over the stall's counter to see what all the fuss was about. "I'm sure Papa would like to see what you choose."

That was all the encouragement Amicia needed because she soon began to peruse happily. After a few moments Belle flashed the vendor a grateful smile for her patience, but the demon only felt a light-hearted amusement at Amicia's concentration. Eventually she settled on a very small – no bigger than the length of Belle's thumbnail – set of bronze earrings with two interlocking loops. At first Belle had been surprised Amicia had chosen such a simple pair, had expected her to choose something with more color, but, when she stopped to think about it, they did resemble gold thread and likely reminded Amicia of the stories Rumple had told her of spinning straw into gold. Belle made no objections, just paid the vendor and helped Amicia to put her new earrings on; they actually looked rather fetching on her.

"You look beautiful, Amicia."

With their bellies full and a major purchase under their belts, Belle decided it was probably time for them to return to the Arcane University, so she offered Amicia her hand. They walked with Azzy at their side for several moments until Belle noticed the little girl's sudden change in demeanor; where only a few seconds earlier there had been a bright, happy girl, now stood a mournful one. Belle stopped and crouched down before the child with a concerned expression.

"Is everything okay?"

Amicia's head remained downcast. "… Belle?"

"Yes, sweetheart?" Belle's brow furrowed deeper as her concern grew.

"… I- I know you're a princess but … could- could I maybe – could I call you mama?"

Belle was stunned as she stared at Amicia, a little girl primed for rejection. It was the same expression she'd worn when she'd called Rumple papa. Belle cared for Amicia deeply but she'd assumed her more connected to Rumple than herself. Belle's delicate hands went to rest on Amicia's slender shoulders which finally forced Amicia to look up at the elder woman.

"Amicia," Belle began slowly. "I would love that! I wanted you to back when you started calling Rumple your papa, but I didn't want you to feel pressured."

The elf's eyes widened in shock as tears bubbled forth, she'd been so certain the answer would be a resound no.

"But you're a princess."

"Oh, darling girl, that doesn't stop be being your mama."

Eighteen, Belle was only eighteen – well, closer to nineteen after all her time with Rumple – but she adored Amicia and hated the thought of losing her. She and Rumple had been raising Amicia together and, though it had only been a short time, Belle already loved the child more than life itself. Back when Lorrimer had been but a babe she'd helped her mother care for him and Colette had been convinced her daughter would one day make an excellent mother. Where many noble women were content to delegate the raising and care of their child to wet nurses and governesses, Colette had insisted on being a mother to her children and Belle would be no different even if she'd not birthed Amicia.

Belle hugged the crying child tightly and ignored the stray glances of people who passed them. They simply let their emotional moment play out until Amicia's tears had run their course; Azzy had even rested his head against the girl's back comfortingly at one point. She didn't know what would become of Amicia when the time came for Rumple to leave Dreymyr with Jefferson, but, no matter what, Amicia wouldn't be alone; it didn't matter where she'd come from, Amicia was the daughter of the Dark One and the Princess of Avonlea now.

Eventually, after the tears and the wiping of noses, Belle rose to her feet and again took Amicia's hand in hers. Their eyes would be puffy for a while, but it didn't hurt.

"How about we go find something much too sweet that will make even Papa cringe, and eat all of it before going back?"

"Okay … Mama."

Mama, how one simple would could have so much power inside it Belle didn't know, but she knew she'd never grow tired of hearing it.

Chapter Text

Haldor Tvon had a problem – a huge fucking problem to be exact. The last three souls he'd fed to the Ring of Halinox hadn't been fully absorbed. Only a fraction of the magical black soot had actually reached its destination while the rest had just floated on the air a moment before it had plummeted to the ground like a maid cleaning a rug. From what he could tell, they were okay for the time being, Maurice remained under their control and King Artem had proven himself little more than a busybody whose mind had started to fail him. However, if the Ring of Halinox continued to reject Tvon's sacrifices, then the spell would soon cease to function and King Maurice would regain control of his faculties, Gaston's plans would go out the window and Tvon's greatest wish to become a demon lord would fail. He'd become powerful enough to use spacial magic, but he knew he still had work to do before he could claim himself a demon lord.

The boy escaping was another problem, one that Gaston insisted on blaming Tvon for as well even though Gaston's men had been left to guard him. How incompetent did Gaston's men have to be to have allowed a child to escape the dungeons? Then again, they had opted to support Gaston in this quiet coup so they were likely rather stupid. For the love of Drazva, Tvon wished his cohort was smarter. Although, with what he'd chained down in the dungeons, he could understand why Gaston's grunts were so scared to be down there long. Despite everything, Tvon refused to look as inept as Gaston's thugs. Maximilian Demeer had appointed him Avonlea's Court Mage making him the youngest to ever be granted the position, he was powerful, he was intelligent and he would succeed where Ravavena and the other demon lords had failed! Haldor Tvon would become the most feared demon lord in all of Dreymyr; he even had the dragon to prove it. He would figure out why the Ring of Halinox suddenly turned its nose up at the sacrifices, he'd use Gaston to take Avonlea and then kill him to make way for his own land and absorb the Ogre Territory into it. Tvon wasn't like his old classmate Timothi Menou, who'd become Balmund's Court Mage, a man lacking any real ambition, who spoke of kindness for all races and cooperation – pathetic! Balmund was nothing but a tiny kingdom with nothing to show for itself except a giant pit in the middle of their territory. Avonlea, meanwhile, was large and filled with resources that Tvon would monopolize when he finally became the fifth demon lord. Didn't matter how thick the walls of Galedhor Castle were, Tvon would burn it to the ground and take his time teaching Timothi Menou that kindness and compassion wasn't the wealth he thought it to be.

Oh, he longed for the day he became a true demon lord. He'd imprison the Dark One right beside Ravavena's cell down in Akula Prison and use them for his experiments. Gaston would die, King Maurice and any other sovereign who got in his way would die, Belle – well, Tvon would probably take a leaf out of Gaston's book and have her for his wife.

Tvon chuckled. "Yes, a sexy little plaything like Princess Belle would make for a lovely bed warmer. The sound of her tears can lull me to sleep in the evenings."

Before all of that though, Tvon needed to determine what was wrong with the Ring of Halinox and where the fuck the Dark One had run off to.

~X~

Since shortly after arriving in Bichelberger, the city had begun to feel small tremors here and there. At first the locals had mostly ignored them, then they'd been blamed on the Ophidian Mountains and the hræsvelgr who lived up there despite the mountain range being a ridiculous amount of miles away; locals had even joked a greedy adventurer must have stolen some eggs. However, those of the Arcane University hadn't been as convinced and neither had Rumple. While powerful, the massive distance between the mountains and Bichelberger made it unlikely for the hræsvelgr to be the root cause – especially when the closer city of Berryburn hadn't reported similar events. The Church hadn't been convinced either, though they'd decided to use the earthquakes to their benefit. Of course they had, the Church did love their sophistry. The Steeple was the name of the large Drazvan church within Bichelberger and the priests there had wasted precious little time spinning tales of quakes being a warning to the faithless and those who followed the Vita Tree or Stewardism, that Drazva was angry and the earthquakes were just a taste of things to come should the wicked not correct their evil ways. The naïve within the city had flocked to the Steeple fearing divine punishment, while the mages had only grown more alarmed because Yanhil, much like Vell, Avonlea, Dorovoth and Nalessa, truly prided itself on being an inclusive kingdom. The Church may have told their stories, but Rumple and Demeer knew better, knew that whatever had caused these growing earthquakes had a significantly less religious reason, and was instead almost certainly connected to the odd dark magic whiffs Rumple had experienced since arriving.

Rumple had come to learn very quickly that he rather enjoyed residing at the Arcane University, even if he did have to train with the Valkyries every few days, because he had a wealth of knowledge at his fingertips and people didn't look at him suspiciously ever fifteen seconds. Whatever had caused the tremors likely came from beneath the University itself and he'd have rather nipped it in the bud before it brought the whole institution down on their heads.

Displeased Belle had been when Rumple had told her he'd be putting further halts on dealing with Gaston and saving her kingdom - it was a rather pressing issue that had already been ignored too long after all. However, Belle had faith in Rumple and knew protecting the Arcane University and the innocents living in Bichelberger to be important as well. So, after a long conversation in Demeer's office with Rumple, Phria, Leotomas and the Grand Mage himself, they'd concluded the tremors to originate deep in the vault. The University's vault was vast, spread over multiple levels and had so many items inside that conducting a full inventory was next to impossible. That caution was what had prompted Phria to put together a larger team of Valkyries and Demeer to insist Rumple accompanied them. Rumple had taken a little convincing but, when Demeer had offered his personal assistance in dealing with Haldor Tvon in exchange, a deal had quickly been struck.

Jefferson had opted to remain outside the vault with Leotomas where they could see to an evacuation should such a thing become necessary; and it was nice to have somebody trusted to watch over Amicia. Meanwhile, Rumple, Belle and Azzy accompanied the Valkyries down into the rarely entered vault. The moment they entered the large doors of stone were snapped shut again and the sound of locks and wards clicking back into place echoed off into the dank darkness. 'Likely relying on me to just magic us back to the surface' grumbled Rumple's mind, he wasn't a glorified wagon. One of the Valkyries, the taller of the two redheads, called forth several balls of light to hover over them while Rumple snapped his fingers to light the sparse sconces.

Belle didn't quite know what she'd been expecting the vault to look like, but she'd expected more than carved rock which looked like a slightly more artful cave. As if sensing her silent question, Phria spoke as she pushed a few strands of escaped white hair behind her furry ears.

"The vault was built out of a natural cavern, it's why the Arcane University was constructed here."

The Valkyries and Rumple glanced around at the various hallways leading off to other rooms and who knew what.

Belle's brow furrowed. "Where are we actually going?"

"I'm not entirely certain," admitted Phria. "I can't sense this dark magic the way Master can."

Rumple groaned internally, he really wished the beautiful pantherian stopped calling him that soon. He took a moment to just breathe, to lock on to the dark magic and which direction it lay in while the women waited.

His eyes flicked open. "I know where it is. I can feel power down here, it's definitely dark magic."

"So you can track it to the source?"

Rumple breathed out a laugh and peered at the woman he loved. "Don't start underestimating me now, sweetheart."

Belle smiled, Phria's ears drooped, and Rumple turned back to the task at hand. The pantherian Valkyrie leader had brought five others with her all dressed in cobalt armor, though the designs varied somewhat. By this point both Belle and Rumple had figured out the Valkyries had three types of blue armor to suit every kind of fighter they had. There was the light armor made of leather designed for agile movements and geared toward rangers, those who scouted and delivered blows while tanks held an enemy's attention; this was the style Phria wore. Then there was the standard plate armor Rumple was familiar with from the Enchanted Forest, a heavy armor meant to be resilient and allow the women wearing it to act as tanks during battle; two of the women with them and Cynthia Stonecrop wore such armor, though Cynthia's was rather different for some unknown reason, possibly her position within the organization. Then there was – in Rumple's mind anyway – the most intriguing of the Valkyrie armor types: he'd been informed this armor was called enhancement armor and was worn only by their skilled magic casters or those using magic to power their weapons. Upon first glance the cobalt armor looked to be adorned with gold details but it was actually a network of magically conductive copper that allowed magic to flow around their whole bodies; three of the women with them wore such armor.

A lancer named Scarlette Ravenscroft stood out front with Phria and Josephine, whose long sword was almost as big as she was. Meanwhile the two redheads, Jayne and Ashuna, a dedicated spellcaster and skilled poleaxe wielder respective, brought up the rear with Excella – who looked an awful lot like Scarlette though was a half-elf – who had her bow at the ready. These women were all highly trained and ready for just about anything, frankly it made Belle feel somewhat redundant.

The group walked for a short while with Rumple guiding them only by the odd tingle he felt every now and again. Items of varying degrees of power littered the vault, some simply placed on podiums to gather dust, others secured underneath warded cages of lead. Azzy continuously sniffed the air as if unsure of what all the strange scents meant but Belle's reassuring pets to his ears relaxed him. After almost fifteen minutes they reached a narrower hallway lined on each side with bookcases which ran to the ceiling.

"Books!" Belle announced happily as she shuffled closer to the glass doors for a better look but Ashuna, the taller of the two redheads, held out her poleaxe to block Belle from getting closer.

"You don't want to risk touching them."

Belle hadn't actually intended on pulling a glass door open to grab one of the mysterious tomes, they'd clearly been locked away in the vault for a reason, but still Belle's curiosity had her ask why; it was Phria who answered.

"They're cursed books. The sort that turn you to stone."

Belle stepped closer to Rumple. "No books today then."

Rumple ground to an abrupt halt once they'd reached the other end of the hall, a stop so abrupt that Azzy had walked into the back of him. The Dark One peered around for a few seconds before he crouched down to place a palm on the dusty floor.

"It's below us."

Phria drew closer. "There are three levels beneath us, Master. I can take us to the stairwell, it isn't far."

With little other choice, they followed Phria west toward the stone staircase which spiralled down into yet more unnerving darkness. As they drew closer to the bottom, Rumple leaned in so as only Belle could hear him speak.

"Belle, whatever this is feels like it wants to explode." Her eyes widened. "The closer we get, the more magic I feel. When we find it, you stay with Azzy and only provide your healing potions to the others rather than using your offensive ones. I may even return you to Gordana's office."

"This is so powerful that you would teleport me kingdoms away? You know what that distance would do to me."

In response he only provided the single, solitary word of 'yes' and Belle knew just how serious he was. Whatever lurked within the Arcane University's vault, it had almost immeasurable power and was totally unpredictable. Part of her wanted to argue that she wasn't just some teenage girl who needed protecting but, when she thought about it logically, there wasn't anything she'd be able to do to help were a battle to break out and Rumple would send her away because he loved her, because she needed to protect their daughter if he couldn't. Not that Belle thought anything strong enough to defeat Rumple, he was a double-gold ranked demon lord after all.

They descended several more meters into the inky blackness with only Jayne's balls of light to illuminate their way. Once they reached the very bottom level though, even those with a low magic level like Belle and Phria felt a sinister weight settle. Azzy stuck to Belle like glue determined to protect her to his last breath should the situation arise; he may have been a fairly lazy animal who enjoyed naps above all else, but he owed his life to Belle and wouldn't let anything happen to her.

"I feel it now, too." Phria swallowed.

Whatever had been causing the tremors was close by and soon Rumple guided them to a stone door at least twice their heights barred and sealed with chains in a more extreme version of the library vault's door.

"We'll surely need the Grand Mage or Leotomas to open this," said Josephine.

"No need." Rumple waved his hand and, with all the magical knowledge he'd eked from the University's book collection, had the chains fall away in an instant. They collapsed to the ground around them with loud metallic thuds and, though the Valkyries had already seen how powerful he was during their training, many of them stood open-mouthed. "I'll tell Demeer to do better when it comes to keeping a demon lord out."

If any doubt that this strange imp was the Dark One remained, it surely died there and then.

A gust of unforgiving wind blew the heavy stone doors open wide and Rumple entered with the women at his back. Belle obeyed his wishes, she stayed out of the way by the door with Azzy as her noble protector.

It was dark inside the chamber, cold as well, so Jeyne quickly created several more balls of golden light then moved them to float high above them and Rumple lit the two candles he spied. None of them quite knew what to make of the chamber, it a perfectly round room of carved rock with a dome in the middle which looked almost like the mouth of a cave. Inside it stood a raised platform topped with … something. A strange structure of points one couldn't quite describe; somewhat reminiscent to an old fountain he'd say were someone to force a description out of Rumple.

The Valkyries spread out on Phria's order, each of them prepared for a fight, while Rumple slowly rounded the raised platform. From the opposite side he saw that the odd podium of points was hollow and simply a display for an ovular black rock with a purple sheen – no, not a rock, an egg. The entire chamber had been blanketed in dark energy to the point it was nearly choking, and all of it radiated from that egg. All of them could feel it but only Rumple understood just how concentrated the dark magic had become.

"It's an … egg." He told the others which had everybody grow confused as Phria joined him. "What sort of egg is this?"

"I honestly have no idea, Master. I've never seen a black egg before, or one so large. Maybe it's a linaelor or perhaps a teratect?"

Excella pushed a stray strand of brunette hair behind her pointed ear. "Aren't linaelor eggs white-green in color though, Captain? And they don't usually have dark magic swirling around them."

Rumple leaned in closer for a better look, he squinted at the egg suspiciously while Phria and the others simply watched him. Phria could practically hear the cogs turning in his head, yet another quiet show of his intellect.

"There's some sort of carving on this, actually scratched into the shell."

"Let me see," Belle began. "I've read a lot of books on sigils and warding." She made to step closer but instead found a page suddenly floating in front of her face with a copy of the design in black ink. She shoved away her innate reaction to sigh and instead snatched the page out of the air to scrutinize it intently.

"It's old, that's for certain." Yes, they'd all gathered that much. "The mortal races favor circles and triangles for our sigils and magic circles as they're easily drawn in a hurry and are strong shapes. This though, this would have taken care and attention to draw, especially on an eggshell. Each of these points are slightly different shapes so it isn't meant to simply loop power back on itself, the points all represent something individually. The inner markings look like they may be rooted in Draconic or with the Cardinal Dragons themselves. Just because it's carved into an egg, I'd say its likely a protection symbol."

Oh, bless Belle and her borderline encyclopedic knowledge, she sure did fill in for many of the areas Rumple still hadn't gotten to grips with.

"A dragon egg?" Scarlette suggested and actually seemed excited about the prospect; excitement which had Excella roll her eyes.

Belle shook her head. "Probably not. No one has seen a living dragon in numerous generations and other intelligent creatures used this type of sigil, it just started with the dragons. I'm not an expert by any means," she admitted. "That egg could be just about anything, but from art and historical descriptions, I'd assume dragon eggs to be larger."

That seemed like a logical argument to Rumple. The black egg was likely only a little bigger than his head, that didn't seem nearly big enough for a proper dragon egg. A snake with the same spell he used to scale Azzy up and down on it, a deformed linaelor or one of the allegedly extinct basilisks, could have been just about anything inside there. No matter what the egg contained though, Rumple knew it to be the source of all the accumulated dark magic and the earthquakes.

Suddenly Phria sheathed her short sword and turned to face Rumple with a big smile, like she wanted him to be proud of her.

"I know what it is! I thought it was a myth." Rumple stared expectantly until the white-haired pantherian explained. "My mentor told me it as a child. She said that Isra and Msiddi had a second egg. They had Rael the amphisbaena and the second-"

He cut her off as soon as he remembered Belle telling him a similar story once before. "Ah yes, the mages, Hero and the adventurers killed the basilisk and destroyed her egg. Only, it doesn't look very destroyed to me, darling."

"Maybe they couldn't. Maybe Msiddi carved the sigil to protect her baby."

Rumple looked around the cold room as the dark magic again condensed. "I honestly don't care. I'm more concerned with it exploding."

"Or hatching." Belle added which only made the situation worse.

"I can probably form a containment spell of some sort around it to keep this thing from blowing us to Oz. Although, somebody with a batter understanding of dragons and their half-breed children should be consulted."

"Annette Battlewayne in the magical creature department."

"Perfect, darling." Said Rumple which had Phria preen.

He decided placing a barrier around it would be the best course of action for the time being but the lead woven into the raised platform would prevent it, so he picked it up to place on the ground a few steps away. However, the second his hands touched the black shell, Rumple's very life force was ripped out of him at an agonizing speed. As an immortal he had an unending amount to give so it wouldn't kill him, but the unrelenting speed of it stealing had him light-headed and caused Rumple to drop the egg more than let go of it.

For a second nothing happened, then a crack escaped the eggshell and Azzy growled. A second crack, then a third and fourth. Rumple only just managed to send the wolf and woman he loved to Demeer's office; he'd have rather sent her to Gordana but somebody had to tell the Grand Mage what had happened.

The Valkyries rallied around Rumple unsure of what they'd be facing and, frankly, Rumple wasn't sure either. The creature had absorbed so much dark magic so quickly that it rivalled Rumple's own power and, for the first time in centuries, he felt like that cowardly spinner staring up at Hordor.

The black egg blew apart violently revealing a form a little smaller than a goblin. A black snake-like being with the torso of a human female and long hair obscuring her face. For a moment nobody moved so much as a muscle, the creature just blinked through her hair at him, then blackish purple wings splayed open like those of a bat. Rumple's head tilted to one side, this thing was a child.

It was Josephine who caused all hell to break loose when she screamed: "We have to chain it down!"

The creature jolted at the sudden sound, realized how many people seemed intent on killing her and panicked. All that dark magic that had been swirling around the room was rapidly absorbed with a scream causing the creature to double, triple then quadruple in size without warning. Before the Valkyries could so much as contemplate a strategy, the creature was as large as the chamber and burst through to the upper levels, she surged upwards away from the Valkyries while Rumple tried to figure out exactly what had just happened. Rubble fell from the ceiling but the Valkyries didn't hesitate, they activated their wing gear – a magical device only they were allowed to use – and flew up through the hole after the creature.

A glance upward told Rumple the snake-like creature had bust through to the surface so he quickly teleported upward to find himself in the University's courtyard. Students screamed and fled while the Valkyries flew around the gargantuan creature in an attempt to subdue the flailing beast. Rumple didn't attack though and he found his cowardly fear had left him. For almost a full thirty seconds he simply watched the giant creature, her tail destroyed the fountain and her arms swung around violently at the Valkyries but Rumple thought her panicking rather than evil. Suddenly it was obvious to Rumple that she couldn't sustain this level of dark magic, had likely been absorbing bits from the other objects in the vault for centuries to keep herself alive. Then he and Jefferson had come along with more powerful levels of magic and had pushed the sigil over the edge, the tremors had been the egg trying to hatch and him touching it had been what was needed to finally push it over the edge.

Brown eyes spotted Phria flying high above him and with hardly a thought he'd summoned her to his side; the sudden movement had almost had Phria collapse before him.

"Order them to stand down!" Rumple demanded.

"What?!" Phria's eyebrows shot upwards. "No, that thing-"

Rumple had no time for arguments. "Stop them or I will."

Both knew how much blood that would end in, so Phria finally relented with a nod.

"Very well, Master. I need you to tell me why though."

She may have had a surprising level of faith in the Dark One, but she was still the Captain of the Valkyries. Phria wouldn't blindly go along with things no matter how much she'd come to respect Rumple.

"Because I think she's less evil and more of a scared little girl."

He'd seen scared children before, he'd been a scared child before, and that creature's eyes were those of a terrified little girl rather than the brainless monster they'd all assumed her to be. Rumple was many things, but he drew the line at harming innocent children.

Having seen the seriousness in Rumple's unique eyes, Phria nodded and flew off to order her soldiers to stand down. They clearly all thought her insane but, when Rumple moved himself to stand directly in front of the creature, they hoped the Dark One had a trick up his sleeve.

The giant snake-like creature stared down at him through that mess of black hair, him a small ant compared to her. Rumple raised his hands in as non-threatening a pose as he could muster and spoke in a tone reserved only for Bae and Amicia.

"Hello, little one. You've had an alarming first day, haven't you? That big, dark room, then people trying to hurt you because they don't understand." The creatures large arms lowered, seemed she at least understood him to some extent. "You're in pain, little one. Your body isn't meant to have that much dark magic in it. I can take it out, I can make the pain go away if you let me."

Slowly, with more bravery than he knew himself capable of, Rumple stepped closer to the creature's tail, which was easily as thick as he was tall, and she allowed it. Gently so as not to spook her, he placed his hand on those black scales with their purple sheen to siphon the dark magic before it destroyed her and the entire Arcane University. He sucked all that stray magic into himself and brought it under his own control easing the dark tension in the air while flying Valkyries watched on. As soon as the surplus had been drained, the creature rapidly shrunk back down to a regular size about the height of a short dwarf and collapsed before him. Her tail still long and coiled around her, her wings curled in on themselves and her mouth hung open revealing two sharp fangs. Black eyes stared up at him.

"Papa?"

Then she dropped to the ruined courtyard floor unconscious. Rumple simply stared at her. His curse was the reason he could contain so much dark magic but the girl hadn't had that, she must have been in agony. Numerous eyes were on him but Rumple wasn't certain what to do next. He'd been a fairly decent father to Bae until he'd become the Dark One and he hoped he was a good one to Amicia, so he let instinct take over and knelt to lift her small frame into his arms. Phria landed at his side then with confusion; before her was the First Demon Lord cradling a baby monster almost lovingly in his arms, the child of the fearsome darkness dragon and his consort. They'd been trained to defend against dark magic and monsters but, as she just stared at the sight before her, Phria couldn't see anything but a man protecting a newborn.

Chapter Text

With much haste Grand Mage Demeer had appeared in the ruined courtyard with Belle and Azzy at his side fully aware of the situation thanks to Belle's quick explanation. Leotomas and Jefferson had already set to work shutting off the area and evacuating the injured to the healing wing, though there had been surprisingly few injuries. With the immense speed they'd come to expect from the White Inferno, Ognyan, chubby little thing that he was, scurried from inside the building and up onto Demeer's shoulder.

Without hesitation Demeer ordered that the snake girl was taken to the Valkyrie training room as it was out of the way and re-enforced with wards – not that he was a hundred percent sure it would hold her after the hole she'd turned his courtyard into.

In under a hour, Leotomas had contained the panic and gotten repairs underway to seal off the vault using mages skilled in earth magic before anybody got the idea to attempt a robbery. Professors escorted students out of the area while the Valkyries secured it. Meanwhile, Rumple had surprised even himself by sitting on the training room's floor, his back against a pillar and the snake-like creature's head rested comfortably in his lap while her tail had coiled around them. Belle hadn't said much, just sat quietly not too far from them after she'd checked on Amicia, since she didn't wish to disturb the unconscious girl.

Only when things had calmed down did Demeer show his face again, this time accompanied by Phria, Vice-Captain Stonecrop and Ognyan who still perched on his shoulder. For a moment the man just stared down at the display before him unsure of how to react. All lay silent for several moments. Silence was a strange thing indeed. It could signify a void of absolute nothingness whether living beings were present or not and, just because it signified nothingness didn't mean nothing was there; the word was practically a paradox. Silence wasn't simply a complete absence of sound, no, it was also a body's emotional response for when it didn't quite know what the correct emotional response was. Sometimes it even went hand in hand with shock. Silence and Shock, the two sons of Sentiment just as Anger and Courage were the daughters of Hope.

"I've never seen a creature such as this before."

Belle pushed herself to her feet while Rumple continued to pet the girl's raven hair. "But you knew the egg was there?"

He nodded with a sigh. "Several generations of Grand Mages have. The egg has always been thought of as … dead. Though now I suppose dormant would have been a more apt description. Hilda Talinum was the Grand Mage who took possession of it all those years ago, she regarded it as a paperweight from what I understand but locked it in the vault anyway. How did this even happen?"

Finally Rumple looked up. "Jefferson and myself are to blame." Cynthia grumbled out an 'of course you are' but she went ignored. "Jefferson has tried to gain entry to the Arcane University several times, yes?" Demeer nodded. "In this realm, Jefferson's abilities are classified as dark magic just like my own and the dragon who sired her. Leaching energy from the artefacts down there sustained the egg but his arrival acted as a catalyst for her hatching. The egg began absorbing the remnants of magic he left behind and then from myself once I arrived."

"And you are significantly more powerful than him."

"Indeed, dearie. I got here and suddenly there was a much larger supply of cast off magic for the egg which just kept on absorbing. When I touched the egg though, it took too much too quickly and directly. That is what caused the extreme growth after she hatched."

"That must have been terrifying, especially for one so young." Belle almost whispered.

"Will it happen again, Master?"

"No, Phria. Once she hatched, she lost the ability to absorb magic because the sigil had broken. I collected the excess inside her before it became too much and killed her."

"What are we meant to do with it?" Cynthia demanded with a hiss of disgust. "Do we tell King Nathaniel? Can we have dwarves craft chains strong enough to hold that thing?"

Belle paled. "Chains? Why do we need to chain a child? A child whose first minutes of life were filled with Valkyries trying to kill her. Is it any wonder she lashed out?"

Cynthia's mouth opened to say something else distasteful but Rumple's comment caused even her to face him.

"She called me papa." That had Belle's expression soften as she knelt at his side comfortingly. Phria's eyes softened as well, though she managed to prevent herself going to hug him. "She trusted me because of the amount of dark power I possess. It was familiar to her, comforting even. It seemed … parental."

Demeer raked a hand down his goateed face. "You want me to entrust this creature to your care, don't you?"

Cynthia was quick to object. "I know it may not be my place, Grand Mage, but as far as we know this thing is the only one of its species and has already destroyed two levels of the vault and the courtyard in what was apparently a tantrum. What if it's as violent and evil as its parents and brother? Then there is the public to worry about. What will they think if we harbor a monster to satisfy the whims of a demon lord? It's bad enough having the Dark One swanning around without whatever this snake thing is as well."

Demeer tickled Ognyan's cheek with a single finger as he sighed deeply. "I understand your concerns, Vice-Captain, I do and you make some very good points, but Rumpelstiltskin is likely the only one who can understand this girl and he is right that she is a child. She is not responsible for the sins of her father. Rumpelstiltskin is here as an ally despite the legends, so we clearly cannot judge a book by its scaly cover. This institution exists to discover rather than destroy." Demeer turned his head to Rumple. "I will not let her out onto the streets with the public though. I won't put people at risk, or her for that matter.

"That seems fair," commented Belle.

Phria straightened up knowing that her not insisting the girl was slaughter while unconscious had only made Cynthia hate her all the more.

"Grand Mage, what do you recommend?"

There was a momentary pause as Demeer assessed his choices but, when he finally settled on a course of action, he made sure his tone left no room for doubt.

"She stays here. Rumpelstiltskin and Princess Belle will assess her along with Jefferson, myself and Leotomas. Captain Federlord, please place guards on the training room door. Other than yourself I want no other Valkyries in here unless there are unmitigated circumstances. You will oversee the guards personally."

Phria nodded. "Of course, Grand Mage."

The brown eyes of Demeer again turned down to the little girl. "I don't even know what she is."

"A lamia." Rumple supplied much to everybody's astonishment.

"You've seen a creature like this before?"

Rumple shook his head but didn't cease petting her hair softly. "No, but I've heard about them. They live in a realm I've hardly visited. A place of gods and monsters."

Cynthia snorted. "Are you suggesting this thing is divine? How preposterous."

Oh, Rumple may have felt the constant urge to murder, torture and berate fade since he'd been summoned to Dreymyr, but Cynthia Stonecrop did her best to bring it all back to him it would seem. To be perfectly frank, he thought Phria let her get away with far too much.

"I'm saying she's a lamia rather than a thing or an it. Though, from what I understand of this realm's view on dragons, maybe she is a little divine."

"Do you think she actually understood you and can speak?"

"Yes, Belle. She listened to me and she called me papa, but what newborn is capable of full conversation?"

Cynthia shook her head as though not killing the little girl was the outrageous suggestion.

"I'm sorry, Grand Mage, but this is insane. This lamia just wants to kill people. Jayne, Josephine and Scarlette were all injured, Josephine seriously so."

Phria finally chose to rein her Vice-Captain in. Her hatred for non-human species had taken over her argument and it needed to be brought to a close.

"Leave us, Cynthia."

If looks could kill, Phria would have dropped down dead. Belle and Rumple had always known Cynthia had little respect for her superior, but with that death glare they'd finally caught on to the fact there was much more going on. Annoyed, Cynthia stormed out slamming the door behind her but the lamia didn't wake.

"You must realize," Demeer began. "Vice-Captain Stonecrop's concerns are not unwarranted and many will share her opinion."

"Grand Mage, you should know by now, if anybody wants to hurt her then they'll have to go through the First Demon Lord."

That actually made the goateed man smile. "I am fully aware of that, Princess. That is why I would very much like to keep this under wraps to prevent Rumpelstiltskin proving that."

"I'll place Isadora and Ashuna on the door for now then organize a guard rotation. Please excuse me."

With that Phria departed, though she closed the door with significantly less volatile force. Cynthia Stonecrop truly was a virago who had few friends.

"I must excuse myself as well. I have an entire school to calm down and need to figure out how much of this has reached Bichelberger's streets yet."

With Demeer gone, Belle settled back down beside Rumple and watched him comfort the sleeping girl. When a regular size she was actually rather adorable even with the snake tail and wings. Others saw a monster, a creature to be cautious of, but Belle had seen him sooth Amicia to sleep after a nightmare, so knew all he saw was a little girl. She rested her head against his shoulder; every time she thought she couldn't, Belle fell more in love with him.

~X~

A few days had passed since the lamia was born. In that time the training room had been closed off from just about everybody and Belle had taken to distracting Amicia by taking her into Borobello Market. Rumple had summoned a simple bed into the training room for the lamia to sleep in, though she'd not woken up since she'd collapsed in the courtyard. He'd remained by her side for the most part since he'd been sure she'd have panicked if she woke to find him absent. While certain she'd not be able to absorb more magic, Rumple couldn't be sure how strong she was innately.

The girl was really rather cute as she lay there on the small bed; jet black hair down to her waist, pale skin and tiny black claws similar to Rumple's own. Her eyes were black as onyx and her little fangs were much sharper than they looked. While Amicia was roughly ten, the lamia appeared to be about six despite being only a few days old. Adorable, this girl was adorable and reminded Rumple of Bae when he'd been tiny. Rumple's mission was the same as it had always been, to find his son and repair their relationship, yet he'd fallen in love with a beautiful woman, adopted a child and now seemed to have found himself stood guard over another lonely child.

Rumple sat reading one of the dozens of books on dragons, basilisks and other creatures the lamia was related to when Phria entered quietly so as not to disturb. For the briefest of seconds the pantherian watched him with a small smile. Such a powerful man was the Dark One, a man she'd assumed to be a monster at first just like everybody else, but he didn't flaunt his power like most, didn't need reminding of his overwhelming omnipotence. He treated Belle and Amicia with love and respect despite their elven blood and had gone so far as to adopt little Amicia. A kindly demon he was. Phria didn't know what the black-haired girl was capable of, but she knew she'd be safe with Rumple. Cynthia had continued to grumble and call for the child's slaughter but the Grand Mage had firmly denied it.

Rumple's head was lowered as he read which had caused his messy hair to pool around his face; there was something strangely adorable about it, then there were the leather breeches. Phria felt her cheeks flush. Didn't matter because Rumple loved Princess Belle. She was smart and feminine, perfect really while Phria chose to be a soldier. Phria wasn't dramatically muscular or anything, but her body was hard and more angular than soft and supple. Her long white hair had always been the most beautiful part of herself in her opinion but it couldn't hold a candle to Belle's luscious chestnut curls. Then there was Phria's scar over her eye.

"Did you need something, dearie?"

That jolted the pantherian out of her thoughts and back to the world around her. She moved further into the large room and cleared her throat.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to hover, Master. And I though you'd stopped calling me that."

He closed the book, set it aside and glanced upward to the white-haired woman with a smirk.

"I make deals, I don't take requests no matter how pretty the girl asking. I'll drop the dearie if you cease calling me master. Deal?"

"First Demon Lord then?"

"Try again."

"Rumpelstiltskin?"

"Better. We have a deal." He giggled. "I do love a good deal."

With that issue finally behind them, Phria moved to the foot of the lamia's bed and brushed her ponytail back over her shoulder. Were she not able to see the child's chest slowly rise and fall, Phria may have assumed her dead. She may have been sired by Isra, but the girl was little more than an innocent.

"How is she?"

"Still unconscious," he answered plainly. "She seems healthy, if that's what you mean."

"Now she's a normal size, I can see just how beautiful she really is." Phria rounded the bed to crouch down beside it to stroke the girl's hair with her back to Rumple. "Her hair is so soft as well, could probably use a comb though."

"How about we focus on her waking up first?"

The pantherian glanced over her shoulder only to realize just how close she'd placed herself to his leather-clad legs. His scales shined a dramatic golden-green unlike anything she'd ever seen before. Phria flushed again and stood.

"Everything all right, Phria?"

"Fine. Perfectly fine." She said a little too quickly. "Em, do you think she'd need a healing potion or something to help her?"

"No." Rumple shook his head. "She's healthy, just been through a lot. She's exhausted because of the magic fluctuations inside her, rest is all she needs.

At first Phria honestly had expected him to be a monster there to corrupt the Grand Mage, but, unlike Cynthia, she'd seen he was more than just a scary title. He had a unique sense of humor and didn't treat Phria like she was less simply because she was a pantherian. Yes, she honestly had come to respect Rumpelstiltskin.

"You sure you're all right, Phria? You seem … different."

Phria nodded. "I'm fine, I promise. Is there anything I can do for you or her?"

A pause lingered a second or two as he thought. "Aye, I suppose there is one thing. The books I've read mention that the cardinal dragons could take human form from time to time using a talisman to facilitate that."

"Isn't that just a myth?" Phria queered with an upward quirk of her eyebrow.

Rumple shook his head. "There is something similar in my realm, I've crafted these items before. Things that could give mermaids legs, human's tails and I actually know a woman who can turn herself into a dragon."

"You know a dragon?!" Phria exclaimed. "A real dragon? That's amazing."

He smirked with a tease. "Please, darling, hold your applause. I'm assuming that transformation magic would be classified as dark magic, yes?"

"Yes," Phria nodded. "If it isn't connected directly to an element or the spirit, then it's dark magic. If this talisman can be made, it would surely be dark magic."

Rumple let out a long hum and tapped his chin. "Yet all the dragons were supposedly capable of it. I'm starting to think dark magic is more ingrained in Dreymyr than this realm thinks. Maybe somebody somehow tried to banish it."

Even Rumple thought such a suggestion sounded strange and a bit of a stretch, but without any other information to go on he couldn't really draw any other conclusion.

"Who would do such a thing?"

"I have no idea, it's not important right now."

"If you're going to attempt making this talisman for Valdis, I'd like to help."

Rumple's face scrunched in confusion. "Valdis?"

Phira's lovely green eyes turned to the child for a moment before they drifted back to Rumple. She'd not wished to be presumptive, but Phria had grown sick of only referring to her as 'the child' or 'the girl' as if she were less than a person.

"It's a Valkyrie name, a strong name and I think she needs that."

Honestly, Rumple felt much the same as Phria did on the subject. She deserved a name and he had no objections to Phria giving her one.

"All right, Valdis it is. Belle is terrible at naming things anyway." The pantherian flushed again because they'd just named a child together but shook her head to toss that thought from her mind. "Were I in my realm, I'd just whip such an item up as I normally would, but magic has different rules here. It'll be more difficult."

"Well," Phria folded her arms over her chest. "Why don't you just craft this talisman as you would in your realm then alter it from there?"

Rumple finally stood. "Do you have any idea how many edits that could take?"

"Sorry." Phria's head lowered. "I'm not very good with magic, never have been, I just wanted to help."

Rumple watched the young woman subreptitiously a moment or two. He'd started to notice that Phria seemed to have a slight uneasiness to her personality and seemed to think herself unworthy of her position as the Valkyrie Captain. He'd also observed the way Cynthia spoke to Phria despite being her subordinate.

"No, it's a good starting point and will probably be better than using the slightest hint of information these books have given me alone."

That perked Phria up somewhat and she quickly offered to help again. "What would this talisman even look like?"

"Something small would be best, something easily transported and kept close." The emerald-eyed beauty suggested a ring but Rumple shook his head. "No, it would need to be something Valdis won't grow out of."

"A necklace then?" That was a fine suggestion that Rumple quickly agreed to. "How would you make it? What do you need?"

"First I'd need a base, something made from a metal good at retaining magical energy."

"Crimson steel? That's what my sword is made from."

"That is designed for offensive and defensive spells, it's also temperamental from what the Lyrelocket brothers tell me. Normally I'd just make some gold so it was imbued with my magic, but I haven't yet figured out how to make it here."

"That's alchemy! You're an alchemist?"

Rumple waved her off. "Amongst other things."

"Well, how did you learn to do it in your realm?"

"I didn't, I was just spinning … and thinking about my son."

Phria's expression turned serious then as a genuine concern settled over her. A son? The Dark One had a son.

"You have a son?" When he muttered out only the word 'somewhere', Phria had bit her tongue to avoid asking questions which would only hurt him. "Maybe you should try doing that here. Maybe you could learn it again."

Rumple had no desire to talk about his son though, just thinking of Bae hurt what remained of his dark heart. Yet, when he looked at Valdis still asleep in the little bed, Rumple remembered cruel people like Cynthia Stonecrop had already called for her death. Valdis wouldn't be safe without that talisman to disguise herself. Rumple's eyes slipped shut a moment as he held in a sigh; he supposed it would be worth the pain if it meant a child was protected. A wave of his hand summoned his spinning wheel from his room back at the Teapot Inn which startled Phria a little, she hid it though and watched quietly as he sat down and began to spin with a practised hand. Much to his annoyance, but as he'd expected, the straw only managed to become lead; the pantherian seemed suitable impressed regardless but Rumple hardly noticed.

Silence lingered for quite some time before Phria plucked up the courage to shuffle closer and make a suggestion she was sure couldn't be easy for him.

"Em, perhaps you could talk about him?"

"I don't want to." He said quickly but without malice; Phria could understand his reluctance so she opted to help.

"How about I tell you about me first?" She sat herself down beside his wheel on the chair he'd been reading at only a few moments earlier. "Can't hurt."

He nodded and simply looked at the emerald-eyed beauty. "Aye, all right. So, where did the great Captain Federlord come from?"

Phria shrugged. "Nowhere special. There isn't exactly a rule against it but, traditionally, all Valkyries come from noble families. Cynthia's father is a count, Scarlette's and Excella's is an earl, while I'm just a commoner. My parents were kind and loving but they were adventurers so, one day, they just … didn't come home from a quest." A child left alone, Rumple understood that all too well. "I was sent to my Uncle Hamish after that and I quickly realized why I'd not known I had an uncle." Rumple turned more to face her fully as Phria's voice grew sorrowful. "He only cared about money, drank and gambled too much and got violent when he didn't get his way." A pale finger gestured to the scar over her left eye, the only blemish on her otherwise beautiful face. "That's how I got this. He found a use for me though. Nights on those streets were cold, I tried to refuse the men but – but my uncle wanted his money and I was too small to fight back."

Rumple forced himself to start spinning to avoid hunting the bastard down and ripping his scrotum out through his throat. He'd done horrible things but he'd never understood those who could harm children; surely something had to be sacred.

"You're not to blame, darling."

Nobody had ever actually told Phria that but it caused tears to prick in her eyes once she'd heard it, Phria held them in though and carried on with her story with the wheel turning as a comforting background noise.

"… One night, a man found me being beaten by some guys who hadn't wanted to pay. He helped me, brought me to the University and used his magic to heal me. I've been with the Arcane University ever since." Phria's lips curled upwards ever so slightly as a happier memory flashed through her mind. "He tried to teach me magic but I have little aptitude for it, so he gave me to the last Valkyrie Captain to see if I'd take to a sword, and I did. She became my master, taught me everything and made me who I am now. I owe everything to the two of them. When Iris retired two years ago she surprised everybody by naming me as her replacement. There were objections but Grand Mage Demeer agreed to it, so here I am." Phria shrugged again. "I know I'm young, but I try to be a good leader – doesn't matter, I'm still a commoner."

"And that is why Cynthia is quite so rude," he surmised as the wheel continued to spit out only lead thread. "Because she's a count's daughter and you're beneath her."

Phria sighed and pushed her hair back over her shoulder. "That's about the sum of it."

"I bet being a pantherian doesn't help either."

"Not really. Some are more tolerant than others but those who hate demi-humans never allow me to forget I'm not as good as the rest."

"No, darling, you're not as good as them, you're better." Green eyes snapped to him. "The position their birth afforded them is the reason they're Valkyries. You are here despite yours. It's to be admired."

The white-haired woman smiled softly at him; had anybody ever expected a demon lord to be so kind?

"You speak as though you understand."

"I do." He told her as he glanced down to the basket of lead thread with irritation. "You're not the only one born a commoner."

Phria was taken aback for a moment. "But you're a demon lord. The First Demon Lord."

"True and maybe the Dark One who gave you your legends was an actual lord, but I started as a boring peasant in a tiny village."

The woman was simply easy to speak to, that was surely the only reason he gave up so much of his past so freely. Normally, he'd have hidden every scrap of his history before becoming the Dark One, but pieces just kept tumbling from his lips as he conversed with young Phria.

"Wait, there is more than one Dark One?"

He remembered having a comparable conversation with Belle late one night back at the Teapot Inn, she'd had a similar reaction at first but, Belle being the smart one she was, had quickly gotten her head around the idea.

"Aye. In Dreymyr you all learn magic as best you can up to your natural limit." Rumple explained. "We do the same if we can find somebody to teach us. You see, we don't have schools like this or guilds. But that isn't how I got my magic. Being the Dark One is to be cursed. A curse that passes from person to person if certain criteria are met."

"Certain criteria?"

"You have to kill the previous one." He looked back to Phria. "Then your reward is becoming a monster and looking as I do. I wasn't born a demon, Phria, I used to be human."

Rumple tensed when Phria rested a hand comforting on his thigh and smiled assuredly at him. "You're no monster. I've battled monsters and you aren't one of them."

In that moment he saw in Phria the same kind soul that Belle had. Rumple being a monster had long ago become an axiom, but these women insisted he was no beast. Phria was just as beautiful as Belle as well, though in very different ways. Then there were the ears; normally he was more of a dog person, but Rumple constantly found his attention turn to pantherian ears, they just looked so soft. He only jolted out of his thoughts when Phria prompted him to tell her about his son.

"… His name is Baelfire, I called him Bae though. I was at war when he was born but, when I finally met him, I fell hopelessly in love with him. Bae's smart, compassionate and brave. His mother abandoned us when he was tiny, just vanished with another man uncaring of how much she'd hurt him. I did my best and we were happy together. The war though – we have ogres too and the war just didn't stop. Our Duke lowered the conscription age – they were going to take my boy the next day so I had to do something." Rumple sighed deeply as the wheel turned. "I was tricked, lied to and desperate, all of that led me to killing Zozo, the last Dark One, and I ended up what I am. There's evil in the curse, Phria, it corrupts even the most noble. I became what I am to protect children, end a war and save my son. The road to hell is paved with good intentions though as they say. Bae-"

"You made gold!" Phria suddenly announced, voice laced with astonishment. "You actually made gold! That's amazing."

Sure enough, when Rumple peered down at the thread, it had slowly transitioned from dark lead the to glittery gold he was so used to. Rumple kept spinning, made as much as he could as quickly as possible until there was a long coil of it pouring over the side of the bowl. A cowardly part of Rumple relaxed at the sight of the gold, he'd regained a power which, until his summons to Dreymyr, had been as natural as breathing to him. Meanwhile, Phria snatched up some of the thread with wide eyes, she'd never seen alchemy before or even known it truly possible until that moment.

"I see why you're the demon lord." She wrapped the gold around her fingers amazed at just how light and delicate the thread was. "Now you have this, can you make the talisman for Valdis?"

He nodded while continuing to spin furiously. "I can fashion this into a base, yes. I'll incorporate some of this lead I've made. I'll need a core for it though. A stone which can retain a lot of magic, a power source."

"Ruby dust is in crimson steel, but you already said no to that. I have heard some mages speak of diamonds being particularly good at containing magical energy."

"I appreciate your attempt to help, Phria, but the talisman would require something in keeping with what Valdis is." Finally the furious spinning came to a close and Rumple leaned back in his stool to see the copious quantity of gold he'd produced. "Were I giving a mermaid legs, I'd use a pearl. Understand?" Phria nodded, she supposed that made sense. "Onyx. Onyx would work nicely." Those impossibly big eyes of his turned away from gold to the pantherian at his side. "I assume there is somewhere in this city I can acquire some? It must be of good quality, reasonably large and smooth."

Phria thought for a few moments. To be perfectly honest, she didn't often leave the Arcane University and, when she did, it was on official business so there hadn't been all that much time for shopping. However, Phria was familiar with the city since she'd lived there since her birth.

"There's probably a trader in Borobello Market but I don't know if they'll have a piece of the quality you want. There are two or three jewelers in the city I know of though."

Rumple suddenly rose to his feet then startling the soldier, though she hid it well, and made his way to the small table he'd piled some books up on when he'd begun his watch over Valdis. He quickly unfurled a map he'd pilfered from somewhere in the University and gestured to it as he looked over his shoulder to Phria.

"Show me."

"This is a lovely map." She remarked once by his side but Rumple didn't seem much in the mood for pointless niceties and observations.

"Yes, I've been acquiring one for every location I've been to."

A delicate hand moved over the map for a second before Phria finally pointed to a spot not too far from the main market, then another much further away on Trident Street; so named because it branched off in three separate directions at the northern end.

"Those are the two I know about."

Rumple hummed to himself as a clawed finger tapped his chin absent-mindedly. "A reasonable walk from the inn I got a room at when we arrived."

Though they'd paid for that room, they'd not remained long thanks to Demeer insisting that they stay at the Arcane University. That had been a boon for everybody as it was free and meant Rumple hadn't needed to constantly go back and forth; it had also been the first time Amicia had ever had her own room and she'd become quite proud of it.

Abruptly, the map vanished and Rumple turned to face Phria fully. "Still wish to help?" She nodded, confirming that she did. "Then come here."

Before Phria could question the demon lord, he'd snaked an arm around her armor-clad waist and magicked them out of the University grounds. He doubted Valdis would wake and trusted the faith Phria had in Isadora, Halcyone and Excella to guard the little girl well.

Chapter Text

In hardly a blink, Phria found herself stood outside the Squiffy Mage. The afternoon was peaceful, pleasant and the occasional spots of sun were warm against her porcelain skin after so long inside the Valkyrie building – a treat to be honest. A few people jolted at the sight of a demon and Valkyrie appearing so abruptly, but the armor kept them calm for the most part and had them returning to their days without asking too many questions; all of which Rumple would have ignored anyway. Phria wore leather scaled gauntlets of black and blue as part of her uniform, but it wasn't until Rumple saw people eye the crest emblazoned on the dorsal surface of them that he realized it was what revealed her as the Captain of the Valkyries rather than just another member. Phria peered off into the distance up at the Arcane University with a sense of awe; Rumple's spacial magic truly was astounding. Suddenly she realized he'd already started to walk away and hurried to catch up to him before the crowd could swallow him up.

With only a little chatter passing between them, they made their way to the market trader who'd only had cheaper pieces unsuited for Rumple's plans. The grasswalker had done his best to be helpful and accommodating, but the onyx he had just wouldn't have been able to stand up the level of magic Rumple intended to fill it with. Then they'd gone to the first of the jewelers only to find nothing of any use there either, the onyx had all been too small and, quite frankly, massively overpriced for what it was. When Rumple had simply turned around and left, Phria had made apologies to the bald man behind the counter and said 'sorry, he's not good with people' though Rumple thought that something of an understatement. Back in the Enchanted Forest he had deals with everybody from lowly miners to talented dwarves to ensure he got the best quality ingredients and parts for his potions and magical items – hell, he had seven separate people just for Atlantis Stone.

Once outside, Phria had calmly guided them to the other jeweler she knew of on Trident Street. It had been something of a trek compared to the others they'd visited that day and they'd needed to cut through the east half of Borobello Market to get there. Up Gypsum Street, left onto Kingspire Lane, left again at Hornbuckle Avenue so they could cut through the alley behind the parchment shop, then all the way to the end of a road known only as the Corkscrew due to the way it wound back on itself as it trailed up a small hill. Along Wandering Star Walk and over the bridge at the canal – something built by dwarves centuries ago to carry water all the way from the Endless River for irrigation purposes – then right onto Herbalist Row before finally, finally, they emerged on Trident Street. What they'd been looking for turned out to be the very last building before the street angled off to the lane furthest to the west. The building itself wasn't too dissimilar from the others around the city and, upon first glance, didn't look like the place to be for high quality gemstones. Instead, it was a rather unassuming building nestled beside a milliners with only bronze lettering drilled into a beam above the door to prove who they were.

In a display of gentlemanly kindness unusual to the Dark One, he held the door for Phria to step inside the building ahead of him. The moment each stepped over the threshold they were set upon by a rather portly pantherian man with no tail, thinning hair and the sort of smile only possessed by those in the service industry. Apparently the Captain of the Valkyries in one's store wasn't a common occurrence and he'd wanted to see if he needed to be concerned or not. The moment he realized that Phria hadn't shown up to destroy his day, the portly man's smile had turned into a real one and soon a selection of onyx had been set before them on the counter: each piece fresh out the hands of a lapidarist.

The selection consisted of maybe twenty pieces all of varying size and shape that Rumple wordlessly set about inspecting while the man, who must have surely been Marlow himself, and Phria stood awaiting his verdict.

"One of these has to work." Said Phria when he'd been silent a little too long. "Maybe this one?"

Rumple's eyes turned to the pointed at stone: it was mostly circular but much too big for what he needed; that around Valdis' neck would have toppled her over every three seconds.

He shook his head. "No, darling, this one."

From the cushion they'd been displayed on, Rumple took a more ovular stone about a quarter the size of his palm and held it up to the light. Phria didn't really know what criteria the Dark One judged the onyx by, but even she had to admit there was something about it just … different to the other options.

"This one will stand up to carving well."

The portly man perked up. "That is one of our finest pieces, sir. It costs-"

Rumple cut him off by placing a single gold coin beside the cushion on the counter and watched Marlow's eyes widen with delight.

"That'll be more than enough, I'm sure." Marlow's hand made to grab the coin but Rumple quickly summoned it back to his hand causing the man to look up confused and mildly annoyed. "But, in exchange for this shiny coin, I want this onyx and for you to find me the finest quality sapphire in this entire kingdom. I'll pay for the sapphire, of course. Deal?"

Marlow nodded without hesitation. "Deal, sir. I'll begin searching as soon as you leave. I'll get you the biggest sapphire there is."

"I didn't ask for the biggest, I asked for the finest quality."

"Of course." Marlow nodded. "I'll find it, you have my word."

"Excellent."

The coin was tossed to the portly man, the onyx stone snatched up, then they departed back out onto Trident Street where they found it had grown fairly crowded. Phria watched as he tucked the onyx into the inner pocket of his thick leather coat.

"Do you think that and your gold thread will be enough to make the talisman?"

"It's certainly a start."

He'd intended to say more but, when Phria started sniffing the air, puzzlement took over and he found all his thoughts turned to the pantherian as her ears twitched; again Rumple wanted to pet them because he was curious about them. Maylea was the only grasswalker he'd really spent any time around, but her ears didn't hold his attention the way Phria's did.

"That smells amazing. It sounds pretty good too."

Sounds? Apparently those ears were more than just for show.

"You have me at a disadvantage."

"Oh, sorry. Great hearing and smell, it's a pantherian thing." Phria gestured loosely off to the right toward the market they were now upwind of. "One of the stalls in the market is cooking night deer. Let's go get some."

"I have a talisman to ma-"

Phria grabbed the Dark One by his shirt cuff and quickly set about tugging him through the throngs of people and back toward the busy market until she found the vendor selling the night deer skewers. Of course he could have yanked his arm free at literally any time since she'd seemingly forgotten he was the Dark One and her the Captain of the Valkyries but, since he'd grown surprisingly accustom to being dragged by Belle and Amicia in every market they'd visited to see whatever trinket had caught their eye, Rumple simply went along with it. Sure enough the stall had enough night deer and grilled chicken to feed the whole city so they got a skewer each and ended up perched on a short stone retaining wall by a set of stairs that led up to Brass Book Lane – which had a lovely little café Amicia had rather taken to – as they ate.

These social moments had been occurring more and more frequently since Belle had entered his life. At first he'd thought them little more than a hindrance, but eventually had come to realize those social moments made him feel alive again. He'd been an automaton for centuries, just a machine carrying out tasks to fulfil a goal; the girls had brought him back to life though. There had been whole decades where he'd not consumed anything but tea. Belle wouldn't stand for such 'unhealthy habits' as she'd called it though and had insisted he eat meals like everybody else. That way of thinking must have rubbed off on Phria somewhere along the line. Speaking of the white-haired woman, Rumple hadn't been able to ignore just how close she'd chosen to sit; hardly an inch of space lay between them and surely that would caused raised eyebrows with the public even without them knowing he was actually a demon lord. Phria hadn't seemed to care though so it became just another thing Rumple went along with. Her exceptionally long hair held up in a ponytail hung down her back and danced ever so softly in the gentle cool breeze. Intuitively, Rumple had always been aware of Phria's young age, but he'd not unconsciously realized just how young. Definitely older than his beloved Belle, but surely no more than a handful of years. So young and yet she'd still been appointed as the leader of such a respected organization, no wonder Phria felt like the weight of the world was on her shoulders. Yes, in that moment Rumple decided that his wandering companion deserved her snack and quiet moments of peace away from her responsibilities.

"Phria, a question: why do some pantherians not have tails? Like Marlow."

"Oh, they're half-pantherians. For some reason they're always born without a tail."

He supposed that made sense, Belle's half-elf blood had left her ears much smaller than those of a full-blooded elf after all. From what Belle had told him, he knew that demi-humans, dwarves and elves could all only breed with their own species or humans, so it made sense for some difference between a pantherian and half-pantherian. With it not being all that much of an important issue, Rumple had just assumed they'd lost the tail somehow and moved on to a new topic.

Phria let out a little hum as she ate some more of her night deer. Sometimes, when he'd made a good amount of money selling his wares, Rumple had treated Bae to something sweet. The look of contentment on Phria's face was almost identical to the one his beautiful boy had worn. He felt like a worse father than he'd already turned himself into for knowing that he wanted to remain in Dreymyr with his girls, felt as though he'd played them off against one another to decipher their value to him. He'd devoted rather a lot of time during their trip to Bichelberger thinking of what to do, if there was a best of both worlds, and the only option he could come up with was to just ask Belle and Amicia to go with him. He'd written off the idea of taking only Amicia with him and he doubted Belle would so easily abandon her duty to Avonlea, but he'd have some damn courage for once and just ask them to return to the Enchanted Forest with him.

"Papa!"

Rumple's head snapped up to the steps at his side just in time to see his adopted daughter charge down them and into his arms causing him to drop the skewer stick. A few steps behind her was Belle holding a couple of books and wearing a sweet smile that left her blue eyes sparkling. Azzy sat beside her with an expression that revealed he'd had enough people for one day and wished to be scaled back up to his regular size.

"Hello, little one." He greeted and pulled Amicia up to sit next to him on the wall. "Have you had fun with your mama?"

The blonde nodded as Belle adjusted her grasp on the books. Beside him, Phria deflated and began to busied herself by fidgeting with her own skewer stick as she shuffled along the wall a bit; only Belle took notice.

"We've spent all our time at Mister Sixpence's bookshop across the street."

Rumple breathed out a laugh as he smiled one of his rare smiles up at the woman he loved. "Why am I not surprised?"

"I'm hungry." Announced Amicia as she pointed down to the stick Rumple had dropped. "Can I have one of those too, Papa?"

"I'll get her one," Phria said way too quickly and before Belle or Rumple could even think of pointing out she didn't have to, Phria had vanished back into the market crowd – impressive considering the cobalt armor.

Belle felt a pang of pity that she hid behind the sweet smile her years as a princess had taught her.

Soon enough Amicia had her night deer skewer and Rumple had returned himself and the three women back to the Arcane University with naught but a wave of his clawed hand. Upon their return, Rumple had barged into Demeer's office uncaring as to whether he were busy or not to essentially demand his own lab because there had to 'be one sitting around the place somewhere'. Meanwhile, Phria had returned to her own office while Belle took Amicia up to her room with Azzy so they could indulge in some reading.

At first Demeer had wondered why Rumple needed an entire workspace to himself, or indeed a workspace at all since he was neither professor nor scholar, although keeping the First Demon Lord out the way of day-to-day school business was probably an excellent idea and, after Rumple had explained his intention to create a talisman for the lamia, Demeer had relented and provided Rumple with a reasonably sized room filled with forgotten desks and old books nobody looked at, on the far side of the Arcane University away from students.

Outside the large windows were a few trees, then a steep drop off down toward the Steeple, but Rumple cared little about the view when he finally had a quiet place to work. A quiet place he'd promptly locked himself away inside to tinker with and pummel the talisman into shape over the next several days. It had been like old times when he focused his entire being on a single task, when everything else in existence just faded away into nothingness for a while. Or, at least it would have been like that had Belle allowed it. The aforementioned refusal to let him keep a diet of only tea was a resolute one and she personally went each evening to force him out of his lab for meals and to see their daughter.

It had taken some work, some extremely long hours, but Rumple had eventually been able to craft a talisman for a still unconscious Valdis – not that anybody had expected her to wake, that much dark magic being sucked out of her would have been enough to kill just about anybody else, so a small coma wasn't actually that much to worry about. As expected, the talisman had done absolutely nothing. The gold had been crafted into a thicker necklaced than he would have liked, but the onyx had been perfect; the problem was that he was working off of half-thoughts and mumblings from an aeon ago.

As soon as he, Belle and Phria had seen the necklace fail, Rumple had sighed then promptly locked himself away to try again. That failure was why he'd found himself in such a mood that night when he and Belle put little Amicia to bed. He had to get that talisman working – had to! Once it did and Valdis had a more humanoid appearance, then the calls for her death would rapidly decline; after all, it was the crime of looking different that got the mobs riled up in the first place.

"Papa, don't be mad." Rumple blinked out of his grumbled thoughts and back to the candlelit bedroom around him. Belle on one side of the bed with an open book and him on the other with Amicia between them. "You'll get it right."

"You should listen to your daughter, Rumple, she's right."

He'd not been aware his mental absence had been quite so distracting as to pull both of his girls away from their storybook. Rumple sighed because he knew sulking over his failure wouldn't change anything and, later, when he pondered that thought, Rumple would realize just how much he'd changed on the inside.

"Aye, yes, you're right."

From his pocket he took something small that he dropped into Amicia's little hand which had her sit up straight with a gleeful smile. Belle closed the book and set it aside fully aware the tale had been forgotten.

When Amicia unfurled her hand she found a golden necklace with a delicate, almost swirling pattern cut into a pendant reminiscent of a nabla which hung from a thin gold chain, and paired well with the bronze earrings she'd bought with Belle. Seeing Amicia's delight fed Rumple's dark soul.

"It isn't fair if only Valdis gets a necklace, now is it?" He told her as he fastened it around her neck.

"Thank you, Papa!"

As soon as it was on, the blonde launched up to hug him which had Belle smile warmly at the pair. Rumple petted her hair a few moments before she pulled away as something was slipped onto her head. Whatever it was felt as though it should have been significantly heavier than it actually was. Amicia reached up to grab the item but Rumple quickly summoned a mirror instead. Atop the girl's head were two golden horns decorated with leaf-shaped flourishes and connected by a golden band around the back of her head sort of like a half circlet.

"On the journey here you said that the daughter of a demon lord should probably have horns."

A silly gift, they all knew that, but he'd enjoyed rediscovering his ability to make gold and crafting the items had been both enjoyable and not that time consuming. Regardless, Rumple had made Amicia happy and that was all he could ask for.

She hugged him again. Gone was that scared little girl who'd only had rags and nightmares, in her place was Amicia, beloved daughter of the Dark One who would be spoilt at every available opportunity. Her blonde hair glowed golden, blue eyes twinkled softly and her skin had regained some color after spending so long with it a sickly pale color.

"All right," began Belle. "You can look at it properly in the morning when it's daylight. I'll read you the rest of your story."

With that, the headdress was removed and set aside for the following day, Belle returned to reading the story while Rumple closed his eyes and let his head fall back against the headboard. Belle's gentle tone soothed him as he committed her voice to memory.

Amicia had slipped into slumber not long before the story's end, so her parents had quietly left the room with Azzy to watch over her and retired for the night. In the warmth of their bed, Rumple held her close, her back to his chest as he explored her delicate body. Making love to her was a gift she'd bestowed only upon him and he'd forever be grateful she'd seen beyond the beast.

He slowly coaxed Belle onto her stomach with her legs spread and her form on display to him. One hand snared in her soft chestnut locks while the other gripped her hip as he thrust into her inviting body. The breathy pants and sweet moans she made for him almost more delectable than the feeling of her quivering walls around his length. His Belle, his sweet and loving Belle. Rumple wouldn't ever believe that he deserved her, but he'd felt the spark at their first kiss, knew she was his true love and would adore her for the rest of time.

~X~

In the early hours of the morning, long before the sun had even debated starting to rise, Rumple and Belle were rudely awoken from their dreamlands by Leotomas who urged them down to the training room because the lamia had finally regained consciousness. When the three made it to the underground room they found Cynthia and a few of the other Valkyries had their weapons drawn ready to attack while Phria had crouched before the child in an attempt to comfort her. Valdis had backed herself into a corner far from an angry Cynthia and the weapons, her black tail had been coiled up around her like a wall making her look taller than she actually was and probably more threatening. Tensions were high in the room and Belle shuddered to think what would have happened had Leotomas taken any longer rousing them.

"We need to just kill this thing." Cynthia argued, her claymore sharp and begging to take the girl's head.

"That won't be happening, dearie. Good bye."

A wave of his hand cast Cynthia and her cronies far from the training room where she posed no threat to Valdis. Before he'd arrived in Dreymyr and changed on the inside, he'd have simply killed her or turned them all into slugs, but now he settled for simply sending them to the other side of the Arcane University. Excella and her half-sister, who'd both been guarding the door, opened their mouths to question where the Vice-Captain and others had gone, but Rumple waved them off.

"They're alive, don't worry." Then he was at Phria's side before Valids while Belle stopped a few steps behind them with a comforting smile. Valdis' full attention snapped to Rumple, jet-black eyes met his unique brown ones in an instant. "Hello, sweet girl, there's nothing to be scared of. You remember me, right?"

Only a little did her scaled tail unfurl, but it lowered her down a bit to show she'd relaxed at the sound of his voice. After a few brief seconds Valdis stretched an unsure hand out toward him.

"Papa?"

Rumple nodded. "Yes, Valdis, I'm your papa."

Bae had always wanted a little sister to take care of and love, and Rumple hoped he'd approve of gaining two when he found Bae. He'd not intended to adopt Amicia but he loved her and, with how much dark magic had been inside Valdis, he could understand why she had quickly assumed he was her father. He and Belle had taken in Amicia so he didn't see too much of an issue with taking in Valdis as well,

"… Valdis?" She questioned.

Rumple nodded and let out a little affirming hum. "That's your name, sweet girl." He pointed to each woman in turn. "You're Valdis, this is Phria and that's Belle."

She slithered closer to Rumple but eyed Belle and Phria suspiciously; it was safe to say she was automatically wary of anybody dressed in cobalt armor and rightly so. Phria wasn't discouraged by the lack of trust though and donned her best smile, one that caused her polished emeralds to twinkle brightly.

"Hello, Valdis. I'm the one who named you. Is- is that okay?"

Valdis didn't nod or respond but she also didn't do anything to suggest she refused the name or who'd given it to her; a good sign. Her first moments of life may have been traumatic and terrifying, but this time words were softly spoken and those with the pointy objects had been sent away. Valdis didn't feel safe exactly, but she trusted her papa to protect her after he'd made the pain go away.

Quietly Demeer slipped into the room passed Scarlette and Excella Ravenscroft, then over to Leotomas who was off to Belle's left. The two men spoke for several moments in hushed tones while Rumple petted Valdis' hair and Belle built up the courage to join him and Phria crouched on the flagstone floor.

Belle hadn't ever seen a lamia before, hadn't ever even heard mention of them in the numerous books she'd read over the years. Parts of Valdis were like any other child while others were more akin to a monster. She supposed Valdis was more like a mermaid than anything else, half one species and half another, Belle could understand that being a half-elf herself. Valdis' wings were tucked in neatly at her back and more reminiscent of a bat or dragon than anything else. Her tail long and coated with scales the color of a moonless night, skin pale but smooth, black hair almost excessively long and parted in the middle. Then there were her eyes, totally black to the point one couldn't tell where iris ended and pupil began; shimmering pools of obsidian they were. A beautiful girl, a beautiful and scared girl.

Demeer approached then and, though he didn't crouch down, he did hunch slightly as well as offer a reassuring smile to the timid girl.

"Are you hungry, Miss Valdis? After your long nap, some food probably sounds good, yes?" As if to prove his point, her stomach growled in a low rumble which had everybody smirk a little. When she finally nodded Demeer straightened up and turned to Leotomas. "Fetch something warm for the girl, please."

That was how the Grand Mage's adjutant ended up playing maid. He procured a bowl of creamy chicken stew with great haste and placed the bowl down on her cot bed before he backed away to a more acceptable distance. The girl ate slowly after Rumple's encouragement and, once she was finished, Belle and Phria saw about getting her a bath. Meanwhile, the three men discussed how exactly to approach caring for Valdis. With her awake, keeping her in the training room didn't seem like a viable option and none of them were all that keen on keeping her like a prisoner, so with only a little resistance from the werewolf among them, a room had been located hardly a stone's throw away from the ones Rumple and his family had occupied. It wasn't possible for her to regain her monolith size, and placing her as close to the man she thought was her father as possible seemed like a wise course of action. Rumple had even promised to ward the room on the off chance something did go haywire with her internal structure.

After maybe an hour and a half, when the sun had actually started to debate rising for the day, Valdis had been bathed and tucked into a nice new bed much as Amicia had been by Belle. Demeer and Phria loitered in the doorway with Rumple while Belle assured Valdis everything would be fine and it was time to go to sleep.

"Poor child," Demeer commented absent-mindedly with a sigh.

Silently they all agreed with him.

"I need to continue working on the talisman necklace." Rumple said. "Jefferson is making progress with getting us a way back to our realm, but I gave my word to Belle I would help her kingdom, brother and father first. We can't stay here much longer, I may need aid in speeding the talisman along."

"I understand." Demeer nodded. "However, Valdis is basically an unknown species to this realm. I honestly don't know how to take care of her. You are the only one who seems to have knowledge of these lamia."

"Don't worry, I wasn't suggesting I leave her here. Even if I can't get that talisman to work, I'll be taking my daughter with me."

A demon lord and a totally new species running around together freely didn't sound like a good idea upon first glance, but Demeer had come to see why Princess Belle had put so much faith in him and, at the end of the day, he couldn't really stop the Dark One from leaving with Valdis even if he'd wanted to.

"What else is left to try?" Phria asked when she rejoined them.

"I've exhausted all my ideas so far, darling. I believe I've exhausted those of Leotomas and Demeer as well."

Belle appeared in the doorway then, she pulled the door almost all the way closed leaving only enough to poke a head in if needed and rested a hand atop her lover's forearm.

"She's asking for you. Wants you to stay with her."

Rumple shook his head. "I have to work on the talisman."

"How about I stay with her until Rumple is finished?"

Rumple nor Demeer knew what was more surprising, that Phria had volunteered to watch over Valdis or that she'd abruptly taken to using the Dark One's nickname. Both were welcomed though and Rumple quickly consented to it since Valdis had seemed comfortable around Phria.

"Very well. Thank you, Phria."

Phria blushed as Rumple made his way inside the room to say goodnight; Belle just smiled knowingly at the taller woman whose ears drooped the second she saw Belle's face.

The Grand Mage clapped his hands together. "All right, I will leave you to it. Should you need me for something, please give your messages to Yan."

Nobody could deny that Demeer had done rather well in putting the White Inferno to work after he'd helped himself to that potion all those years ago.

The moment the goateed man had rounded a corner, Belle's blue eyes turned to Phria.

"Phria," she began slowly. "I know you l-"

"No! Don't be ridiculous. That's not it at all."

With that not at all suspicious outburst, Phria darted inside the bedroom leaving Belle out in the hall to sigh deeply. The only person in the entire Arcane University who hadn't noticed the feelings Phria had developed for Rumple was the man himself; even Amicia had questioned Belle about it one afternoon while they'd been at Mister Sixpence's bookshop on Bronze Book Lane. Frankly, the situation had started to take a turn toward the risible and Belle found it grating.

Belle didn't remain in her thoughts long though as she spotted a flash of blonde which turned out to be Amicia who'd been woken by all the movement and talking out in the hall. Belle walked to the end of the corridor to comfort the child and get her back into bed.

Meanwhile, Rumple had said goodnight to Valdis and ensured Phria would be all right watching over her, then he'd marched straight to the room he'd commandeered as his lab to get to work. Just as he'd told Demeer, they couldn't remain at the University indefinitely. Rumple and Jefferson had to return to the Enchanted Forest and, while Gaston may have seemed more concerned with getting the Dark One under his thumb, they couldn't ignore the danger Avonlea and the du Marchand family were in forever. Each day Belle's concern for her little brother grew and Rumple hated making her wait.

Chapter Text

The sun had just reached its zenith when Belle entered Rumple's lab. He had various pieces of gold laying around, some of them half twisted into prototype necklaces, all scattered amongst open books. Despite the afternoon sun, the drapes kept the room littered with dark shadows that oddly reminded Belle of when he'd hunched over his desk back at the Teapot Inn; an oddly endearing memory. She threw open the curtains which caused Rumple to hiss at the sudden brightness and shield his eyes like the wanna-be cave dweller he was.

"Oh calm down, it's not like the sun is going to kill you. Have you slept at all in the last two days?" He said nothing but Belle had already known the answer anyway. She placed her hands on her hips and shot him a stern expression. "Rumple, you're working yourself to death."

"I'm immortal." He grumbled.

"Rumple." She grabbed his hands and yanked on them to force eye contact, then she kissed him softly. "I love you. You're a stubborn man, but I love you. Please stop doing this to yourself."

"I love you, too."

She slipped into his lap and snaked an arm around his neck while his automatically went to curl around her waist as they rested their foreheads together lovingly.

"I know that you're trying so hard for Valdis' sake, you're a good father to our girls-" Their girls, Rumple liked the sound of that. "-but you may have to accept that this won't work. I know she'll never be able to walk around a city without being threatened and feared, but I'm sure Gordana could issue some sort of order to leave her unharmed and, of course, she'll always be welcome in Avonlea."

Rumple sighed deeply as he pulled Belle closer. "That's not the point, sweetheart. The point is that all she's known since the second she hatched is hostility and violence. Valdis might not slither away screaming at the sight of you, Phria and Demeer, but she is scared of everybody around her." He paused then, so long that Belle started to grow concerned. "… I stopped a war once, Belle. Ogres plagued my land just like yours. Our Duke had started sending children into battle, to die as fodder. I became what I am so my son wouldn't have to suffer the same fate. I've seen what numerous children look like when they know they're going to die, and that is the look in Valdis' eyes." Finally he looked up to the woman he loved. "I don't want her to look like that, Belle. I want her happy like Amicia is."

"And you still think you're a monster." She gazed upon him with such love. "Okay. Well, if you've tried everything you think will work, how about something like a different sigil in the stone?"

"Demeer has been quite the instructor on sigils and magic circles as well as their workings. We've tried everything as well as some of the markings fairies make in my realm."

Belle's eyebrows raised. "Fairies? They exist?"

"Annoyingly, yes." Rumple grumbled.

A few moments of silence passed between them as Belle pondered and thought, if the Dark One and the Grand Mage hadn't been able to come up with a viable solution then Belle doubted she'd be the one to crack the case, but trying couldn't have hurt. Avonlea had a rather extensive selection of rare tomes that Belle had enjoyed devouring over the years, and her knowledge of history was fairly extensive. However, with her having a fairly low magic level, her understanding of magical items and tools was somewhat lacking.

"Have you tried Draconic?"

"Ye-no, what?" Rumple's brow furrowed deeply.

"The markings on her egg were likely Draconic, probably made by Msiddi herself." Belle explained. "Valdis is part dragon so maybe she'd … resonate better with Draconic iconography."

Rumple kissed her hard. He'd never even thought about changing the root of the symbols he'd been using; it seemed so obvious now she'd said it aloud.

"Belle, that's genius. Why didn't I think of that?"

"Maybe because little to nothing is known about their magic and you haven't slept in two days?"

He ignored her teasing in favor of kissing her again. For a few quiet moments the lovers kissed and delighted in one another's touch. Rumple held her close, breathed in her comforting scent and soaked up every inch of love she was willing to give to him. Belle du Marchand, eldest daughter of King Maurice, true beauty and honestly good person – Rumple adored her, adored her with everything he had.

"Valdis and Amicia aren't the only ones I have jewelry for, but I don't know if you'll accept it."

"What are you talking about, Rumple?"

Belle's brow furrowed slightly as he shuffled to reach into his pocket. Then, as she sat in his lap with one arm around his neck and curiosity flourishing, Belle was presented with a dazzling gold ring with a perfectly circular sapphire in the centre. Such a dainty work of art embellished with swirls and flares all around the band. Some may have called the ring too simple for a princess, that the sapphire was too small or that there simply weren't enough gems in it, but Belle had never been one for ostentatious displays of wealth and had no desire to cart a rock the size of her fist around for no other reason than to prove her husband was a man of means. No, the ring Rumple had presented her with was understated but stunningly beautiful, something he'd clearly devoted time and effort to; this would be the ring Belle treasured.

"I know you and I being in one another's company was decided for us, but you're not enslaved any longer and we have Amicia now, Valdis as well. I won't lie and say being together will be easy. I have to find my Bae but -"

Belle abruptly cut him off with a kiss. "Yes."

"Yes? I haven't even asked yet."

Yes, she'd said yes, said it so freely and without an iota of hesitation. The perfect goddess in his lap had actually consented to be his wife, the wife of a monster.

"I've been waiting since after the Osgar Hall Caverns for you to ask." She beamed. "Yes, Rumpelstiltskin, I'll marry you. Of course I'll marry you, I love you." Rumple pressed a loving kiss to her lips as if to confirm to himself Belle was real rather than a figment of his insanity, his claws into the burgundy leather of her outfit. "You promised to help my family and my kingdom, and I'd very much like to meet my step-son, so never doubt that I'll help you find him no matter what realm we end up in." He just blinked at her in amazement. "We're family now, Rumple, and I love you."

He'd been terrified of asking Belle to leave Dreymyr with him but … she would! Belle had just quietly agreed to go with him in search of Baelfire, she'd not leave him and Rumple adored her. Belle wouldn't leave him.

Rumple pressed his forehead to hers. "I love you as well, Belle. I don't know what I did to deserve you, but I'm pleased I did it."

"It's the same reason that others love you, you're a good man, Rumple."

He nearly snorted because he was the fearsome Dark One and always would be, a beast and monster with only evil inside his soul. However, the chestnut-haired beauty seemed so confident in her proclamation. She'd actually chosen him; didn't matter she was a princess, half-elf or a girl of eighteen, not when she'd chosen worthless him. Belle truly was a bright light too good for the world.

~X~

After their engagement had been quietly celebrated inside the commandeered lab, Rumple had gone to Leotomas to inquire as to which professor knew the most about the Draconic language. While there were several professors at the Arcane University with and understanding of Draconic, Rumple had been quickly shuffled to a grasswalker named Mykel Ainsworth and assured he was the best they had. When he'd met the man out in the gardens, Rumple had quickly determined Ainsworth had more than a couple screws loose. The man consistently muttered to himself about his research as he scribbled away inside a notebook in a shorthand of his own invention and students seemed to give him a wide berth – Rumple couldn't help but be reminded a little of himself.

Ainsworth wasn't a bad-looking grasswalker. Actually he was a fairly handsome man with blue eyes and brunet hair which hung down around his face in a shaggy mop, his large ears twitched and turned toward every noise but didn't seem to actually take notice, and, like with all grasswalkers, he looked much younger than he really was. Handsome, but insane – 'maybe he's more like Jefferson than myself then' Rumple's mind had muttered.

With Ainsworth's tremendously enthusiastic assistance over the following two days, Rumple's knowledge of dragons and Draconic had skyrocketed; he'd also learned that there were some pretty large gaps in the record when it came to Isra's fate. Most stories said that the other dragons had assisted in aiding the Hero to slay Isra, although, even the Church's written record didn't state anywhere that the darkness dragon had actually been killed by the Hero's sword. Tomes kept by the Vita Tree claimed that the Hero and his party had only arrived in Isra's territory after the dragons had already 'intervened'. Frankly, with so few first-hand documents, it was impossible to say with a hundred percent certainty that Isra had actually been slain. However, that was a problem for Ainsworth to concern himself with rather than Rumple. Much more importantly, together they'd been able to modify the sigil Rumple had carved into the onyx in minute but dramatic ways. Ainsworth had drawn up numerous options for the talisman that the two had slowly assessed then disregarded until the pair had finally built something they thought could work. Rumple remained skeptical since that appeared to be a prerequisite of being him, but Ainsworth's enthusiasm seemingly had no limits and the man had muttered on and on about having Rumple join him in his research again at some point. Even when he'd learned Rumple was indeed the Dark One, Ainsworth had only grown curious. The man's desire for knowledge superseded fear, caution and, to some extent, rational thinking. A dedicated scholar was Mykel Ainsworth, but he'd likely get distracted by some unusual flower and eaten by a bear if he ever actually left Bichelberger's walls.

What they'd been working on was considered fringe magic, but Rumple could feel an even greater power inside the onyx than when he'd started that alone provided hope. The power resonated with his own dark magic which meant it would surely do the same with Valdis'.

The lab he'd commandeered had been turned into what amounted to a madman's murder board. Sheets upon sheets of discarded paper with different sigils had been tossed here, there and everywhere with books half hidden underneath some of them. Candle wax had dripped down the side of one desk where Ainsworth had spent all night glued to the book Rumple had first read about the talisman in, and bits of forgotten gold thread littered the floor. Ainsworth had borderline begged to watch Rumple spin gold but he'd been firmly rebuffed at every turn; he was the damn Dark One not a performing monkey – if he wanted performing monkeys, Zelena would have been a better person to ask.

Despite having edited the talisman to the best version the two men where capable of, Rumple had opted to spend several more hours with Ainsworth to learn all he could from the crazy researcher. Normally he'd have had to make some kind of deal to get his hands on so much information, but Ainsworth had delighted in speaking at length on every topic he had knowledge of, so Rumple had simply listened and absorbed. Jefferson had joined them for a few hours when the topic of portals had arisen, he'd spent most of his time in the library vault searching for a way back to the Enchanted Forest; or indeed any realm that he and Rumple could use their teleportation magic freely in.

While Ainsworth's area of expertises was more restricted to research and ancient magic, he had come up with some rather interesting reasons as for why they'd not been able to escape Dreymyr. The most promising idea was the fact Isra had been defeated. The Cardinal Dragons were like linchpins within Dreymyr, one for each elemental class whose continued existence kept the realm's magic in balance, hence why they were referred to as the Cardinal Dragons in the first place. Legends all spoke of Isra being one of their number which suggested dark magic had been used regularly long ago but, with Isra gone – whatever that actually meant with the written record being so spotty – had become wild and unstable; couple that with how different Dreymyr's magic laws were to every other realm Rumple had visited, and it made quite a lot of sense as to why establishing a connection out of the realm had grown so hard. Ainsworth may have been mad as a March hare, but his ideas held merit and had been both surprisingly insightful and well explained. All that said, Rumple had seen a new problem arise if Ainsworth's hypothesis turned out to be correct, and that was that, if Isra really had been slain by the other dragons, then it might have only been possible to pull things into Dreymyr rather than allowing them back out. At the very least they'd surely need a huge source of dark magic to ground a portal spell; disturbingly, Rumple knew that he himself was probably one of the few remaining sources of such power.

Logically, Rumple knew he couldn't linger in Bichelberger for much longer. He'd put off fulfilling his end of the deal he'd made with Belle and the deal he'd made had started to think he wouldn't keep his word. Magic came at a price and it needed to be paid. Then there was Jefferson who urged to return to his daughter – something Rumple fully understood and respected.

Two of the three other demon lords were dead, only Ravavena remained and she'd been imprisoned in Akula Prison on Shark Island in Worynheim. Her existence explained the concentration of darkness he'd always felt to the east, but in the last couple of months he'd begun feeling something similar to the west. There were a number of kingdoms to the west, but Rumple knew whatever the new darkness was, it came from Avonlea and almost certainly had something to do with Haldor Tvon. That man scared Belle, scared his sweet fiancée, and he couldn't be left unchecked for much longer, Rumple knew that. The darkness corrupted even the most noble of souls, so if a man already evil and cruel learned to harness dark magic then – well, all of Dreymyr could fall.

Only in the late afternoon when the three men had totally exhausted their avenues of conversation, did they finally depart Rumple's lab. Jefferson had gone in search of Leotomas so they could locate more tomes on Isra and the Cardinal Dragons – getting back to Grace was an exceedingly good motivator – while Ainsworth had chosen to accompany Rumple so they could test the new talisman. Frankly, if the new one didn't work, Rumple wasn't sure there was anything else left to try. The talisman was one third vague instruction from an unsourced book, one third guesswork from two mages who clearly weren't entirely sane, and a final third of good old hope. However, despite everything else that had urged and circled around Rumple's head, he'd actually enjoyed just working away on a magic item much as he had back at the Dark Castle. Ainsworth had proven himself a valuable assistant and – 'Stop it!' Rumple's mind screamed. 'You don't enjoy any of this! You're just doing it so you can go back to Bae.' Violently, Rumple slapped a clawed hand against his temple then snatched up the onyx necklace and grumbled that he was going to try the talisman. The longer Rumple allowed himself to enjoy Belle's realm, the more he failed his beloved Baelfire. Since he'd opted to see their handiwork in action, Ainsworth followed quietly; which just proved his intellect.

~X~

King Maurice sat alone in the throne room, that was all he seemed to do these days but he couldn't quite figure out why. He occasionally saw Gaston strut in with some new bright idea that was simply recklessness and bravado wrapped up in ornate words and gilded smiles. These bright ideas didn't benefit Avonlea or her people, they mostly just benefited the LeGume family and Tvon's research, but Maurice gave his permission each time despite not wanting to. A month prior Gaston had insisted they begin mining an area southwest of End and west-northwest of Ingston for the star sapphires the crown had always known were there. On the surface it seemed like a good idea that could make the kingdom wealthy and provide more jobs, but the du Marchand's had refused to mine it for the reason it was too close to the Ogre Blockade and the ground was notoriously unstable; they'd lost many a wagon on its way to Ten Kingdom Castle before his father had ordered the roadway re-enforced.

Maurice didn't know what had happened to him, if he tried to say no then a yes would leave his mouth, if he tried to leave the throne room for anything other than to eat or sleep, one of Gaston's men would usher him back inside like an old grandfather who'd become a nuisance. He was their King, not some inconvenient old man! Yet, his body just did as they wanted and returned to his throne. All was foggy inside his mind, he couldn't think straight, couldn't ask what he wanted to or go where he pleased. His chamberlain had been fired for a reason unknown to him and replaced with a man who had no idea what the job entailed; frankly Maurice thought him more of a jailer than a chamberlain. What had become of poor Lancaster, Maurice didn't know, but he hoped the young man found employment elsewhere quickly. On one of the few times he'd managed to get outside for some fresh air, he'd seen the castle's marshal, Estienne, covered in bruises. Though Maurice's mind was murky and wouldn't allow him to fully control his own actions, he'd been able to realize something was seriously wrong. A marshal's job was to oversee the stables, craftsmen and the castle's military presence. Estienne kept a watchful eye on everybody from the stableboys to the blacksmiths and saw to the transporting of goods; and he was damn good at it. All those bruises though, whoever had caused the wrongness in his mind had caused them as well. Scarily, where once there had been numerous pages running around, now Kalecaster had fallen eerily silent and the odd page Maurice did see sported similar bruises to Estienne and all had fear in their eyes. Lancaster dismissed despite his exemplary work, Estienne beaten and a shadow of his normal self, young pages so scared into silence that their hands trembled day and night and a steward who'd not been seen in months, yet Maurice couldn't do anything to stop it. A king was meant to protect his people, but somehow he'd become a prisoner inside his own body.

Then Artem had arrived, wise Artem who Maurice had known all his life, the man who'd introduced him to his sweet Colette and done nothing but show him kindness. Maurice had screamed desperately inside his brain, done all he could to force out what he'd observed inside Kalecaster Castle and that Gaston and Tvon were surely behind it, but the words that left his throat were not his own; they came in his voice but they were another's nonetheless. Then Artem had asked after the du Marchand children and Maurice's heart had almost broken. The words some puppetmaster forced him to say had told Artem that Belle had gone in search of books while Lorrimer was ill with a fever, and, while Lorrimer had always been prone to fevers, Belle even with all her courage and want for adventure, wouldn't have simply run off to Worynheim without asking his permission first. Gaston had always wanted Belle's hand in marriage but for power rather than love and Maurice hadn't ever put much thought into him being a real suitor for Belle. The pair would have made a terrible match and Gaston had always been too selfish to make a good king consort.

Belle hadn't taken a journey to Worynheim in the east. His sweet daughter could have been anywhere, or she could have been dead. Maurice was both a king and a father, so every day he continued fighting to break whatever evil spell had been cast upon him. Artem might have returned to Dorovoth, but Maurice refused to give up. When he'd married Colette he'd fully expected the elf to outlive him by many generations, but then she'd visited Ten Kingdom Castle with Belle on the day the ogres had tried to break the Blockade down and Belle had come home alone.

Another battle between himself and the spell for control of his own body thundered inside him until he managed to force his eyes to the faded red ribbon tied around his left wrist; Colette had gifted it to him as a favor when they'd first begun courting and it provided him strength still decades later. 'Do the brave thing and bravery will follow' was what Colette had always said, a sentiment she'd passed on to their clever daughter: Maurice would take a leaf out of his dearly departed wife's book and be brave for Belle and Lorrimer. He had no idea what the spell would do to him in the end, but as Avonlea's King and father of two wonderful children, he'd keep resisting the spell.

Chapter Text

The intended plan may have been to head for Valdis' room so they could test the new talisman but, roughly half of the way there, one of Leotomas' underlings had spotted them and insisted they accompanied her to the Grand Mages' office as it was 'most urgent' as she'd put it. Rumple sighed but kindly did as asked. They followed the woman to the upper floor and into Demeer's office – a large room with an excessive amount of crooked windows in Rumple's opinion. The woman had simply pushed the door open for the pair, though it was only actually Rumple who'd been summoned, then darted away as though she had no intention of being part of whatever situation lay beyond the threshold.

More people stood inside than usual and he didn't recognize two newcomers. The second Ainsworth spotted the blond men he dropped into a low bow which had Rumple lift an eyebrow. Normally Demeer would have been seated at his desk but he'd instead chosen to remain standing which was another clear indication this wasn't any regular conversation. Phria had put more distance between herself and Cynthia than usual as well. No, Rumple didn't like whatever was going on inside Demeer's well-lit office.

"I take it from the bowing that they're important somehow?" Rumple questioned nobody in particular which had caused the younger blond with a neat beard to narrow his eyes in outrage that probably would have been far more intimidating had Rumple not been the most powerful man to ever live.

"How dare you?! You're speaking to the Princes of Yanhil."

Royalty certainly explained the fancy clothes and air of arrogance that dripped off the bearded blond. The other prince, a little older with stubble and a more buttery quality to his short hair, placed his hand atop his brother's shoulder which silence the outrage rather swiftly. At least one of these royals was level-headed.

"There is no need for that, brother."

Demeer gestured to Rumple once he'd dismissed Ainsworth – oh, had he been delighted to escape. For a man who really wasn't happy, Demeer hid it well.

"Your Highnesses, this is Rumpelstiltskin, the demon lord known as the Dark One."

The blond with the beard reflectively reached for his sword which had Cynthia smirk, but that hand on his shoulder tightened warningly before it released.

"Owen, Father sent us here to resolve this issue with words rather than swords."

"So," Rumple began as he clapped his hands together; he'd mostly accompanied the woman to Demeer's office out of curiosity after all. "What is happening here, dearies?"

Owen scoffed. "Such disrespect, it's to be expected from a demon lord."

They hadn't seemed surprised the Dark One had been wandering around the Arcane University; stabby, yes, but not surprised and that concerned Rumple. While he'd not exactly been hiding what he was, he'd doubted such a thing would have made it all the way to Yanhil's royal family without somebody highly aware of the situation informing them. Since he knew Belle nor Gordana were inclined to do such a thing, that narrowed his suspect pool down significantly. Leotomas was loyal to Maximilian Demeer above all else, so he was quickly ruled out, that just left Phria and Cynthia. 'And who out of those two hates my guts?' Yes, Cynthia Stonecrop was the guilty party. Still, Rumple didn't feel all that threatened by it, he could kill the princes should the situation call for it.

"Oh, you wound me, dearie, however shall I recover?"

Demeer sighed, he really didn't need Rumple's sarcasm making things worse for the Mages' Guild He'd have also really liked to have sat down, but Princes Horatio and Owen had preferred to stand which, according to etiquette, meant everybody else had to stand as well. Surely the best option was to just get on with it and hope the wrath of the unshakable Umbra family didn't come crashing down on them.

"It would seem Vice-Captain Stonecrop has taken it upon herself to inform King Nathaniel about our new … charge."

Rumple lifted an eyebrow, so she'd told them about Valdis as well. This was all about Stonecrop wanting Valdis dead, and apparently she'd decided to use the royals to strengthen her argument. Despicable.

Phria shuffled closer to whisper while Demeer offered Horatio and Owen a drink that was promptly refused.

"I'm sorry. I didn't know Cynthia would do this."

"Do what?"

Cynthia burst in then, brow furrowed into a deep scowl and voice filled with malignity she didn't even bother trying to hide.

"Done the right thing!" All eyes snapped to the outburst. "Ever since you showed up, this entire place and everyone in it has gone to the ogres. Our reputations have been disgraced. The Grand Mage is suddenly friends with a demon lord, the Valkyrie Captain has only descended further into incompetency and is now little more than a pushover who trails after a monster like a love-sick puppy. And now we're just letting monstrous creatures that should have been dispatched a week ago roam the halls like it's perfectly acceptable. That thing is a horrific monster! It already tried to destroy everybody once, took out half the courtyard and two levels of the vault with it. Who is to say it's not going to do it again and is just biding its time? Then again, you probably know that, don't you? Since you're a disgusting demon lord and all. We should have killed you the moment you arrived on principal in Drazva's name, not played nice. So yes, I went over the Valkyrie Captain's and Grand Mage's heads because I have no confidence in either of them any longer. It had to be reported to the King so he could finally get this insane asylum functioning in an orderly and holy manner again, starting with cleaving that thing's head from its shoulders."

Rumple reacted instinctively, his anger had bubbled so high during Cynthia's bigoted rant that he'd just moved without thinking and sent her flying back into a bookshelf which caused little Ognyan to scurry away to the next closest bookshelf. He'd hurt nothing but her pride despite the rage that bubbled inside him; maybe he would have killed her had Phria not rested her hand atop his forearm much as Belle often did.

Owen reached for his sword again as Cynthia pushed herself to her feet. "Is he even a demon lord? I could run him through so we can find out."

"Enough, Owen." Horatio verbally halted his younger brother. "The King entrusted me to get to the bottom of what is going on here and whether or not it endangers the kingdom and her people. I would like to do so logically and rationally." Horatio turned his piercing blue eyes to Rumple. "Now, you claim to be the Dark One, correct?"

"All due respect, Your Highness," said Demeer. "It isn't a claim. Rumpelstiltskin truly is the Dark One."

While the royals' attention was on Demeer, Rumple took the opportunity to whisper to an uncomfortable Phria.

"Phria." She shuffled closer. "Tell Ognyan to go find Belle. She may have some sway here."

The pantherian obeyed, she wasted no time muttering instructions to the white hamster who promptly darted out of the room at breakneck speed.

While Prince Owen was hostile and quick to whip out his sword, Prince Horatio appeared to have a far more pragmatic and rational approach to things. Fortunately for Rumple, Horatio was also the heir to the throne meaning he outranked Owen.

"You truly believe him to be the Dark One?"

Demeer nodded. "I do, Your Highness, I've seen proof of it. He's not like the legends suggest. Rumpelstiltskin isn't like that at all."

"Are you telling me that, as Grand Mage, you shall vouch for this man not being a threat to the kingdoms?"

"I will." Demeer answered without hesitation and frankly Rumple was surprised people had been so supportive of him. "Rumpelstiltskin likes his deals, yes, and he can be secretive but he is not a monster intending to destroy us."

Cynthia's eyes widened, she couldn't hold her tongue further. "You see what I mean, Prince Horatio? The Dark One clearly has the Grand Mage under some ridiculous spell. He probably has everybody under it."

Rumple's giggle drew everybody's attention then. "Well, then why didn't I put you under it?"

"My faith in Drazva protects me from your evil!" She snapped back, voice dripping with vitriol.

Owen might have entertained the idea of him keeping others under a mind control spell, but Horatio didn't seem the type to leap to conclusions or blindly believe others. He possessed a bureaucratic mind that valued logic and having all the facts, wasn't the sort to let emotions cloud his judgement. The sort of person who ensured he'd discovered every scrap of information so he could build the most informed decision. He ignored Cynthia because Horatio had quickly figured out the woman was a disrespectful racist who had no desire to see if there was more to the story than what the Church claimed.

"And what of this … creature I have been told about?" Yanhil's heir asked the Grand Mage. "We were informed it went on a rampage and turned part of the Arcane University into rubble before it was subdued."

Rumple had endued quite enough of hearing that sweet girl referred to as 'it' and wouldn't stand for it a moment longer; had he not objected in that moment, Phria would have.

"Firstly, dearie, she's a little girl, not a creature or monster. Her name is Valdis and you will use it. Secondly, you have been fed a very heavily redacted version of the truth by a woman who thinks status of birth outshines accomplishments and personal merit."

Horatio hummed a second in thought. He reminded Rumple of Victor Frankenstein, not in appearance save for the blond hair, but in the systematic way in which his mind functioned.

"Very well, Dark One, why don't you tell me the real story."

Cynthia's mouth opened to protest but a glare from her future king shut her down instantly, she might have been prejudice and opinionated, but she knew to put her shovel down when the prince glared. Meanwhile, Rumple sighed because royals were never anything but trouble in his experience; Belle was literally the only exception. Cora, Regina, Snow White, all royals who'd constantly gotten on his nerves whether it be by their quest for power or to strengthen their Goody Two-Shoes level. Phria offered him a tiny smile of encouragement – sweet girl, he regretted the cruel things Cynthia had said about her simply because she was a pantherian in position above her. If this was how the devout believers in Drazva acted, Rumple was eternally grateful he'd come across so few.

"Fine." He bemoaned dramatically; it had been a while since he'd had a good flamboyant flare. "When I first arrived in Bichelberger it was to … complete a task which required the University's assistance. As soon as I was inside the city walls I felt a pull, shall we call it, of dark magic. Only small and I couldn't place where it originated at first nor what caused it, but the entire time I was here it steadily grew stronger. Eventually the tremors began – I'm sure you've been made aware of those, the Church was making such a ridiculous sceptical out of it. In reality, the source had been down in the vault underneath us all along. So, a few Valkyries, led by the very capable Phria -" She blushed knowing he'd gone out of his way to praise her to the princes. "- and I went down to inspect it. Soon we found a sealed chamber which likely hadn't been opened in centuries. There we found an egg with a Draconic sigil scratched into the shell, it had been leeching dark magic from items down there the entire time to sustain the preservation spell on it. We speculated that it was the egg of Isra and Msiddi, the one that was apparently destroyed. Seemed it had been hidden away, probably because the spell prevented any damage to the egg. The traces of magic it had been absorbing were enough to sustain the spell and life inside the egg but not to hatch it. Dormant, dearie, it was dormant, or at least it was until the Hatter and I arrived. When we did there was more concentrated dark magic, he triggered the eggs awakening, had it sucking magic from anything it could which caused the earthquakes." Rumple paused a moment, he'd suspected Owen to be dense enough that it would take a few moments for the words to all sink in. "I'm the Dark One though, the most powerful source of dark magic this realm has ever known and, as soon as I touched it, the hatching triggered because it could finally absorb magic directly. The spell is old, couldn't have been designed to function for that long, so the magic was funneled into Valdis causing her extreme growth spurt which led to the vault damage." Rumple's unique eyes fixed on Horatio as a stunningly serious tone overtook his voice. "Imagine all that power ripping into your very soul. It was painful, dearie, painful and terrifying for a newborn girl. Valdis didn't attack because she's a monster, she attacked because she was in a delirious amount of pain and had people with swords flying around her head trying to kill her. Thankfully, Phria was smart enough to heed my words when I told her to call off the Valkyries so I could deal with the problem. I took back the excess magic shrinking her back down and easing the damage to her body. There isn't any way for her to absorb that magic again, I assure you, and, since she's not in agony, has regained her rational thinking."

Silence lingered for a brief time. The word monster conjured up horrid mental images of some terrifying being intent on chaos and evil, it was a word which caused even the kind to just assume they knew everything about such a being and that it needed to be slain for the greater good. All villains had a backstory, and most of those villains had begun with good intentions; Rumple himself had just wanted to stop children dying in a senseless war. The so-called heroes often forgot that. In truth there were no heroes or villains, only a perpetual state of gray. Everybody had the capability of both good and evil, the rest was just semantics and sophistry. Until people understood that it wasn't about everybody being as good as each other but rather as bad as each other, there wouldn't be any true progress in society.

"Everything he says is true, Your Highness." Phria told him unwaveringly. "All of it is in my report to the Grand Mage."

Rumple side-eyed Cynthia, the annoying cause of this little royal visit. "It seems that the Vice-Captain has led you to believe Valdis to be a savage beast, but the truth is far more mundane. She is naught but a terrified child who, in her first moments of life, suffered through horrific pain and then was attacked by highly trained warriors for the crime of being born." At that Prince Owen had the decency to look ashamed of his original desire to just kill Valdis and move on; perhaps he wasn't a trigger-happy dullard after all. "Since I removed the excess magic, she has had no violent outbursts at all and is like any other normal girl."

"Normal?" Cynthia scoffed. "That monster has a tail."

Firstly, the room grew confused because Phria had a tail but was still very much a normal person; though, in Cynthia's head demi-humans weren't fit to lick her boots. Secondly, Belle chose the perfect moment to appear because Rumple wasn't sure he could take much more social interaction without her angelic support. She entered the office with Ognyan atop her shoulder, though he quickly scurried to Demeer's desk where his head was tickled by a single finger of the Grand Mage's right hand.

"What is going on here?" Belle enquired. "What is all this yelling about?" Horatio and his brother seemed stunned for a few seconds because Belle was truly the last person they'd expected to see. They'd met her before in passing at various parties over the years, but hadn't had much to do with her since they were fifteen and twelve years older than her respectively. "Prince Horatio, Prince Owen, what are you doing here?"

Owen quickly gestured Belle closer but she didn't budge. "Princess Belle, come away from the Dark One."

She shook her head. "I thank you for your concern, Prince Owen, but I am quite safe beside Rumple."

That little ego boost caused Rumple to smirk, the beautiful goddess known as Belle was all his. Horatio caught the smirk, made a mental note of how relaxed his fellow royal appeared then cocked his head to one side like a man filing information into bullet points.

"Princess, are you telling me you will vouch for the Dark One as well?"

Belle smiled boldly, as though the blond had asked a ridiculous question. "Of course, just as I'm sure the Grand Mage, his adjutant and Captain Federlord will. I have all the faith in the world in him, otherwise I would never have agreed to marry him."

Numerous sets of eyes went wide; Cynthia recoiled in disgust while Phria's ears drooped despondently, and Demeer hadn't seemed surprised in the slightest.

"You're- you're going to wed him?" Owen stuttered.

The amusement was just too good to resist, he had to drive the nail in and watch Owen and Cynthia suffer. So, after a dramatic clearing of his throat, Rumple placed a possessive hand at the small of Belle's back and smiled dangerously.

"I am. Rumple asked and I agreed." Blue eyes turned to her fiancé. "What is going on, Rumple?"

"They're here to determine what Valdis is and if she should be killed, and to probably figure out if warring against me is a good idea."

Belle's head snapped back to the blond brothers. "What?! No, of course she shouldn't be killed. She's an innocent."

While a demon lord couldn't be trusted simply because he'd played nice for a while and gotten friendly with the Grand Mage, Princess Belle's noble and good heart had long since been established and understood by Prince Horatio. Therefore, Belle's opinions and words carried significantly more sway for him than Rumple's had. Horatio had grown up hearing the Church's stories about the Dark One and his crimes, but Horatio hadn't ever take abstract tales as fact. The man before him radiated power to the point his knees had almost begun shaking when they'd first met, however, Rumple had chosen to speak with them instead of just threatening or killing out of convenience. If that didn't say there was more going on then nothing would.

"I would like to see Valdis." Rumple had no desire to allow that, though he was grateful the elder Umbra brother had used her name. Horatio held up a hand non-threateningly when he saw Rumple's objections preparing to bubble forth. "If she is a little girl then she must be educated and treated with respect. Like Avonlea, we have strict equality laws, and cannot persecute a child simply because she apparently has a tail rather than legs. On the other hand, if she is a monster idly waiting to strike, I cannot leave the Arcane University knowing she is a threat to my kingdom. Bichelberger is the largest city in Yanhil save for Ursanyn, and I cannot ignore the possible fallout." Horatio glanced to a simmering Cynthia; this had not gone how she'd intended in the slightest. "I will agree, Dark One, that the story my father, brother and I have been given was a heavily redacted one, as you put it, so I would like to gather all the facts for myself and seeing her is the quickest method of doing that."

Rumple reluctantly agreed with a bit of quiet encouragement from Belle. The Umbra brothers, Belle and Rumple all departed for Valdis' bedroom with Phria at Demeer's order. Cynthia though, as she'd tried to leave, Demeer had thrown up a wind barrier and growled out 'a word, Vice-Captain Stonecrop' in a truly fear-inducing tone no one had known him capable of.

~X~

Upon pushing the door of Valdis' room open, they found Amicia and Valdis perched on the bed playing a card game Belle had taught the elf on their journey to Bichelberger. Azzy had been curled up at the foot of the bed but instantly shot to full attention when he caught the scent of the brothers, he snarled and growled as the two men startled – wasn't ever day one found a waheela in a bedroom – but a shush from Belle had him calm down. Azzy didn't settle though, instead he moved to keep himself between the newcomers and the girls. He'd bonded to Belle, they were friends, so he'd certainly protect her daughters.

Owen swallowed and did his best to resist the urge to reach for his sword while Horatio just took every scrap of information in. He saw Valdis subconsciously shuffle away from them, the way her long tail coiled around her like a protective wall. Although, it was the way she'd reached for Rumple and called him her papa that had Horatio finally realize how people like Belle du Marchand, Maximilian Demeer and Phria Federlord had been able to stand by such a man. 'Maybe he's not evil'.

Amicia hurried over to Belle who wrapped the girl up in her arms while Rumple comfortingly held Valdis' hand. Either of those men said the wrong thing or so much as moved too quickly and he'd kill them; he'd lost Bae, he'd not lose his daughters as well.

"Prince Horatio, Prince Owen," began Belle, the ever polite one of the pair. "These are my and Rumple's daughters, Amicia and Valdis."

It shamed him to admit it, but Cynthia had been right to some extent when she'd called Valdis a monster. There were monstrous aspects to the girl's appearance. At first glance she was a scary monster of black scales and wings, but monster wasn't a synonym for evil and just looking scary didn't give him the right to order a child's death; Horatio had every intention of being a king rather than a tyrant. Valdis shied away into Rumple's stomach as the elder Umbra's attention turned to the elf girl and waheela. If he remembered correctly, Princess Belle had the gift of taming magic which explained the gigantic wolf's presence, but that wasn't what held his interest. No, that was that Belle had been quite happy to leave the wolf and girl she'd called her daughter alone with Valdis; Belle trusted the lamia.

He sighed. Cynthia's letter had led them to believe the Dark One had infiltrated the Arcane University, controlled everybody and was summoning never before seen beasts as his servants. Honestly, they'd all feared another Zoniroh incident or worse. Things were hard for his father as of late, for all the Umbra family. Queen Xuxa had died taking their little brother with them and each day King Nathaniel seemed to die a little more on the inside. It had led to Horatio and his siblings taking on more duties and stress alongside their own grief. Owen just couldn't stop being angry all the time where before had been a fun-loving scamp always ready with a joke. Lalentina and Eliza had both faced resistance from the royal court due to their sudden increased involvement with Yanhil's politics since it was considered far from women's work. As for Horatio himself, as the eldest it had fallen to him to hold everything together. Then Cynthia's letter had arrived and everything had gotten a hundred times worse, he'd dreaded her claims being true but … Horatio didn't think they were. Some goodness. The world was still beautiful.

As children, Owen and Horatio had been trained by the former Valkyrie Captain, Iris Aspen, at the King's request. They'd been taught to resist dark magic and how to sense it, how to fight it. Horatio in particular had an awful lot of respect for the brave women of the Valkyries, so he was honestly appalled by the lack of respect and virtues Cynthia had shown. Her letter had made Valdis out to be a vicious guard dog for a heartless beast, it had emphasized the burden already on Horatio and his family and, to be perfectly frank, had disrespected the Stonecrop name. That letter had been filled with nothing but greed, hate and entitlement mascaraing as a noble endeavor.

Officially the Umbra family were followers of the Drazva faith and Horatio had no qualms believing a goddess had poured life into their world. What Horatio objected to was the Church's teaching that, since humans had been the first of the mortal races, they were better than and had every right to do with the demi-humans, elves and dwarves as they pleased. In recent years the Church's higher ups had become increasingly more hostile towards the other races, but it had mostly gone ignored. Yanhil treated demi-humans well for the most part, but when he became king he'd improve things further and take his sweet Lisbet as his queen, grasswalker or not. Yes, Stewardship was Yanhil's future if Horatio had anything to say about it.

Determined not to let the Church do any of his thinking for him, Horatio crouched down by the bed to give Valdis a soft smile as she clung to her papa.

"Hello, Valdis." He greeted. Owen just watched from the door with Phria. "My name is Horatio, but you can call me Tio. Is it all right if I ask you some questions?"

Black eyes turned upward to Rumple for reassurance that was quickly given, then she nodded. All Horatio asked was in regards to her first memories, how she felt since Rumple had removed the extra magic and if she knew where she was geographically speaking. Interestingly, when he'd asked her parents names she'd answered with those of the Dark One and Princess of Avonlea, she didn't seem to have any innate knowledge of Isra, Msiddi or her brother. Eventually he'd had no choice but to conclude that Valdis was only a little girl, just a kind they'd not seen before. The only threat she posed was if she were to get upset and her papa sought revenge over it.

Belle made mention of the talisman then, a necklace intended to give her human form designed and constructed by Rumple with hints from an old dragon story. Such a thing couldn't have really existed surely.

"Actually, Ainsworth and I finished it."

Out from the Dark One's pocket came a necklace made of braided gold with a mostly ovular piece of onyx in the centre. It seemed a little big for a girl of Valdis' age, but Rumple had needed the room to engrave the intricate symbols into. Carefully, it was slipped around the child's neck and for a split second nothing happened. Then, with a whoosh and spiral of magic, Valdis' tail morphed into a pair of legs beneath her gray dress. Instantly she toppled over as everybody but Rumple gasped in shock, he steadied his daughter as she began to cry and waggle her new toes on the bed. The wings remained but that was no surprise; Rumple's and Ainsworth's talisman was an imitation of one in an ancient story that may never have existed to begin with.

Belle, Phria and Amicia quickly rushed to Valdis to comfort her crying and celebrate her papa's triumph. Meanwhile, Owen walked to his older brother with a scowl.

"Am I going insane, Tio? What is happening? He's the Dark One."

"He may well be, Owen, but look at them, actually look. All I see is a family rather than a demon lord and his minions or hostages. You know how much Mother's death has hurt all of us." He turned to his brother. "What right do we have to take their family from them? There are no monsters to be found here, Owen, just people doing their best." Admiration, that was the feeling inside Horatio. He admired how people so different, one with such an evil reputation, had bonded despite their clear differences. Horatio cleared his throat drawing everybody's attention to him. "Thank you, we have seen everything we need to for them moment. I would like to speak with you and Princess Belle later, Dark One, perhaps over dinner?"

Belle had promptly agreed for them and the two royals had excused themselves, but Rumple verbally halted them before the door could be opened.

"What will you tell your king?"

"The truth," Horatio answered plainly.

Phria caught sight of Belle's sapphire ring then, the sapphire Rumple had instructed Marlow to find such a short period of time ago with her at his side, and quickly fled under the guise of escorting the brothers. Belle sighed and Rumple finally took notice of the pantherian's strange behavior.

"What is suddenly wrong with her?"

"Have you seriously not noticed in all the time we've been here?"

For a man so smart, he was surprisingly oblivious.

"Noticed what?"

That moment wasn't the time for such a conversation, so Belle just pulled him closer to enjoy an indulgent moment as a family. Eighteen and she'd already got two daughters and the love of the Dark One, Belle had done rather well for herself.

Chapter Text

Normally the evening meal was a tale of two halves; while the students all ate in the main dining hall, professors and researchers had the option of eating there, in the teachers dining hall, or in their own quarters. Demeer hardly ever ate in the main dining hall save for special occasions instead usually enjoyed supper in his own private dining room. For the most part Rumple, Belle and Jefferson had been eating in there with him and Leotomas or their own rooms. However, with Prince Horatio and Prince Owen as their guests, a more formal evening meal had been set up in Demeer's private dining room much to the chagrin of everybody but Belle and Horatio.

Dinner might have sounded like a simple thing and it was, though the conversation that went alongside such a thing was the real landmine. Formal gatherings were war zones that Rumple had no desire to enter. According to Belle though avoiding it entirely would have been rude beyond belief and lowered the princes' opinions of Rumple which wasn't an option. That was how he'd reluctantly gathered with the others while Azzy watched over the girls; Amicia seemed keen on teaching Valdis to walk from one end of the room to the other. 'An attendant for the girls might be a good idea in future' Rumple's mind mumbled to itself as Belle and Leotomas worked to keep conversation alive. They could have sat there in total silence for all Rumple cared, as long as the Eris Apple wine kept coming, he was good with quietude.

It wasn't until Demeer had informed them that he'd dismissed Cynthia from the Valkyries following her actions that Rumple zoned back in. Demeer had actually gotten rid of the bigoted woman, surprising. It was only then he realized Phria hadn't shown up for dinner and wondered if she'd been disciplined as well; she shouldn't have been, none of it had been her fault. Nobody objected to Cynthia's dismissal though, Prince Horatio actually went so far as to call it justified. Belle had suggested that Count Alan Stonecrop, Cynthia's father, would surely be ashamed of his child's actions yet Horatio begged to differ. Knowing that man he'd be outraged they'd had the gall to strip his youngest child of her rank and out her from the Valkyries. Count Stonecrop was a rather egotistical man, that was why Horatio offered his assistance to Demeer should there be a need to smooth things over. Scarlette Ravenscroft, who'd entered the vault with Rumple and the others, had been appointed as Phria's new Vice-Captain – apparently she'd been Phria's preferred choice when she'd taken up her post, which wasn't surprising since she seemed exceedingly more cognizant than her predecessor. Scarlette's half sister was a half-elf, so at least she'd treat Phria better than Cynthia had.

When Rumple had finally asked Demeer plainly why Phria hadn't attended dinner, he'd been casually informed that she'd gone to oversee personnel changes and had apologized for her absence. Pretty words snuggling a lie, Rumple and Horatio were good at spotting them but let Demeer get away with it they did; Horatio for the sake of pleasantries and Rumple because Belle had kicked his foot in a silent command to let it go so hard he'd nearly spilt his wine.

Once dinner had concluded when Belle and Rumple had managed to break away from their dinner companions, Belle had insisted they headed for the Valkyrie building to check on Phria. Demeer had been delicate about the situation but, especially after everything Phria had done for Valdis and Amicia, Belle wanted to confirm her wellness herself, something Rumple had absolutely no objection to. So, the pair had made the walk through the Arcane University, across the rebuilt courtyard and into the Valkyrie building knowing that all were used to seeing them appear at all hours. Normally Phria could be found in the training room down in the basement, while Belle was a scholar Phria focused mainly on constantly improving her skill with a blade. However, when they got there the room was empty and silent. Curious as to where their friend had gotten to, Belle slipped out into the hall to ask one of the other armor-clad women while Rumple glanced up at the large window; it would be a cold and cloudy night.

"Are you looking for the Captain?" Rumple spun around to see Jayne halfway through a small door. He nodded and tossed her a dearie. "Top of these stairs, turn left and it's the last door. She's not happy."

Until that moment Rumple hadn't realized Phria even had an office, but he followed the ginger woman's directions and soon found himself in an office a third the size of Demeer's with two large windows and a few lit lanterns above a small fire. Rumple had thought Selwyn Skane's office had been practical and under decorated, but Phria's had nothing but a desk and couple of narrow bookshelves built into either wall to decorate it.

As soon as he'd stepped inside while chastising himself for not telling Belle where he was going, the sorrowful sound of Phria crying had him ground to a dead halt.

"Well, what's going on here, darling?"

The door swung shut and Rumple walked toward her as she hurriedly wiped her eyes.

"I'm fine. It's nothing."

"Oh, I don't believe that for a second. You can't lie to me that easily. I've been seeing liars for over three hundred years, I can always tell even when it's not as blatantly obvious as you."

"Shouldn't you be with the Grand Mage and the royals?"

She seemed intent on changing the subject and, had he not been quite so focused on her tears, he may have allowed it.

"Dinner is over and I want details. Why so melancholic?"

"It doesn't matter." Phria insisted, her eyes red.

"Clearly it does. You're the Valkyrie Captain, you're not some weak-hearted little girl prone to tears. Tell dear old Rumpelstiltskin all about it." He mostly teased her because he wanted information as usual, the Valkyries had just undergone a rather big change in their leadership and there would surely be numerous lackeys of Cynthia's who would almost certainly go out of their way to make Phria's life more of a living hell. Or at least that was what Rumple would have people believe. In reality, he just didn't like seeing her cry and couldn't put a stop to her tears until he knew exactly what had caused them. He perched on the edge of the desk beside Phria who'd been doing the same. "Come on, we sit here any longer and Belle will wonder why I'm not at our wedding."

That comment had been a quip but Phria's tears had burst forth a new so quickly that Rumple had actually startled.

"Don't remind me." Phria bawled. Confused, Rumple opened his mouth but a floodgate had opened and he never got a chance. "I thought I could just live with it! That you loving her so much wasn't a problem, but it hurts. I hated you at first, thought you'd turn on us, but you're kind and good. You take such good care of your daughters even though they're not blood." Rumple had little choice but to listen as words poured out of the young pantherian. "You trained me and my girls. You even won over Yanhil's princes in a single afternoon. You're wonderful and funny and I hate knowing you'll marry Belle because that means I can't have you." Rumple's eyes widened. "I always have to play the fearless warrior when most of the time I'm terrified. I don't have to pretend with you though and I love you for it." Phria let her head fall against his chest. "I love you and I can't be with you." Love him? Phria loved him? Surely that wasn't possible. Maybe he'd been hit with something heavy and this was all a figment of blunt force trauma. "I adore you, Rumple. I adore you and I'm so sorry for telling you any of this because I never wanted to upset you. I know I'm not good enough. I know you don't love me."

Suddenly her arms were around him for a desperate hug as tears continued to pour from her reddened eyes. Rumple had no idea what to do or say, so he simply petted her hair and wonderfully soft white ears for several seconds.

"Oh, darling." Said Rumple mostly to himself.

The office door opened then so Belle could slip inside and Phria jolted away from Rumple in a desperate attempt to avoid causing conflict. Rumple just continued to perch on the desk in a mental stupor. Belle though, rather than anger or outrage, she smiled softly at the elder girl.

"It's all right," said the princess sweetly. "I know you love him, I have for a while." Phria shot up with apologies on her lips, explanations then more apologies but Belle just raised a hand to silence her. "No, it's perfectly understandable. You love him for the same reasons I do."

Rumple finally stood as his brain attempted to wrap itself around what was happening. He knew he was insane, the Dark One had gone mad long ago, but this was far beyond the pale. One stunningly beautiful and wildly intelligent woman falling in love with him was a miracle he'd never expected to encounter in his life of blackness, but two? Maybe it was all blunt force trauma after all.

"How are you not mad?"

"Because I don't mind." All that did was confuse Rumple and Phria further, one with a deeply furrowed brow and the other with drying tears on her cheeks. "It is perfectly normal for nobles to have more than one wife, I grew up knowing I'd not be the only one. As long as I am Rumple's primary wife, then you have my blessing."

Rumple's mouth fell open in an almost comedic fashion. "Belle, what are you talking about? You can't be serious."

"No, I can see what is happening." Belle continued. "I've always seen it. Have you honestly never noticed the way you call her darling? You don't even call me that. You've had feelings for Phria since you met her, you just hide it from yourself because you don't wish to hurt me and have this terrible belief that you're unlovable."

It dawned on Rumple then that he did refer to Phria as darling, that he'd been doing it since they'd met, that Phria was the only person he used that word with. But Belle was everything to Rumple, a true love he didn't deserve.

"No, I love you."

"Of course you do, Rumple, but you feel love for Phria as well. I know that's true and it's rather obvious to everybody but the pair of you apparently." Belle reached up to cup his golden cheek as a reassuring smile settled on her lips. "There's no need to hide it, Rumple. I honestly don't have a problem with you taking two wives. It's normal for gentry."

"I'm not a noble." He deadpanned.

Belle shrugged. "You're a demon lord so I think that counts."

Phria had been eerily quiet for several moments, her head lowered in thought until, finally, she raised it with a determined expression. This was clearly going to be her only chance.

"I'll be his secondary wife. I don't care about primary status, especially if it means I can be with him."

Rumple innately wanted to push the whole situation away. Polygamy may have been an accepted and time-honored tradition in Dreymyr, but it just wasn't done in his realm and seemed very unnatural. He had no desire to make Belle think he loved her any less.

Belle continued to reassure him while Phria was willing to go along with Belle if it meant she could actually be with Rumple. Until Belle's kindness, her love for him would have been forced to remain unrequited. Meanwhile, Rumple had focused on the sudden frequency with which the word wife was being used; he almost felt as though they'd ganged up on him. He did care about Phria, she was stunningly beautiful, a genuine person and had treated his daughters with love from the moment she'd met them. Rumple would have been a liar had he claimed not to care about the pantherian. Belle knew his story, she knew he had to get back to the Enchanted Forest and had agreed to accompany him. Phria though, he couldn't ask that of her when she had clawed her way to the position of Valkyrie Captain. Yes, Phria knew about Baelfire but still. Those green eyes implored Rumple, were filled with so much hope and trepidation. As a coward, he wanted to just runaway, but Belle's hand on his forearm grounded him and, between the two sets of hopeful eyes, he caved.

"All right, fine. I admit I care about Phria, I might even love her. I admit it." He cupped Belle's cheek. "But you-"

She cut him off. "It's all okay, I understand and have no objections."

Belle took that moment to cuddle into his right side while Phria did the same with his left, it resulted in a very confused demon lord stood between the two women unsure of what had just happened and how they'd apparently managed to decide for him. Belle honestly had no objections to Rumple pursuing a relationship with Phria, and Phria seemed to return feelings Rumple had been pretending he didn't have. Still, he couldn't shake the fact he didn't deserve Belle let alone her and Phria. Belle was his true love, he'd felt it even if his curse hadn't tried to break. Then there was Phria herself, she didn't deserve to play second fiddle to Belle, it wasn't fair nor did she deserve such a station. Of course, there was also the inevitability of him returning to his own realm to take into consideration. Surely the good, moral answer would have been to refuse the idea of marring them both despite how much hurt it would cause, but Rumple was a demon lord rather than a legendary hero and the selfish spark of desiring them both – no, he should have just called it what it was and said loving them both – was too tempting.

Phria was a few inches taller than Belle and naturally warmer what with her being a pantherian, her white hair held in a high ponytail trailed almost down to her waist, and every time he saw those polished emeralds Rumple got lost in them. She was kind, brave and smarter than she gave herself credit for. Then there was Belle; petite, wildly intelligent and good-hearted with a natural talent to see beyond what most could. Chestnut hair which hung in delicate curls that enticed him to swirl them around his fingers. A soul as dark as his didn't deserve either of them, they could do significantly better than the likes of him. The evil in him had been so quiet since his summoning, almost as though it weren't there, but that didn't change the things he'd done or his mission. Bae, he had to find Bae! Rumple hadn't once thought about, let alone intended, to make a new family, yet that was exactly what he'd done. Two daughters and apparently two brides.

However, despite all of that, the pair genuinely appeared to be happy with their choice and, perhaps it was the coward inside him, but Rumple found he didn't possess the strength to rip that happiness away from them. The very idea of leaving Phria behind at the Arcane University after such a confession and Belle's blessing hurt him. Maybe he could just be with them until they came to their senses?

So, as they clung to him, Rumple nodded. "Aye, all right. If Belle truly is freely agreeable to this, then I'll marry both of you."

A part of him honestly thought the white-haired woman would back out upon hearing him agree, but she instead grabbed him by the cheek so they could share a first kiss. An explosion of magic radiated outward around them as Belle rested her head against his shoulder. Rumple was stunned, he'd always known true love didn't have to be romantic love – the love a parent had for their child for example – but he'd never heard of someone having two romantic true loves, let alone at the same time. That shouldn't have been possible, and if it was then it surely should have been bestowed on one far more deserving than him.

"I love you." Phria purred and Rumple couldn't deny it further, not when true love was involved.

"… I love you too, darling."

There they remained for an exceptional length of time, the two young women wrapped up in his undeserving arms with a gentle quiet having enveloped the trio. Milah hadn't loved him, maybe in the very beginning just a little, but that had been it. Cora had simply used him; something he'd allowed only because he'd been a deluded, touch-starved simpleton. Zelena's so-called love had only ever been obsession and jealousy masquerading as love. Rumple had fooled himself into thinking he didn't need love, but love was the only thing that had ever banished the lonely coward inside him even slightly. In truth, Rumple needed love more than almost anybody else. Though he used them and poked fun at them, he'd always envied Snow White and Charming, envied that they'd found the other half of themselves while he'd remained in the shadows with beasts, monsters and all the other hated beings.

He had no idea how long finding Bae would take or the hurdles he'd have to clear before that blissful day came, but at least he'd not be alone and unloved any longer. The path may have been long and perilous, the task daunting and almost unfathomable, but Rumple wouldn't have to walk it alone, not with his brave bookworm and winsome warrior by his side.

Chapter Text

While Phria had wished to celebrate her betrothal to Rumpelstiltskin, all thoughts of celebration had unfortunately been placed on hold rather regretfully. To say Count Stonecrop hadn't been pleased about his daughter's dismissal had been putting it mildly and, unfortunately, Demeer had been forced to accept Prince Horatio's offer to smooth things over. Turned out, 'smooth things over' had actually meant putting the fear of Drazva into the obnoxious man and then Horatio personally glaring the man down; remarkably effective and borderline comical to watch. Few people in any of the realms Rumple had visited actually stood a chance of taking over the world, but Horatio Umbra could have; charismatic, highly intelligent, driven, just scary enough to emit a dark aura when he wished and, by the gods, did he have the army to enforce his rule. Fortunate they were that Horatio possessed a good heart and cared only for bettering Yanhil.

Another problem to deal with was the library vault. Jefferson, Rumple and Leotomas had exhausted all useful books without them really being any the wiser as to how opening a portal was carried out. Yes, they'd figured out a battery of sorts was required, something charged with dark magic, but how much or if travel back to the Enchanted Forest was even possible hadn't yielded many answers. So, knowing ignoring Gaston's greed really couldn't continue on forever, Jefferson had agreed to travel to Elvasitz in Vell to speak with Vita Tree priests, and feasibly High Priestess Vera Lilyfay herself, in the hopes of learning more on the 'disconnect' they believed demon lords to have had from nature. Demeer had assured him that the elves had a wealth of knowledge even the Arcane University didn't understand and, with a letter to her great-granduncle from Belle, Jefferson was armed with the assistance of King Gasper Einar himself. Frankly, Jefferson's desperation to see Grace again had reached such a high level that he was willing to try just about anything. Nobody could accuse that man of being a poor father.

For the most part, the restructuring of the Valkyries had gone rather well. Scarlette Ravenscroft was capable, resourceful and exceedingly accepting of other races since her half-sister Excella was a half-elf. Meanwhile, those who'd been more in keeping with Cynthia's way of thinking had quickly discovered Vice-Captain Ravenscroft was neither a pushover nor willing to accept them treating their fellow Valkyries and Captain in such a disgraceful manner. Knowing that the Grand Mage had dismissed Cynthia for her actions without hesitation, that Prince Horatio had agreed in earnest and that the Dark One had grown protective of Phria, the prejudice stragglers had soon fallen into line. Of course, 'grown protective' was only as much as Phria and the new Vice-Captain let the otherS know about, they didn't need another royal visit, or worse, one from a cardinal.

Concurrently, Horatio and Owen had returned to Gray Dragon Castle in Ursanyn north of Bichelberger, to inform King Nathaniel of the results of their investigation. Horatio had kept his word and told his father the truth, told him of the hate Cynthia's actions had been rooted in, that Valdis was actually a child to be protected rather than a crazed monster needing death. Horatio had proven himself an honorable man when he'd chosen to explain to his father that, while Rumple was indeed the Dark One, exceptionally powerful and overflowing with dark magic, he had no intentions of waging war, wreaking chaos or taking over the kingdoms. In fact, Horatio had gone out of his way to stress that making an ally of Rumpelstiltskin was surely the wisest course of action, especially when he had Princess Belle, the Grand Mage and Chief Commander vouching for his character. Rumple wouldn't ever know exactly what Horatio had told King Nathaniel to make him trust his son's assessment, but Rumple wouldn't go looking a gift horse in the mouth. He didn't think King Nathaniel would suddenly arrive at the Arcane University to shake his hand personally and offer all the resources of his kingdom, but not trying to kill him was more than enough for Rumple.

Then the real problem had arrived, the one that had stopped almost all of them in their tracks and had them mentally brace for an impact which could have sprung forth at any moment. Early in the morning a letter had arrived from Gordana back in Ranga and, after Demeer had passed it on to Rumple, they'd quickly and bluntly been informed that Artem Van Winchell, the King of Dorovoth, knew the Dark One had been summoned to Dreymyr, that he had Belle with him and desired a meeting at the Adventures Guild building. In varying states of alarm, all involved had gathered in Demeer's office where they'd spent much of the morning and early afternoon discussing exactly what such a letter meant for them all and if the meeting would escalate into an interkingdom incident. All knew King Artem's reputation for being a just, wise and fair king, but they couldn't be too careful when there were multiple kingdoms and organizations on the line; and since keeping knowledge of the Dark One's return away from the Church had become a priority. Still, if King Artem was as perspicacious a ruler as most believed and his friendship with Maurice truly was as unshakable as Belle had insisted, then he would likely make a good comrade.

By the end of their long discussion it had been concluded that the meeting would be accepted and scheduled for the end of the week so there was time to prepare on both ends, and that Belle, Azzy, Amicia and Valdis would return to Ranga with Rumple. Demeer also opted to have Phria accompany them to act as a representative of the Arcane University, and because he knew she'd not have been able to sit idly by while her fiancé went back to save Avonlea and figure out King Artem's intentions; a kindness, Demeer had done her a kindness.

Jefferson had departed to Elvasitz at the meeting's end with a promise to get the information Rumple would need to open the portal again; Tvon's summoning had been unreliable at the very least and couldn't be betted on to get them home. Since Rumple could easily use magic to return to Ranga, he'd summoned Svadilfari and entrusted him to Jefferson to speed up his journey. It had been a while since the horse had gotten some good exercise and he seemed eager to test Jefferson's mettle. Though not a short trek, compared to the distance Jefferson had travelled to Bichelberger, the trip to Elvastiz in the Great Forest was little more than a hop, skip and a jump.

~X~

With Jefferson having departed and everybody seemingly occupied, Rumple had found a few minutes to himself to finish up a project inside his commandeered lab. Though finicky and his eyes had begun to hurt from squinting, Rumple had finished fairly quickly then tracked Phria down to her office. Being him, he didn't bother knocking. The beautiful pantherian sat at her office desk with sunlight streaming in through the two large windows to cause that white hair of hers to glow. Her ears were drooped though and Rumple quickly realized the small mountain of paperwork on the desk was the cause. She'd been in there since the meeting with the others had concluded in Demeer's office, and had been not only going over the daily reports but also issuing written orders in preparation for her departure. From the outside, being Captain of the Valkyries might have seemed simple, that Phria's only job was to swing a sword around if a threat showed up and look stunning in cobalt armor. However, that way of thinking was for the naïve, in reality Phria's work was gruelling and never ended. Reports kept coming from the numerous deplored Valkyries as well as their naval unit and updates from Gretchen Havelock – Akula Prison's warden. Rumple honestly didn't envy his fiancée and he was proud of how hard she worked.

As of late there had been an unusual increase in the amount of sea monster sightings. Sailors on the Straight Run insisted they'd seen an aspidochelone, which was ridiculous since they didn't actually exist, and another ship had been capsized outside Mornvyr's Nightspear Harbor. The Umibōzu's sinking was the eighth ship to sink without warning in that small section of water, and still nobody was any the wiser as to why. Regardless, it was her duty to order Fleet Commander Hiranur Demirci to yet again search the area. According to the Fleet Commander it seemed likely another culling of Jotunn scorpions would soon need to be conducted off the coast of Obahine as well.

The moment her green eyes spotted Rumple a happy smile settled on Phria's lips and those ears perked up, not only was the break from her work welcome but she delighted in any time she managed to spend alone with Rumple. That smile faded though when he went to perch on the stone window ledge to the side of her desk. Looking out he saw she had a fairly nice view of the outside training area, but the cityscape was blocked by thick trees filled with turkey shot nests.

Phria's chair made a squeak when she rose to her feet but the sound went ignored and, in hardly five steps she was by his side with a concerned expression. In her mind Belle was better at comforting people, but Phria would do her best for the man she'd fallen in love with.

"What's wrong, Rumple?"

He didn't speak, simply wrapped her up in his arms so her back was to his chest and rested his chin atop her shoulder so he could continue to stare out the window. She'd seen this mood from him before back when he'd been trying to spin straw into gold so, since it had worked then, Phria started to talk about herself in an attempt to coax him into conversation.

"I've never been to Dorovoth." admitted the pantherian as her tail swayed. "Actually, I haven't ever left Yanhil. Went to Freyfell once and I was born in Berryburn, but that's about it. I know we aren't going west for a good purpose exactly, but I am looking forward to seeing a new kingdom."

Rumple sighed, his breath hot against Phria's neck and caused a few stray strands of white hair from her long ponytail to flare.

"I've asked so much of Belle, turned her entire life upside down for my own desires … and now I'm asking you to do the same. It isn't fair, but I always justify it because I'm a selfish person. I'm taking Belle from her home and family, now I'm taking you from a life you've worked so hard for." Another sigh. "And loving me means you'll both be forever tethered to a beast."

Without leaving his arms even for a moment, Phria managed to turn around so she could look him square in the face.

"No." She told him firmly. "You're not stealing us away from our homes and loved ones like a creature in the night, and none of this is selfish. Belle and I have chosen to go with you. Chosen to help you find Bae – that's not selfish, that's noble. We love you and we will always help you. I love you."

There was such light inside the twenty-two-year-old woman, a brightness unique to her that even Belle couldn't outshine. 'Stop comparing them, you fool! Belle and Phria are very different people, so don't compare them.' He kissed her cheek

"I love you too, darling. Though the fact remains that leaving with me for the Enchanted Forest will mean leaving your post as Valkyrie Captain and all you've worked for."

Phria breathed out a laugh. "I'm already willing to leave Dreymyr, did you not think I'd already come to terms with no longer being Captain of the Valkyries?" She hugged him tighter as his hand settled on her lower back, his little finger brushed the base of her tail. "I love you enough that I'd go anywhere with you, Rumple. Besides, I've always felt as though I shouldn't have been given the job in the first place. I was too young, only nineteen, and there were better options by far. I wasn't properly qualified, a noble or even the best fighter amongst us. My mentor shouldn't have chosen me."

Rumple hummed. "Maybe Iris Aspen didn't choose the best warrior or the one with the highest noble rank because she thought choosing the one with the most courageous heart, and the one who would guide the Valkyries morally was what you all needed." Phria's eyebrows scrunched a little as she thought about what he said. "Had Cynthia taken over then anybody who wasn't fully human would have been systematically purged from the organization and no more would have been considered even if they held a noble rank. She'd have turned it into her own mini Knightly Order and only protected the human students properly."

Phria began to weep then because he'd always been so nice and encouraging to her. Rumple held her closer: he didn't know what he'd done to deserve a woman as selfless and benevolent as Phria Federlord, but he was grateful for her just as he was grateful for Belle.

After they'd shared a few moments of quiet just indulging in one another's warmth – which included Rumple stroking her soft ears – Phria stretched up to kiss him with a sweet smile.

"I love you."

"And I love you, darling."

As they kissed again he smuggled something small out of his dragonlinghide coat and promptly presented Phria with it. Her breath caught in her throat as she admired the engagement ring, its square emerald glistened in the sunlight and Rumple had clearly gone to some effort twisting and tying multiple strands of gold around each other to form the ring itself. Belle was his sapphire, his calm and focused beauty with a passion for books and a heart purer than any other. Meanwhile, Phria was his emerald, his inspirational and patient wonder who was shier than people knew but never let it stop her. A scholar and a warrior respectively.

The second it was placed on her finger Phria felt complete, as though Belle allowing her to be his secondary wife had been confirmed. Phria wasn't just a silly little girl hopefully praying to be with him, she was officially the Dark One's secondary fiancée.

For quite some time the two remained by the window in one another's arms but, eventually, Phria spotted her stack of paperwork again and knew it couldn't be denied forever. The reports wouldn't simply vanish because she'd not looked at them, they'd just grow in size until looking at them was unavoidable. Knowing responsibility called, Phria stepped out of Rumple's warm arms and smiled at him lovingly.

"I need to finish all that." She gestured to the pile. "You should go to the girls. If what is going on with LeGume is as bad as Belle says, and we don't know what King Artem wants or is planning to do, then you should spend time with your daughters while you can."

He supposed that made logical sense. He'd be taking Amicia and Valdis back with them since the Arcane University was a school rather than a daycare, and because keeping Valdis close was safest for her, but none of that meant he'd let Gaston nor Tvon anywhere near them. The girls weren't even ten, they couldn't fight nor were they expected to. Frankly, he planned on leaving them in Martha Potts' care with Azzy to guard them until Avonlea had been returned to her rightful sovereign and King Artem's intentions had been uncovered.

In the end it hadn't taken all that much encouraging to have Rumple agree. Phria had slipped back into her desk chair and lifted her quill while Rumple took one more glance out the window.

"You will join us for dinner, yes?"

Though it had been phrased as a question, Phria doubted it actually was one. A secondary wife dining with the primary and their children just wasn't a done thing; would have been considered rude to the primary wife, but Rumple didn't seem to care much for such things. Actually, when Phria thought about it, despite their engagement being new, Rumple hadn't referred to Belle and Phria as his primary and secondary once. Phria hadn't realized it quite yet, but Rumple wouldn't ever classify them in such a way, to him they were equal for they were both to be his wife.

With a nod she confirmed that she'd join them for dinner – just a small and private family meal – then watched him depart her stone office.

Rumple cared little for the guilt that welled up inside his lean body. He had a family again filled with people he loved and who loved him in return, but that guilt had started to grow painfully heavy because Bae wasn't part of it.

~X~

Quite some hours later Phria hadn't shown up for dinner. At first they'd just assumed the woman to merely be a few minutes late so had waited patiently for her. Then, when the children had begun to grumble they were hungry, Belle had allowed them to start their evening meal while Rumple summoned Ognyan and sent him off to find Phria with a message. The White Inferno had taken significantly longer than expected to return, so long that dinner had basically finished, but at least he'd brought a message with him. Phria's note explained that she'd been waylaid in town, which solved the mystery of why Ognyan had taken so long, and run into, what Phria called, 'unforeseen problems'. Though brief, her note made sure to apologize and left instruction to say sorry to Amicia and Valdis for her. With little other choice, Rumple had dismissed Ognyan before the hamster belched fire again and carried on with his family evening minus Phria; an irritation but no big issue.

Dinner finished then Amicia and Valdis practised the girl's walking some more. Since gaining her talisman, Valdis' had come on in leaps and bounds, she'd begun to smile more and adored exploring with Amicia and Belle. While Amicia had made it her mission as the big sister to teach Valdis to walk, she remained shaky on two legs and often ended up with Belle carrying her around the gardens while Amicia and Azzy trailed at their side. Still, just as with Amicia, Valdis had a real chance at a life now she was seen as more than a monster and Cynthia Stonecrop had been sent away. They'd asked about Phria several times, especially Valdis who she was particularly close to, but hadn't complained too much when Rumple's only answer had been 'she's busy, you'll see her in the morning'. Eventually though, the time had come to ready the girls for bed – they'd insisted on sharing a room – then Belle had read them a story until they'd dropped off.

After two more hours of Phria's absence when Belle had finished her book and Rumple had actually started to grow concerned, they'd decided to check Phria's office despite Belle being in her night clothes. Best case scenario was that the pantherian had fallen asleep at her desk upon her return, worst case was that Rumple would have to seek her out in town and put an end to her 'unforeseen problems' for her.

The pair appeared in Phria's dark office with a whoosh of smoke to find Phria sat at her desk as she rubbed furiously at her temples. She actually startled at their sudden appearance but somehow seemed relieved, as though she'd expected somebody else. Seeing the elder girl's upset, Belle hurried around the desk to comfort her while Rumple's brow furrowed; the room felt … off.

"Is everything all right, Phria?" Belle questioned softly, concern evident in her voice while Rumple remained unmoving. "Has something happened?"

"I'm just going mad." Phria shook her head as she finally ceased rubbing her temples. "All afternoon I've felt like someone or something is watching me. I know that sounds ridiculous, I'd smell someone if they were following me. Even when I went into town I couldn't shake the feeling. Like a shudder up my spine, it is."

Belle, being the comforting soul that she was, began to rub Phria's back soothingly. Phria may have been older than Belle by a handful of years, but it had become rather evident that Phria wasn't as confident as she pretended to be; Belle's bravery was natural while Phria had to cling to hers.

"I'm sure there's nothing to worry about, everybody has off days."

While Belle spoke words of sympathy and encouragement, Rumple closed his eyes to focus on the bizarre feeling within the office. An absence maybe? A surplus? Rumple's eyes snapped open.

"Well, darling," he began with a few steps forward and one of those flamboyant bursts he was known for. "There's an easy explanation for all this." Then, without warning nor hesitancy, Rumple's left hand swung outward sending some invisible mass hurtling into the stone chimney where it dropped to the hearth floor coughing and flickered back into being. "There's a rat!"

A man – or, more precisely, a pantherian man of maybe thirty who looked somewhat older due to his naturally dark gray hair and hard face – finally got some air back in his lungs but didn't bother attempting to flee despite the blades on his belt; as though he had figured out such a thing would be futile. Amazed somebody had managed to sneak into the Arcane University unseen, the women watched on from behind the desk as Rumple crouched down, eyes filled with poorly contained violence.

"How did you know I was there?"

This pantherian with a sleek black tail and ears seemed more interested in how Rumple had noticed him than the fact he now faced death.

Rumple nodded to himself. "Clever, dearie. Aye, very clever. Light magic is an advanced form of fire magic, it's not easy but not excessively difficult either. That's what you were doing, yes? Wrapping light around you to render yourself invisible and probably using some other chemical to mask your scent, how else could Phria not smell you?" His eyes darkened further then as he leaned forward. "And the only reason you'd go to that much trouble is that you're trying to kill her. Why?!"

Belle gasped, why would anybody ever wish to harm Phria? Who could she possibly have wronged?

The pantherian man breathed out a laugh but it was defeated and lacking anything one usually found in a real laugh. This man may have been more emotionally subdued than Rumple himself.

"Why would you care?"

"Because I intend to marry that girl. Now, answer me!"

A sigh escaped the would-be killer as he let his head fall back against the stone fireplace; he looked tired above all else, just so totally tired.

"What does it matter? I'm an assassin and you caught me, just kill me and get it over with."

They all paused at that comment because surely this man did actually care whether he lived or died, he couldn't honestly be willing to just sit there as Rumple dispatched him for the crime of daring to harm Phria. Belle left the white-haired woman's side then in favor of going to kneel before the man; since Rumple was right beside her she knew she'd not come to any harm, though she doubted this man would try in the first place.

"If you're going to die, then surely telling us can't hurt you."

Of course Belle had no intention of letting Rumple kill this man even if he had intended to assassinate Phria. She'd seen Rumple kill quite enough for one lifetime and had zero intentions of encouraging more after he'd seemingly begun to put those violent outbursts behind him.

For a great many minutes he just looked at the half-elf as if attempting to decipher if it was just curiosity that guided Belle's actions or something else. Then, with his face just as blank as when he'd revealed himself, he turned his amber eyes to Phria who had remained at her desk.

"For what it's worth, I didn't want to kill you."

Abruptly, Rumple snapped his fingers before the man with a stubbly beard flicking his attention back. Rumple wanted answers and he'd have rather done it without torturing them out if the killer since there were ladies present.

"You're answering my questions, dearie. Best not to lie to the Dark One."

Another breathed out laugh, this one almost sounded like genuine amusement. "You're joking, right?"

There were numerous avenues Rumple could have taken to prove his status as a demon lord, or he could have waited a hair's breath for Belle to jump in with assuring words and declarations. However, the hour was late and Rumple honestly didn't have the patience for such things. So, with hardly a split second to think about it, Rumple selected the quickest choice and instantly teleported himself and the would-be assassin several miles above the Arcane University where they began to fall instantly. Rumple kept his unique eyes trained on the panicking man as they fell faster and faster still. Then, as though nothing had ever happened, Rumple teleported them right back to Phria's office before his fiancées could even wonder where he'd gone, they'd been gone hardly five seconds after all.

"Believe me now, dearie?" The gray-haired pantherian pressed himself into the fireplace as best he could in a ridiculous attempt to put more distance between himself and Rumple, amber eyes wide and suddenly more aware that death would likely come in a significantly more horrific form. He gulped and nodded. "Good. Now, you're going to tell me who you are, why you were going to kill Phria, and who ordered this."

"… You're really the Dark One?"

Odd. He still didn't seem to care much that he'd not be leaving the office alive, just about how painful it would be. This pantherian either had a twisted sense of a death wish or … didn't actually want to die.

Rumple's eyes narrowed. "Not a very good first answer, dearie."

Whatever he'd intended to say, or more correctly threaten next was cut off by Belle who placed her delicate hand atop Rumple's shoulder as her heavenly eyes turned back to the man awaiting death. Meanwhile, Phria had opted to simply sit at her desk to watch everything unfold as she attempted to comprehend that, had Rumple and Belle not randomly magicked into her office when they did, she'd have probably met the Angel of Death by now.

"Please answer his questions. Please?"

The black-eared pantherian sighed. "… Renner Cassian-Lorne."

Belle smiled with a winsome gratitude. "Hello, Renner."

"I was ordered to assassinate Captain Federlord, and I don't know who commissioned it."

"You don't know?!" Rumple snarled.

"It's true," insisted Renner. "I don't know how people make a contract with the House of Red Coats, all I know is who I was sent to kill and that I was to make it look like a suicide. That's why I've been following her around all afternoon, I needed her alone."

Rumple knew about the House of Red Coats, knew they operated in the murky shadows as anyone would expect of an assassins guild, and knew their penchant for poisons. Whoever had wanted his sweet Phria dead had access to a good amount of coin and wasn't afraid to resort to unscrupulous behavior. The House of Red Coats wasn't some band of common mercenaries, they were a scalpel rather than a hammer.

"Why a suicide?" Phria suddenly questioned as though she'd awoken from a daze.

"I told you, I don't know. I just do as I'm told. What's the point of me lying to you when I'm already dead?"

Rumple's head cocked to the side and squinted a little, this man honestly didn't act the way any of them had expected an assassin to. Then again, few people had ever actually had the courage to attempt assassinating the Dark One, and the girls had only heard stories. Nobody knew how the House of Red Coats functioned or governed itself, but this man didn't seem like the sort who'd have opted to become a murderer for hire, Renner couldn't have been with them willingly.

"Why don't you care if you live or die?" Belle's curiosity had finally reached bursting point and the question had just sprung forth from her lips.

Renner stared down at his legs as if trying to shove away memories of a painful past. "Because there isn't any point anymore. He's … gone."

Rumple's face may have remained carved in stone but both Phria's and Belle's expressions softened. Belle adored a story, even a sad one, while Phria had known enough real sorrow to see it in the eyes of others.

"Who's gone?"

"No one needs me spilling my life story, woman."

"You'll show my brides some respect!" Hissed the Dark One.

"Brides?" Renner said mostly to himself but Belle ignored it entirely in favor of getting a story.

"Please tell us, Renner."

For a split second he weighed up his options. On the one hand, were he to refuse her the demon lord would likely make his death excruciating on principal for rebuffing his bride. On the other, telling his tale may have lessened the Dark One's wrath, but the memories would hurt regardless. Tell the nice woman, that was probably the lesser of two evils.

"There are two kinds of assassins at the House of Red Coats: the ones people like you think we all are, and then there are the slaves like me. They buy up debt then force you to carry out a contract to repay it so an assassination doesn't look like an assassination. My pa, he had a lot of debt. Couldn't stop passing out in gambling dens and he hated me. So, when he suddenly owed the Red Coats money instead of the dens, he gave them me as payment." For the first time a real smile settled on Renner's lips. "That was where I met him, met Aidan. Same thing had happened to him more or less, but he was small, couldn't cope with the training without help. They'd have killed Aidan if I hadn't protected him." Renner sighed: 'yeah, look how that turned out.' Belle reached out to take his large hand into her own, how odd for a woman to comfort the man who'd just tried to kill her friend. "Wanted to be a knight when I was a kid. Stupid, right? Aidan was the only good thing in my life, so I kept killing. I'm selfish like everybody else. We were killing for years." Renner shrugged defeatedly. "Then he got caught, and now Aidan's gone."

Tears had welled up in Belle's sapphire eyes. "You loved him very much, didn't you?"

For the first time Renner looked up at Belle properly. "He's the only one I've ever loved. Doesn't matter now though. Even if I could escape, I'll not make it back by sunrise. I'm a dead man."

"You don't have a collar." Phria pointed out. "Why didn't you and Aidan just run away?"

"They're not stupid. They can't use a collar so they came up with something else." Renner gestured to the right side of his neck just below where his ear would have been were he human. It had been a long time since he'd been able to just have a conversation with someone, at least he got that much before his death. "Poison vial wrapped in magic. It wears off so we have to come back from jobs or we die. Tamper with it, we die."

Phria nodded to herself as she placed her elbows on the desk then raked her hands down her beautiful face. "So it was a case of you or me, I suppose that's understandable."

Rumple looked Renner over; a broken man who missed his lover and had mentally prepared himself for death but his heart had yet to follow. Tall, muscular and somewhat grim-looking man, but ultimately a protector rather than a killer. Something about Renner reminded Rumple of Bae, somebody who'd faced the world's darkness and found a way to survive regardless. Decision made, Rumple lifted his hand up to Renner's neck and used spacial magic to port the vial free of Renner's skin. The vial promptly smashed letting the dark poison splatter down onto the hearth where it intermingled with the ashes there. Renner just stared at the deadly pap.

"Belle and Phria have clearly taken a liking to you, dearie, and I know when I see a liar, you're not one. You said you wanted to be a knight when you were young, so I'll give you a choice. I can kill you here and now, I'll even make it quick out of respect for my fiancées. Or, you repay me for freeing you from the House of Red Coats clutches."

Renner's brow furrowed underneath his scruffy hair of dark gray. "What would you have me do?"

Rumple smirked because he felt a deal coming on. "My children are in need of a bodyguard and I think an assassin capable of light magic would do nicely." Both women snapped to Rumple with surprise, then each other before they turned back to the man they'd one day marry. "I have given you back your life, Renner Cassian-Lorne, so you would devote yours to theirs. You will protect them until you die or I tell you to stop. If saving them means you die, then you die."

Several seconds of silence lingered, Rumple's face remained stern while the women attempted to figure out if such a suggestion was wise.

"You'd trust me with your children?"

"I think you're capable. Besides, you let harm come to any of them and you'll know why they call me the Dark One. I'll make that vial of poison in your neck seem like a mercy, dearie. Now, choose."

Renner thought for a moment. After all the people he'd killed, Renner knew he didn't deserve to keep his life when he'd taken those of innocents. However, Aidan – Renner's sweet light-fingered locksmith – had always talked about heroes and the day they'd be better people. That day hadn't ever come for his beloved Aidan, but maybe Renner could do it for the both of them. Then there was the fact the man before him was surely a demon lord, only they had access to spacial magic and his bizarre clothes sealed it. The Valkyrie Captain had seemed to be respected and admired by those living in Bichelberger, a noble warrior. Then there was the chestnut-haired beauty who'd gone out of her way to comfort him, a good and kind soul that hardly existed in the world any longer. These women were genuine people with noble souls, yet they'd given their hearts to a demon lord. Was it possible there was more to the Dark One than just evil? Surely, if there was hope for Rumpelstiltskin then there was hope for Renner.

The scruffy-haired pantherian nodded. "Okay, I'll do as you ask, my Lord."

"Deal!" Rumple giggled as the murderous intensity suddenly drained from his eyes. "Congratulations, dearie, you're now the bodyguard the First Demon Lord's children and you'll protect them. All of them."

Renner nodded, he'd decided his fate.

In one smooth motion, Rumple summoned a pin and glass vial, jabbed Renner's hand and dripped the blood into the vial before he sent it all off to whence it came. Renner yanked his hand away as his brow furrowed deeply.

"Don't look so stricken, dearie. You're not on a leash, I'm just ensuring you'll be found if you run away."

Rumple finally stood and aided Belle to her feet where she slotted against him perfectly. Blue eyes raked over Renner who continued to sit half in the fireplace. He may have had some muscle on him, but he was clearly underfed, scruffy and hadn't slept in quite some time if the bags underneath his eyes were anything to go by. Though confused that Rumple had so easily relinquished the idea of killing Renner, both Belle and Phria were pleased by the outcome. Belle had always been a firm believer in providing second chances, while Phria thought Renner to have been made a victim long before she had.

Belle left Rumple's arms then and encouraged Renner onto his feet by pulling at his elbow. He'd soon learn what the others in the room knew, Belle could be insistent when she desired to be and was difficult to argue with when in that mood.

"Come with me, I'll get you fed and a bed. I'm Belle by the way and, since he won't bother to introduce himself, he's Rumpelstiltskin."

Renner seemed unsure of following Belle despite her tugging on his arm but, after a nod from the demon lord he'd decided to serve, he went along with it. A minor flourish of Rumple's hand as they departed had the sapphire in Belle's engagement ring flash, though nobody noticed.

Once the door had closed, Phria's head dropped down onto the desk which had Rumple spin around with a furrowed brow.

"Are you sure it's okay to let him go alone with Belle?"

"I put a protection on Belle's ring." A similar gesture caused the emerald in Phria's ring to flash. "And now yours has it as well."

Rumple rounded the desk and pulled her up to kiss. So beautiful, so wonderfully his. With that kiss all the emotion Phria had been keeping inside, the fear of having almost died, was released and she clung to Rumple. Before either of them knew it, Phria's clothes were off, Rumple's dragonlinghide coat had ended up dangling off the chair and Phria had been lifted onto the desk with her legs spread to accommodate him.

"Beautiful little minx." Rumple purred as he dropped to his knees and buried his face in her wet heat causing her to cry out and thread her fingers through his long hair. "That's my darling."

His talented tongue dragged a long stripe over her core and smirked when she moaned wantonly as a shiver ran through her. He did it again and again and again until he latched onto her clit like a man dying of thirst. When she finally came, Phria's fingers dug into Rumple's scalp, her head fell back and a breathy cry escaped her while a rumbled chuckle escaped him. Warm hands found her supple hips as he kissed up towards her stomach until he finally stood up to press his lips to hers. His length strained inside his leather breeches, but Phria's skillful hands soon freed him with eager anticipation. She pumped him a few times in her hand before finally, finally, he filled her to the hilt. Each thrust deep and slow for a while as the pair moaned and reviled in each other's touch. The needy noise she made for him only spurred Rumple on deeper, harder, faster. His lean hips moved in a desperate rhythm as they kissed and explore the other's bodies.

"Rumple!" She panted. "Harder, please."

His thrusts grew erratic as they rushed towards climaxes. Phria's ears twitched, her emerald eyes had fallen shut and her heated skin smelt blissfully of leather and something floral – lavender maybe. Rumple's calloused fingers trailed steadily up her supple body to tangle into Phria's white hair, a pause only to tweak sensitive pink nipples. His nails against her scalp had her cry out for him and only him. The beauty who was Phria Federlord was all his and Rumple basked in it.

When white finally erupted behind her eyes, Phria sunk her teeth into Rumple's flesh where his neck met his shoulder and awakened something animalistic inside Rumple. He chased after his orgasm like a desperate man then came with a grunt and fingers tangled in her hair.

For several moments the pair simply clung to one another as they panted through their bliss then, after he'd managed to tuck himself into his breeches, Rumple fell into the desk chair and pulled Phria to sit in his lap. Her eyes were half-lidded, her cheeks flushed as her lungs struggled to fill with fresh oxygen. Phria's ears continued to twitch against his forehead tickling the skin there as she savored the last wisps of pleasure.

"You're sure nobody else was hiding in here, right? Otherwise they've just gotten a real eye full." Phria teased with a breathy laugh as Rumple secured her while snaring her in his arms.

"I'm positive, darling."

Their admittance of their love for one another was new and their betrothal newer still, but Rumple had almost lost Phria. In his mind there were only two people who would have wanted Phria dead and possessed enough wealth to hire the House of Red Coats: Cynthia Stonecrop and her father, Alan. Yet, after Prince Horatio had put the fear of Drazva into Count Stonecrop, only Cynthia would have held enough spite to push forward regardless. Cynthia had likely wanted Phria's death to look like a suicide to disgrace her more than to push away suspicion. That woman was fortunate Rumple didn't know where she'd run off to because, if he ever saw her again, he'd kill her.

Chapter Text

Though he'd opted to have Renner Cassian-Lorne serve as the bodyguard for Valdis and Amicia, that didn't mean Rumple would just blindly let him go about it. Rumple may have known Renner to be capable, but it would take years before he even remotely came to trust the pantherian. That was why he'd taken a drop of Renner's blood; if he ran, Rumple would find him, if he hurt the girls or let somebody else do so, he'd use that blood to make Renner die in excruciating agony. Some may have seen it as swapping one master for another, but Rumple preferred to think of it more as an insurance policy. As long as Renner fulfilled the job assigned to him then Renner was free to live as he pleased. There would be no sudden orders to travel to a random city and kill somebody, nobody would refuse him a personal life or friends, and certainly no one would object to who Renner chose to love. If he did a good enough job, Rumple would give Renner the choice when it came time to return to the Enchanted Forest, the choice to remain and forge a new life for himself or to accompany them.

While Phria and Rumple had been indulging in one another the previous night, Belle had escorted Renner to the sleeping quarters she and the rest of her steadily growing family had been sequestered away in by Demeer. She'd found an empty room only a handful of doors away from the girls' rooms, and, since the hour was so late, had provided the basin and water jug from her own room to him so he could wash his grubby face. Belle's genuine kindness had surprised Renner, it wasn't something he often saw. She'd gently explained that, while the Dark One and unimaginably powerful, Rumple had always been a fair man who refused to break his deals. As long as Renner upheld his end of the bargain then so would Rumple. Once he'd begun to wash, Belle had politely excused herself after telling Renner that he should get some sleep and Rumple would assuredly explain his duties and introduce him to Amicia and Valdis in the morning.

Renner had just stared at the dark but cosy room; for a man who'd grown all too used to sleeping out in the open or on cave floors, a real bed was quite the luxury. He finished washing his face, amazed by just how much sweat and grime came away, then reached a slightly damp hand up to trace where the bespelled poison vial had been implanted not even an hour earlier. The Dark One had removed it, just taken it out as though it were nothing, and all he'd asked in return was that Renner protect some children. As a man who'd grown up with the House of Red Coats, an organization many naïvely believed to be little more than a scary story, he was fully willing to accept the Dark One not only existed but had returned to Dreymyr. However, Captain Federlord and the beauty who'd introduced herself as Belle, had both seemed so at ease around him. Belle had gone out of her way to point out his good traits and both had consented to becoming his wife. Renner had always known never to judge a book by its cover, so he'd work for Rumpelstiltskin and dutifully be the bodyguard of his children; it was what Aidan would have wanted.

A sigh escaped the dark-eared pantherian as he pushed his chamber window open. He'd not been forbade from leaving the room or the University for that matter, but Renner didn't want someone to come check on him, find Renner gone and assume he'd fled. Still, sweet Belle had told him to get some sleep so wasn't likely to return that night. Seemed unlikely Rumple nor Phria would appear either since Renner had been able to smell how desperate they'd been for one another; most likely because Rumple had almost lost her.

"Should be safe." He mumbled to himself. "If I'm quick."

Decision made, Renner used his light magic to turn invisible then absconded out the window and off to the outskirts of Bichelberger to fulfil his promise to return.

~X~

At a much more reasonable time, once everybody had gotten some sleep and the girls had been woken and dressed, Belle returned to Renner's room. She'd knocked of course but, when no answer had come, she'd poked her head inside to find his green cloak sat in a sloppy ball on a chair while Renner lay shirtless and face down in his bed; give the man a comfy bed and he slept like a starfish apparently. The sight had Belle smile instantly but she was jostled aside when Azzy shoved his way into the room, marched directly to the crumpled cloak and began to growl. In an instant Renner had snapped to full attention and launched between cloak and waheela with daggers drawn; had Belle not been so startled she'd have quietly paused to admire Renner's muscular chest spattered with dark gray hair.

"Azadanes, that's quite enough. Calm down." She patted her leg to encourage the waheela back but, though he did cease snarling, Azzy remained fixated on the cloak. Belle's blue eyes found Renner's amber ones. "Azzy won't hurt you, I promise, so please put the knives away." After a moment to think about it, Renner did just that. "Thank you. Now, what is it you have in that cloak?"

Belle did her best to pull Azzy away once she'd crossed the room, just enough for Renner to scoop up his cloak which caused a furry black head to poke out. Belle gasped, the overwhelming cuteness had almost caused her to pass out. There, nestled in Renner's green cloak and arms, was a tree cat cub of slate fur with golden eyes and paws yet to be grown into.

Renner answered her unspoken question. "I found him a few months back, teratect got his mother. Aidan loved cats so I … just took him with me."

Belle smiled; Renner may have had a scruffy and grumpy outward appearance but he was in reality a softy. The tree cat cub meowed unsure of what to make of Azzy, then snuggled into Renner's bare chest for comfort; poor thing probably assumed Renner was his father, then again their black ears were vaguely similar.

"You protected him, that is to be admired. I'm a tamer, that's why Azzy is here, so I can sense bonds between animals and people. You and he have a strong one. When he's a little older, I'll help you form a contract with him, if you'd like."

He seemed surprised Belle would be willing to do such a thing. Anybody offering Renner kindness had always felt strange and as though it were secretly laced with alterer motives. However, the Dark One was his master now and such deceptions would have been pointless.

"… I'd like that." He nodded.

"Excellent." Belle peeked into the cloak to better see the baby tree cat. "What's his name?"

"Demiurge."

"Oh," Belle marveled. "A bit of a mouthful. Maybe Dem for short?" Renner shrugged, he had no objection to that. Belle's brow furrowed. "Has he been in your cloak all this time?"

Renner shook his head which caused his scruffy dark-gray hair to further cover his eyes.

"I hid him when I came here. Promised to go back though, so I sneaked away to retrieve him. I made sure to be back before dawn was through yawning."

That comment made Belle smile as she cautiously stretched out a finger to tickle Demiurge's little speckled forehead a moment or two. They had Azzy with them so allowing Demiurge to remain with Renner wouldn't be an issue in the slightest.

The second the penny dropped that Belle, fiancée to the Dark One, was less than a hair's breath away from a shirtless and rugged man who was not her fiancé, she backed away to a respectful distance to clear her throat; didn't matter he had no interest in women, she was still a princess. She informed Renner that breakfast would be served in about fifteen minutes and that, once dressed, he and Demiurge should make their way to the Grand Mages' private dining room. He'd been comforted to learn Demeer wouldn't be present. With that, Belle had excused herself with Azzy who'd finally quit his glaring at the cub.

Belle's smile lasted all the way to the dining room where she found Rumple had already gotten their two girls settled and awaiting breakfast. Ultimately, Renner was just a socially-awkward man with a kitten. Azzy collapsed by one of the vast glass doors which led out onto a small terrace area with such a level of drama that Rumple cocked an eyebrow.

"What's wrong with that wolf of yours now?"

Belle took her seat wile the girls giggled quietly to themselves – one would have found it hard to believe they'd not been sisters all their lives. A cup of tea was poured then indulgently sipped before Belle deemed to answer.

"It would seem Renner has a friend of the tree cat kitten variety. An adorable little thing that Azzy is worried will out-fluff him." Phria entered then to assume her seat to Rumple's left. "Good morning, Phria."

"Morning, Belle." She reached to get herself some tea. "I believe everything is almost in place for our departure. Scarlette is perfectly capable and the Grand Mage says that he intends to look into how King Maurice could have been bespelled. Apparently our meeting before Jefferson's departure sparked some real concern about that for him."

"It's something I've given much thought to myself." Mused Rumple from behind his cup while he watched the girls. "There has to be some kind of magic tool in play to sustain a spell that powerful for this long."

"I don't know what it could be." Belle admitted. "Tvon and Gaston took control of him right after Lorrimer's birthday. It was instantaneous; one moment he was my loving papa and the next he was a mindless puppet who just went along with whatever Gaston said."

"Could it be something to do with Halinox?" Phria questioned with her brow furrowed. "He prided himself on being a puppeteer, yes? So maybe it is one of the magical tools he fashioned for just that."

Rumple sighed internally. Each time he learned something new about his three fellow demon lords he found it worse than the last piece of information he'd stumbled across. Halinox and Ivosanch were both dead though, so technically he only had one fellow demon lord remaining in the form of the Little Disaster.

"Probably a logical place to begin, darling, but Demeer has taken up the task of finding out for us. For now, we are dealing with Renner and then King Artem."

The girls finally ceased their giggling then as food was brought in and all tucked in, save for Rumple who continued to sip at his tea. After a moment, Amicia turned to her papa curiously.

"Papa, who is Renner?"

"I am."

All eyes snapped to the doorway to find the former assassin had finally appeared. He'd dressed of course and washed, but his hair still hung lazily in his eyes; apparently 'scruffy and rugged' would forever be the most accurate description of the man. Atop his shoulder, awkwardly perched inside the large hood of his cloak, was Demiurge who made sure to locate Azzy quickly. The instant the children spotted the cub adoring sounds escaped them and their breakfast was all but forgotten about.

"Please take a seat, Renner, you must be hungry." Belle gestured to a seat at the opposite end of the table to Rumple which soon had Renner's amber eyes widen. A bodyguard, that was his duty, they didn't break their fast with their employers – especially when that employer was the fucking Dark One. "Please, Renner, we insist. Sit down and eat."

Since he doubted it was wise to refuse the future primary wife of a demon lord, the food did smell wonderful and because Rumple hadn't objected, Renner strode around the table to his seat. Demiurge jumped down into his lap and happily accepted a bit of bacon.

Both Amicia and Valdis opened their mouths to launch a litany of questions regarding the fluffy cub but Rumple cut them off before they'd even begun. Meanwhile, Renner tried to not focus on the bat wings neatly folded and half concealed by long black hair belonging to Rumple's youngest, or why the blonde girl had chosen to wear a headdress that gave her horns.

"Renner Cassian-Lorne, these are my daughters Amicia and Valdis. Girls, this man is to be your new bodyguard. He will always be by your side from now on to protect and watch over you."

When Belle figured out that was all Rumple intended to say on the matter, Belle rolled her eyes and continued for him.

"Renner isn't your servant, okay? He's a bodyguard so you should respect him as one. And, while little Dem is adorable and we all wish to pet him, he is still a tree cat rather than your plaything."

Both girls replied with a slightly less than enthusiastic 'yes, mama' because who wouldn't wish to pamper the tiny kitten? Still, the dark-eared man seemed like he could be scary when he wanted to be so they silently agreed not to push their limits.

"Papa, do we really need a bodyguard?"

Before Rumple could even open his mouth Renner had nodded unequivocally. "You and your little sister are daughters of the Dark One, my Lady. Your protection is of paramount importance. My Lord has seen fit to appoint me and I will do my duty as best I am able. I swear it on Aidan's grave."

Valdis' head cocked to the side. "Aidan?"

"Someone special to Renner who passed." Phria answered. "Now, finish your breakfast."

That was what they all did. Breakfast was eaten and tea was drunk while conversation mostly passed between Rumple and his two future wives. Renner had almost choked when he'd discovered Belle was actually Princess Belle, eldest child of King Maurice and heir apparent to the throne of Avonlea. All of that and he'd called her woman the previous night like she were just some common wench. Something told Renner than, when Rumple had warned him to show her some respect, it had been a bigger threat than he'd understood. While, logically speaking, Renner had quickly determined Belle, Phria nor Rumple could have been either girl's biological parent, they had been given the status of the Dark One's daughters meaning that, for all intents and purposes, Amicia and Valdis were princesses. Renner hadn't just been appointed a glorified babysitter, not when these girls would likely always be in danger from people like the church priests. Renner realized he'd actually been given a monumentally important task and, for both Aidan and his own conscience, Renner would devote himself to it.

~X~

While his new master and Captain Federlord had gone to deal with the final preparations for their departure to Ranga – which had surprised Renner because it was the first he'd heard about it – he, Belle and the children had headed into town with a shrunk Azzy and Demiurge on Renner's shoulder half concealed in his large hood. He felt uncomfortable among so many people, all of them able to see him, to judge him. He was there to guard the two little girls though, and, by extension, the Princess, so he'd made sure to shove away his urge to flee back into the shadows; especially once he'd learned it was Valdis' first time beyond the Arcane University's grounds. Her cloak was black embroidered with golden thread – a gift from her wonderful papa according to her – that hid her folded winds expertly. Yanhil may have been a tolerant kingdom with Bichelberger as its most diverse city, but Renner knew without a doubt that the locals' mood would instantly change towards her if they learned the girl's true nature. Humans never reacted well to those who were different.

Borobello Market filled almost the entirety of Bichelberger's shopping district and, with the way the mass of stalls folded back on themselves, open air areas suddenly found themselves squashed between tall buildings and pathways abruptly turned or came to a dead end, bazaar might have been a better term than market. The place was loud, crowded, smelt of everything from food and spices to leather and hay – a hellhole if one was to ask Renner. However, the outskirts had wider walkways and less dodgy vendors. Borobello Market and wells had something in common: the deeper one went, the darker it got and the harder escape would be. All that said, a relatively safe area was Borobello Market and Belle had come to know which spots to avoid, so the women looked around while Renner trailed along behind in a daze because he still couldn't quite believe Rumpelstiltskin – the fucking Dark One – had allowed him to live.

A chubby half-grasswalker bumped into Amicia then and Renner had already had his knives coated in dwarf's breath half out their sheaths before the two had apologized to one another and continued on their respective ways. Renner hadn't been this on edge since before Aidan had died. Aidan, his sweet, caring and beautiful Aidan was the reason Renner had gone along with Rumple's deal. The younger man had always had a dream that they'd escape the House of Red Coats' clutches and make an honest life for themselves and, while nobody could have seen the Dark One bit coming, being a bodyguard to two little girls did seem like an honest life. Aidan had always been a gentle soul not cut out for killing, frankly Princess Belle reminded Renner of his lost love; especially with those chestnut locks of hers.

"… all right, Renner?"

The pantherian with black ears and a tail so sleek it looked like a blade of shadows, snapped his head to the short princess. Her expression was one of genuine concern – 'like Aidan indeed'.

"I'm fine, my Lady."

"I doubt that highly." Yeah, a grumbled affirmation hadn't ever gone very far to convince Aidan either. "I know we don't know one another very well yet, and Rumple did dump a lot of responsibility on you out of nowhere, but you are one of us now, Renner. I hope we can be friends, and please know you can talk to me if you want to. Oh, and friends call me Belle."

Friends? A princess, the future primary wife of the True Demon Lord, wanted to be his friend? He was a nobody, just a brute with no real skills other than killing and wallowing in grief for the man he loved. Renner had been born in Whitrow's slums to a horrid father, he'd literally been born amongst sewage, crime and lowlifes then carted off to serve the assassins guild, yet there was a noble born lady offering him friendship. Demiurge snuggled into Renner's cheek then and he stretched up a finger to tickle him behind his ears. Aidan was the one who'd deserved this, not him.

"You're very kind … Lady Belle." Renner hadn't been able to bring himself to drop all formality, but it seemed to amuse Belle more than anything.

"I suppose that is a start."

Valdis came to a sudden stop then, it had been so abrupt that Renner had almost walked into the back of her. A finger tipped with a tiny black claw shot out to one vendor up a narrow set of steps to their left, her black eyes big.

"That! Can we eat that, Mama Belle?"

Belle nodded. It was a little passed lunch time and they weren't on any kind of schedule, if Rumple needed them he'd simply fetch them, and the girls did look rather eager for something tasty. They second they'd gotten confirmation, Amicia had grabbed her little sister's hand and started to tug her towards the stall while the two adults followed; one smiling sweetly, the other emotionally blank as always. Two minutes later they each had a bread dumpling roughly the size of Belle's fist, filled with chicken and a creamy sauce. Renner had simply stared at his when Amicia had offered it up to him with a cheery smile. All his life he'd had to steal and bargain for food, but there the Dark One's eldest daughter was just giving it away to him happily.

"Em, thanks."

Was a bodyguard allowed to eat with their charges? He'd had breakfast with them, actually sat at the table like he was part of the family, so standing in Borobello Market to eat a dumpling shouldn't have bubbled up so much uncertainty inside Renner, but Belle decided to save him.

"Eat while it's still hot, Renner."

So he did if for no other reason than he didn't know what else to do. The children hummed and giggled as they ate, each sat on the steps in front of him with Princess Belle at his side. He'd assassinated a noble a handful of years back, a viscount by the name of Johann Albright. Renner had watched him a few hours before he'd sunk the blade into the man's throat. As far as Renner had been able to tell, Viscount Albright had been an okay person – of course Renner hadn't known why his death had been commissioned, but he never knew that about anybody. In those few hours though, he'd seen Viscount Albright interact with his servants and the black man had treated them like just that, servants; wasn't rude but hadn't gone out of his way to be overly nice either. In Renner's mind the Viscount had been the kinder form of a noble, but Belle had blown that out of the water. She had no qualms walking around Borobello Market with commoners and former assassins like him. Belle saw people as people rather than ranks; Ladies Amicia and Valdis seemed inclined to think along similar lines so maybe, just maybe, there was hope for the world yet.

"Did you like it?" Amicia suddenly asked after she'd wiped her face on the back of her hand, an act which had Belle roll her eyes and offer a blue handkerchief.

Renner nodded. "Yeah. It was good, Lady Amicia."

Pleased with his answer, Amicia used the handkerchief to wipe the dumpling sauce from her sister's cheek – Amicia took her role as an older sister very seriously.

Once lunch had ended the four returned to their stroll through the marketplace with the two girls just ahead of them with Azzy while Renner and Belle walked mostly side by side. The hubbub proved itself almost overpowering in some places; Renner hated noise, but he managed to tune the majority of it out and focus on the women he had been trusted to guard. Although, none of that stopped kind-hearted Belle from trying to be friendly.

"Cassian isn't a pantherian name." She began out of the blue. "And I've never heard of pantherians hyphening their surnames either. Do you mind if I ask how you came about your name, Renner?"

He shrugged and absent-mindedly tickled Demiurge who seemed quite eager to glance around at the chaotic market as long as he didn't have to leave the hood. He supposed no part of him was really closed off to those he served now, but Belle had actually asked rather than demanded. 'Guess I can tell her. It's not exactly a secret.'

"Cassian was Aidan's name, Lorne is mine. We … wanted to be together so – so we just put them together."

Belle's steps faltered a second because she'd never heard anything quite so sweetly heartbreaking. A husband rather than just a lover. The Church of Drazva had strict rules against two people of the same sex marring, but demi-humans and elves had no such love bans. Renner hadn't been concerned about telling a fellow pantherian, half-elf and demon about Aidan back in Phria's office since none of them were humans but, out in the open, he'd turned shy. Belle had just assumed Aidan to have been another pantherian, but Cassian was a human name and she'd realized her short-sightedness.

"I'm sorry, Renner, I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable."

He shrugged again. "No problem, Lady Belle. You were just curious."

"It's a lovely name. Sometimes I wish I could have chosen mine."

Bless her for moving the conversation on without doing a total one-eighty and pretending the subject had never come up. Her comment had Renner pause though because what could possibly been wrong with an elegant name which meant beauty?

"You don't like yours?"

"Oh, no. I like my name just fine, it is the length which bothers me. For some strange reason royals all think our names should go on for an hour and a half. Belle Larissa Angelique Margaux Giselle Vivienne Rochefort du Marchand. Long, right?"

Long might have been something of an understatement, he saw why she preferred Belle. However, Belle always thought she'd gotten off lightly, Lorrimer's was longer than hers and so was their father's. There was something to be said for simplicity.

When wandering the market had finally grown boring for Valdis' first trip out, they'd all headed to Brass Book Lane not too far away, and a bookshop owned by a fairly pleasant demon named Donatello Sixpence; an older demon with little horns and a white goatee. A chatterbox mostly but, fortunately for Renner, Sixpence kept his focus on Belle during their visit. The bookshop was quiet at least, only a couple of people dotted through the whole place, all absorbed in their tomes. Sixpence's shop itself appeared to have been built out of an old tavern, so there were two floors all with bookshelves placed back to back to form a surprisingly well-lit network of walkways. There were even little reading areas by a few of the larger windows. Some sections of the shop had tables laden with range of stationery; notebooks, quills, ink and such.

Renner hadn't ever been big on reading – of course he could read, he'd just never felt a real need to outside of herbalism and toxicology, he was an assassin after all. Even if he had felt a need to read, he doubted anybody could rival Belle's thirst for books. While she and Mister Sixpence chatted about – whatever they chatted about, Renner hadn't really been listening – he and the girls headed up stairs to a small children's section for a rummage. Thankfully, the upper floor was more of a mezzanine than a true second floor, so he could perfectly keep an eye on the Princess and the girls. For twenty minutes nothing of note occurred; Belle continued her conversation with Mister Sixpence, the girls looked at books and Amicia would occasionally correct Valdis when she pronounced a word wrong, all while Renner watched over the three of them and tickled a sleepy Demiurge. Azzy looked worn out as well, the animals had decided it was time for a nap apparently.

"Renner?" He glanced down to see Valdis tugging on his green cloak. "Want that one."

A clawed finger pointed to one of the upper shelves where a book bound in red leather sat. Amicia had stretched up on her tip-toes but still couldn't reach it. The idea of flying up to it either hadn't occurred to Valdis or she'd thought better of it; almost certainly the former. Without hesitation he grabbed the book. Mysteries of Ja'carna the book was called, clearly a simplified version of the myth kids could understand. Renner just thanked his lucky stars that she'd not insisted on the black one beside it because that one had the title of Antosha's Merry Adventures, Rumple and Phria had given him a quick run down of what Valdis was so he'd be better prepared to guard her, and that was where he'd learned of who her biological mother and father were. Had she asked for that book, it would have been a blow-by-blow of her mother's murder – not that anybody seemed to be all that sure if Valdis was aware Rumple wasn't actually her father.

In the end they left with eight new books and a set of inks which Renner ended up caring because it felt weird and oddly wrong to allow a princess to haul all of that back to the Arcane University. 'A bodyguard not a servant' she'd told him but that hadn't gotten his brain to relent. They'd paused to pick up some candy then returned to the University to find everything had been prepared for their departure in their absence. Of course Renner hadn't been made privy to all the plans going on around him, he knew where they were going, when they'd leave and what his duty was, but the reason why they had to return to Dorovoth had been left out and Renner was fine with that. The Dark One wasn't a monster, not in the way the House of Red Coats or the Knightly Order were, so Renner doubted Rumple would suddenly take over the realm or slaughter millions for some sadistic pleasure. There was, however, a lingering feeling of urgency to everybody's mood which had Renner's hands itch for his knives.

Chapter Text

After breakfast, polite goodbyes were made to Demeer and Leotomas by Belle and Phria, then Rumple teleported them all swiftly to the Teapot Inn in Ranga where they'd promptly given Missus Potts the fright of her life. They'd been lucky the breakfast rush had ended because otherwise the whole inn would have been thrown into chaos at her scream. There had been no warning, nothing, just a blink and six people were suddenly stood in her hallway like they'd never been gone. Of course she recognized Rumple, beautiful Belle, Azzy and little Amicia, but the new companions were a surprise. The big one with an emotionless face gave off a deadly aura and looked more like the sort to settle things with his fists than words; the kitten on his shoulder was cute though. The raven-haired little girl had a firm hold of Belle's hand and, though seemingly excited to see all she could, she stayed partially hidden behind the teenage woman. Then there was the pantherian in cobalt armor, she was who'd really garnered Missus Potts' attention: Dorovoth was far from the Valkyrie headquarters but they did still occasionally see the women escorting mages here and there. Marquess Patrick Carste, the noble who governed over Ranga, his daughter had actually joined the Valkyries several years earlier. A nice girl was Isadora Carste, she'd often had her servants hand out medical care to the poor who the Church refused to aid for one reason or another. Regardless, it wasn't every day a Valkyrie wandered into the Teapot Inn.

Belle was quick with a smile and words of greeting, she made sure to introduce Valdis, Renner and even Demiurge – who she insisted on calling Dem – before finally getting to the Valkyrie.

"… and this is Captain Phria Federlord of the Valkyries. She's going to be Rumple's wife as well."

"She's the Captain?" Missus Potts questioned before what Belle had just said finally hit her. Her eyes widened with surprise as her mouth fluttered a few seconds before words poured out. "Wait, wife? 'As well'? Does this mean-"

Belle and Phria held their hands out practically in unison to show off their rings, one a dazzling sapphire, the other a coruscating emerald. Missus Potts was impressed – Rumple hoped she damn well was, he'd paid through the nose for those gems from Marlow. Then the old woman tilted her head from the women and their engagement rings and over to the Demon Lord she'd been holding a room for.

"Work quickly, don't you? Left with one girl and a daughter, came back with an extra set."

Rumple lifted an eyebrow as Renner hid a smirk, it was all in good fun though so Rumple let it slide and simply enquired about their room. Of course she'd kept her word and only gone in every now and again to clean the dust off of tables, so the room was a non-issue. However, the inn was almost full and Missus Potts only had a single extra room to offer them.

"You could toss someone out." Rumple suggested off-handedly but Missus Potts glared.

"I could throw you out."

"Renner will need to be with the girls anyway," Belle began diplomatically; all those years of governesses teaching her to be the perfect princess had paid off. "So he and the girls can take the vacant room and Phria will sleep in ours."

Several sets of eyes snapped to Belle at that comment, all except for the innocent ones of children who hadn't quite managed to figure out why such a comment would raise interest. Belle, however, ignored any and all sideways glances and simply nodded to herself then ushered the girls upstairs out of the way. Renner honestly couldn't have cared less as long as he wasn't out in the stables – that had happened one too many times in his life – while Phria and Rumple had no desire to pose an argument with Missus Potts before them. Soon the old woman had gotten a few coins out of Rumple and delivered a fresh pot of tea to the back table where Rumple and his soon-to-be wives had nestled themselves while the children, Renner, Azzy and Demiurge had remained upstairs with toys and books for entertainment.

"Are you sure we should keep this so low-key?" Asked Phria as she added a heathy – or rather unhealthy does of honey to her tea. "I know King Artem is involved but still."

Rumple shook his head as the early birds for lunch started to show up. They'd been to several inns and taverns throughout Dreymyr, but the Teapot Inn had always been the calmest and best maintained in his opinion. A less rowdy clientele than elsewhere.

"If we show up with an army it will not only draw unwanted attention but likely be seen as an attack on the Carste family, Adventures Guild and certainly the King as well." Rumple explained. "Best for all involved if we keep this quiet, just like Demeer said. Besides, I'm the Dark One, you honestly think I need an army as backup?"

That had Phria smirk behind her teacup. She'd never really been much of a tea drinker, but Belle made exquisite tea and since she and Rumple had such a fondness for it, Phria found she'd developed a taste for it as well; Phria guessed there were worse habits to pick up.

"I suppose we should inform Gordana that we've returned to Ranga."

"Belle makes a good point, Rumple."

"Yes, yes, we'll go once the tea is finished."

Sure enough, once the teapot had been drained, Belle had indulged in a suitably long chat with Missus Potts about this and that – probably where Phria and Valdis had come from – and Phria had gown tired of the locals gawking at her cobalt Valkyrie armor, the trio headed for the plaza the Guild building sat on. The journey was walked by muscle memory and Rumple was pleased no more of those damn wanted posters had gone up for himself nor Jefferson. Speaking of Jefferson, that Hatter had better have made headway over in Elvasitz. As they grew closer to the Guild building, Rumple made sure to check for magical traps while Phria subreptitiously checked vantage points for anybody who might have thought an ambush to be a good idea. They didn't actually expect an attack, not when Gordana was involved, she had an honorable streak and had already gone out of her way to aid them. Still, one could never be too careful.

Entering the large Adventurers Guild building felt a little like coming home for Belle, she'd missed the pleasant banter she'd shared with Maylea and the other receptionists while Rumple had been claiming his quest rewards and, despite how she'd ended up as an adventurer, she'd never regretted it.

They approached the reception desk of dark wood to find a blond man manning it, the second he spotted the Dark One his eyes widened but the sight of Phria had the severity of the situation drilled into him. The Dark One, Valkyrie Captain and Princess of Avonlea all walked into the Adventurers Guild – sounded like the beginning of a bad joke. Having apparently been warned of their arrival, the blond half-elf – Clarence, not that Rumple had actually cared, ushered them upstairs to Gordana's office without hesitation. The guildmaster sat behind her desk with a stack of paperwork before her that literally nobody would have envied; frankly, she seemed pleased by their arrival because it gave her a valid excuse to avoid it for a time.

"Hello again, Rumpelstiltskin, Belle. I see you brought a friend." Gordana stood, rounded her desk and thrust her hand out to the white-haired pantherian. "Gordana Aalto, Chief Commander of the Adventurers Guild."

"Captain Phria Federlord of the Valkyries."

The two shook hands while Rumple wondered if such niceties were really needed, they all knew why they were there after all.

"Heard a lot about you, Captain. Youngest head of the Valkyries in history, you should be proud of that." Apparently the niceties were necessary. "I assume you're here on behalf of the Grand Mage?"

Phria nodded. "The situation pertains to a mage appointed by him, he feels he and the Mages Guild should have a representative present."

"Can't argue with that." Gordana returned to her desk. "I won't pretend I know everything that's going on and frankly I don't care to know. What I don't know, they can't make me testify about and all that. My role here is simply to provide a neutral space for this … discussion of yours to take place, that's all. I support neither side if this turns into a war of some kind. The Guild members can't be conscripted by the crown and I sure as hell won't let you get your claws in if you decide you want an army. My Guild is neutral."

"Don't get yourself in a twist, dearie, I have no need for armies – Dark One, remember?"

"I very much doubt King Artem will suddenly declare war." Belle pointed out. "He's a wise and just man who isn't quick to violence."

Gordana sighed. "All due respect, but the Dark One hasn't been involved before. Besides, we're

doing all of this very cloak and dagger so best to be ready for anything. For what it is worth, my conversation with the King led me to believe he's curious more than anything."

Phria's emerald eyes peered around the office. "Shall our meeting be taking place in here?"

"No. We have a meeting hall, it'll happen in there out of the way. Looks a bit more formal in there as well. I know I wrote a letter vouching for you to the Grand Mage, Rumpelstiltskin, but I'd like to know if he has opted to support you. I see the enslavement collar is gone if nothing else."

"Yes, that was a farce, but it's gone now never to return." Rumple told her quickly. "I suppose Demeer hasn't made any public claims in favor of me, but he did insist to those Umbra brothers that I wasn't here for total control of Dreymyr."

Gordana's eyes widened as she sat a little straighter in her chair. " 'Those Umbra brothers'? Do you mean Prince Horatio and Prince Owen? How many high-powered people know you're the damn Dark One, Rumpelstiltskin?"

It was Belle who answered while marking them off on her fingers. "You, the Grand Mage, Phria, Yanhil's princes and probably King Nathaniel by now, myself and Xylda Xaver. Surprisingly none of them have opted to be hostile."

Gordana nodded to herself. "You're building quite the contact network there, Rumpelstiltskin. Anybody I should be concerned about?"

"Cynthia Stonecrop." Phria sighed.

"And who's she when she's at home?"

"Count Alan Stoncrop's oldest daughter, she was my Vice-Captain until recently. She's a devout follower of Drazva and went to great lengths to attempt ridding Rumple of his supporters. That's how the princes got involved. She's gone to extreme lengths to prove her outrage."

"Meaning?"

"She sent the House of Red Coats to kill her." Rumple stated plainly.

The assassins guild wasn't ever mentioned lightly. They were deadly cutthroats who'd kill commoners and kings alike if the price was right. Gordana really would have rather those assassins stayed out of the situation that was the Dark One's return to Dreymyr, but, with Rumpelstiltskin practically a gentleman compared to how the stories made him out to be, Gordana doubted they'd have too much problem with them.

"Well," said Phria quickly. "We can't actually confirm that, but from the story Renner told of how he was to stage my death, I can't see it being anybody else."

"Renner?"

"The assassin, dearie. Worry not, he's in my service now."

Gordana's mouth fell open. "You took a House of Red Coats assassin and made him part of your entourage? I honestly shouldn't be surprised, should I?" The question had been rhetorical but Rumple shook his head a little regardless. Of course he'd never admit it, but he'd somewhat missed this banter only Gordana Aalto was capable of. "Oh, did you find that man in the hat you wanted? Jefferson, right?"

"Indeed I did, dearie." Yeah, she'd not be getting a proper thank you and Gordana knew it would do no good to demand one. "He has gone to Elvasitz to do some research. Now, where is this meeting hall you spoke of?"

"One floor down over in the west side of the building. Got a giant sword statue outside the door, you can't miss it."

"Lovely." Rumple nodded. "We shall return tomorrow at noon for this meeting then. That's all unless you have decided what you want that last quest to be."

The brunette woman smirked, she knew he wanted that out of the way as quickly as possible to get out of her debt, but he'd be waiting a while. Gordana knew what she wanted him to do, but the time wasn't right for such things.

"Not yet."

Belle and Phria offered polite goodbyes, then each took one of Rumple's hands and let him teleport them back to the inn; their room to be exact. There, Rumple settled in at his familiar desk to brew some potions with ingredients he'd purchased in Bichelberger while his beautiful fiancées opted to take a walk through the city's shopping district. Phria had wanted a better lay of the land since the second they'd arrive while Belle would take any opportunity she got to rummage around a bookshop; especially one owned by a man as nice as Rodrick Zule. Once they'd checked on the girls and Renner – who'd seemingly been bullied into letting them play outside – the two women had departed the Teapot Inn fully aware they'd get no conversation out of their future husband until he left his potion crafting for the night.

They wandered through streets of people going this way and that, some for a little exercise while others had determined expressions on their faces and schedules to keep. For a time they walked in a pleasant silence – at least Belle had assumed it to be a pleasant silence until shortly after they'd left Rodrick Zule's bookshop with a choice purchase tucked under Belle's arm. Phria in no way suffered from a pressure of speech, she'd be polite of course and speak when spoken to, but she really wasn't one to jibber-jabber. That was probably the reason – and the fact she'd been distracted by books – it had taken Belle quite so long to notice the unease which had settled into her friend's shoulders.

"Is everything all right, Phria?" The white-haired pantherian nodded that she was but Belle wasn't so easily placated. "Please tell me what's wrong. Have I done something?"

"No, of course not." Phria was quick to respond. "No, it's just- never mind."

Belle shoved her new book further under her arm and turned to face Phria fully which forced the other woman to a standstill.

"Phria, if something is bothering you then I want to help. Please tell me what's wrong."

Phria sighed. "Is this okay? I know I'm here as a representative of the Grand Mage, but you're Rumple's primary. Shouldn't we be separate?"

Ah, now Belle understood. In almost every case, the primary wife was the one presented to the public and the one treated with the most respect. Meanwhile, any secondary wives were treated as backups with no real purpose other than to spread their legs; just servants wearing better dresses. Primaries hardly ever elected to interact with secondaries unless forced to, when Phria had agreed to be Rumple's secondary wife, she'd expected to keep a respectable distance from Belle despite the younger woman's kind heart.

"The only reason I made that stipulation was to ensure my child was recognized as next in line to Avonlea's throne after myself. It wasn't for some need to keep you in your place, Phria. I've never really cared much about the hierarchy rules of noble wives and I'm positive that Rumple doesn't. Besides, I'm sure you care little for succession rights. Things are different in Rumple's realm, they don't have the same polygamy laws there so I doubt he knows what the proper etiquette is, and even if he did, Rumple wouldn't care. He treats us equally because to him we are equals and I see no reason to argue with that."

Suddenly Phria felt much more at ease. She'd grown used to being viewed as lesser than those around her; all other Valkyries were nobles from prestigious families, women of pedigree while Phria came from a modest family of adventurers from Berryburn, her uncle had treated her like a commodity worthy of only what he permitted and, as a pentherian, those devote Church followers treated her as though she weren't even a person. Before the valiant warrior could descend too far into her thoughts though, Belle looped their arms and tugged her back into the real world much as she often did with Rumple. Though fully aware she was older than Belle at twenty-two while Belle steadily approached nineteen, Phria knew the two of them couldn't have been more different. Belle seemed far more adult, independent, resourceful and brave in Phria's eyes, a trait she envied to some extent. While she could easily go into battle and fight, things most would consider everyday situations Phria struggled with. Belle could make friends easily everywhere she went, she was a genuinely likeable person with many efficacious qualities. Meanwhile, Phria was more like Rumple when it came to people. She had many an idiosyncrasy and, though she desired friends, she'd always been a loner who hadn't quite known how to go about making those friends. Belle though, she'd come along and made it easy for Phria.

"Let's take a leaf out of our fiancé's book and make a deal." Belle suggested with a twinkle in her cerulean eyes and smile upon her lips. "So, how about instead of doing what wives normally do and scramble over one another for some gilded top spot, we be the equals we are and just stand by his side to support our future husband?"

"Deal," Phria quickly agreed and the two returned to their outing.

Later that evening, after a rather piquant supper, Belle and Phria had ordered a bath – which Chip hadn't been pleased about because he'd been filling and filling that bath in various rooms all day what with them being fully booked – while Rumple had allowed the girls – and by extension Azzy, Demiurge and the walking shadow that was Renner – to accompany him on a trip to the apothecary to restock his supplies. He'd developed a few potions specifically for Belle which she'd thankfully not needed to utilize very often, however, after his discussions with Demeer and Leotomas back at the Arcane University, he'd come up with a couple of hypothesises for new ones which he'd wanted to test. Belle's potions had been designed for defence primarily, but since he'd learned of the enhancement armor Valkyries like the Ravenscroft sisters wore, Rumple had become curious if he could fashion a potion which would allow Phria to do a similar thing despite her lower magic level. Speaking of magic level, Rumple had made a mental note to have Renner's level assessed at the Guild at some point. While he'd never be a match for Rumple, the fact Renner could use light magic so easily and with so much dexterity meant he surely had to be at least bronze ranked. 'Should check Valdis as well,' his mind added. 'She's born of dark magic, might even be able to give me a run for my money one day.' In the back of his mind Rumple also knew that testing Valdis would make Amicia want a go as well so, ultimately, his life would have just been easier to borrow the gem book from Gordana and let everyone have a go.

They'd returned later than expected since Rumple had been roped into getting Valdis and Amicia dessert from the Applecore Bakery which had been on the verge of locking the door for the night. As the Dark One, Rumple was resistant to most forms of magic, but the pleading eyes of his adopted daughters was simply too powerful. His fiancées had still been occupied with bathing upon their return so he'd given Renner an hour or so to himself while Rumple read the girls stories and tried not to feel guilty for raising them while he'd abandoned Bae. Eventually the children had fallen asleep with Azzy curled up between their beds all without seeing Belle nor Phria once. So, mildly concerned, he ordered Renner back to the room then went in search of his future wives – didn't that unexpected plural require some getting used to?

Rumple didn't bother knocking as he entered the room Missus Potts had held for them, just strolled in unsure if he was irritated they'd not bid their daughters a goodnight or actually worried about them.

"The two of you have been in here so long that the girls fell asleep."

The last word came out in a sort of strangled tone of awe as brown eyes found Belle and Phria wrapped only in white towels, their hair up in high buns and skin ever so slightly damp. He swallowed audibly.

Both of them seemed honestly apologetic but it was Belle who spoke first.

"Sorry, Rumple. We got distracted talking."

Yes, Rumple could understand a thing or two about being distracted as it took him a full four seconds to realize Belle had even spoken. Phria was taller than the teenager with a larger chest, her body held more muscle from years of being a Valkyrie and was more angular. Belle, meanwhile, was petite – dainty really, with beautifully soft curves that just seemed to adore luring a man's attention. These women were goddesses among men and Rumple wouldn't ever be convinced that he deserved either one of them.

"That's, em – that's fine, as long – as long as you're okay."

Rumple couldn't take his eyes from his fiancées and Phria elected to be the brave one for a change and make the first move. Slowly she approached Rumple and stretched up to kiss him softly. There were loose strands of white hair which had escaped her bun and gotten wet in the bath water, they tickled Rumple's cheek. Her tail swayed eagerly as she slowly coaxed one of Rumple's clawed hands to the spot where her towel had been tucked in to keep it wrapped around her. Encouraged, he loosened it exposing her beautiful body to him and groaned.

Suddenly Phria's mind snapped back to her and she stiffened a bit. Belle! Belle might have said they were equals but they'd never discussed being so open with their love in front of each other. They'd been speaking of what they found attractive about their future husband right before Rumple had entered and Phria's heated body had driven her to act without really thinking. Awkwardly, Phria turned to the younger woman expecting to see annoyance, disgust, awkwardness mirroring her own or any combination of the three. Instead, Phria found curiosity in Belle's eyes paired with something suggesting an internal debate. Opting to be brave again, Phria held out her hand to Belle in silent offer, and Belle took it. With hardly a moment of hesitation, Belle was at Rumple's side where she mimicked what Rumple had done with Phria to get her own towel off. They didn't need to fight over him like other noble wives did, they didn't need to outdo one another to earn his love an attention. They'd made a deal to stand by Rumple's side in all things, so why should this have been any different? Rumple, however, was stunned because what the hell had undeserving him done to get so lucky?

Rumple lifted a hand to cup Belle's cheek, an act which forced their eyes to meet a moment before he captured her lips for a soft kiss. Rather than one filled with lust or passion, the kiss was sprinkled gently with love and something which bordered on veneration. She tasted of sweet tea, their kiss unhurried and sensual, and soon she'd relaxed against him much as Phria had. The clawed fingers of his left hand slowly glided up the porcelain skin of Phria's hip while his right continued to cup Belle's flushed cheek. Little bumps rose on the pantherian's skin, from the odd chill everybody experienced after leaving their bathwater or from a quickly growing desire, she wasn't entirely certain. A little moan resonated in Belle's throat when his kisses worked their way lower until they found that sweetly sensitive spot at her neck just underneath her earlobe. That was when he felt Phria begin to work the fastenings of his brownish-orange dragonlinghide vest open; but he supposed he was overdressed in comparison to the naked nymphs before him. Soon she'd shoved his vest down to land in a heap on the floor before Belle grabbed at his flowing shirt to tug it up and over his head as though it had managed to personally offend her. With his chest bare he felt their hardened nipples pressed against him and strained inside his leather breeches.

Unsure of whether or not his knees would support him much longer, he guided them around the bathtub Chip had left in their room and over to the bed. It wasn't exactly designed for three people, but that hardly seemed like a pause for concern in that moment. He pushed Phria down on the bed and straddled one of her milky thighs so he could take a rosy nipple into his mouth. Phria gasped, his attention sent an electrical surge through her body, a pulse to her core. Belle was not ignored though, for his nimble hands trailed calloused fingers over her stomach where she lay at Phria's side and down deep, deeper and down, until they found that special place between her thighs. Belle gripped the sheets tight while Phria snared Rumple's hair in a vice-like grip.

Didn't take him long to have both his loves breathing heavily and moaning so wonderfully while he took the edge off by rubbing his crotch against Phria's thigh. Only when he could take the restrictive confines of his leather breeches no longer did Rumple finally rise from the bed to shove them and his boots away like the hindrance they were.

"I love you." Rumple panted into Phria's ear when he pulled her hair free from the bun she'd tied it into for her bath. It was a crime to leave such soft hair away from his grasp. Belle's had fallen loose almost as soon as she'd hit the bed, but Phria's had remained steadfast and Rumple wouldn't stand for it. "You're beautiful."

She preened as he continued to explore their bodies with those talented fingers and silver tongue of his. His mission became to pull as many mews, moans and gasps from his fiancées as was physically possible, and the Dark One was nothing if not persistent. When his fingers slipped inside her for the first time Phria's breath caught in her throat much as Belle's did when his tongue found her wet core. How a man could so firmly focus on two separate women and their needs at once, Phria neither knew nor had the mental capacity to contemplate. He was relentless, determined and, despite clearly desperate for his own release, refused to give in until he'd pulled a few out of them first. Belle might have been a virgin before she'd met Rumple, but Phria hadn't; she'd encountered selfish and giving lovers but never one so fixated on ensuring his partners were more than satisfied before he gave in to his own wanton desires. Those selfish men she'd been with had hurt her, had paid to use her and Phria had gone along with it because she'd feared her Uncle Hamish's greed and anger, and it had taken her many years to realize not all men treated their lovers so abhorrently. With Rumple she'd never shy away from sex again because his touches would always come with love and affection.

Belle arched her back off the bed when Rumple's tongue dipped deeper inside her, a panted cry escaped her lips as cerulean eyes fluttered shut. As he sucked on that sensitive bundle of nerves between her legs – oversensitive after the orgasm he'd already pulled from her, Belle knew she'd soon cry out his name again.

His jaw ached, his fingers almost locked into place but his length couldn't be ignored any longer. His beautiful soon-to-be wives had been able to partake of that euphoric bliss multiple times that evening while he had denied himself. No, no longer. Rumple pumped himself a few times just to take the edge off, then he pulled himself back from between Belle's legs just long enough to lay himself with his head on the bed and his feet on the floor. Belle soon found herself being lavished with kisses before he pulled her to straddle his face while Phria eagerly knelt between his parted legs so she could take him into her mouth. Her tongue swirled around the head causing him to moan into Belle's wet sex and dig those black claws of his into her hips while he continued to pleasure her, before Phria took him in deeper.

Rumple honestly hadn't expected such a outcome when he'd barged into the room, but he'd not trade it for the world. Back when he'd been mortal and married to Milah, he'd thought he must have just not been very good at sex and it had made him so hopelessly eager to please not only Milah but any woman who might have had enough pity to share a night with him. Over the last three hundred years, and despite being the Dark One, Rumple had learned two very important things: Firstly, that his terrible sex life with Milah had been born from her own needs rather than him lacking in the bedroom; he might not have been the best lover as a mortal, but he certainly hadn't been the worst. Secondly, was how to please a woman six ways to Sunday. Then again, women interested in the Dark One sexually normally weren't the sort to be boring in the bedroom.

Belle's legs began to quiver as she neared her orgasm atop him, his large hands guided her hips while he indulgently sucked on the small bud between her thighs. Her moans, her beautiful breathless mews, tumbled form parted lips until white exploded behind her eyes again and those mews turned to groans. Belle fell to the side as her orgasm rocked through her, she'd reached her limit, was too sensitive for more and was intent on basking a while longer.

"I love you, Rumple."

"And I love you, sweetheart."

Rumple took the chance to push himself up onto one elbow so a hand could stroke through Phria's hair until the found her eminently soft white ears. The sight before him was almost enough to push him over the edge there and then. The wet head of his length coated in saliva, her small hand cupping him and the knowledge she could taste him. Gods, it had been so long, so terribly long. As his climax quickly approached, Rumple hips began to rock slowly at first but, when Phria only hummed around him, his thrusts grew faster and his grasp on her hair tightened. So beautiful, so supple and soft, so perfect and so very his. Didn't matter what realm he ended up in, they were to be his brides and Rumple loved them with all of his dark heart.

"That's it, darling, just like that." Rumple babbled as his thrusts grew erratic. His eyes slipped shut, head fell back. "Gods, Phria-"

She clung to him as he continued to thrust deep as his climax grew ever closer until finally, with more speed and more explosive energy than he'd been prepared to expect, Rumple came with a strangled grunt which had his elbow give out and force him flat on his back. Belle shuffled closer in search of cuddles and warmth while Phria took a moment to crawl up onto the bed and collapse at the other side of the panting demon lord.

Meanwhile, in the next room, Renner found himself eternally grateful that Amicia and her sister hadn't woken because he knew he wasn't a good enough liar to pretend the noise wasn't exactly what it was. Content on ignoring everything, Renner returned to sharpening his knives on the whetstone.

Chapter Text

Gathering for the meeting with King Artem had brought a fair amount of ambivalence; Belle found herself concerned for multiple kingdoms, Phria couldn't shake the feeling a war was coming, while Rumple just wanted things cut and dried. When they arrived they'd found Gordana by the reception desk waiting for them as she picked at her cuticles – a clear sign of her nervousness. Ne'er a word left her lips as she'd quickly guided them up to the Guild's meeting room. Then, as soon as they were inside, she practically slammed the door closed and hurried back downstairs.

Rumple yanked out the seat at the head of the table and fell down into it, Belle went to stare out the arched windows while Phria began to pace; frankly Azzy, who sat by Belle, seemed the least bothered by the whole situation.

The previous day Gordana had told them the meeting hall looked more formal than her office or the rest of the Adventurers Guild building but, having seen it, Rumple understood what she'd actually meant was cleaner and better lit. The long table had an excessive amount of chairs and there was some hideous wood carving of a gathering which dominated most of the wall shared with the door. He could have asked Belle about it, she'd have surely known, but Rumple suspected it had something to do with the Guiding Saints the Drazvans were always going on about.

From his seat at the table's head, Rumple spied Phria as she continued to pace to his left. There wasn't anything frantic about it, just a burning worry he'd not expected from one as brave as her. Phria's tail wafted about with agitation while her lovely white ears threatened to droop.

"Darling, why don't you sit down for me?"

Though phrased as a question, it certainly wasn't one and, after a pause and small nod, Phria took a seat to his left. She was there to represent the Mages Guild, to represent Maximilian Demeer himself in a situation she didn't even fully understand, then there was that the man she intended to marry was the First Demon Lord and historically kings liked to go to war with them. If King Artem – if any kingdom or organization went to war with Rumple, Phria didn't know which side she'd end up on. On the one hand, she loved Rumple and wanted to be by his side for the rest of her life. On the other, she was the Valkyrie Captain and had made a vow to do her duty. However, when Rumple rested his hand atop hers, all of Phria's tensions drained away into nothingness.

"Take a breath, Phria, everything will be fine."

"He's right." Said Belle as she sat herself in the chair to Rumple's right with her back to the large windows. "King Artem is logical and reasonable, he won't jump to violence without a very good reason."

Phria lifted an eyebrow. "The Dark One has returned, isn't a good enough reason?"

"Not for him." Belle shook her head. "I've known him all my life, my papa and he are great friends. Demelza is one of my closest friends as well. King Artem asked for a meeting, he wishes to speak calmly, that is why he chose a neutral place."

Suddenly the door was thrown open again and Gordana guided in an older man with a beard: 'I assume this is Artem, then' said Rumple's mind. Several guards attempted to follow him inside – including one that screamed Lothario – but the King insisted they waited outside by the door. The second they'd spotted him, Phria had dropped into a bow with her head lowered while Belle had curtsied politely like the princess she was. Meanwhile, Rumple hadn't moved an inch. Gordana's face screamed at him that the chair at the table's head had been meant for King Artem but he'd have liked to see her try to move him. The door closed, silence lingered for a few moments, then Artem smiled boldly and threw open his arms.

"Oh Belle, I'm so pleased to see you safe." With a smile as equally bold, Belle filled the older man's arms for a hug she'd not known she'd needed. He was warm and smelt oddly of cinnamon. "You are safe, yes?"

Belle nodded. "Indeed, very safe." She stepped back and gestured to Phria who slowly rose to her feet but kept her head lowered. "This is Captain Phria Federlord of the Valkyries sent by the Grand Mage, and … I assume Rumpelstiltskin the Dark One needs no introduction."

Artem swallowed when he paused to take in the sight of the Dark One; golden-green skin, scaled just like the legends said, and eyes which seemingly bored deep into one's soul. Power radiated off of Rumple to the point Artem had to fight the urge to shy away or flee altogether. The women in his company though, they stood by his side without hesitation as though he were any other person; even Gordana appeared comfortable in his presence.

"No. No, I suppose there is no need for introductions, though I will announce myself for propriety's sake if nothing else." A hand was offered to Rumple, long fingers aged and adored with several ruby rings. "I am King Artem Van Winchell, son of Rupert, ruler of Dorovoth."

Rumple eyed the proffered hand a moment, kings didn't normally offer him their hands in greeting, much too afraid he'd bite them off. Still, Belle stared at him imploringly, so Rumple relented and shook the old man's hand. Soon they all found seats and Gordana did her best to get the conversation underway; the sooner they were all out of her Guild, the better.

"Azzy, sit." Belle commanded after a few moments when the waheela didn't quite know if he needed to be on alert or not.

"Perhaps I should begin by saying I have no doubts that you are indeed the Dark One, the True Demon Lord of legend. I do not need you to prove your power, I am already thoroughly convinced." Well, if that hadn't been a low-key way of asking him not to do anything destructive, Rumple didn't know what was. "I should probably also explain how I knew you had returned to Dreymyr, Lord Rumpelstiltskin. I'm sure Belle has told you that her father and myself are good friends, that she and my granddaughter are quite close. It is because of these friendships that I traveled to St. Claes to see Maurice. It is unlike the du Marchands to ignore correspondence and I needed to ease my concerns. Regardless of being unannounced, my visit was treated as a nuisance and I was told to leave with all the subtly of a church bell. I basically had to bully my way passed Gaston LeGume to see Maurice and when I did – something has been done to him, of that I am sure. I don't know what that man is planning but he has bewitched my friend to do it. I elected to play dumb and leave lest my throat be slit in the night, then I returned home with an unexpected cargo to continue my investigation."

A long sigh escaped Belle. "You're right, Your Majesty, my papa has been bespelled. All of this is down to Gaston and Haldor Tvon. They seek to take over Avonlea and then the other kingdoms by force. They did awful things to summon Rumple here, wanted to use him as a weapon but they couldn't control him and we got away. Tvon is using dark magic on my papa and who knows how many others. Wait! Did you see Lorrimer? Did you see my little brother?"

Artem nodded putting Belle at ease. "I did, yes. When I was there he had a fever but his nursemaid assured me it was quite mild. She was convinced he'd recover from it." He ran a hand through his white beard. "Dark magic explains what has been done to Maurice. It is as though his mind is there but he isn't in control of his own body; frightening. I suspected Gaston was behind all of this, he's always been greedy, though I feel you should be warned, Belle. Pierre LeGume died six days ago, Gaston is Duke LeGume now."

"Died or was murdered?" Phria mostly questioned herself but Artem still shrugged.

"He might have been ill some months back, but I think we can all make an educated guess on that topic, Captain."

Gordana might have been content to sit quietly and simply listen but Rumple wasn't. He leaned forward in his chair causing it to squeak a little as he rested his fingers into a pyramid.

"You said 'unexpected cargo' earlier, dearie, what did you mean by that? And how could you know I'd been summoned to this realm? Oh, and why are you so ready to believe me the First Demon Lord when every other person I've met has doubted me, demanded proof or both?"

Yes, that had been a thought on everybody's mind. Artem Van Winchell was known as a wise king, but he wasn't clairvoyant and hadn't met Rumple until that very day.

For a great many moments the old king was silent as though sorting through thoughts inside his mind. Just when Rumple had started to ponder releasing a hissed demand did a response finally leave the old king's lips.

"These summoning rituals, they don't work properly and I doubt they ever will. As a result, the rituals do their best to summon the next best thing. Well, the last time Tvon and Gaston attempted to summon you, the magic once again did its best. Instead of you, a boy was summoned."

Rumple's brow furrowed deeply in puzzlement. "A boy? Why a – no!" Brown eyes fixed on Artem as Rumple shot up from his chair so quickly Belle jumped, his fists slammed down on the wooden table to support him as he all but clambered upon it to loom towards Artem. "Name! What is the boy's name? Tell me, damn it!"

Rumple's expression could have probably been misinterpreted as rage or madness, but Artem was the only other father in that room and saw what really lurked inside the Dark One's eyes – pain; fear; dread and, there at the back, just a touch of hope. Once, long ago, Artem had taken Gottfried on a trip to St. Alucart with him; his son had only been about eight back then and had chased a wing ear off into the forest while they'd been camping for the evening. Of course the knights had located him quick enough and no harm had been done, but for those ten or so minutes, Artem had felt as though his whole world was falling apart. He'd screamed at himself and questioned why he'd not been a better father, why he'd taken his eyes off of Gottfried for even a second and felt bile rise in his throat when he thought of some savage teratect, hammer boar or other wild creature tearing his only son to bits. All that horror and pain over such a small event which had been swiftly dealt with without anybody so much as getting a scratch; so Artem could only imagine the pain Rumple felt at being separated from his boy for years with nothing but questions. No, Artem didn't wish that sort of pain on anybody.

"… Baelfire. His name is Baelfire."

Rumple dropped back into his chair, eyes fixed on the wooden table as his hands shook. Belle, bless her heart, was at his side in an instant to rub his back and sooth him while Phria had stretched to take a shivering hand into her own.

"He's alive." Rumple blathered to himself some how in a tone which was both loud and quiet. "My boy's alive."

Artem nodded. "Yes, very much alive. He's a bit thin but otherwise seems perfectly healthy. He was being kept in the dungeons at Kalecaster Castle but the clever lad managed to escape at an exceedingly fortunate moment."

Rumple's head snapped up. "Where is he? Take me to my son!"

From what Bae had said to Artem, he knew the boy wasn't overly keen to see his father, there were clear wounds there and Artem hated to force a meeting on Bae. However, being a king meant protecting his people, and he saw that the only way of dealing with Tvon and Gaston without a war and thousands dead was to have the Dark One on his side – reuniting him with Bae was the quickest method available to him.

"He is in the care of my son Gottfried, back at Bruckstone Castle. I will gladly escort you to Gorasitz so you can see him. I would like your promise to something first though."

Belle finally paused in her rubbing of Rumple's back. "Surely promises could wait until after he's seen Baelfire?"

"I'm afraid not, I need this done now."

"Get on with it then." Rumple snapped.

"I have returned your son to you, protected him and aided his escape from Kalecaster Castle. Now, I know you have vowed to put a stop to Gaston and Tvon, rescue the du Marchands and save Avonlea as part of a deal made with Belle. All I am asking is that, in return for what I have done for your son, you agree to carry out this rescue as quietly and as subtly as is possible." When four sets of brows furrowed deeply Artem explained. "For a great many years now, the Church has wanted to forge its own holy empire. For the most part the Pontiff seems content to do this by destroying Olgarth from within – Reginald is a figurehead more than a king these days – but, were they to discover what has happened to Maurice and the dark magic going on inside Kalecaster Castle, the Church would surely use it as an excuse to send in the Knightly Order. Once those knights are inside Avonlea in force, they'll assume control and swiftly convert Avonlea into the holy empire the Pontiff so craves. Avonlea is one of the largest kingdoms in Dreymyr, if they manage to take over they will surely move their attention to Dorovoth next due to this kingdom's involvement with you."

Phria's head cocked to one side. "You really believe they'd try something as stupid as taking over the kingdoms?"

"Oh, they'll try." Gordana said. "They'll claim they're trying to root out dark magic and corruption when really they're the corruption."

"What would become of the non-humans in those kingdoms?"

Artem sighed. "Exactly what happens to them in Olgarth, Belle. They'd be little more than slaves by the time the Church was done and anybody who spoke out about it, be they human or non-human, would certainly be executed." He turned back to the Dark One who still struggled to process that his lost son was safe in the next city. "Will you promise, Rumpelstiltskin? Your child for the children of everybody else."

"Aye, we have a deal."

Kill or capture Gaston and Tvon, free Maurice from whatever spell he was under, save Lorrimer and do it all without a riot starting, word of Tvon's darkness or Maurice being bespelled reaching the Church, Rumple could do that – at least he could as long as something ridiculous like a dragon dropping out of the sky didn't happen.

"Thank you. There is plenty of room for you, Belle and the Captain in my carriage, we can leave for Gorasitz right now should you like."

Rumple shot to his feet. "No need, dearie." Belle made quick work of calling Azzy over. "Gordana, tell the soldiers outside to meet their king back home."

With nothing more, Rumple transported himself, his fiancées, Azzy and King Artem to hardly a hundred feet from Bruckstone Castle's main gate. Artem hunched over as a wave of nausea overcame him, but the bearded man possessed a strong constitution and soon straightened back up.

Bruckstone was a surprisingly unassuming castle on the west bank of the Urdina River; a slow river of dazzling blue which originated in the Spikes. Sure, the castle was large and dominated almost all of the west bank, but there weren't nearly as many lavish flourishes one normally expected of royalty.

Rumple and his fiancées cared little for architecture in that moment though, instead they were much more focused on Bae. Guards had been confused to say the least when their King had simply strolled up to the main gate, but who were they to question their King? Once inside, Artem had escorted them to the solar having paused only to ask Lana to have his son bring Bae to them.

So long Rumple had worked to reunite with his beloved boy and, while he was delighted the day had come many years sooner than expected, Rumple couldn't shake the feeling of dread that swirled in the pit of his stomach. The coward inside him had reared its ugly head again, told him to run, that he didn't deserve to see Bae, that Bae would only hate him. Belle and Phria grabbed either of his hands then and that cowardice was forced back inside its box.

After a few moments the door opened and a tall, ginger-haired gentleman entered followed by a sweet teenage boy with dark hair big brown eyes that Rumple couldn't have ever forgotten.

"Bae!"

Rumple made to rush to his son but Bae backed away a few steps bumping into Gottfried as he did and Rumple ground to a halt.

"I think we should all give you some time," said Artem as he gestured for everybody to leave the room. "Lana will be outside if you need anything."

Reluctantly both Belle and Phria left with Azzy and the Van Winchells, the moment the door was closed Rumple realized just how long it had been since he and his boy had been alone together.

"Bae." This time the word escaped as a whisper.

"… Hello, Papa."

Bae hardly looked older than when he'd left, a little taller maybe with slightly longer hair, but otherwise he was as he'd been when he'd left the Enchanted Forest. Artem hadn't lied, he'd taken good care of Bae, had him bathed and fed.

"Bae I -"

"No," he cut his father off. "You don't need to say anything. I figured it out. You just care about that power inside you and now so do those men who locked me in a cage. They want you to do something, right? I just got sucked into it. Magic always decides for me, I've gotten used to that in Neverland."

"Neverland? You were in Neverland this whole time?" Fucking Neverland! His boy had been with Pan, with that monster! "Bae, I'm so sorry – so sorry. I didn't know where you were. I looked for so long. I regretted letting you go the second that portal closed. I'm a coward, I know that. I should have gone with you. You were always the smart one, the brave one. I – I know you don't forgive me. I'm not selfish enough to ask you to here and now but – maybe we could just sit and talk? Please, Bae?"

The teenage boy looked up at his desperate father with suspicion. Before the Curse had overtaken him, Bae had thought his papa a damn good one even if he had been branded a coward. Bae hadn't ever blamed him for injuring himself, he'd seen that as the act of a loving father. Everything that had come after was the cowardice. Shame, Bae had always thought his father could have been a savior in another life.

"Will you tell me what those men want with you?"

"I'll tell you anything you want to know." Rumple promised.

Bae nodded. "Okay, we can talk."

For hours they spoke, talked of the past and where each of them had ended up, of Rumple being forced to Dreymyr and labelled a demon lord, of the people he'd met along the way in his journey to return to looking for his son. When it had come time to tell Bae of who Belle and Phria were to him, Bae had been appalled and disgusted, thought his father to just be stringing two beautiful women along for his own amusement and pride; yet, as Rumple had spoken more about them, he'd started to wonder if his papa's love for them was maybe more genuine than first believed. Then Bae had learned about his so-called sisters.

"Sisters?!"

"Bae, please. I didn't replace you, I had no intention of ever doing that. You're my boy, you can't be replaced. I just – they had no one and nothing, Amicia grew up a slave and was going to be sacrificed when I found her. Adopting her wasn't planned, it just happened. As for Valdis, she's a being of dark magic, being the Dark One provided her comfort so she latched on. Others wanted her slaughtered but she's a little girl, I couldn't let that happen. You'll love them, I promise. They're younger than you, and Amicia loves hearing stories about her big brother. They're eager to meet you. Do you – do you think you'd like to meet them?"

Silence lingered for a great many minutes. On one hand, Bae was pleased his papa still had enough light left in his soul to protect and care for children. On the other hand, he was a teenager and couldn't quite shake the feeling of being replaced.

Though it had been so very long since he'd last seen his papa, Bae saw there was something different inside Rumple. The power and the hideous scales were still there, but the spite and darkness appeared muted somehow, as though it had been locked away. Being the Dark One did things to its host's brain, made them crave evil and power; his papa hadn't ever been evil, it was the darkness inside him. So, if he were somehow different than Bae remembered and had women standing by his side, Bae supposed he could at least try to repair things with his father – that and he'd always wanted siblings.

"Okay, I'll meet them."

Overjoyed, a beaming smile erupted on Rumple's face as he looked at his darling son. In that moment, his dark heart began to shine with a little more light.

Chapter Text

In the following days after Rumple had reunited with Baelfire, many things had occurred in swift succession. King Artem had assembled a unit of his most trusted knights, led by the honorable Ser Chrysaor Horsefeather, to act as re-enforcements when they quietly stormed Kalecaster Castle and to help prevent the people of St. Claes from panicking. Ser Chrysaor had then promptly proven himself a shameless flirt having tried it on with both Belle and Phria almost in the same breath. Artem had also sent some of his people out to source new information regarding Gaston's and Tvon's plots and plans. Belle had managed to reunite with her dear friend Demelza, which had involved much hugging and reassurances until Demelza had turned her attention to whether or not Rumple was good enough for Belle. Not as good as Richard Kavel – who was Demelza's intended – but acceptable was apparently her final decision; Rumple had just left the princesses to it. The most important thing to have happened though, in Rumple's opinion at least, was his continued conversations with Bae. The pair had a long road ahead of them but at least they were walking it. Bae had always been an understanding lad, always far smarter than others gave him credit for with enough bravery for three other people – oh, Rumple was so proud of his son. However, while Bae could understand that the Darkness had corrupted his doting papa into the Dark One, understanding did nothing to ease the decades – nay, centuries of pain, abandonment and suffering Bae had gone through because of it. Over a great many years he'd come to see just how hard his papa had to fight just to retain some semblance of sanity, and, while he did want to give Rumple the forgiveness he so craved, it would be a long time before the walls around his heart came down enough for Bae to offer it. His papa wasn't the same as the last time he'd seen him; didn't seem to seek out reasons to kill or maim, didn't mutter to himself about the voices in his head in dark corners or wildly change mood.

The teenage boy had been surprised when he'd met his new sisters after Rumple had summoned them from Ranga along with Renner Cassian-Lorne and discovered them to be an elf, lamia and pantherian. Dreymyr's species were still so new to him that he'd just stared at Valdis' wings for a good five minutes. Bae might have been somewhat dubious about meeting the two girls but they hadn't been; Amicia and Valdis had delighted in having an older brother, in meeting the boy their papa had told them about so many times with a loving smile on his golden-green face. Frankly, Bae had taken to the girls in a heartbeat, they were loving, kind and adorable little girls who pulled an innate need to protect out of him. Renner had been unnerving since he just lingered with a gruff expression, but both Amicia and Valdis seemed quite fond of him. In Neverland he'd felt alone and scared, but in Dreymyr he'd not only found a way to move forward with his papa, but gained a family; Bae liked being a big brother.

One morning, shortly after breakfast, his two little sisters had coaxed Bae into playing in the gardens with them; something which was overseen by Renner as always and Phria after Valdis had flashed something only called 'the face' at her. The children played and simply enjoyed being children while the adults prepared for a hushed war. When a quiet moment finally came, Rumple had sequestered himself in the loggia with a good view of the gardens and his joyful children. The sound of Amicia's and Valdis' laughter dancing on the breeze fed his darkened soul.

Suddenly a slender set of arms snaked around his waist from behind and Belle rested her cheek against his back. She smelt faintly of roses, a sweet fragrance Rumple often delighted in.

"You're thinking rather loudly, Rumple."

"Aye, it's a unfortunate side effect of being me." He teased as he pulled Belle to his chest so he could simply hold her. "Bae said something this morning about how different I am here than any other realm." Belle hummed, he'd mentioned being different on occasion before. "I have a theory about it actually, but it'll have to remain a theory as I have no way of testing it without risking becoming a slave to my curse again."

"What is this theory?"

"Well, Dreymyr is a realm essentially cut off from other realms because of how unique its form of magic is; similar to how the Land Without Magic is cut off because it has next to none." Belle nodded against his chest as he spoke. "I've hypothesised that, because magic is so different here, the Curse thought I'd been killed when I was summoned here. Like a candle flickering, still there and lit, but intermittent and threatening to go out. The Darkness thought me dead just long enough to cause a reaction. My dagger is the a conduit for the Darkness, and when it thought me dead it ceased transmitting that corruptive evil to me. That said, the power, the magic, is stored inside the host rather than the dagger since it helps to darken my soul and heart. That's the goal of the Darkness, Belle, to fully corrupt the heart of its host so it can take over entirely." That caused Belle to peer upwards with concern in her cerulean eyes, because she'd never realized just being the Dark One had slowly been killing him from the inside. "The portal closed so fast behind me that instead of my curse ending and killing me, it – it essentially got broken in two. The dagger stopped sending the evil to me, but it didn't have time to suck the power of the Dark One back. That is the best theory I have, anyway. The power, immortality and knowledge remained with me while the evil duplicity remained with the dagger."

"Do you think the same thing happened to the other Dark One who came here?"

"Probably, the Darkness is nothing if not cunning and patient. However, they returned to the Enchanted Forest and no other Dark One made a record of it to my knowledge. I suspect that the connection would re-establish were I to return."

"Then don't return." Belle said with determination. "You told Phria and I that your only reason for leaving this realm was to find your son, but Bae is down in the gardens playing with his sisters. You have no reason to go back now, so don't."

Rumple tilted his head down to kiss her temple, their arms still wrapped around one another as he gazed out from the loggia. Remaining in Dreymyr would mean he'd not grow any better, but he'd certainly not get worse.

"I want to stay with you, Phria and the girls as well, sweetheart. I love you. I just worry about Bae, if he wants to leave, I couldn't let him go alone no matter what it would do to me."

"And you say you're a coward."

"The whisperings inside my head might have been a hell, but they're a familiar one. Regardless, I have to return Jefferson to his daughter. She has a caretaker, but that is no replacement for a father."

"Then you and Jefferson shall find a way to open that portal so he can go home, then you'll close it and stay here with your family."

Rumple hummed out a brief laugh. "You make it sound so easy, Belle."

"It is easy." She squeezed him tight. "You and Bae can be happy here, we can all be a family. Back in your realm, we'd be broken apart and you'd suffer."

"Let us just deal with Tvon and your wanna-be fiancé first, yes?"

Belle nodded, mostly because she knew she'd already won the conversation.

~X~

Each day a little more of his mind returned to Maurice, but with that return came pain; pain for failing his people and his children, pain for failing to see the darkness inside his court mage much sooner or realizing the unabashed greed Gaston may as well have worn as a cloak, would push him to such lengths. Lancaster had been sent away before things had truly gotten bad, he stood a chance of continuing on with his life, but the cruelty Gaston's men put people like his marshal through had reached a point that Maurice wondered if executions would soon begin. All that was emotional pain, the very tip of the iceberg, the physical pain came in the form of Maurice paying heed to a saying his daughter and late wife were fond of: do the brave thing and bravery will follow. That and the silk ribbon around his wrist had spurred Maurice on, had given him the strength to quietly fight the agony long enough to locate a quill and ink, then pen a letter to King Artem. Forming each letter had felt as though liquid fire coursed through his veins while some savage beast assaulted his chest. Only by sheer determination and the fact nobody but Gaston entered the throne room any longer – well, him and a young page by the name of Hugo who brought the King his evening meal – did Maurice manage to finish his letter without discovery.

When he finally finished, Maurice was appalled at the state of his handwriting, it looked as though a newborn colt had written the letter, but it was mostly legible and the King knew he wouldn't be able to muster enough strength to rewrite it. Perhaps one day, were they all extremely lucky, Artem could tease his friend about his lacklustre display of penmanship.

He had to fight the spell with every step he took toward the large window on the left of his throne, his footfalls clacked and echoed around the stone room as the sun neared its zenith, but Maurice soldiered on. When he finally arrived at the window he simply collapsed against it a moment, the spell Tvon had put him under tried to insist he were to remain on the throne staring forward until he was spoken to, but Maurice had to do anything he could to protect Avonlea. After a few attempts he managed to get the window open and glanced up to the dovecote in the distance and let out a unique whistle of two short high-pitched notes followed by a longer lower one which ended in an upward inflection. It wasn't just any bird he summoned down, not a random pigeon but rather a stunning white raven so adored by the du Marchand family that he had been allowed to retire in the dovecote with free reign to come and go as pleased. Albedo was his name, a sweet white raven Colette had found with a broken wing and nursed back to health shortly after Belle's birth. A smart bird was Albedo, a loyal bird who Colette had treated like part of the family.

Maurice smiled when a squawk sounded and the white raven came to perch on the window ledge. Any and all correspondence entering or exiting Kalecaster Castle would have been checked, and anything leaving without permission would have surely been shot down. However, Albedo came and went as he liked, it had always been that way, so nobody would bat an eye were they to see him as long as the note was folded small enough, Albedo would escape unharmed.

"Take this … to Artem at Bruckstone quickly, Albedo. He – he needs to know … the truth."

The white raven secured the letter in his beak without hesitation then launched into the sky without fear. Colette had always said Albedo was smarter than any other bird, and Maurice hadn't once doubted his sweet wife. Blue eyes glanced down to the ribbon around his wrist knowing that, if he couldn't save his kingdom, then Artem would.

The ruby ring, the one he couldn't remember putting on, flickered knocking the King out of his thoughts. It had been flickering more noticeably over the last week or so, and he suspected it had something to do with him managing to take back a small amount of control over his own body. No matter how hard he'd screamed at himself, his body just wouldn't attempt to cast the evil thing off. Whatever Tvon's spell really was, it seemed likely that it would eat Maurice alive, he'd be gone but Artem would surely rescue Avonlea, then Belle, wherever his beautiful daughter was, would rebuild like the strong, intelligent girl she'd always been. Maurice just hoped that Artem arrived soon enough to save little Lorrimer; that boy had suffered enough over his short life, he deserved no more.

~X~

Bae glanced up at the loggia to the garden's south side, he could just spy his papa and Belle as they embraced and suddenly he didn't wish to play any longer. Instead of fleeing back inside though, he just slowly walked over to a stone bench and sat himself down while his new sisters continued to giggle and chase one another. A look he didn't notice passed between Phria and Renner after a few moments, a whole conversation in the space of a single glance, a silent conversation which ended with Phria taking a calming breath before she walked over to the bench beside him.

"Bae?" The boy glanced to the white-haired pantherian. "I know things are strained between you and your father, and that you don't really have any reason to listen to me, but … he's overjoyed to see you again. He knows it won't be easy to fix your relationship and I won't pretend I fully understand your past with Rumple, but please know he truly is overjoyed." Bae's brown eyes – the same eyes as Rumple before the curse had changed them – turned back to the loggia where Belle and Rumple just visible, and Phria's eyes went with them. "Ah, I see now. Rumple said having more than one wife is not done in your realm – in most realms."

"It's not. And when it is, it's just a power display."

"And you think that is what Belle and I are for him? A display of the Dark One's power?" Phria rested a hand atop Bae's slender shoulder to draw his attention to her fully. "That isn't what this is, Bae. Belle and Rumple have been together since the day he was summoned here, they've learned and lived and adventured together, was it any wonder they fell in love? He took care of Belle and protected her when it would have been easier for him to just leave her for dead. He vowed to help her family and home when, again, it would have been easier not to bother. The Dark One didn't do it for some benefit, Rumple did it all because he loves Belle very much." She paused a moment to sigh and stare down at her hands in her lap. "I didn't like him when he arrived at the Arcane University, but I soon realized my mistake and grew quite fond of him. He doesn't see a half-elf and a pantherian or a simple tamer and a Valkyrie who isn't even a noble, he doesn't even see that he doesn't really need us in order to thrive in Dreymyr. No, he just sees Belle and Phria, our likes and what makes us the women we are, and we see that in him. We see the man where everybody else just sees the demon lord. Sometimes Belle and I forget that multiple wives isn't normal to you and Rumple, I'm sorry for that. However, please don't think this is about power when it's about love. We love your father and he loves us."

"You really don't mind … having to share him? You're okay marrying him knowing that?"

"Your father could have a harem of women around him and I would still love him and want to be his wife." Phria smiled tentatively. "The question is: are you all right with Rumple marrying both Belle and I? I suppose it does mean you'd have two stepmothers."

Bae lingered in silence a moment to the point Phria began to worry. Yet, just when she'd started to regret approaching the boy in the first place and hoping she'd not made things between father and son worse, Bae spoke.

"I guess it's fine. It's weird to me, but … lots of things in Dreymyr are weird to me. We don't have pantherians and elves or grasswalkers in the Enchanted Forest. I was scared you two felt forced, but, if you don't, then I'm okay with it."

Phria's heart soared; acceptance from the son of one's future husband was no small thing.

"We've never felt forced, Bae. Both of us marrying him was Belle's idea, Rumple actually refused it at first because he didn't want Belle to feel like his love for her was lacking or that she weren't good enough."

Bae's brow furrowed. "He said no?"

"To be honest, I think we bullied him into it a little."

That actually made Bae laugh and instantly a little tension floated away with the breeze. Phria opened her mouth but it seemed their conversation was to end there as Valdis hurried over and all but demanded her big brother return to playing with them, and, just like Rumple, Bae was powerless to deny her. Alone, Phria sat a time in quiet as she watched the children play and Renner somehow master the art of being alert and taking everything in while appearing totally disinterested. There had been a time when Phria had thought it best for her to keep all her feelings for Rumple inside, to just love him from afar. She'd thought it a noble and moral act but, since meeting Renner and learning of how much agony he felt for his lost love, Phria knew she'd not have had enough strength to live like that. Aidan had died, but Rumple was immortal and had enough love for both the women in his life. Rumple had told them the Curse of the Dark One slowly eroded the host's ability to love, but Rumple had managed to survive three hundred years and still love all five members of his family dearly. Rumple had his flaws like any other, some darker than others, but nobody could have denied that he love his family with everything he had.

The Valkyrie peered down to her emerald ring and smiled sweetly. An emerald for Phria and a sapphire for Belle, both set into ornate gold fashioned by his own hand. There rings weren't displays of wealth or status, they weren't to draw attention or mark ownership, they were purely symbols of Rumple's love for them and showed he valued them as people rather than pretty stands to drape silk and jewels off or fill with heirs. Despite having been save from her live with Uncle Hamish, Phria had always been lonely. Yes, the Ravenscroft sisters, Ashuna, Isadora and a few others had been her friends, but nobody had ever really seen Phria for who she was; only Rumple saw the real Phria, and he'd embraced it.

Chapter Text

Artem's servants woke them early from their beds, the dawn had hardly begun and yet they'd all gathered in the King's study around his desk with various degrees of consciousness. Rumple, Artem and Phria all appeared wide awake, Artem alarmingly so, but Gottfried and Ser Crysaor had remains of slumber clung to them that refused to be banished; cockerels hadn't even been convinced to crow just yet. Belle had been among the number of the sleepy but, the moment she's spotted her mother's beloved feathered companion, her eyes had gone wide and she'd rushed into the study with a mix of curiosity and concern.

"Albedo? What are you doing here?"

Suddenly Rumple was pleased they'd left Azzy asleep in the girls' room because that waheela had a habit of getting jealous when it came to Belle's attention.

Albedo squawked but nobody understood beyond the sound seemed to urge them to do something. Artem cleared his throat and placed the letter the white raven had delivered on the desk before him with the bird to its right; Gottfried snatched it up.

"It is from Maurice," began Artem. "It speaks of the spell he is under weakening for some reason and the machinations going on at Kalecaster Castle, the abuse his servants are being subjected to. I have no idea how much strength and resolve it must have taken to pen this. He confirms that Gaston LeGume and Haldor Tvon are behind all of this, and he has asked me to send both aid and military reinforcements to eliminate them." Aged eyes turned to Belle then. "Your father has also begged me to find you. He didn't mention the Dark One but he knows you are gone."

"Father, King Maurice talks about the 'Ring of Halinox', a ruby ring according to his description, thinks it is what is keeping him bespelled."

Artem nodded at his son. "Yes, I've never heard of it before but Demon Lord Halinox was a puppetmaster so a ring to control somebody sounds like his sort of evil."

Ser Chrysaor leaned on the desk with his fists then; his short beard was a little unkempt due to having not had time to shave that morning, and his auburn locks were less like those of the handsome men he spoke about in his favored lines of poetry, and more like a bird's nest after a storm. Ser Chrysaor preferred to present himself as a lover more than a fighter or a heroic knight from a romantic play the maidens were fond of; in reality he was a thirty-something Lothario most dismissed as an idiot until he set aside childish things and turned his mind to strategy. Outsiders almost certainly would question why King Artem had bothered to put his faith in Ser Chrysaor Horsefeather, but the wise king had seen passed the man's nonsense and to the military mind he possessed.

"Sire, this letter is clear indication that King Maurice can be rescued from this wicked spell, but we must act now. Enough time has already been spent dawdling, we have to mobilize our men and put a stop to this once and for all."

Artem nodded. "I see your point, Chrysaor, I do and I thank you for being so determined to rescue a king who is not your own. Although, Maurice has delivered us a wealth of new information and it would be irresponsible for us to not investigate this first."

Ser Chrysaor straightened up and didn't argue. "Yes, Sire, of course."

Belle appreciated that everyone in the room was determined to free Avonlea and her family from the evil that had befallen them, but she couldn't have agreed with the old king more; her papa had fought to get them that information and it was much more than Artem and his men had managed to scrounge up on their own, paying heed to it was only logical.

Artem's attention turned to Rumple. "You've been rather quiet, Rumpelstiltskin, surely you have something to say on the topic."

"Hmm, indeed I do. For a great long while I've been trying to figure out what Haldor Tvon has to gain by aiding the greedy simpleton, but now I think I understand." The expression on his golden-green face told everybody that it wasn't good, but it was Phria who eventually asked for further explanation. "Tvon wants to be the fifth demon lord."

"Please not another one," Prince Gottfried sighed.

Rumple simply continued. "That's the real reason I'm here. Tvon convinced Gaston that summoning me would help him take over all the kingdoms, in reality Tvon wanted me here as a tool to further his plans to become a demon lord. Who better to speed things along than the First Demon Lord himself? Belle has already told me a dozen times how evil Tvon is, how he enjoys hurting others and seems driven by nothing but power – that is what dark magic does, it corrupts a soul at its very core. Gaston is a smokescreen, that is why he's made no real moves to take over Avonlea or the other nine kingdoms, because Tvon is the one driving this."

Ser Chrysaor asked: "So what do you suggest, my Lord?"

"Simple," Rumple shrugged. "Give him what he wants."

"No! Rumple, you can't just hand yourself over."

"I wasn't suggesting that, Phria, I was suggesting I act as bait. Let Tvon think he has me in a corner and then snap his pathetic neck."

"But what if he's already become a demon lord and has access to the power of dark magic?" Belle worried.

"Oh, sweetheart, I'm the True Demon Lord and immortal, he doesn't stand a chance. Regina and her mother on their worst days don't stand a chance against me, and Tvon couldn't hold a candle to either of them."

While everybody appreciated Rumple's confidence, they couldn't shake the feeling Tvon had more up his sleeve. Belle petted Albedo's feathers to sooth her nerves; she'd spent months hoping beyond hope that Rumple would finally fulfil his end of their deal but, now that it had finally arrived, she worried for his safety.

"Worry not." Said Gottfried as he twisted his ginger moustache. "He is not attempting this alone, Ser Chrysaor's men shall be there."

The Princes' kindness comforted her some.

"Before all that, I'll return to the Arcane University and question Demeer on this ring Belle's father mentioned. I can see if Jefferson has returned at the same time." He turned to Belle. "Sweetheart, you know this bird, yes?"

Belle's blue eyes followed Rumple's gesture to Albedo. "Yes. Albedo was a dear companion to my mother until her death. He's practically adored by all at the castle – at least he was until this all began."

"Good, form a contract with the raven and send him back to spy."

Belle's mouth fell open. Taming contracts couldn't just be tossed out at the drop of a hat, they were deeply emotional things forged by respect and friendship. Yes, some could be made quickly depending on an animal's intelligence, but they were a pact consented to willingly; tamers didn't enslave. Albedo had been her mother's loyal friend, she had no right to form a taming contract with him just to use him as a spy. Although, before Belle could protest on Albedo's behalf, the white raven nudged her hand with his head once, twice then adjusted his wings as though he wished for his feathers to look their best. Colette had always said Albedo was smarter than other ravens, and he proved it with his agreement.

"If you're sure it is all right, Albedo."

Rumple had seen her form a contract with Azzy but found that hadn't eased any of the amazement and wonder of seeing the procedure. Just like with Azzy, Belle removed her dagger to prick her finger, the blood oozed forth to become the ink for her magic circle which was drawn on Artem's mahogany desk; she'd apologize for the mess later. Once the concentric circles and detailed geometric shapes and been drawn, Belle held back her hair to blow on the magic circle causing it to glow a ruby color just like a newborn campfire.

"I am Princess Belle du Marchand, heir apparent to the throne of Avonlea." A second glowing circle formed beneath Albedo's talons. "I ask you stand by my side."

Even if he saw his beautiful fiancée tame a thousand creatures, Rumple doubted he'd ever fully understand just how she could fill a spell with her whole soul, her very being. Out the corner of his eyes, Rumple spotted the amazed expressions of the Van Winchells, Phria and Ser Chrysaor, and doubted they'd seen the immense magnificence of a tamer's magic before. There seemed to be a misconception they were weak, but Rumple saw just how powerful Belle's soul really was.

To her bleeding finger, Albedo pressed his beak. "With my breath, I invite you. With my heart, I welcome you. With my soul, I cherish you."

Most shielded their eyes from the sudden light which enveloped Belle and Albedo but not Rumple, he watched everything in utter amazement. The magic tasted sweet and smelt faintly of roses, but it all dissipated as abruptly as it had begun leaving the desk clear of blood and the white raven connected to Belle just as Azzy was.

She smiled at the raven. "Thank you, Albedo. I know I'm not Mother, but thank you for trusting me." Albedo cawed, apparently a sound of comfort. "Please do as Rumple asks and return to Kalecaster Castle to keep watch."

The raven didn't need asking again, just took flight and flew out the open study window. As a group they silently watched the white raven disappear from sight before Rumple drew their collective attention.

"I shouldn't be long at the University. Leotomas will likely have an idea of where to find the appropriate book."

Frankly, Belle and Rumple had suspected that the Arcane University would have ceased to function had the werewolf not been there to keep everything in working order; practically spit-shined was the place thanks to Leotomas' efforts.

~X~

Maximilian Demeer had been going through some documents at his desk when Rumple had abruptly appeared in a cloud of smoke as if determined to give the goateed man a heart attack. The conversation between them had been short-lived and lacking so much as a proper greeting as ha become their way. Instead, the pair had passed details and specifics back and forth for a few sentences before Leotomas had been summoned and given orders to locate any mention of Halinox possessing a ruby ring capable of forcing someone under the control of another. Demeer had been disturbed just how similar it had sounded to the effects of an enslavement collar but without the distance limitations; if such a thing were to become public knowledge then slavers and wicked man throughout the ten kingdoms would surely cash in on it. Rumple hadn't thought about the ring possibly replacing the enslavement ritual and frankly had no desire to do so, not when they'd freed Belle from her own collar.

"Best place for it is the vault." Grumbled Demeer after a few moments with his fingers rested in a pyramid and his chin atop them. "Safest place."

"Hmm, I'm inclined to agree."

"And your certain that Haldor Tvon is attempting to become a demon lord?" Rumple nodded as he dropped into one of the guest chairs with his back to the office door. "His brother is going to be so ashamed when he learns of this. Danyel is a noble man, how did I simply assume Haldor was one as well?"

Demeer truly did regret ever sending Tvon to Avonlea as a court mage; the mistakes of youth it seemed.

Rumple shrugged a single shoulder. "It's done, dearie. Regardless, Avonlea will need a new court mage soon enough, maybe just put more thought into his replacement."

"Yes, that sounds like the only option." He leaned back in his seat. "I'll admit, I don't remember ever learning anything about a ring used by Halinox, but that doesn't mean he didn't have one. They were his speciality, you see, magical tools were his passion before he became a demon lord and it was what he used to exert control over others. One of his devices was akin to a portable magic circle and about the size of a coin. He'd throw it at a target and the circle would trigger beneath them activating the spell from a far and without him having to cast. Halinox also used them as traps, he'd hide them and as soon as a person happened to walk over one, he had control of them. You have no idea how many people he used as cannon fodder that way."

"Did this magic tool work on monsters and wild animals as well?"

"Much to everybody's lament, yes. Each Grand Mage keeps a record of their tenure, a memoir if you will. The first job when I took office was to read them; a laborious task which doesn't treat the eyes well. Point is, I've read Félicien Judd's record and I am so grateful I'm not him. The Arcane University was almost wiped out by Halinox, he slaughtered thousands of innocents and had an almost endless supply of mana stones for his horrific puppet traps. Most said only by the grace of a god did we and the Knightly Order finally slay him."

"Did this Judd make any mention of confiscating any of Halinox's tools or equipment?"

"Not specifically in his record, but the University did take in numerous items; mostly the magic circle traps I told you about. I'd remember if there was a ring, especially with a magically charged ruby in it."

Rumple raised an eyebrow. "You thought Valdis was a paperweight."

That had the human chuckle to him. A paperweight wasn't quite what Demeer had thought, but he'd certainly never expected Msiddi's and Isra's egg to hatch.

"And how is young Valdis? Vice-Captain Ravenscroft has asked about her once or twice. Now Lady Stonecrop has left, the Valkyries seem much more organized and tolerant."

"Valdis is fine, she's with her brother and sister."

Demeer's eyes widened. "Brother? How many children do you intend to raise?"

"Currently, just the three, but I suspect Belle and Phria will likely talk me into another if they deem the situation worthy enough."

"Oh, it's comical. The feared Dark One bullied by a tiny princess and a shy pantherian."

Rumple chose not to make further comment on that one, instead he turned his attention to the second reason for his visit: the Hatter.

"Has Jefferson returned yet? I was hoping to get my horse back."

"No," Demeer sighed with a shake of his head. "I received a letter a few days ago to inform me that, while Jefferson is making progress, it is slow. I believe his phrase was 'at a snail's pace'. He didn't seem pleased. Then again, I have no children, but I suspect that if Grace were my daughter basically alone in another realm, I wouldn't be pleased either." A pause, small and hardly there. "Sometimes I find myself wondering if I am fortunate to not have such consuming worries or very unfortunate that fatherhood nor marriage have not been bestowed upon me."

Before Rumple could respond, Leotomas returned with a frown on his usually stoic face. In his hands was a large book bound in black leather while a second and third had been tucked under a muscled arm.

"This is the log of items the University has seized from both demon lord worshippers and demon lords directly. There is no mention of a ring, ruby or otherwise, being taken from Halinox, Ivosanch or Ravavena." He placed the book down then fished one of the other books from underneath his arm and set that down as well. "This one is the last attempted inventory of the vault. Many items of jewelry are listed, but none which seem to fit the description."

Honestly, Rumple was surprised Leotomas had been so quick about collecting the information they needed; though Leotomas Shadowhyve hadn't been made Demeer's adjutant for nothing.

"As I suspected," Demeer sighed. "We've never been in possession of this so-called Ring of Halinox."

The last book was placed down and flipped open to roughly two thirds of the way through. "I did find something though. I read through this tome when we were attempting to find a way of opening the portal to your realm, my Lord, and I remembered mention of a ring which allowed another to control a person's actions. It is described as being an ornate ruby ring."

Rumple shot to his feet and pulled the book to him so he could read the passage Leotomas indicated. Leotomas explained while he read about the cruel ring. According to the book, the ring established a connection between the wearer and the ring's owner allowing them to instruct the wearer to say or do anything they ordered. However, the ring demanded sacrifices to function. Most magical tools used mana stones to power them but the Ring of Halinox demanded lives; apparently the younger and healthier the better. Everything clicked then for Rumple; Belle had told him time and time again about Tvon's sadistic streak, the dark enjoyment he took in hurting people and King Maurice's letter had spoken of the spell weakening over time.

"He's torturing the victims first."

Both Leotomas and Demeer lifted eyebrows at the demon lord they'd chosen to side with.

"Care to explain, Rumpelstiltskin?"

"This says that the sacrifices to power the ring should be young and as healthy as possible, but Belle knows Tvon enjoys hurting people. I suspect he's sacrificing ill, malnourished and abused lives to the ring and it is slowly rejecting them, that is why Belle's father is beginning to break free of the spell."

"It would seem that, disturbingly, we must be grateful for his arrogance and cruelty."

"Disturbing indeed, Leotomas, disturbing indeed." Demeer pulled the book to him so he could read the section for himself. "I would assume removing the ring will be the easiest way of freeing King Maurice. I understand that freeing Avonlea must be done quietly for so many reasons, but I would ask; is there something I can do to provide assistance?"

"No, dearie." Rumple said with a shake of his head. "The less people involved, the better. That and Artem has a small group of knights already prepared. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some people to kill and a kingdom to save."

With that, Rumple vanished as swiftly as he'd arrived, travelling from Yanhil to Dorovoth in the blink of an eye.

Leotomas gathered up the books. "He's never going to learn manners, is he?"

"I doubt it." Demeer smiled.

~X~

Upon Rumple's return to Bruckstone Castle, he'd found Ser Chrysaor's unit almost saddled and ready to depart while Artem and Gottfried lamented that they couldn't be seen personally assisting should something go wrong. After he'd informed the Van Winchell's of what he'd discovered while at the Arcane University, Rumple had made his way with Phria and Belle to the rooms their children had been provided. While the three of them knew something very important was about to happen and that it involved Belle's homeland, only Bae had been made privy to any detailed information on the subject. Belle and Phria had said their goodbyes to the girls and instructed them to be good for Renner, to listen to him, Rumple had taken Bae aside for a private conversation.

"I hope we shan't be gone long, Bae. I don't suspect Gaston's men will be able to put up much of a fight, but desperate men will do desperate things." Oh, Bae was fully aware of that. "Promise me you'll luck after your sisters?"

"Of course I will." Bae nodded though his head remained lowered prompting Rumple to question why. "… Are you going to kill everybody?"

Ah, yes, Rumple should have expected Bae to assume Rumple would just slaughter all in his path, and frankly that had been his plan for the majority of his time in Dreymyr. However, Belle had made her deal very specifically. She'd made him agree to 'save' Avonlea rather than simply to avenge or remove the threats to the kingdom. He couldn't really save Avonlea if he carried out a systematic slaughter of all inside the royal castle. Then there was his disconnect from the Darkness which had spent three centuries whispering to him; that was what had made him seek bloodshed, with the Darkness quiet, Rumple didn't wish to kill simply because he could.

"Not everybody. Gaston LeGume and Haldor Tvon have to be stopped and death is almost certainly the only way they will stop."

"You said things would be different here."

"And they are, Bae. They are." Rumple wiped a hand down his face. "How about I make you a deal? From now on, I will only intentionally kill someone if I have to. If they are a genuine threat to our family, to innocent people or, if allowing them to live will cause some greater harm. I'll only kill to protect. I won't kill because it is easier or for amusement. I'm the Dark One, Bae, there isn't any getting away from it, but in this realm I think I might be able to use that fact to maybe do a little good finally."

Bae thought it over for almost a full ten seconds but Rumple waited patiently through the silence because he desperately didn't wish to further widen the gap in their relationship.

"What do you want in return? It's a deal, right?"

A small but breathy laugh escaped Rumple and he peered down at his boy who would surely soon be taller than him. "Just that you understand that sometimes I will have to kill."

Bae had seen much since he'd fallen through that portal and, while he still appeared to be a teenager, his mind had grown to adulthood for the most part. Some people needed to die, Bae knew that and he agreed with his papa that Gaston and Tvon were among their number, it was the gleeful killings and the waste of life Bae had truly objected to. 'Only kill to protect' his papa had said, after the things he'd seen and what he'd come to understand of the way the Curse of the Dark One worked, Bae supposed he could live with that.

"Okay, I guess that deal is fair."

Rumple stared at his shaggy-haired boy a moment in utter amazement before he cupped his cheek; a tear threatened to fall from his eye.

"You never cease to amaze me, Bae. So wise, so brave, so noble. Where did you get that from, because it wasn't from me."

Bae didn't know what to say. He could said it came from his mother, but from what he remembered of Milah, she'd not been any of those things. He could have shrugged off the question, but he felt a weight would have lingered between them if he chose that option and it didn't seem right to refuse his papa's praise. He could have made a joke about it, but that would have just made things more awkward. So Bae opted to answer honestly.

"You raised me well."

Rumple was taken aback; everything he'd made his son suffer through and yet Bae still thought that?

"Did I?"

"You always taught me everything you could, and I knew you loved me. Before – before … you know, you were a good papa."

"Do you think I could be again?"

The brunet boy glanced to the partially open door beyond which were his new sisters and nodded.

"Yeah."

At that the tear in Rumple's eye did actually fall and he yanked his boy to him for a hug. They'd been taking things slowly since Bae was wary and Rumple hadn't wanted to risk pushing his son too fast. In that moment though, Rumple clung to is boy and thanked every deity there was, even that damn Drazva, for his boy's overwhelmingly good heart. The moment was powerful and consuming, but it wasn't a long moment as Belle called them into the room so Rumple could say goodbye to Amicia and Valdis. Their girls hadn't wanted to let their papa go but Bae and Renner had soon managed to distract them long enough for Rumple and his fiancées to exit the room.

The beauties who'd chosen to love him made to return to Ser Chrysaor, but Rumple caught Phria by the elbow leaving Belle to go alone. For a moment she peered at him with those polished emeralds of hers quizzically, but soon smiled at him when he kissed her forehead.

"I have something for you." With a wave of his hand a set of folded leather armor blacker than night dropped into her hands and Phria brushed her fingers over it.

"Rumple, this is beautiful craftsmanship, but why are you giving me this?"

It was indeed beautiful craftsmanship, deadman's silk made up the cowl while the leather was so astoundingly light yet remained sturdy. Whichever armorer had crafted it deserved every coin of their fee.

"If we are to do all of this in an incognito fashion, then wearing the easily recognizable cobalt armor of a Valkyrie might not be the wisest of choices, darling."

He did make a good point, one so good that Phria almost kicked herself for not having thought about it herself.

"But this is such detailed work, surely you can't have just bought this ready made?"

"I didn't. I ordered it from a shop in Bichelberger before we left. I collected it once I was done with Demeer and that werewolf of his."

Phria beamed. Since her normal armor was a uniform, she'd never had to think about changing it. She wasn't like Belle, didn't have numerous pretty dresses – even if she had, they surely wouldn't have suited her. Rumple had gotten the black armor made especially for her though; he'd probably paid a pretty penny for it too, not that money meant much to a man who could make gold.

"Thank you, Rumple." She pulled the folded leather armor to her chest. "There are mana stone spells on this, aren't there?"

"But of course, only the best for you." He teased. "I know you're a Valkyrie but – well, it never hurts to have something a little darker."

A monster, a vicious beast, many would call the Dark One but, Phria new him and the amount of care and love he could show those close to him.

Rumple encouraged her to go don her new armor which Phria did with haste. This was it. Rumple had a fifth demon lord to slay, a wanna-be king to put in his place and a kingdom to save. All in all, it didn't sound too difficult with a surprisingly loyal team around him. For so very long, even before he'd become the Dark One, he'd forced himself to believe he didn't need friends, hadn't even let Jefferson be classed as a friend, but now he saw the truth. Friends would be a liability sometimes, but they were also strength and Rumple did need them.

Chapter Text

As the small unit approached St. Claes tensions began to rise within the knights because, if something went even slightly wrong, they risked triggering a war between Dorovoth and Avonlea; a truly heavy weight to carry on their shoulders, but carry it they did. When they reached the shade of a colossal ironwood tree the horses were slowed to a stop and Belle simply stared at her birthplace a moment. For so many months she'd longed to return home but, now she was just outside St. Claes' walls, butterflies began to flap in her stomach. Her attention didn't remain on her worry too long though as Rumple abruptly dismounted his horse – a destrier named Gringolet borrowed from Prince Gottfried – then stared at the city a moment. Before any of the group could question him, a magic circle based on the one used at the Arcane University appeared beneath his feet and lifted Rumple high into the air as though he could fly.

Ser Chrysaor squinted upward as the demon lord rose so high that he became naught more than a blip in the sunny sky.

"What in the name of the cardinal dragons is he doing?"

Belle sighed. "I honestly have no idea."

Phria assured them she'd check then quickly deployed her wing gear and soared into the sky in search of her future husband while the others were forced to wait patiently. It took the white-haired pantherian a moment, but she soon spotted Rumple hovering with his unusual eyes fixed on the city.

St. Claes was an exceptionally large city which sloped gradually downward to Rosewater Harbor and almost every building had been roofed with a burnt orange tile. All the towns and cities Rumple had explored since being summoned to Dreymyr had been impressive in their own way, but St. Claes had something more, something unique. Perhaps it was the way the city had been designed with everything seemingly on top of everything else but spread out and open all at the same time, or maybe it was how half the city cuddled the harbor. Perhaps it was the way the citizens appeared to encourage living amongst nature by incorporating patches of grass and flowers in the most random of places to ensure St. Claes didn't become a gray blob like other cities. All that said, the reason could have been as simple as St. Claes being his beautiful Belle's home. Kalecaster Castle sat upon a hill in the western half of the city with the court mage's tower pointing upward as though it wanted to ensure Rumple spotted it easily. That tower was where Tvon would be, that tower was his target.

"… Rumple?" The delicate voice of his fiancée finally reached his ears, and Rumple glanced over to see Phria beside him with her magical wings keeping her aloft. "What are you doing up here?"

"Not to worry, darling, I just wanted a lay of the land." That seemed to comfort Phria because she flapped closer and gazed toward the impressive city as well. "A home befitting of Belle, don't you think?"

"I'll admit, it does suit her." She smiled softly.

Like many other cities, St. Claes had been separated into five distinct districts. The merchant's district where everything was bought, shipped and transported. The docks which saw constant movement and activity. The commoner's district where most of the city's residents lived. The noble's district, which was filled mostly with large manors and beautifully designed gardens. Lastly was the royal palace and the district which truly had Rumple's attention because, the better he studied it beforehand, the better he'd be able to teleport and navigate through it later. The barracks and stables were easily spotted as was the blacksmith's workshop and granary. Yes, Rumple would use all of this to his advantage.

Phria's brow furrowed then. "Rumple, we're miles away. I know we're high up, but how are you seeing in so much detail?"

"Hmm? Oh, it is one of Renner's tricks. The light magic he uses is surprisingly versatile. He utilizes a technique where he actually uses light to allow him to magnify what he is surveying from a distance. Amicia told me about it and, after a conversation with Renner, I built my own version."

Phria just stared at Rumple because he never failed to amaze her when it came to magic. He came up with things no other could and redesigned spells or magic circles for astounding new purposes. The circle he'd used to fly for instance, it was an exceedingly complicated design which the Arcane University had used for nothing else than ascending and descending from the Grand Mage's office since its creation, but Rumple had gone and turned it into his own version of her wing gear without the need of a mana stone.

Apparently done committing the basics of the city and Kalecaster Castle to memory, Rumple gradually floated back down to the ground with Phria then ordered everyone to dismount their horses and returned them to Bruckstone Castle. Before Chrysaor could even think of questioning the demon lord his King had aligned himself with, Rumple teleported all of them just inside of the castle's main gate knowing even Gaston wouldn't be stupid enough to alert the rest of the city to what was going on. Though a sick feeling rose up inside the knights unused to spacial magic, they steeled themselves for a fight … but none came. Kalecaster Castle was eerily silent without so much as a single guard in sight. The silence unnerved all present, especially Belle but Rumple rested a comforting hand on her shoulder.

"Everything is fine, Belle. What does that bird of yours have to say?"

Through their bond, Belle called Albedo to her – which irritated Azzy as he'd grown accustom to being Belle's only tamed creature – and the white raven perched atop a post.

"Oh, Gods."

"What?" Questioned Ser Chysaor with alarm. "What is it?"

"Albedo says most of the guards are dead, that only those loyal to Gaston are allowed to freely move about the castle."

Rumple sighed. "He's turned the place into a prison."

Belle's home, the home of her ancestors and countless happy memories, had been lowered to the status of a depressing prison. If this was what Gaston had allowed Kalecaster Castle to become, she shuddered to think what the rest of the realm would have been subjected to were Gaston to rule all the kingdoms.

A beckoning sound caught the group's attention then, a sort of coaxing series of sound effects of someone who didn't wish to make too loudly lest the wrong attention be drawn. Though all were cautious, they did search around for the noises source until Phria spotted a dark-skinned man had awkwardly poked his head out from the stables. The moment Belle spotted him she rushed to the barn leaving the others to trail behind.

"Estienne!" Belle threw herself into the middle-aged man's arms gleeful to see a familiar face while Ser Chrysaor's men all hid themselves out of sight within the stable. "Rumple, he's chained!"

Sure enough, when Rumple took a proper look at the taller man dressed in red, he found that Estienne was indeed chained to one of the stalls by a mangled iron chain; clearly he'd been trying to free himself for some time. With a wave of his hand, Rumple summoned the chain to him then simply let go of it causing it to clatter to the floor more loudly than anybody would have liked.

Estienne rubbed at his throat. "Thank you. I'm so happy you're all right, Princess. Gaston and Tvon took over the castle. Most of the guards are dead, almost all of the servants have been dismissed or killed and the King … I don't know what has happened to him." Belle squeezed him in a tight hug, she'd known the castle's marshal all her life. "Princess, I am so pleased you're alive but it isn't safe here."

"Everything will be all right now, Estienne. Rumple is here and King Artem sent a team of knights to rescue Papa."

Once the obligatory questions like 'who is Rumple?', 'the Dark One is just a myth, right?' and 'is he forcing you to marry him?' had been asked, answered and dealt with to the very best of Belle's ability, attention was turned to the eerily silent castle. Estienne carefully explained that, since so few were actually loyal to Gaston, the task of guarding the castle had left them stretched to little more than a skeleton crew. Sure, they still rotated frequently and actually had the castle locked down rather well, but there would be at least twenty minutes every now and again where the main gate would simply become a ghost town; and fortunately they'd stumbled into one of those times. It was clear that Gaston couldn't maintain his hold over Kalecaster Castle and that was probably why he'd made so little progress in recapturing Belle or Rumple. While, despite being the marshal, Esteinne had been chained in the stables and treated as little more than a lowly groom unless his knowledge was required for moving anything in or out of the castle.

"Dearie, as helpful as all of this information is, our window is closing and those guards will show up sooner rather than later." Rumple turned to Belle. "Sweetheart, go with Chrysaor to find your father. Get that ring off him, wear gloves while you do it, and then place it on the floor and stay away from it." Belle opened her mouth to object to being sidelined but Rumple just kept talking. "Belle, you have to do this. You heard the Marshal, Gaston hardly has any soldiers, so seeing their King restored and reunited with the Princess, will cause them to surrender or prioritize fleeing; especially once they realize I am here."

Only a little reluctantly did Belle nod, his plan did make more sense and she wasn't much use in a battle. "Okay, we'll find Lorrimer as well."

Rumple kissed her, a light kiss to petal lips but one full of love, then he glanced sternly to Azzy. "You protect her or you'll answer to me, Azadanes." The waheela stared him down, Azzy wouldn't let anyone hurt Belle and nor would Albedo who'd remained outside. Rumple turned to Phria. "You'll come with me, darling."

"Of course."

With a solid plan made and issued, the group broke into two with everyone following Ser Chrysaor towards the keep save for Rumple and Phria who made for the upper walkway to the court mage's tower. Rumple would have preferred to take the entry which looked less like a stone-carved death wish but Estienne had mentioned that Tvon had blocked off the lower entry shortly after Belle's disappearance as paranoia and darkness had bloomed inside him. It didn't take long for Gaston's men to become aware of Ser Chrysaor's team and make a bee-line for them, but that didn't stop Rumple or Phria from having to dispatch the odd crixx-brained soldier here or there. One had incurred Rumple's wrath when he'd discovered the guard beating a young page. Due to his promise to Bae, Rumple hadn't killed the man, but he'd sure as hell ripped off the arm he'd used to beat the boy. Phria had urged the page to hide before they'd continued to the walkway; if that page thought he'd been rescued or that even worse people had shown up, neither had time to think about.

Eventually they reached the walkway, the door to which had been sealed by wards, but Rumple had them crashing down easily enough. The first step onto the walkway proved just how high up they were because the air was cold and the ground seemed so very far away. Rumple didn't fear it though, he had magic on his side so the coward within him was silent. For once he wasn't the invading monster either, but rather a liberator – no, a savior. He'd become a savior as though he'd always been intended to be one.

They were maybe a third of the way across the stone walkway when a crossbow bolt loosed at Rumple's heart but a touch of magic had it deflect off towards the ground. Rumple spun around on the spot smugly while Phria gripped her sword tightly.

"I wondered if you'd come out to play, dearie." Giggled Rumple in that way of his. "I had hoped you'd have a bit more than that though. My Belle was right, you're a simpleton and nothing more. Just an oaf who got too big for his boots."

Gaston drew his sword, the sound of crimson steel being unsheathed echoed as he prepared to cut down the True Demon Lord.

"Did you call her 'my Belle', beast?" Gaston laughed. "Do you love her? Why would she ever want a beast like you?"

The time for talk had ended some time ago though, so Gaston launched forward with such speed that he must have had an enhancement worked into his boots, but Phria blocked his blade with her own in an instant; she'd not been made Captain of the Valkyries for nothing. As much as it pained Rumple to admit, Gaston was a competent warrior who gave Phria few openings. However, just as Rumple had made the choice to speed things along, Gaston was suddenly sent sideways off the walkway by a gust of wind he'd not summoned. Gaston tumbled down below where he landed in the roses, dead on impact. That was the end of Gaston LeGume, short, borderline comical and a bit of a let-down after so many months of plotting Gaston's death. Not wishing to mourn Gaston, and since they had more important things to do, Phria and her future husband turned to see the wind's cause: Haldor Tvon. The man stood halfway between the tower and the castle dressed in dark blue robes with a sinister grin on his face. This was the real evil that needed to be defeated. This was the true cause of Belle's suffering.

"Well, that was rude."

Tvon's smirk only grew. "Yes, but it was a boring fight and Gaston has served his purposes. Weren't you taught to throw away garbage?"

Rumple had committed great evils in his exceptionally long life, but even he'd never displayed as much glee as Tvon when it came to killing a person. A sadist, Haldor Tvon was a sadist who craved power; Rumple hadn't even known it was possible for dark magic to corrupt someone already so corrupted.

A sudden gust of familiar wind threw Phria off the walkway but her wing gear deployed allowing her to float safely to Rumple's relief.

Tvon's head tilted to one side quizzically. "A Valkyrie, how unexpected. This must mean Demeer is unhappy with me."

"An understatement!" Phria hissed in that way that only the angriest of cats and pantherians were capable of.

"No matter. He's unimportant." Tvon threw his arms open wide. "I am a demon lord! I shall crush all who stand in my way!"

Rumple lifted an eyebrow. "An impression of me, dearie, that's all."

"Oh, I've done something no other has -"

"Love the sound of your own voice, dearie?"

"You have one little Valkyrie, I have a dragon!"

A terrifying roar which rumbled through all their chests echoed around the castle before a gigantic red dragon appeared and dropped onto the tower's roof, it scrambled for purchase causing numerous tiles to fall away. A second roar escaped the creature, and surely all of St. Claes had heard it.

"A real dragon." Phria whispered to herself as she floated just to the left of Rumple. All her life she'd thought the dragons to be extinct but there was a living, breathing dragon before her. She gulped.

Tvon's insane grin grew as Rumple and Phria stared at a myth made flesh. "The fire dragon, the great Viren! Behold, this is what a real demon lord looks like."

A snap of his fingers had Viren take to the sky and spew down fire over the walkway, over Rumple, causing the stone to melt away like it were nothing more than butter left out in the sun. Phria screamed out for the man she loved knowing just how powerful Viren's fire was meant to be. Dead, he couldn't be dead. Rumple was immortal, surely that hadn't killed him.

"Is that it?"

Phria's head snapped to the voice a meter or so to her right to find Rumple floating much as he had earlier that day. There wasn't so much as a patch of singed fabric on him and Phria let out a breath she'd not known she'd been holding.

Tvon couldn't have expected it to be that simple, even with a dragon on his side, but that didn't stop his smile from faltering. That was when all hell broke loose. Viren launched at Rumple while Phria confronted Tvon directly. Viren clearly seemed like a bigger threat, so Phria hoped that she'd be able to hold off Tvon long enough for Rumple to kill or incapacitate the dragon. Slow Tvon down, that was her only job.

Using his flying magic circle, Rumple fled the tower and tried to lure Viren away from the castle and city out over the water. The dragon swiped and bit at Rumple until they'd reached the water and that was when the fire bursts started up again, almost as though Viren hadn't wanted to cause more damage than he already had. Frankly, Rumple wasn't entirely sure what to do about the dragon, in his wildest dreams he'd not expected a dragon to come out of extinction. Although, he'd dealt with Maleficent on her worst days, so Rumple had that to guide him to some extent.

Eventually they were so far out that Rumple tried to lose Viren around a series of tall rocks which resembled pillars, but instead found himself cornered. Viren breathed a new volley of fire at Rumple filling the area with smoke and melting two of the tall rocks surely angering the merfolk in the process. Then, as the smoke began to clear, the red dragon sighed deeply and spoke.

"I am sorry, Dark One. I had no choice." Regret snared each and every word as his great wings flapped slowly. The smoke cleared fully then revealing Rumple surrounded by the strongest shield he'd ever created. Viren was shocked. "You lived? Nothing can withstand my fire. Nothing."

"I like to keep my audience guessing, dearie." Rumple brushed himself off mostly for show but quickly grew more curious about what the dragon had said. "What did you mean when you said you had no choice? You're a Cardinal Dragon."

"The evil mage has my youngest son." Viren deflated. "He is trapped behind wards and chains that are dragon proof. I cannot free him."

That was not what Rumple had expected to hear, but he fully understood Viren's pain. He'd felt the agony of being separated from a child longer than most and knew he'd have done the same in Viren's place. Belle had told him dragons were noble creatures who had done their best to stay out of the affairs of mortals, so the head cardinal dragon serving Haldor Tvon freely didn't seem likely.

"He had my son in a cage." Said Rumple, surprising himself by sharing more than he normally would with a stranger. "His plan was to use my boy against me but he got away."

The dragon's great wings flapped causing salty air to swirl around them. "Then you understand why I must kill you. I am sorry, Dark One."

Oh, Rumple had learned long ago that a deal could always be struck of one party had something that the other wanted and he wouldn't pass up the opportunity. For the most part, Dreymyr's inhabitants seemed reasonable, hopefully the red dragon would be as well.

"How about a deal?" Viren stared quizzically at the demon lord hovering before him as he questioned the word deal. "Yes, dearie, a deal. I will save your son, free him from Tvon's wards and chains and reunite him with his father."

"And in exchange?"

Rumple giggled, he'd got the dragon on his hook. "Simple. You cease aiding Tvon and aid me instead."

"An alliance?"

Rumple shrugged. "You can call it that."

The dragon considered the demon lord's proposal for a moment. While he was no Avarathda, Viren was intelligent enough to realize that Tvon wouldn't ever release his son, and he knew that the wards were indeed dragon proof. Trusting a demon lord from another world didn't seem like the wisest of choices, but it seemed to be the only one which could actually reunite father and son. Also, if Tvon had indeed kept the Dark One's child in a cage, he must have understood how desperately Viren wanted his own back safely.

"You say you will free Shiryu but how do I know you will keep your word?"

"I only ever went back on one deal, dearie, and it was the worst mistake I ever made. When I make a deal I keep to it."

Another pause, small and hardly there as the salty air continued to assault them.

"Then you have my word and we have an accord, Dark One."

A deal with a dragon, that didn't happen every day and Rumple found himself pleased with it. Dragon dealt with, Rumple teleported back to the destroyed walkway knowing that Viren would follow.

The second Phria spotted Rumple she shot backwards with her wings from Tvon and rushed to her fiancé. She'd suffered a long, deep wound to her left flank as well as a small cut to her right shoulder but she wasn't bothered in the slightest, not when she finally knew Rumple was safe.

"You survived Viren?! How?!" Tvon demanded with a growl.

"Oh, he's on my side now."

Just then Viren flew back over the castle, nodded to Rumple, then landed at the base of the tower patiently. Rumple was by far Tvon's biggest threat, but he'd been so confident that his pet dragon would tip the scale. How had the Dark One taken his biggest advantage? This was bad and the first time Tvon had felt any fear and it had him throw spell after spell in a desperate attempt to take down the strongest mage to have ever walked Dreymyr. While powerful, Rumple easily shielded himself and Phria from them. He'd had just about enough of this pathetic bravado and charged one of the most powerful spells he'd learned, a lightning spell that he launched at his enemy without mercy. Of course Tvon threw up a shield, but it wasn't nearly as strong as Rumple's and soon fractured then shattered allowing the spell to connect and flung him from the damaged walkway twitching as the electricity surged through him. Ironically, Viren opened his mouth and swallowed the evil mage whole.

"It's done?" Phria questioned, unsure of if a single spell could have killed a man who'd become the fifth demon lord. "Is he dead?"

"Yes, darling, it's done. Not many can survive being eaten by a dragon." He turned his attention to Phria's wounds, one of which was alarmingly deep. "Let me heal you."

He made to end her pain but Phria caught his hand and shook her head. "Didn't you say all magic comes with a price?"

"Oh, Phria," he began with a soft smile. "I'll pay it for you."

With that Rumple healed Phria's wounds easing her agony and saving her life.

"I'm sorry about the armor, it really was lovely."

"Don't worry about something so trivial. It can be replaced."

Gaston LeGume was dead, Haldor Tvon was dead, and Rumple had almost completed his deal with Belle, he'd even gotten a dragon on his side.

Chapter Text

Phria kissed the man she loved, let him wrap her in his arms and hold her close as she clung to the lapels of his dragonlinghide coat dutifully crafted by Una Quartermaine. He smelt of smoke, fire and sea salt from his short battle with Viren, but neither dwelled on it. The lovers broke apart only when the sound of war cries echoed from down below and Rumple sighed deeply.

"What now?" The pair peered downward from the ruined walkway, which was liable to fully collapse at any moment, and spotted roughly half of Ser Chrysaor's men rushing towards Viren as though they stood even a small chance against a dragon, let alone the cardinal dragons. "Here we go again. Idiots are going to get themselves killed."

"Maybe we should prevent that?"

Rumple simply hummed before he teleported them both down between the knights and the infamous red dragon; Viren himself simply sat at the base of the tower curious to see what the Dark One would say. The knights may have been few in number but they were skilled with a sword and braver than most; had they not been, Artem wouldn't have sent them on this mission. However, the dragon wasn't their enemy.

"All right, tone down the death or glory, dearies." The knights almost comically skidded to a halt before Rumple and Phria with Viren as an intimidating backdrop. "The dragon is not a threat, so I'll make it simple for you: Attack the dragon and I kill you."

While he'd promised Bae there wouldn't be any more indiscriminate killing, nobody else knew that so he could still threaten people with death all he liked and, since he was the Dark One, those threats wouldn't go ignored. He watched the knights glance numerous times between him and the dragon until they finally made the decision that they feared Rumple's anger more than the dragon. 'Is that something I should be proud of?' Rumple's mind questioned as the knights sheathed their blades.

"Surely there are more soldiers loyal to LeGume and Tvon remaining." Said Phria in what could only be described as her captain voice. "Best to dispatch them before they have any chance to mobilize. Once you think they're all dead, search the castle to be sure."

The knights obeyed and soon turned to their task, though they did leave while constantly looking over their shoulders at Viren. For numerous generations all had believed dragons to be extinct creatures, yet there one sat proving them all wrong. A living, breathing dragon almost bigger than they could comprehend with sharp claws, teeth and fluted horns. Most people's reaction to seeing a dragon burst out from the history books would have been to flee rather than attack, but Rumple hadn't ever been convinced that knights had much brains.

Regardless, Viren had ceased his attack and Rumple needed to check on his beloved Belle and the Ring of Halinox. He made to walk away – the acrid smell of melted and burnt stone really was rather pervasive, it had begun to turn nauseating – only for Phria to catch him by the elbow and draw his attention back.

"Shouldn't we look through the tower?"

Rumple nodded. "We will, aye. However, it is warded and I'd prefer to ensure there are no guards, morons or do-gooders running around before I release the wards and make the tower accessible. I'd sense if any spells were charging inside there, we're safe. The final part of my deal with Belle is the priority right now."

The white-haired pantherian couldn't argue with that, neutralizing what remained of the threat was by far the most crucial part of freeing Kalecaster Castle and her king. Rumple may have been a touch insane, but he was very logical when he wanted to be. Although, Viren was a little less eager to let Rumple wander away.

"You and I have a pact, Dark One." His deep voice bellowed. "You gave your word to free my son."

Rumple sighed as he swivelled on the spot and tilted his head upwards to the point it almost ached. "And I shall, dearie, I don't go back on my deals. Having said that, fulfilling my deal with my sweet Belle to save her kingdom and free her family is ahead of you."

Though it didn't seem possible what with his skin being entirely rough scales and him lacking eyebrows totally, Viren managed to furrow his brow down at Rumple with a confused expression.

"You are telling me to wait my turn?" Viren questioned more to himself than Rumple or Phria. "This is Princess Belle you speak of?" Rumple simply nodded. "I shall be patient … for now."

The warning was obvious but Rumple remained unaffected, when one had dealt with a hungover Maleficent after an evening of drinking with Cruella, one ceased being bothered by dragons entirely.

"How kind," was all he said before Phria and Rumple headed for the throne room.

A castle the size of Kalecaster shouldn't have been so eerily silent but silent it was, as though life had tried to speak but the words had just fallen away. Disturbingly, the lifelessness reminded him of the Dark Castle with all its eerie silence and dust. He'd wandered the castle's halls for years as little more than an insane ghost that enjoyed jumping out to scare those brave enough to investigate. He'd taken the castle in a deal simply because he could and promptly turned it into a place of dark isolation and inescapable misery. Belle's birthplace shouldn't have been like that, bright light and hope for the future should have filled her home. Rumple had burnt a castle down once upon a time, and the singed scent of masonry kept forcing that memory back into his brain much to his dismay. Now the villains were dead, hopefully life would return to Belle's home.

The throne room was on the other side of the castle, up a grand flight of stairs, so it took a while to walk to. Charging through the castle to the walkway had seemingly taken but a moment, but, when not running and simply barging through everyone in their path, the distance was quite the walk. Phria held his hand as they walked quickly but without urgency. For a moment when Viren had unleashed his powerful fire she'd honestly feared for his life, she'd never truly loved anybody else, so the thought of losing Rumple didn't just make her heart ache, it ripped it in twain. Rumple appeared to understand because he offered a comforting squeeze to her hand and a light kiss as they finally reached the throne room's door – a gargantuan think made of dark wood and iron bindings. The door was partially open so the pair just let themselves in without much fanfare. It looked just as Rumple had expected Kalecaster's throne room to look: all carved stone, wooden accents and flagstones of gray and a sandy color. King Maurice sat slumped in his red throne as though trying to get his breath back while Belle fussed over him and Ser Chrysaor listed orders to the few men he had with him. Marshall Estienne – well, that poor man just looked exhausted and desperate for a bath.

Belle glanced around at the sound of their footsteps and rushed into Rumple's arms with a mix of concern and joy that Azzy seemed to mirror.

"Rumple! Is everything all right? Ser Chrysaor's men said there was a dragon! A real dragon!"

Rumple chuckled to himself. "Belle, as much as I adore your unending quest for knowledge and stories, maybe the dragon can wait for later? Tvon and Gaston are dead. Viren was being controlled by Tvon but is now freed and formed a truce with me."

Just about everybody in the room gasped, widened their eyes, or both upon hearing Viren's name. To Rumple he was just a dragon of little interest, but to the others there, Viren was practically an ancient god.

"Viren?" Belle questioned in astonishment. "The fire dragon Viren is here?!"

"Yes," Phria confirmed for him. "Rumple is right though, we have more pressing things to deal with."

The Valkyrie captain was correct of course and Belle's blue eyes flicked over to her friend only to spot the places her black armor had been cut open.

"Oh my, Phria, are you okay?"

"She's fine, sweetheart, I healed her. Now, where is this ring?"

Cautiously, Belle pointed to a corner of the room where the ruby ring lay on the floor atop a leather glove with Azzy guarding it. It looked gaudy more than dangerous, but Rumple could still feel the dark magic which drifted from it. This thing needed to be locked away where nobody could ever misuse it again. With a single wave of his hand, the ring vanished glove and all.

"Where did you send it?" Ser Chrysaor queried with mild caution. "Surely the Arcane University would be the safest place for such a deplorable magic tool."

"I've seen that vault, dearie, and it's not all it's cracked up to be. The Ring of Halinox will remain in my vault where I can keep an eye on it."

Half of the knight wanted to argue, but the other half knew better than to do so. His king was no fool nor a sycophant, so if King Artem had chosen to trust Rumpelstiltskin then so would Ser Chrysaor.

With the ring stored away, Rumple's attention was quickly turned to Maurice who sat slumped in his throne with his head atop a fist as though he were exhausted. Frankly, Rumple would have been surprised if he'd not been; after all, fighting the ring's hold over a person would have been enough to mentally exhaust anybody.

"Is he okay, Rumple?"

"Aye, my love, looks like he just needs some sleep. Someone should watch over him, but I don't sense any magic overload or lingering traces of the ring's power."

"My love?" Maurice somehow managed to demand all while his eyes were half-lidded and his voice laced with an urge for slumber.

"This is Rumpelstiltskin, Papa." Belle informed her father as she fished one of her healing potions out of her satchel and pressed it to her father's lips. "He's the one who saved Avonlea and all our lives. He's the Dark One."

Maurice spat the last of the green potion out almost straight into Rumple's face, but fortunately missed and the potion seemed to have done its job already. In a state somewhere between panic and utter disbelief, Maurice proceeded to interrogate his daughter about Rumple and exactly what had been going on in the months he'd bee all but sealed away inside the throne room. Explaining was a long and arduous task constantly interrupted by Maurice asking an extra five questions. It was clear King Maurice du Marchand wasn't obsequious in the slightest. However, as Belle went on, he was slowly forced to accept the man stood by his throne wasn't a lunatic or con artist but genuinely the First Demon Lord and, more alarmingly, betrothed to his only daughter. While his father had described himself as 'casually religious', Maurice's mother had been a devout Drazvan and, as such, had raised her son strictly. Queen Angelique had viewed her faith as placing her as a steward of life and had done her best to care for people, it was where Belle got her kind nature from. Although, the one thing she'd drilled into Maurice throughout his life was that demon lords could never be trusted and that the Dark One was the worst for he went against the Mother Goddess. His late wife, the wonderful Colette, had introduced him to the Vita Tree, but even she'd not had a good opinion of the Dark One. 'No hope for one so evil' were her words. Yet, Maurice knew every expression is independent oldest child pulled and what they meant; he knew her forced smile, the one she donned when trying to be brave, but that wasn't the one she wore. Belle actually loved this beast and Maurice didn't know what to do about it.

"You expect me to believe the Dark One just decided to help others?"

"Papa!"

Rumple shrugged. "I don't care what you believe, dearie. I came because Belle asked me to save you. Speaking of saving," he looked over to the chestnut-haired beauty who would soon be his primary wife whether King Maurice liked it or not. "Do you know where your brother will be?"

Though Belle worried her lip, she nodded fairly quickly. "Surely he'll still be in his bedchamber. I don't see why Gaston would have moved him." She turned to the tall black man dressed in red. "Estienne, did you notice them move Lorrimer before you were chained up in the stable?"

He shook his head. "No, Princess. I think he's still there."

Belle's blue eyes snapped back to the demon lord she loved. "I'll take you to him."

"Not without me you won't." Maurice pushed himself to his feet only to wobble a little causing Belle to automatically help support him. "I want to see my son and I'm not giving a demon lord free rein."

Belle tried to talk him out of it since he'd only just been released from the ring's control, but the man didn't heed any of it. He was Avonlea's king and Prince Lorrimer was his only son, he'd do no more sitting around on his throne.

The trio slowly made their way to ten-year-old Lorrimer's chamber with Phria and Azzy because that wolf followed Belle everywhere. Ser Chrysaor's team may have been small, but they'd made a good job of systematically clearing the castle and had roped the few remaining Rose Guards in to assisting once they'd been freed. Estienne had managed to round up a few more pairs of hands as well; including the chief blacksmith who'd delighted in being told he could give as good as he got. Most of the servants had been either dismissed early on, chained or locked in certain rooms; it disgusted Rumple and his allies, but at least they were alive and relatively unharmed. Though unsure of if Kalecaster had been liberated or if the dragon they'd spotted through windows would raze the castle with them inside, none of the servants had seemed sure, but seeing their King and Princess walking around freely again soothed nerves and calmed their souls. The du Marchands endured and so did Avonlea.

Rumple pushed the door of Lorrimer's chamber open when they finally reached it only for a broom handle to swing violently at his face. Fortunately for Rumple, Phria caught it with her cat-like reflexes before it could make contact and yanked it free of the attacker's hands. Fearfully pressed against the wall out of sight was Evie, Lorrimer's dutiful nursemaid with a long chain binding her to Lorrimer's bed a terrified expression on her face. Phria threw the broom down as Evie backed away and Belle jumped to comfort the nursemaid.

"It's all right, Evie, everything is okay. We control the castle again."

Evie let out a long sigh of relief. "Oh, thank Drazva. I were so worried about ya, Milady."

Maurice stepped inside the room then and went straight to Lorrimer's bedside. The moment Evie spotted her King she fell silent, curtsied then stood still and out of the way with her head lowered respectfully. She'd been chained in Lorrimer's room more or less since Belle's disappearance from the castle; only released once when King Artem had visited. Oh how she'd wanted to say something to him, but Evie had feared for little Lorrimer's life, not to mention her own.

Belle quickly hurried over to her brother's bedside just as her papa had. Though unconscious and coated in a thin layer of sweat, Lorrimer didn't appear to have been harmed. His chestnut hair had stuck to his forehead and a slight pink flush had settled in his cheeks.

"Rumple, his fever is worse."

"I've been doin' me best, Milady, but Milord just ain't gettin' better this time."

Knowing saving Lorrimer was the final part to his deal with Belle, Rumple went to Lorrimer's bed as well and scanned over the boy with a wave of magic. However, where he'd expected to find a boring fever, instead he found no sickness, but there was … something.

Rumple's brow furrowed while Phria simply watched on as though she were unsure of how to interact now Maurice was there. Yes, Rumple had made it very clear that he didn't view Belle as superior to Phria, but King Maurice probably wouldn't have taken kindly to a secondary fiancée acting as though she were his daughter's equal.

Rumple, however, was much more focused on the unconscious child in the large bed covered with green silk sheets. Rumple looking genuinely confused wasn't a common sight and frankly, it disturbed Belle.

"Did anything strange happen when your son was born? Was he born early or somewhere like a mine or a lake?"

Belle's head cocked to one side. 'A mine or a lake? What sort of question is that?' her mind pondered. Maurice though, he seemed more taken aback than anything else and finally nodded.

"… He was born in the castle, but Lorrimer was very early. Physicians didn't know if he'd survive. Why? What does that have to do with my son being sickly?"

Rumple was silent a moment as he had some kind of internal conversation with himself. In that time, Phria and Evie basically faded into the background while Azzy sat diligently at Belle's feet.

"What is it, Rumple?"

"Belle, I don't think your brother just has a weak constitution, I think he has a very specific illness. Both du Marchands stared at him expectantly. "It's exceedingly rare and I've only ever known it to occur in people born early or in areas of extreme power. It happens when someone is born unable to safely contain their magical capabilities. You'd call it his magic level. I've only seen this once in a mermaid and another Dark One vaguely mentioned it happening to a baby dragon." While Belle did her very best to follow along, Rumple turned to Maurice for more information. "I assume Lorrimer appears to have a low magic level?"

Commonly royals and nobles, even commoners, would pay the Adventure's Guild to assess their child's magic levels. The du Marchands had done it for as long as anybody could remember. Maurice's sat respectably in the bronze-ranked section, though he'd always turned it to enhancing his physical strength for combat. Lorrimer though, he'd barely even been registered by the crystal test.

"Lorrimer can't use magic. Everybody said how strange it was for a half-elf." The weary king confessed.

There had been kings throughout history who would have disowned a child for such a thing, seen it as disgraceful and a sign they weren't worthy of a crown. Maurice and Colette hadn't ever cared about that though, Belle and Lorrimer were their beloved children no matter their rankings.

A long hum escaped Rumple. "I think it's quite the opposite. Lorrimer probably has a fairly high magical capacity, but he was born before he'd developed to safely contain it." Too much magic could rip a person apart, he'd seen it before; in fact, had his curse not protected him, Rumple would have essentially blown up the moment he received the power of the Dark One. "These constant fevers aren't a common sickness, it's his body and his magic desperately trying to find a harmonious balance. Belle is a tamer, her body is balanced with her soul, that's why her magic level isn't all that high despite being a half-elf. Lorrimer isn't a tamer, so an early birth was significantly more detrimental to him than it would have been for Belle."

"Rumple," began Belle slowly. "Does this mean you can … heal my brother?"

"Almost certainly."

The blue-eyed beauty beamed and hugged Rumple tighter than she ever had before while her papa held little Lorrimer's hand. This demon lord was terrifyingly powerful in spite of his small stature, but Belle adored him and had seemingly been designed to slot against him. This was the first time anyone ad been able to tell Maurice what was wrong with Lorrimer let alone show any chance of curing him. The King didn't want this beast anywhere near his children, but he had taken back Kalecaster Castle and every physician seemed convinced Lorrimer would pass away before his fifteenth year. So, as much as he hated it and wanted to grab a sword and cast the Dark One out of his home, surely it was better to take the chance of Lorrimer's death rather than the certainty of it. Reluctantly, Maurice nodded his consent when Belle asked if he'd let Rumple treat Lorrimer.

"This is going to take hours likely." The demon lord explained calmly. "And he will be in a lot of pain. You may not wish to watch this."

"I shan't abandon my boy, beast!" Maurice snapped which just got a sigh from Rumple. Had it been Bae in that bed, Rumple wouldn't have wanted to leave his side either. "Get on with it."

Rumple turned to Phria who'd been stood so silently that one could have almost forgotten she was present.

"Darling, I don't care what Ser Overly Romantic thinks, you are in charge until I'm done here. Ensure no one decides to fight the dragon. Work on calming the city locals and keep people out of the dungeon no matter what they hear."

Phria nodded. "Of course, Rumple."

The beautiful pantherian warrior kissed his cheek then slipped away determined to ensure Rumple's orders were done.

"You too, dearie, get out."

With a wave of his hand, Evie's chain vanished off to his vault and the nursemaid wasted no time scrambling from the room.

Even with his back to the portly king, Rumple had felt eyes bore into him. He was no stranger to people disliking him, some had tried to kill him on sight, but Rumple was about to save his son's life and had just returned his daughter and kingdom to him, so surely he'd earned a lower setting of the old death glare.

"She kissed you." Maurice announced in a stern tone which had probably put a lot of upstart nobles in their place. "Who is that woman?"

Belle rolled her eyes; of all the times for her papa to have noticed Phria and how much she meant to Rumple.

"That was Phria, she's Captain of the Valkyries and Rumple's other betrothed."

"Other?!"

"Papa, surely Lorrimer is more important at this moment."

Begrudgingly, Maurice was forced to agree with his headstrong daughter and dropped the situation for the time being; all knew he'd return to it soon enough. Pleased he wasn't about to be screamed at for something which hadn't even been his idea, Rumple set to work trying to balance Lorrimer's magic and physical body.

He worked for hours and it really wasn't pretty at times, Rumple hated causing a ten-year-old boy so much agony even if he was unconscious, but it had to be done.

Chapter Text

After leaving Prince Lorrimer's chambers so Rumple could set to work, Phria had quickly seen to his orders. She'd gotten the castle properly locked down, the grounds searched for traps, holdouts and any other possible threat; explicit orders had been given to each and every person whether they'd arrived with her and Rumple or been found on site; and she'd posted Ser Chrysaor himself to guard the dungeon entrance. Oh, he'd not liked being reduced to lowly guard duty, but they were few in number and, thanks to that strategic mind of his, had quickly realized defying Phria wouldn't have been a good idea. Technically King Artem had put this operation together so he was the sovereign they answered to, making Ser Chrysaor the rightful commander. However, Phria answered to the man who'd just won over a real life dragon and was in the process of healing a prince, so he chose to go along with her orders for the time being.

While injured and almost alarmingly dehydrated, Marshal Estienne had agreed to smooth things over with the City Watch and everyone else down in St. Claes. In a way, Viren's appearance had been a boon to them since it gave them a very believable reason for Kalecaster being on lockdown, and why Gaston – who the city thought had been caring for Avonlea as some sort of training for when he married Princess Belle and became King – had suddenly vanished. While it would have been nice to throw Gaston under the carriage and out him as the evil monster he was, simply stating he died fighting a dragon was easier for all involved. The same went for Haldor Tvon, letting people think he'd died defending the castle was easier; even if Danyel Tvon would surely always suspect his brother had been up to something.

After erecting a makeshift triage to tend to the castle's staff's wounds and word had been sent to the city's healers for aid, Phria had sequestered herself away in a quiet corner which, after she'd actually glanced around the room, she'd come to realize was almost certainly Avonlea's war room. Cream walls, marble floors arranged in a classic chessboard pattern, small rack of weapons in the corner behind a chair and a gargantuan map sprawled over the large table – yes, she'd definitely found the war room. Alone with some quiet, Phria pulled the communication crystal Leotomas had issued her with from a pocket and made a thorough, detailed report to the Grand Mage.

Gaston and Tvon dead was the ideal outcome, of course, but Demeer had put Gretchen Havelock at Akula Prison on standby to receive a new prisoner. Frankly, he and Phria were both relieved they'd not have to imprison a second demon lord, Ravavena was more than enough. Their conversation was long and mostly focused on avoiding panic and if Maurice would have any lasting effects from having been ensnared by the Ring of Halinox for so long. Although, the moment Phria had informed Demeer about Viren, his eyes had shot wide and he'd launched numerous questions at her; half with a level of curiosity only a mage was capable of, while the other half were those of a man who couldn't quite figure out if dragons returning to Dreymyr was the best thing to happen or the worse. The humanoid races, mostly humans, had slaughtered dragons for wealth and because the Church had subtly pushed people to believe dragons were false deities. Both knew that, as soon as word of Viren reached the Church, they'd retaliate somehow. In recent years, the last decade or so, the Drazvan faith had seen a drop in their numbers, while those who did believe had a much more relaxed view of non-human species. It was their own fault, the zealots at the top like Grand Master Ferdinand Panzram had ruled with a vicious iron fist so long that they'd begun to push people away. Then there was that the kingdoms other than Olgarth had always been significantly more welcoming to those other species, and that their rulers weren't willing to be little more than a figurehead while the Church pulled the strings behind the scenes. Olgarth had started to fall apart from the inside and the Church hadn't hidden it as well as they thought. The Drazvans were the least of their concern at that moment though. Treating the wounded and calming the panicked public was the top of their list.

Her report made, and with orders to continue observing and reporting regularly, the communication crystal fell silent. Phria tucked it away then leaned on the table for a few moments of deserved peace and quiet. Her skin had grown cold where her armor had been cut open, she placed a hand over it and was instantly reminded of how Rumple had healed her without hesitation. 'Magic always comes with a price', those words were like a mantra for Rumple and Phria understood what he meant entirely. Magic had consequences, a lot of people forgot that or simply ignored it. Phria wouldn't ever forget it again though. The people of Dreymyr used magic every day for all manner of things, maybe mana stones were just a benign consequence while frenzied monsters on a rampage was a more malignant one. The pantherian woman sighed deeply. She was just a warrior with only magic enough to activate the spell in her crimson steel sword and wing gear, she could use some spells to fortify herself but that was about her limit. Had she jointed the Adventure's Guild rather than the Valkyries, Phria likely would have wound up iron-ranked just like Belle. All that said, maybe that was a good thing. Rumple was the strongest mage who would ever live, Belle's soul was so strong she could tame a waheela and Phria had become one of the strongest warriors the Valkyries had ever seen. Magic, soul and body, together the trio did make a well rounded team; didn't hurt that she and Belle both loved Rumple entirely.

Suddenly, she pushed herself to stand straight and gripped her sword hilt assuredly as she marched out of the war room. Phria had a job to do and she'd damn well do it. There wouldn't be more time for her to doubt herself or worry about her lack of magical prowess.

~X~

In Bruckstone Castle most of the Van Winchell's had gathered for afternoon tea along with the Dark One's children. Renner opted to linger in the background rather than joining the kids as he normally would have, but he'd wanted to be respectful to the royals around him; besides, he'd never really been an afternoon tea kind of person. Gottfried and his daughter sat on one side of the table with his mother, Queen Lilianne, while the three children sat on the other with their backs to the door. While Gottfried would have been perfectly content to skip afternoon tea and instead continue with the duties his father had given him, his mother had always insisted that her son and granddaughter spent this quiet time with her at least every other day; annoying sometimes but born out of love.

Having been married to Artem for the better part of sixty years, Lilianne was an older woman with gray hair held up intricately with pearl-headed pins and deep lines in her forehead. Her eyes though, they still held such youthful innocence and could easily put a whole room of advisors at ease should she have needed to. Like her husband, Lilianne had always been known as a wise and logical person who used her Drazvan faith to help protect all species as she identified as a steward. Meanwhile, her granddaughter, Princess Demelza, was the spitting image of her father complete with bold ginger hair. She had a preference for warmer tones which were always reflected in her gowns and, much to her constant annoyance, was flat as a board. Much like Belle, Demelza wasn't often too far from a book and possessed a sunny demeanor not normally seen.

The room had been fairly quiet since they'd all sat down to eat, just some light conversation mostly driven by Lilianne, until Artem entered more swiftly than a man of his age should have been capable. A large smile adorned his face and Renner thankfully managed to return his dagger to its sheath without anyone noticing; he didn't need people thinking he'd threatened the life of a king when really he'd just reacted to a loud noise. He supposed Demiurge was partially to thank, the tree cat's long tail had covered the blade mostly where he'd draped himself around Renner's neck. When one's life had been spared on the grounds one defended the Dark One's children, one damn well defended those children.

"Excellent news, my son," Artem began as he moved further into the room drawing everybody's attention. "Ser Chrysaor's mission has succeeded with hardly an injury or death to his men. Gaston LeGume and Haldor Tvon have been dispatched and Maurice is recovering. I'm told little Lorrimer is to be healed as well."

Gottfried's eyes widened with surprise. "Everything went that well, Father? I'm amazed fortune smiled on them so favorably."

To be perfectly honest, they all were.

"They had Rumpelstiltskin with them, we should cease underestimating his power."

Lilianne shuddered. "I am unsure I will ever be able to come to terms with the fact that, not only has the First Demon Lord returned to our lands, but we have aligned ourselves with him. While I understand not all stories are true, they all come with a kernel of truth. Part of myself wants to pray desperately to Drazva that he leaves Dorovoth and our family unscathed, but then I look at his children and I wonder; how can a man allegedly so evil have given these three darlings so much love and protection?"

"Skepticism is perfectly normal, Grandmama, natural even. It is as my dear Richard always says though; if we are not willing to listen and learn, then we shall never move forward."

"I knew giving him your hand was a smart decision," smiled Gottfried as he mused aloud.

Artem eased his old body into a his usual chair at the head of the table. "It is Lorrimer I am most impressed with. According to Ser Chrysaor's report, Rumpelstiltskin has not only been able to diagnose his illness, but also set to work curing it. Demon Lord he may be, but I am glad we know him."

While Bae and Amicia were both old enough and had experienced enough of the social hierarchy of the world to think before they butted into a conversation between adults; especially when those adults were the kingdom's royal family. Meanwhile, Valdis, being the youngest and having never suffered slavery or imprisonment, was not.

"Our papa is fantastic! He made all my pain go away, made me small again."

The Van Winchell's simply smiled fondly at young Valdis. Her wings and totally black eyes might have alarmed them at first, but nobody could deny she was such a sweet girl. Lilianne had never been blessed with a daughter, so took any opportunity she could to pamper a little girl. Since Demelza had grown out of childhood, she'd been left with a void that Amicia and Valdis had accidentally started to fill. Lilianne knew that the Church would have called Valdis an abomination, but she believed in Drazva not the Church and wouldn't throw such terrible words at a child.

"Grandpapa, there is something else, isn't there? You wouldn't be this excited simply because the mission to free King Maurice had gone so well."

Artem smirked as he ran an aged hand through his thick beard. "Right you are, my clever granddaughter, right you are. Ser Chrysaor did mention one other thing which – well, I wouldn't have believed it if he'd not turned the communication crystal so I could see for myself." When numerous sets of expectant and curious eyes turned to him, Artem elaborated. "It would seem the dragons are not as extinct as we believed."

Gottfried nearly choked on his tea. "Dragon?! No, Father, dragons can't possibly still exist. Surely we'd have sighted at least one."

"I saw it myself, son, the giant thing sat at the base of Kalecaster's mage tower with hardly a care in the world surrounded by cooling liquid rock. A real, very much alive, dragon of blood-colored scales. Ser Chysaor said Rumpelstiltskin insisted the dragon was Viren himself."

Lilianne dropped her fork causing an ear-shattering clatter while Renner audibly gulped and Bae instinctively moved closer to his new sisters. Dragons were dangerous, didn't matter which realm one came from, everybody knew it. If dragons – if the cardinal dragons had returned to Dreymyr then there would surely be panic and discord throughout the kingdoms.

"Are you saying Rumpelstiltskin has … domesticated this dragon?"

"I doubt anyone could domesticate a dragon, Gottfried, even Rumpelstiltskin. Although, until we know more, I'd warn against jumping to conclusions. The return of dragons is not something we should pepper with assumptions."

"We couldn't defend against a dragon attack though, Artem."

The old king turned to his beloved wife. "Worry not. It isn't as though Viren, if it really is Viren, is planning on wiping out Gorasitz. I think-"

Suddenly a servant entered with a white envelope gripped tightly in his hand. He rounded the table and set it before the King while apologizing for the interruption; as soon as Artem saw the hamster seal in red wax, he understood why the servant had hurried quite so quickly; Artem had insisted any letters from the Grand Mage were treated with the utmost priority. Everyone watched and waited as Artem read the letter from Demeer which had clearly been delivered by the fastest bird he possessed. Only when Artem's face fell did Demelza enquire about the letter's contents.

"What is it, Grandpapa? Surely it cannot be such terrible news."

Artem passed the letter to his son so he could read it for himself as he spoke. "The Church, they know the Dark One has returned. The cat is officially out of the bag and, though the Knightly Order hasn't been mobilized, it is only because they don't know where Rumpelstiltskin is. According to the Grand Mage, the Pontiff gave a speech about it this morning in St. Matilda."

Lilianne sighed. "A speech full of spite, no doubt. Word should be sent to Kalecaster."

As a child Lilianne had possessed a level of respect for the Church due to her faith but, as she'd grown older and witnessed for herself the cruelty the Church inflicted on those who were not human, she'd grown morally disgusted and separated herself from them. The Church had become a business with religion as a smokescreen in her eyes. All Lilianne was to pray in her own little chapel, she followed the Mother Goddess, not Pontiff Andrew Buchanan.

"Father, I fear the Church's retaliation when they discover we have aided the Dark One more than if Rumpelstiltskin were to turn on us. Dragons be damned, I don't need the Knightly Order using this as an excuse to storm Bruckstone and label us all as heretics."

Though it had been fairly well hidden from Dreymyr's commoners and lesser nobles, most royals and the Grand Mage of course, had been long aware of the Pontiff's increasing desire to build the Drazvan Holy Empire, a papal state. None of it was about faith for the ruling members of the Church, just power. Olgarth had steadily been twisted and brought further under the control of the Church since the Faith War. However, with the Dark One's return they'd be able to use fear to again swell their congregations and further use that fear as a reason to topple a kingdom's sovereign if they thought they stood enough chance. This knowledge was why most royals had quietly distanced themselves from the Church's influence despite being Drazvan.

A war was coming, all knew that, the problem was that nobody could quite figure out when, who would be on which side or which group would start it.

After a long stretch of silence where even Demelza's sunny demeanor had faded, Bae piped up. At first he'd not been sure he should say anything but, what he had to say might have provided some comfort and security.

"Em, Your Majesty?" Though directed at the King it was the Queen who responded with a sweet smile.

"What is it, sweet child? You may speak freely. You are the First Demon Lord's children, so practically royalty yourselves."

Practically royalty themselves? Was that how powerful and begrudgingly revered Rumple was? Surely not. Regardless, Bae was a peasant who'd come from a village so small in the Frontlands that it hadn't even had a proper name. He set all of that aside for the time being.

"Well, you could always make a deal with my papa. Like the ones kingdoms make."

"You mean a truce?" Gottfried supplied which earned a nod from Bae. "Truces can be broken."

"Not with my papa. You saved me thinking he would be grateful and not hurt you or your people." While not the whole reason Artem had protected Bae, it had played a big part. "I'll admit, I hated him for a long time, hated him. But, as time went on I realized I hated the darkness inside him, not him. That darkness, I'm not sure it's still there. He's better here. And, it doesn't matter what realm he's in, my papa keeps his word. He never goes back on a deal."

"How could you be so sure, sweet boy?" Questioned Lilianne softly. "A man as powerful as him could change his mind at any time and we'd be unable to do anything about it."

"He wouldn't go back on it, Your Majesty. My papa broke only one deal, a deal I made with him, and it was how we ended up separated. He broke one deal and it was the worst thing he ever did, because of that he won't ever break another."

The royals thought Bae's words over for several moments.

"A truce with the Dark One, I'd have never thought of that." Artem ran a hand through his beard again as was his habit. "Very well, Baelfire, I doubt there would be much harm in asking Rumpelstiltskin about it."

~X~

When Rumple had finally finished curing Prince Lorrimer, he'd felt drained and a savage headache had afflicted him. The boy would sleep for quite some time, with how much fighting had been going on inside his body, nobody could really blame him. Maurice had been skeptical that anything had changed at first, but Belle had quickly noticed the redness in her brother's cheeks had faded and

his temperature had returned to normal, as had his breathing rate. Yes, her adorable little brother was finally safe and she owed it all to the man she loved.

Belle had thrown herself into his arms crying and whispering words of thanks over and over and over again. Lorrimer would live! He'd grow and get to experience the world rather than just his bedchambers and what he could see beyond his windows. As a young girl, she'd lost count of how many physicians and mages had examined Lorrimer, all had failed to so much as ease his symptoms. Rumple though, he'd cured her brother and given him back his life.

"You needn't thank me, Belle." He told her quietly as he embraced her. "It was our deal."

Belle shook her head. "No, you've done so much more than what was agreed in our deal. I never imagined you'd be able to save Lorrimer. I love you so much."

"Aye, and I love you."

The man with golden-green skin was exhausted, needed to sit down and get some water to ease the damn headache. So he quietly extracted himself from Belle and made his way to the door under the guise of giving the du Marchand family some time to themselves. However, as the door opened, Maurice spoke.

"… Thank you, Dark One."

Oh it must have taken so much effort for King Maurice to get those words out. He'd seen Rumple as the beast who'd stolen his daughter away and slaughtered many inside Kalecaster Castle, but the man wasn't so naïve that he couldn't see the miracle Rumple had just performed. Maurice might not have wanted Rumple near his children, but he was grateful for what he'd done and man enough to show gratitude.

Rumple didn't respond to Maurice's words, simply left him and Belle alone in Lorrimer's bedchambers and found his way onto a balcony for some quiet. He summoned a waterskin from his vault and helped himself to an indulgent gulp. A smile settled itself upon his face without his permission. He'd not expected doing something good and noble to feel quite so … good. Maybe Bae had been correct and Rumple could be better.

Just when Rumple's headache had started to ease and his body had quit screaming at him for having stood in one position for so long, there was an alarming flap and Viren few up to hover just beyond the balcony wall. A violent flap of those gargantuan wings could have shattered every window on the south side of the castle.

"You made a pact with me, Dark One." Said the fire dragon. "I told you I would be patient for the Prince's and Princess' sakes, but you try my patience now."

Rumple sighed and set the waterskin away. "Yes, yes, dearie, keep your scales on."

Apparently the old axiom of 'there's no rest for the wicked' was still quite true and, while he wouldn't ever be Zelena, he was quite wicked. Who else could say they'd saved a kingdom, a prince and a baby dragon all in one day; not even dear Charming would have been able to boast such a feat.

Chapter Text

Since Belle had remained in her brother's room with their father, Rumple had quickly located Phria so the pair could make their way to the dungeon entrance where Ser Chrysaor had been stationed as a guard. It was quite the walk from where he'd found Phria to the dungeon door thanks to the damage Viren's fire had caused, but neither cared about the ruined castle or the long walk when they were suddenly faced with a man dressed head to toe in a red robe with armored shoulders and a ruby brooch over his chest so large it could surely have funded a town for a good long while. His beard and hair, which hung down to his lower back, were the color of the setting sun and, much like Valdis, his eyes were black. Tall, broad and intimidating were all words which applied to this stranger. Phria instinctively reached for her sword but Rumple caught his fiancée by the elbow when a waft of fire reached him; maybe not a stranger.

"Viren I presume?"

Phria and Ser Chrysaor's men had combed through Kalecaster looking for lingering enemies, they would have found this man long ago if he were one of the holdouts. Then there was the intense magical energy which rolled off the red-haired man like a waterfall, power beyond even Tvon had displayed. Really though, it had been the gigantic ruby brooch which had sealed it for Rumple, that thing screamed talisman; he'd created Valdis' talisman from a book which had mentioned dragons using a similar thing after all. So yes, this imposing man covered in red could only have been the great fire dragon in human form.

Viren nodded. "Indeed, it is me. I congratulate you, Dark One, most do not realize what I am so quickly."

Frankly, when Rumple had mentioned they were going to investigate the dungeon and Viren's imprisoned son, Phria had half expected the dragon to simply burn a hole in the ground and force his way inside like a determined cat in a box. This human form though, it was significantly more practical and, while Phria adored Rumple for the person he was rather than what he looked like, Viren's rippling muscles and strong shoulders were quite a nice sight.

With only a pause to instruct Ser Chrysaor, who'd continued to complain about being reduced to guard duty until he'd learned he was guarding a baby dragon, to keep people out and not open the door no matter what he heard. Tvon had almost certainly covered the whole dungeon with traps and who knew what those wards chaining Viren's son could do if tapped in the wrong place.

Icy cold and dark were Avonlea's dungeons, a hopeless place with only silence for company. Hell, even the cells at the Dark Castle had provided a small window and some fresh air. The floors were uneven and spattered with bits of old straw some sections of which had gone mouldy. Then again, a dungeon wasn't the sort of place most wanted to find themselves in and Rumple doubted Tvon nor Gaston, had sent anybody to tend to the dungeons since they'd gotten the Ring of Halinox onto Maurice. Phria rubbed at her shoulders unconsciously, it truly was cold down in those depths.

Rumple made to light the torches but Viren beat them to it and each one burst to life with an almost alarming speed. Later, both Rumple and Phria would be ashamed of themselves for expecting anything less from the literal fire dragon of legend. With light, and a fresh scent of ash in the air where Viren's torches had scorched the ceilings, the trio made their way slowly through the dungeon's halls so as not to trigger any booby traps. While Phria would have had to search the baby dragon out, Rumple and Viren had an innate sense of his location thanks to his scent of powerful magic; the baby dragon's smelt peculiar, like a sweet vinegar lingering somewhere between too faint and too pungent.

Though he'd not mentioned it to anybody, Rumple had suspected Tvon had chained someone or, more likely, something up in Avonlea's dungeons ever since Bae had mentioned hearing chains rattle disturbingly in the cold darkness. Another imprisoned child though, Rumple hadn't even considered that. How grateful the world must have been to know Haldor Tvon had left it.

The dungeon was dark and dank, isolated and despondent, the stone walls stole any heat that made it inside and the silence seemingly took pleasure in stripping prisoners of their resolve. This evil place was where Baelfire had been caged – this hopeless hole in the ground. The dungeon was indifferent at best and malicious at worst.

As they walked, both Rumple and Phria realized the dungeon had been built in a large loop of cells with a row of them running right through the centre, somewhat reminiscent of a prohibition sign. The central row had been blocked off on either side by an immensely strong barrier that even Phria felt deep in her bones. For a moment the trio stared at the chaotic array of symbols, sigils and glyphs which had been etched into the stone. Some were wards, others traps and Rumple even found a series of hidden magic circles along the hallway which had been set as landmines.

"All this to keep the dragon getting out." Phria mused aloud only for Rumple to shake his head.

"No, darling, all of this was to ensure a father couldn't rescue his son."

Thanks to his time with Mykel Ainsworth, Rumple had learned a great many things about draconic and the best ways to specifically bar a dragon from a place. Of course, nobody had bothered implementing such wards and spells in centuries since they'd all believed dragons to have gone extinct, but Tvon had found a horrid way of making use of them.

"We have a pact, Dark One." Yes, Viren did keep reminding Rumple of that. "You made an oath to free my son, now free Shiryu."

Shiryu, was that the boy's name? Well, Shiryu was locked behind an almost incomprehensible number of wards preventing Rumple from just snapping his fingers flamboyantly to break him free.

"I always keep my deals. However, this is pandemonium and not to be rushed. Unlocking any of these in the right order will probably result in injuring or killing your boy because Tvon expected you to try getting at him."

Viren reluctantly nodded. "I understand. You kept your word with the Princess, I will trust you to keep yours with me as well. I cannot remove the spells placed, but I shall aid you however I am able."

So, despite being tired and in need of some quiet after healing Lorrimer, Rumple set to work fully aware he couldn't go back on a deal and, more importantly, couldn't leave an innocent child chained in the cold.

While Rumple and Viren set to work on removing the wards keeping them from Shiryu's cell, Phria had done a thorough search of the dungeon for any other places Tvon may have imprisoned or hid something. Fortunately she'd not found anything alarming and by the time she'd returned to the dragon in human form and the man she'd marry, they'd made it almost two feet into the hallway. Phria had watched Rumple work on Valdis' talisman with no real idea of how or where to start, so having one of the cardinal dragons as aid was no small thing.

She leaned against the wall while the two men worked until a question struck her. "Lord Viren, if you don't mind my asking, how did Tvon manage to capture your son?"

The red-haired dragon peered over his shoulder at her, it was clear he blamed himself, but Phria suspected all parents blamed themselves even if it wasn't their fault. Pain never happened in a vacuum, it always rippled outward to affect everything around it; sadly, when a child felt pain, it rippled to the parents first.

"He was playing with Sphatik and his half sister Araucaria, some game which involved seeing who could fly over the Ogre Blockade, into the Ogre Territory and back the fastest. My boy was ahead of the others when a cloaked man appeared on his back and the two vanished. I only found out that man was Tvon when he came to me and told me what I must do to protect Shiryu."

"Araucaria and Sphatik are other dragons, I assume." Mused Rumple without looking up.

"Indeed, the daughter of my mate and youngest son of Yihrahassa."

Rumple hummed. Dragons had gone from a nonentity to an extensive network hidden in the shadows. Ainsworth hadn't mentioned anything about the cardinal dragons having kids but it somehow seemed ridiculous to assume they'd not. Now wasn't the moment to delve deeper on that subject though, he had wards to tear apart.

"Tvon just stole him out of the air? How low could one man be?" Phria already knew, she'd fought Tvon herself. "Were the other dragons hurt?"

"No, thankfully not."

Children, everything always returned to children when it came to Gaston and Tvon. Belle had been little more than a child and they'd used her to summon Rumple. Lorrimer had been kept as a chess piece while Bae had been caged like a common animal, and Gaston had been little more than an entitled brat. Now, after everything, they found yet another child exploited by Tvon.

From her spot rested against the chilled wall, Phria continued to watch the two men – probably the most powerful people to have ever walked Dreymyr – since she didn't really know what else to do, Phria couldn't carefully dismantle wards while avoiding booby traps like they could, nor did she have any idea how to speed the painstaking process up. Although, Phria did know how to guard, so she stood watch lest their complacency lead to devastation.

Each broken ward smelt bizarrely like burnt toast, a scent which increased with each one until a truly fetid stench had filled the dungeon to the point Phria had to hide her nose behind her hand. and wished she'd been the sort to wear delicate perfumes like Belle. Steadily though, or possibly disturbingly, the beautiful pantherian eventually went nose blind to the smell and found herself watching Rumple as he proved his status as a demon lord.

Rumple had told her and Belle some of who he'd been before being summoned and the dark acts he'd committed, of his dagger and the Dark Curse he'd set in motion in his plan to find Baelfire. They weren't noble or good things, frankly they'd been horrid and nightmarish in some instances, but Rumple had done them for love of his son and grief. It didn't excuse what he'd done or justify it even slightly, but it did make those acts more understandable. Rumple hadn't ever claimed to be a saint or a hero, not a savior or a protector, but Phria knew he was no monster and so did Belle – she was the smart one after all – despite what he thought of himself. At first the white-haired beauty had wondered if maybe she'd been viewing things through rose-tinted glasses but no; monsters never cared they were monsters, never worried about it or chastised themselves as deeply as Rumple had. Monsters didn't treat women with respect and kindness, didn't go out of their ways to protect children or suffer nightmares that they thought they could hide from their bedfellows. Rumple had done terrible things but he wasn't inherently evil and, since coming to Dreymyr, he'd tried to be better, especially now he'd been reunited with Bae. In an odd way Rumple was an inspiration. All the evil and darkness that had been swirling around inside him for years, his curse and yet, he'd never quite given in to it. Now he stood working alongside a dragon to free an innocent child. Yes, Phria and Belle had chosen the right man. Rumple was clearly exhausted but kept going anyway. Yes, definitely the right man.

~X~

While Kalecaster Castle did its very best to right itself, Bruckstone Castle had been fairly quiet for the majority of the afternoon – early evening was probably a more accurate description. The sun would soon think of setting and those comforting oranges and warm reds would march across the sky like an artist expressing what life meant to them. Renner had relaxed himself in one of the Dante chairs that called the room Valdis and Amicia shared home to read a book. He might have appeared carefree and distracted, but Renner was a skilled observer and never one to grow unmindful; he noticed everything that went on inside that room and out on the balcony, the Dark One's children were well protected.

While Renner read, the trio of children played – well, Amicia and Valdis played while Bae mostly observed with a gentle smile and enjoyed the evening air where he rested against the open balcony door. He remembered the small toys his papa had carved from wood for him when not spinning, Bae had treasured those little toys and, now he allowed himself to think of them, he missed them dearly. It had been Phria who'd told Bae of the tragic backgrounds of his new sisters and, while he'd felt somewhat replaced upon first learning about them, Bae was now truly thankful that his papa had taken the two girls in. On the outside both girls were always happy and energetic, but Bae hadn't failed to spot the caution which darkened Amicia's blue eyes, or that Valdis kept her distance from strangers as though she expected them to spew violence. Bae had suffered, but he'd never been treated as less than a person.

With a sigh, Bae went to perch on Amicia's bed while the girls giggled as they tickled Demiurge's tummy and Renner pretended to not be watching them like a hawk. It would be a long time until he, the girls and even Rumple healed from their trauma – maybe a whole lifetime – but they were finally trying and Bae would forever be grateful for that. Family, that was all he'd ever wanted, to just be a happy family.

The blonde little girl pounced on Bae then causing him to fall backward on the bed with her. He instinctively wrapped one arm around her and adjusted his head to avoid getting poked by one of her golden horns.

"You okay, Bae? You look sad."

"I was just thinking, Mic. Don't worry about it."

She cuddled in closer almost jabbing him in the heck with her horns. Rumple may have made it lovingly to make her happy, but he'd not thought about the damage she could do to a person's eyes and throat.

"Don't think about sad things." Worry settled on her face then and the elf girl rose up on her hands to look at him cautiously. "Is it me and Valdis? You know, because we're not really Papa's?"

Them? She thought he had a problem with them?! No, no, no, Bae couldn't let that go on.

"Of course it isn't, Mic. It wouldn't ever be that, and you are Papa's. I always loved the idea of having little brothers and sisters to play with. Please don't ever think I don't want you as my sister. Please, Mic."

That comforted Amicia and, though he never said a word nor looked away from his book, Renner was exceptionally proud of the boy.

Apparently pleased with Bae's genuine tone and honest eyes, Amicia lay back down this time without posing risk to any eyeballs.

"Good, because I like that you're my big brother, and that you call me Mic."

When he stopped to think about it, Bae hadn't even realized he'd given the girl a nickname; it had all been so organic. That was the done thing though, yes? Siblings gave one another nicknames as a sign of their close bond. Bae didn't regret that bond, he felt no anger toward it nor did he wish for it to end, Bae quite enjoyed his new role as a big brother. It had been lonely back in the little hovel in the village he and his papa had once called home. When his mother had been around she'd seemingly had less and less time for him the older he got and, while his papa adored him and took him everywhere, he'd worked so very hard to feed them that it had often cut into play time. Sure, Bae'd had couple of friends littered through the village but he'd still been lonely for him. Two rambunctious little sisters were just what he needed even if he'd not known it.

Without warning, Valdis jumped up on the other side of him, careful not to squash her wings and apparently bored of playing with Demiurge. She looked at the older two with all the determination a girl her age could muster.

"I want a nickname too!" She insisted which just had all present smile to themselves.

"I suppose you can have one." Bae replied enjoying the beaming expression it got from the dark-haired girl. "… How about Vee? It's simple and cute."

Valdis thought it over for a few seconds as though it were a significantly more important thing than it actually was, until, seemingly satisfied, she nodded happily and slipped off the bed to Demiurge. 'Is it possible my little sister is fickle?' Bae mentally questioned himself.

Amicia soon rejoined Valdis to play while Renner continued to quietly read as though he weren't there at all, and Bae stared up at the ceiling. The Van Winchell's had been so kind to take care of them while his papa, Belle and Phria went to free Kalecaster and Belle's papa. The Duke of the Frontlands wouldn't have ever shown anyone such generous kindness, especially not children. While Bae doubted people like the Van Winchell's would suddenly turn on them, he'd grown into a cynic since he'd been sucked through that portal away from Rumple and probably wouldn't ever shake the suspicions at the back of his mind; it was a part of him now the same way his eye color was.

After maybe an hour, a light knock sounded at the door. Renner calmly marked his place, set aside his book, then went to answer the door all without a single hurried motion. There he found Lana, one of the castle's most trusted maids – a tall woman of about forty with smooth ebony skin, wearing a mobcap and a polite expression.

She offered him a smile. "I'm very sorry to interrupt, but the Queen has requested Lord Baelfire and Ladies Amicia and Valdis join the family for dinner. I am here to dress the young Ladies."

Things would have been significantly easier for Renner if the children had all just remained in that bedroom, but he was fully aware they were the guests of royalty and Queen Lilianne had taken to the girls as though they were new granddaughters. So, with a gruff nod, Renner stepped aside to allow Lana into the room before he closed the door behind her. For a few moments the two adults simply looked at one another before Lana finally pointed out she would be dressing the girls, which made the bedroom no place for men. Renner had his mouth open to object and point out he was their bodyguard rather than some sick peeping Tom who spied on little girls, but Bae caught him by the elbow and cut in.

"We can wait on the balcony, you can still hear them from out there."

Apparently satisfied with that, Lana made a no-nonsense shooing motion and soon both Bae and Renner were out in the evening air. Bae leant on the stone balustrade facing the expansive view of the Spikes while Renner rested his elbows on the cold stone so he could keep watch on the door he'd left ajar. Several moments passed before anything was said; Renner wasn't all that talkative at the best of times and Bae had a lot on his young mind these days. However, when words did finally fill the evening, Bae hadn't expected them.

"You know, you're very wise for a boy so young. Kind too."

Bae hadn't quite known what to say to that, so eventually he settled for: "I've seen a lot of things." He side-eyed the older man. "Renner? Do you think people are born even or that the world makes them that way?"

Renner thought a moment. "I think it's a bit of both. Some people experience such hardship and misery that they just break, and being evil becomes a coping mechanism, a defence strategy to stop them experiencing more. Other people … they're just born wrong. Have a seed inside them that blooms into such vile acts."

The pantherian's words were very straightforward, he made no attempt to sugarcoat his words or dumb them down for a child; Bae was grateful for that, grateful to just have an honest answer. Later, when dinner had finished, it would dawn on Bae that it was the most he'd ever heard Renner say in one go.

"Why do you think that is?"

"I have no idea," Renner shrugged. "Maybe it's something left over from a past life or some divine will. Could also just be a mistake of nature." He sighed. "I don't think we'll ever really know the reason. Why do you ask?"

Though a little reluctant to answer, Bae did eventually open up. "My papa promised he'd try harder to not give into the evil inside him now we're together again."

"You don't believe him?"

For the first time since their conversation had begun, Bae looked away from the majestic mountains to the shaggy-haired man beside him; one black cat ear was turned to the door while the other fixated on Bae.

"I believe him. I believe Papa will try, I'm just not sure he'll succeed."

That comment had Renner turn fully to face the young boy, a serious expression on his face which Bae could tell came from something he'd experienced in his youth.

"Maybe he will, maybe he won't. I know one thing for certain though: If you continue to assume Rumpelstiltskin won't or can't get better … then he doesn't stand a chance."

For a few seconds Bae was confused, his brow had furrowed and his lips had parted to question what Renner meant, but then it clicked for him. If Bae just took his papa failing to change as a foregone conclusion then, no matter what Rumple did, it wouldn't ever be enough and soon he'd just stop trying, that was when the Darkness would latch back on with icy claws. No matter what had happened between them, Bae had always known his papa loved him. He was Rumple's grounding, his anchor keeping him from total madness. So Bae did know what Renner meant. Renner meant that it was very possible that Rumple wouldn't ever fully break free of the evil inside him but, if Bae stood by him and supported him since he was the brave one, then Rumple stood a much better chance.

This dishevelled former assassin had turned out to be quite the thinker it seemed, and had given his young charge much to think about.

Chapter Text

Belle had been sat at her brother's bedside so long that her legs had grown numb; the sort of numb where she could still wiggle her toes, but everything below the knee had gone alarmingly cold as if she'd been sitting in snow. Belle hadn't complained though, nor had her papa who sat on the other side of the bed. The two hadn't really conversed in the few hours since Rumple had left the room, just sat in an oddly comfortable silence and watched Lorrimer get the first real sleep he'd had in all his life.

However, just when Belle could take the lack of blood to her legs no longer, Lorrimer roused from his slumber with a groan. His blue eyes fluttered open and Belle was quick to brush his dark hair out of his face as she awkwardly pushed up onto her feet.

"Lorrimer? Lad, are you all right?" Their father asked somewhere between concern and delight. "Say something."

"Belle's back?"

Those words drifting from his sleepy lips had her grin wide. Lorrimer might have been sheltered from the world, and nobody knew how much Gaston had made known to him, but the boy wasn't stupid in the slightest and had to have known something was seriously wrong at the castle.

"Yes, Lorrimer, I'm right here. I'm home." She bent to kiss his forehead while Maurice squeezed his only son's hand tight. "How do you feel?"

"… Good." Lorrimer seemed more surprised by that than his sister or father. Some days had always been better than others for him, but he'd not felt this good since long before his mother had died. "Really good. My head and chest don't hurt."

"That's wonderful news!" Maurice beamed. "Don't try to get up though, you're still weak."

Lorrimer didn't need telling twice; he might not have felt the debilitating fever or pain caused by his mana imbalance, but his small frame had suffered in a way only sleep could cure. It only took a few moments of Belle carding her fingers through brunet hair for Lorrimer to drop off again; Rumple had said the boy would sleep for many hours and Belle had no wish to refuse him that chance to recuperate.

"I hope Rumple can get some rest now as well. He worked so hard to save Lorrimer." Belle mused aloud.

Maurice raised an eyebrow before his head; sitting by his son's bed had allowed him to almost forget about the Dark One entirely. Rumpelstiltskin, a man both beast and savior, and Maurice's mind didn't quite know how to process that. Rumple she called him, not the Dark One, demon lord, beast or even monster, just a nickname as though he were any normal man. Belle had firmly set her heart on this mythic terror and, since she was as stubborn as Colette had been, Belle was unlikely to abruptly change her mind. Then there was that Valkyrie, the one Belle had told him was to be Rumple's secondary wife. Some nobles had been known to form harems of women as a display of power rather than to ensure their bloodline didn't die out, and Maurice wouldn't stand by while his daughter became the Dark One's trophy. When it came to a beast as powerful as the Dark One, no fair maiden was safe. What if he decided he liked collecting princesses and took Demelza Van Winchell and Emmeline Sunringham into his clutches on a whim? What if he didn't stop until he had the most beautiful woman from each species in his collection? Who knew what a demon lord was truly capable of?

"You honestly love that beast, don't you." It wasn't quite phrased as a question, more like he'd said the quiet bit out loud.

Blue eyes tilted upward to meet her father's. "Yes, Papa, very much. Also, I'd thank you not to call him a beast. His name is Rumpelstiltskin and I shall be his wife."

"No, I f-"

"Papa, if the words 'I forbid it' leave your lips, I shall not be pleased." She told him firmly; as strong-willed as her mother for sure. "No one decides my fate but me. I am Avonlea's Princess and I have duties, I know that, but I love him. Rumple will be my husband or no man shall. I know you had decided on Duke Nichol and he would have made a good match, but … I don't love him – I haven't even met him. Rumple is the Dark One and that is frightening, I understand, but he isn't a bad person. You married Mama despite her being an elf, despite half your advisors being against it, because you loved her. You married her even though there were those who used it to question your ability to rule." She sat back in her chair. "I only wish to marry for love as well. Besides, was it not Mama who insisted we were all to think for ourselves and form our own opinions about someone by their actions, rather than following what the Church said without any evidence?" Damn her for inheriting Colette's ability to make everything sound so reasonable and straightforward. Maurice opened his mouth but Belle wasn't done. "Maybe it is time we give him a chance as a kingdom. Maybe it is time for Dreymyr to take steps forward based on what we learn rather than letting assumption keep us in place. Rumple has earned the support of Chief Commander Aalto, the Grand Mage, House Xaver and two royal families since he was summoned here. Now he's somehow formed a truce with the dragons of legend, so why should Avonlea and the du Marchands not add ourselves to the list?"

"Two royal families?"

Not the part Belle had thought her papa would focus on, but still she nodded. "Yes, the Umbras are aware of the Dark One's return and Prince Horatio seems more keen on forming an alliance with him than anything else."

All these powerful people won over by a demon lord? Had some horrid spell been used like had been used on him? No. No, Maurice doubted that very much. As one who'd been bespelled, he had found himself in an excellent position to recognize it in others, and Belle was certainly her normal self. Colette had indeed pushed him to think for himself and never act just on the word of another. It had made him a better ruler and, since his girl was wise beyond her years, Lorrimer had been cured and the dragon threat had been neutralized with almost comical speed, Maurice decided to do as his late wife would have wanted and form his own conclusion.

"Very well, Belle. You win."

Belle reached across Lorrimer for her papa's hand. "I don't want to win, Papa, I just want to marry the man I love. I'm not saying the two of you need to be best friends, I'll settle for civil."

Maurice breathed out a laugh as he squeezed Belle's hand. "Civil might be all I'm capable of."

Her papa wasn't a bad man, he'd always understood Belle's desire to marry for love and had tried to choose the very best husband he could for her. Duke Nichol was only seven years older than her, enjoyed the outdoors, reading and his love for archery gave him an appreciation for tamers. Maurice honestly had thought him the best fit for Belle since they'd shared interests and temperament, but Lancaster, his former chamberlain, would have been more preferable than the literal Dark One.

"Civil is good enough." She confirmed. "You needn't worry about Phria or hierarchy in regards to Avonlea's bloodline. Besides, we already have three children."

"What?!" Maurice's voice was deep and stunned.

His daughter was only a month away from being nineteen, or had he been under that evil curse longer than he'd thought? Belle only smiled at his alarm though and again leaned back in her chair.

"Rumple has a son named Baelfire, he's wonderful and very smart. I know I'll never be his mama but I think he's come to accept my and Phria's love for his father. Then there is Amicia, she's an elf we found on the Limestone. She was – the Sons of Rael were going to sacrifice her." Maurice paled; the Sons of Rael still existed? No, he'd deal with that later. "She's Lorrimer's age and we just couldn't leave her. The first time she called me mama was one of the best days of my life. Then there is Valdis. She's a little hard to explain without causing a panic, but she's a lovely little girl. She calls me Mama Belle but I think she's closer to Phria. We're a found family I suppose you could say. I'd like to have my own child one day, but I adore all three of them. Rumple saved all of us, saved us from death, loneliness and slavery."

Quiet took over again then. Maurice needed to process and Belle had turned her attention back to her brother. Belle was right, he needed to see who Rumpelstiltskin was rather than just hearing Dark One and assuming the worst. It was the Drazvans who'd turned the Dark One into a boogeyman after all. Still, the other three demon lords had left nothing but destruction in their wakes.

~X~

When the final ward blocking Viren from Shiryu's cell broke, the man rushed to the bars where he found his boy bound by more chains than he could count which kept him mostly pinned to the cold floor. Shiryu hardly even looked up when his father spewed forth flames turning the bars to liquid, he was just too dehydrated and weak as he'd hardly been fed since he'd been captured. With a hole in the bars, Viren shot inside as Phria and Rumple came to a stop outside hoping the heat dissipated quickly.

"Shiryu?! Shiryu, look at me."

Rumple teleported a large trough he'd used for Svad on their trip to the fountain he'd spotted in the courtyard of the castle, then again into the cell so Shiryu could drink while they worked on getting him free of the chains.

"Father?"

"Yes, son, I am here." Viren's black eyes turned to Rumple. "Thank you for getting him water, Dark One."

Rumple didn't respond, just lifted one of the heavy chains so he could take a look at the magic circle etched into them. Blood locked, Tvon had used blood magic and Viren had eaten his body, so there wasn't any blood left to use. Most assumed that meant the spell could never be undone, Zelena certainly would have, but Rumple had a few tricks up his sleeves. One didn't spend as long as the Dark One as he had and not have a few hacks to show for it.

Phria rested a hand on Rumple's shoulder before he went back to work, just a little reminder that she was there and proud of all his efforts. It warmed his cold heart to know Phria had such faith in him, was proud of the better man he was trying to be.

As Shiryu drank slowly, dragon and demon lord deciphered a way if breaking his chains and Phria stood guard. Frankly, she felt a little useless since she couldn't help, but it was what it was. The scent of burnt mental lingered in the air as pools of iron cooled on the stone floor. While most of the dungeon's cells had straw in them, Shiryu's had been stripped clean of any for some reason. Had they assumed he'd use it to start a fire?

"Could he not have used fire to break free?" Phria asked herself more than anyone else, yet Viren answered.

"Shiryu cannot breathe fire. He is one of the Intercardinal Dragon and, as such, bound to an aberrant magic type. His is acid."

Phria's eyebrows shot up while Rumple continued to work. All in Dreymyr knew each element had a cardinal dragon, but she'd never once heard of intercardinal ones.

"An acid dragon? They are a real thing?" Viren nodded curtly. "So he breathes acids and toxic clouds instead of fire?" That question earned her another nod.

The white-haired pantherian was taken aback. Had the Church known all this and suppressed it, or had the mortal races truly lost so much knowledge to history? Acid magic was the aberrant magic of fire and water, used to create different types of acids and corrosive substances in liquid or gaseous form. Phria couldn't use it, but one of her Valkyries named Josephine could and it had always seemed like a deadly power. Though she knew it was favored by thieves for burning through padlocks, there were some acid spells which could be used to form protective barriers useful for those travelling volcanic areas or taking on teratects. Regardless, this dragon could have liquidized them if he'd wanted, yet Tvon had just teleported onto his back and stolen him away without a care in the world.

As she tried to take in what she'd just learned about dragons and their relationship with both nature and magic, Phria really looked at Shiryu. He was about the size of a dragonling, certainly a young dragon, and covered in beautiful violet scales. Though most probably never got close enough to notice them, Shiryu looked a lot like his father, complete with sharp horns and claws. Poor thing hardly fit inside his cell, his tail had been coiled around him and squashed inside until Viren had melted the bars. Some had claimed dragons violent creatures, but standing there watching Shiryu lap up the water, Phria only thought him innocent and in need of protecting.

"Father?" Shiryu began after several moments of quenching his thirsty. "Where am I? Who was that evil mage and who are these people? The demon smells powerful."

Viren nodded. "He is, son. This is Rumpelstiltskin the Dark One and his betrothed, the Valkyrie known as Phria Federlord. They allowed me to rescue you. Do not fear Tvon, he is dead now, he shall never harm you again."

Dragons seemed to be the only ones not instantly panicked when they learned there was a demon lord in their midst; frankly it was refreshing.

"Where is Mother?"

That was the first time Viren had looked anything but imposing; instead of a stoic expression, his face turned apologetic.

"She has still not returned, Shiryu. We knew her trip would not be a short one." Phria hadn't been able to help herself, she'd just asked who Shiryu's mother was as though it were a normal conversation one would have in a tavern. "Nynio is my mate."

Phria lifted an a white eyebrow. "The water dragon is his mother?"

To be honest, as a product of fire and water, a water dragon being his mother was the only logical answer, but she'd not expected her to be the water dragon.

"Yes. Nynio is overseeing an issue with the merfolk and is unlikely to return for some time. She does not know of Shiryu's capture."

Neither Rumple nor Phria envied the anger and worry Nynio would suffer through when she finally did leave the ocean's depths.

Time passed as it always did, without notice for Rumple and like sand slipping through an hourglass into eternity for Viren and Phria. On the outside, removing some chains seemed like a simple task, but for anybody who understood the complexity of blood magic – which was very few since it was dark magic – well, they saw the difficulty Rumple had before himself. Flamboyance and showmanship had died hours ago right around the time he'd broken the ninth ward baring the hallway to Shiryu's cell. Like with any child, patience soon ran dry with the purple dragon and he began to fuss and complain which only slowed things down further. Eventually though, after far more effort and back pain from being hunched over than Rumple had been prepared to expect, the final chain fell loose and Shiryu stood for the first time in who knew how long. He was wobbly for a moment but Viren steadied the boy.

Phria rushed to Rumple's side, the man honestly was exhausted, and cuddled into him as though she'd somehow transfer some of her energy. Rumple appeared to appreciate the sentiment and embraced her while Viren properly reunited with Shiryu.

"You're a hero, Rumple."

He huffed out a laugh. "Think you've lost it, darling. Aye, madder than I am."

Rumple may have teased to side-step the statement, but Phria wouldn't be fooled. The Dark One was a good man no matter what he thought or the Church tried to claim.

"Dark One?" All attention went to Viren to find the man's – or rather dragon's – head lowered in a small but polite bow. "You kept your word and freed my son, I am grateful. Dragons do not trust lightly, but you have earned it and my favor. I would like to extend this pact between you and the Cardinal Dragons. We try to avoid involving ourselves in the problems of the humanoid races when possible but, with Isra being lost to us, dark magic has returned to a wild state. You are no dragon, but you are immortal and a powerful dark magic user. We should be allied."

Rumple thought about it a moment. From what he'd learned from Belle and Ainsworth, cardinal dragons were anchors for magic and kept Dreymyr from chaos. While he saw no immediate use for making a deal with them, he'd not be given the opportunity again and everybody knew it was better to have and not need rather than need and not have.

"Very well, dearie. I'll recognize this pact and everything which goes along with it."

Viren nodded clearly pleased despite his stoic features. "Excellent. I shall inform the others." He offered his hand which Rumple shook once he'd disentangled himself from Phria. "The Cardinal Dragons and the Dark One are now comrades."

With Shiryu freed, Tvon dead and a deal with the Dark One, Viren had no reason to linger at Kalecaster Castle any longer. So, after Rumple had teleported them outside because Shiryu was too weak to take human form and too large to fit through the dungeon hallways, the father and son departed much to St. Claes' pleasure.

In the hours that followed, evening had descended and numerous tasks had been seen to. Messengers had been sent to St. Claes as well as messenger birds to several cities both foreign and domestic, informing of the dragon attack and the Dark One's role in it ending peacefully. Once word from King Artem had reached them that the Church was aware of the True Demon Lord's return, the decision had been made to expose Rumple's presents in an way which appeared both honest and painted him in a good light. Of course everybody had known it would cause panic, but the sooner the public started to grow used to the knowledge, the sooner they could start acknowledging the good Rumple had done and cease viewing him as a boogeyman who'd steal their children, burn their homes and rape their women. Basically, the quicker those who knew who Rumple really was managed show the public, the less chance the Church would have at using the demon lord's return to their advantage. To assist in pushing all of this along, both Gordana and Demeer had openly given their support of Rumple; Demeer had gone so far as to provide him honorary membership to the Mages Guild. Things moved fast but they had to if they were going to foil any ploys the Church had come up with.

While all of that had happened, Phria had forced Rumple into a bed and made him sleep at least for a few hours. He'd grumbled like a child about it but she'd not been swayed. Soon he'd been asleep with Phria tucked against his side.

Chapter Text

When exhaustion released Rumple and he finally managed to rouse Phria, he'd put his dragonlinghide coat back on as well as his boots and made a bee-line for the tower – well, there had been a slight detour to check on Belle who they'd found asleep in her bedchamber. Apparently King Maurice had carried her there hours earlier when she'd fallen asleep at Lorrimer's bedside. Part of Rumple had wanted to wake Belle. After all the months they'd spent joint at the hip, being apart for so long felt strange and simply wrong, but she needed the sleep even more than he had. So, with only his white-haired beauty for company, Rumple had made his way to the tower and torn the warding down to gain entry.

An atrocious stench of death assaulted them the moment the doors opened. The place was dark, coated an a thick dusty layer of dark magic and the same stench as a battlefield in the sun. Phria's hand had snapped up to cover her nose the moment she'd stepped inside while Rumple sighed beside her. Sighed because he knew that smell all too well: Corpses, corpses used as ingredients in the blackest of spells.

Steadily the mage and warrior made their way up to the top floor where they found Tvon's sacrificial platform, enough demon lord root to kill an army of linaelors and various spell books, some of which had been penned by Halinox personally. Just how Tvon had come to be in possession of such restricted and rare tomes they'd likely never know, but they'd never be able to be used again because Rumple sent everything away to his vault for safekeeping. The windows were thrown open to help clear the stench and Rumple did a thorough search of the main room to ensure there were no traps, tricks or missed demon lord relics. While the top floor he'd already cleared seemed to have been more of a reception area until Tvon had turned it into his personal sacrificial alter, and the lowest was nothing more than a bedchamber – though it had been littered with books Rumple had moved to his vault as well – it was the middle level where the death odor originated. Unlike the other two levels, the one holding the laboratory gave off a feeling of being trapped deep underground in a cave, like it had a mind of its own and enjoyed unnerving visitors. For a moment Rumple had actually entertained the idea since his Dark Castle had its own aspect of sentience, but it seemed significantly more likely that the dark colors and lack of windows were the cause.

"How did he not choke to death on that smell?" Phria asked as she continued to shield her nose from the stench.

"He likely stopped noticing it." Rumple replied with a forlorn expression.

The second he spotted the half finished potions littered about the room, Rumple made a mental note to block entry to the laboratory once they were done. He honestly doubted anyone would find their way into the tower what with the Rose Guard being rebuilt and Viren having melted the upper walkway, but the Dark One had always been paranoid.

At the very back of the room was a small wooden door undoubtedly to a storage area and kept shut by a heavy padlock. It barely even slowed Rumple down for a second. In one smooth motion an enhancement spell from the earth element called Stone Titan gave him the increased strength to yank the padlock away. Rumple tossed it onto a nearby table stained with ink and what looked to be powderized mana stones then pulled the door open. Inside was pitch-black and icy, Phria peered over his shoulder only to recoil as the rotting smell hit her firmly in the face.

Fully aware of the death he'd see, Rumple conjured a small fireball and had it hover above the centre of the tiny curved room. As disturbingly expected, Rumple found the source of the smell. Three young women all chained to the wall by a shackle; all dead, all pantherian, all tortured. In that moment Rumple wished he could raise the dead just so he could rip Tvon apart and force him to suffer the cruel agony he'd made these poor women feel. This horror was what people had always accused him of, what the Church of Drazva spread quicker than the common cold. Rumple had never slumped to this level of evil though, even on his darkest day he'd not so much as considered torturing innocent teenage girls for his own sick gratification. These girls had all succumbed to their injuries long before thirst or hunger could end their lives; perhaps that was a small mercy, or maybe it was just Rumple's wishful thinking.

A wave of his hand sent them away and caused the shackles to clatter against the stone wall. All Rumple could do for them was remove them from their hell.

"Where did you send them?"

"To the dungeon. No one will find them their and it will be easier to let them rest their until they're buried."

Phria knew he was right, but she'd not liked the idea of sending them from one prison to another. Those girls were pantherians just like her. Back when she'd been under her Uncle Hamish's thumb, people had grabbed her by her ears and threatened to cut them off, had told her she was scum and a whore. As a soldier she'd fought and been wounded, but never had she been subjected to the violent savagery that those three women had.

"Thank you."

Rumple didn't ask for what, he understood his fiancée's gratitude and wouldn't force her to explain it. Instead he turned to leave when the tiniest noise had the couple freeze in place. Though quiet, the noise had sounded almost like a slosh. Two sets of eyes snapped to a crate which came up to Rumple's hip suspiciously. With the smell and the tragic loss of life forgotten about, Phria partially drew her sword unsure of what they'd find inside that box. With a nod to one another, Rumple removed the lid and came face to face with a merfolk girl painfully coiled in on her side and crammed at the bottom of the crate. She was small but the crate was smaller. Turquoise scales had been ripped away from her tail here and there, while blue hair had grown matted and further imprisoned her inside the box. No more than two inches of water sat at the bottom, hardly enough to allow her to breathe. Despite all that, this child was alive. Here eyes fluttered as her body tried and failed to remain conscious. Phria sheathed her blade and quickly shoved down her anger to aid Rumple in ripping the sides of the crate off. With a creak of wood and splash of water, the girl slid out the crate onto the grimy floor revealing her to them fully.

The next few moments passed in a blur for the pair. Unsure of what else to do, Rumple teleported the merfolk child and Phria to Belle's chambers since he knew she had her own private bathroom, sent the bath to the ocean where he'd made his deal with Viren, then summoned it back and sat the girl into it gently. She hissed as salt worked its way into her wounds but didn't wake properly, not until Belle rushed into the room looking alarmed.

"What is go- Oh Gods, what happened to that poor girl?"

At Belle's startled words, the child tried to flee but it was impossible when being sat in the bath of ocean water was the only thing allowing her to breathe. Phria sheathed her sword and joined Rumple at the bathtub's side.

"You're okay," she promised softly. "Tvon is dead, he can't hurt you again."

Suspecting two smiling young women would probably be more comforting to her than Rumple's scary face, Belle knelt on the other side of her future husband and offered a caring expression.

"That's right, you're safe now."

Uncaring of any future consequence, Rumple healed her wounds and made sure not to make any sudden movements. The girl hid in her hair, cuddled it against her as though it were a pet or a toy, cerulean eyes were wide but downcast and her tail fin twitched with agitation.

"Do you understand us, little one?" Rumple asked as softly as he was able. "You don't have to speak, just nod so we know you do."

There wasn't any response.

"Maybe she only understands Aquan." Belle commented. "She's very young and the merfolk keep to themselves. I doubt many of them know Common."

That seemed like logical reasoning. The girl before him must have been eight or so and clearly knew little of life on land beyond the horrors Tvon had forced her through.

Rumple turned to his white-haired beauty. "Does anyone at the University understand the language?" She nodded and confirmed there were a few. "Have Demeer get the most knowledgeable on the subject. In twenty-five minutes, I'll summon you and whoever you're with back here from his office."

Phria could only nod before Rumple transported her to Bichelberger to locate someone capable of speaking with the child. The display of magic scared her and had her force herself further back into the tub in a desperate attempt to escape. Rumple just stared at her with a defeated expression.

"Belle, what is wrong with this realm?" Her brow furrowed. "I've seen more exploited and abused children in my time here than in three hundred years of being the Dark One. A cult was going to murder Amicia in a cave because they thought she might have part of a monster's soul inside her. Religious fanatics wanted to gut Valdis because she had the audacity to exist. Tvon has tortured and murdered more teenage girls than we'll ever know, and now I'm looking at a terrified mermaid who doesn't even know what we're saying. All she can do is wonder if I'm going to be the one to finally kill her." Those unique eyes turned to Belle fully. "What is wrong with Dreymyr?"

In an instant she'd taken Rumple into her arms, her recent slumber forgotten about in favor of holding him close and kissing his cheek.

"I don't know. I really don't know. It doesn't matter how many laws we have or the safeguards we put in place, there are always those who hurt whomever they choose. It's not all Drazvans, but the ones who think they're above everybody else just hurt and slaughter anyone who isn't fully human. People just pretend it isn't happening."

Rumple hadn't ever considered it before, but the Enchanted Forest was lucky. While mermaids existed in his realm, they were seen as people just as humans were, it had likely never occurred to those who lived in his realm to form a hierarchy of the humans, dwarves, mermaids and other magical creatures. Dreymyr wasn't so lucky though, their Drazvan religion had placated and aided in this cruel practice for power and wealth. As with most religions, it wasn't the faith which was evil, but rather the evil people who twisted it to justify their own actions.

Twenty-five minutes later on the dot, Rumple brought Phria back along with an older woman. He and Belle had excused themselves to Belle's room so the blue-haired girl could have some space – or maybe it was Rumple who'd needed some space. Seeing the weight behind his eyes, Phria went to his side and took his hand into hers comfortingly, then pressed a loving but light kiss to his cheek; such a caring young woman.

"Where is the child?" Asked the dark-skinned woman Phria had brought with her.

She was a short but feisty woman in her sixties with unwavering eyes, purple robes and a large witch's hat - the top of which had flopped down at the back. A no-nonsense person for certain, the sort who didn't spare Rumple a second glance and was likely unfazed by just about anything. Her face remained stoic while her voice held a light accent he didn't recognize.

Still holding his hand, Phria turned to face the short woman. "Rumple, Belle, this is Professor Idowu Mezgebu. The Grand Mage says she's the most knowledgable mage he's ever encountered when it comes to merfolk."

Rumple cared little for her name so Belle greeted her for both of them. As long as she could communicate with the girl, he was happy.

Professor Mezgebu let out a small unimpressed hum before repeating her earlier question. "Where is the child?"

With a clawed finger he gestured to the bathroom door and the Professor waisted no time making her way inside where the mermaid instantly recoiled as best she could in the bathtub. She looked the situation over, hummed again then spared a glance to Rumple in the doorway flanked by his fiancées on each side.

"Ocean water in a bathtub. Crude but it gets the job done."

None of them were entirely sure if that had been meant as a complement or an insult, either way Rumple didn't care. He'd seen enough of children being used and abused in Dreymyr and wouldn't stand there while this mage grumbled at him.

"I'm sorry, shall I get to work on a glass tank for her? We could charge admittance."

"No need to climb up on your soapbox, Dark One." With that the Professor slowly lowered herself to perch awkwardly on a little stool reminiscent of a cuttie-stool and began to sign to the girl.

At first the girl refused to leave the childish safety that her damp blue hair gave her but, eventually, her face peeked out just enough to pay proper attention to what Professor Mezgebu said. At first her face gave away nothing but fear and suspicion, something nobody could blame her for, yet, as time went on, the girl began to sign back. Rumple made a mental note to learn Aquan as fast as was physically possible if it meant communicating with her directly. Thanks to Ainsworth, he'd learned a fair amount of Draconic and Belle had provided him a working knowledge of Elvish, but Aquan hadn't ever seemed worth learning. Two gestures popped up more than anything else from the child; the first was a mimic of the gentle waves on the ocean surface and surely meant just that. The other was harder to figure out though; that one resembled a prayer position with both hands pressed together, but she crossed her thumbs into an X and rested her index fingers against one another.

"What does this mean?" He asked Professor Mezgebu as he mimed the sign – she hardly even glanced at him.

"It can mean a few things, none of them good. Bound, chained, captured."

Of course it meant something horrific like that. Unfortunately, it told Rumple nothing new about this merfolk girl or where she'd come from. The oceans were vast and filled with monsters – not too dissimilar from land when he paused to think about it.

While Rumple ruminated darkly, Belle and Phria kept their beautiful eyes on the blue-haired girl and gentle smiles on their lips. They might not have known Aquan but an honest smile was universal.

Several moments passed while Professor Mezgebu conversed with the mermaid, and Rumple's fiancées continued with their comforting smiles, until Belle finally asked the questions they'd all quietly desired an answer to.

"What's her name? Where are her parents?"

The girl startled at Belle's voice despite its softness, something which earned an unimpressed scowl from the Professor. Somehow, without a single word, she'd managed to have the trio depart for Belle's bedroom so the conversation could continue sans audience.

Some time later, after a light meal had been summoned for the three of them since none were quite sure when they'd last eaten, and after Rumple had popped back to Bichelberger himself to borrow some tomes on merfolk, Belle found herself pacing around the room.

"I'm never going to know just how many people have been forced to suffer inside this castle, am I? I've been so selfish – playing adventurer and falling in love while things grew darker. I fooled myself into thinking only my family was suffering -"

"Don't do that to yourself, Belle." Said Phria as she re-tied her hair up in that long ponytail of hers.

"She's right, sweetheart. You are the furthest thing from selfish, and you weren't playing adventurer at all, you were helping me."

Belle shook her head. "I should have done more."

Rumple caught her by the elbow then to cease her pacing and fixed her with a firm expression.

"What could you have done? You're not a soldier or a powerful sorcerer."

Her face fell. "I still should have done more."

It was then she found herself wrapped up in his loving arms, his warmth a welcome comfort.

"You didn't have brawn or power, you used your brain and did the only thing you could."

"Ran away?"

Rumple breathed out a laugh and doubted Belle had ever run away from anything, not with the level of bravery inside her. No, Belle wasn't a warrior like Phria or a demon lord like him, she was a scholar rather than a fighter.

"You made a deal with me. You didn't beg for your freedom or anything so predictable, instead you asked for me to save your family and your people. That is not selfish or cowardly, Belle. Trust me, I know."

Yes, he knew cowardice all too well. Cowardice had broken and hurt so much in his long life. Sometimes he'd allowed himself to imagine a world where he'd been brave and just, a noble knight or some sort of savior, but that was only the silly fantasies of a pathetic man. He'd never truly be brave no matter how much power he had or how hard he tried, but Belle surely had enough bravery for the both of them.

A click sounded as the bathroom door opened, then Professor Mezgebu slipped back into the bedchamber to find the trio all wearing expectant expressions.

"Well?" Rumple all but demanded.

Professor Mezgebu sighed. "She was captured alongside her mother in a net and hauled aboard a ship after encountering a sea serpent. Her mother attempted to defend her only to die doing so. I don't think the crew intentionally caught her, it was an accident caused by the panic of battling the sea serpent, but they saw a way to make some extra coin and took it. Sold her off to the first slave market they could. She says she was kept in a tank of some kind and describes what I assume to be an auction."

"That's how Tvon got her?" Asked Belle quickly. "He bought her?"

"Yes," nodded Professor Mezgebu. "She only calls him 'the bad man' and, while I expect there is much more, he seems to have wanted her mostly for her scales. Also, her name is Semiramis. I'll continue speaking with her, it's reassuring for her to have someone who understands her, but she is clearly starving."

Belle nodded. "Of course, I'll see what the kitchens can prepare for her."

That was all it took for Belle to hurry out the room in search of food for young Semiramis; they'd taken the time to eat but had totally forgotten about the child.

"I shall report this to the Grand Mage then speak with Ser Chrysaor about conveying this all to King Artem. I expect Belle can inform King Maurice."

Much as Belle had, Phria exited the room leaving the Dark One and a stoic old woman alone. Slave collars, cults, mad mages, dragons and now mermaids – it was just one thing after another with Dreymyr and Gordana had turned Rumple into a one-man Willow Blue. Despite all the irritation it had caused him though, Rumple wouldn't trade it, for his summoning to this bizarre realm had been the catalyst to reuniting him with Bae and allowed him to build a family. They may have been a peculiar assortment of people from all walks of life and species, but they'd come to care very deeply for one another and Rumple's dark isolation had been banished. Hopefully they'd be able to banish it for Sermiramis as well by returning her to her father or whatever family she had left beneath the waves.

"So," began Professor Mezgebu once she realized Rumple had slipped into his thoughts. "You're the Dark One of legend."

While more of a statement than an actual question, Rumple still flashed her a little flamboyant flourish as was expected of him.

"In the flesh, dearie."

"Hmm, I'd expected you to be taller." She folded her arms across her chest. "More muscular as well."

Rumple lifted an eyebrow at this completely unflappable woman. "I'm a demon lord, not a Lothario."

"Well, I suppose we should never judge a book by its cover. It's just that the Church depicts you as a giant beast in their stories and my mother told me them constantly as a child. Oh, you should have seen her the day I told her I'd be joining the University rather than the Knightly Order's mage division."

"I'm sure her heart was crushed, dearie." He responded without much care.

"She acted like I'd betrayed my race until the day she died." Professor Mezgebu shrugged; no matter what the relationship between her and her mother had been like, the grief of losing her had clearly faded decades ago. She made to return to the bathroom but paused with her hand outstretched to the door handle. Ebony eyes peered over her shoulder to him. "I meant no offense when I mentioned your appearance, Dark One. It is just that I had been dubious about you and now see why the Grand Mage and Captain Federlord have placed so much trust in you."

Then Rumple was alone unsure of what to do with Professor Mezgebu's comment. None of it mattered, not when there was so much else that needed doing. Semiramis had someone to watch over her, Belle would ensure she was fed and St. Claes had been spared total panic. Apart from learning Aquan as quickly as he could, rebuilding the section of Kalecaster that Viren had melted before it toppled and took the rest of the castle with it seemed like a wise next move.

~X~

The next day, Maurice finally made an official statement to his kingdom. The people of St. Claes had arrived to hear the speech hoping it would shed light on the unbelievable things they'd heard and seen over the last few days. So, with Belle and Lorrimer at his sides to show a united front, Maurice had addressed his people fully aware that one wrong word would surely be used against him by the Church in their quest for more power.

"… I understand your trepidation, but I am here to put your fears to rest. I am your King and it is my duty to protect Avonlea. Th du Marchands organized the construction of the Blockade and Ten Kingdom Castle to protect us all from the ogres, we ensured each of you can live peacefully no matter your race or religion. Now I ask for you to have faith in us, in your King. A dragon attacked Kalecaster, a creature we all thought long extinct, it burnt the Court Mage Tower and killed many, including Duke LeGume and Court Mage Haldor Tvon. Their deaths are a tragedy, but we survived, Avonlea survived as it always does because our people are strong." They'd never know the truth of what had happened at the castle, just the edited story designed to defend against a worse fate. "Some of you still think the Dark One's return to be a rumor or a lie, but it is not." Gasps and fearful murmuring sounded from down below the balcony Maurice gave his speech from. "The Dark One, whose name is Rumpelstiltskin, has returned to our realm after a thousand years. I know that is frightening, but he is not what we believe and is the reason the dragon fled. He saved Avonlea and her people, he protected us and continues to do so. Myth and reality are not the same thing, and I ask you all to be brave enough to separate the two. It is time for progress, we must respect our traditions and beliefs, but we cannot let ourselves be stagnant. I know it will take time for you to fully believe my words, to understand that I speak the truth freely and without fear. I ask you not to cast away your worries right away. Dragons have just leapt off the history pages, we were wrong about their extinction. Perhaps it is time to learn the truth behind our legends together. The Dark One has performed duties as a double-gold adventurer and those of you he's aided have seen who he is for yourselves. He has the support of the du Marchands just as he has the support of the Van Winchells, Umbras, the Grand Mage and Chief Commander of the Adventurers Guild. Rumpelstiltskin is welcome in Avonlea and we are grateful for his aid."

As expected, Maurice's speech didn't instantly calm things down or get Rumple a parade, but it did implant the start of change in the way people thought. The demi-humans, elves and dwarves were surely the most receptive to his speech as they'd never adhered to Drazvan bigotry, they'd judge actions over hearsay. This might not have been the perfect plan, but with three royal families freely supporting Rumple, the public would at least think on what Maurice had said. The Church's stories about the True Demon Lord always ensured he was represented as a monster who did evil deeds, but they never actually said what those evil deeds were nor did they have any factual history connected to him. To put it bluntly, all knew their stories were little more than fables except the zealots who refused to see it.

Tensions would be high for a great long while, but being so public about Rumple's whereabouts and those who backed him, meant that the Church couldn't blindly attack. Had it been a single kingdom then maybe, but three and the Arcane University were untouchable; especially when things were so dire in Olgarth. They'd bought themselves time in terms of a physical war, it was just the battle of propaganda now. The Church had practically split into two separate entities in recent years and it hadn't been an even split. Stewardship believers were by far more plentiful, but the dominion believers had the power and violent rage to get what they wanted.

By the end of the day the Church had gone into a sort of chaos mode. They'd begun spreading rumors that Rumple had brainwashed all of his supporters and that the dragon had been either the demon lord's pet or a fake. While there were some in more distant kingdoms and Avonlea cities who'd shared these suspicions, those in and around St. Claes had seen the red dragon, the smoke and smelt the brimstone. They'd seen it charging after a mage flying on a magic circle and known no pageantry had been involved. Over time the question became: If the Dark One was so villainous, why had he bothered to save Avonlea or take on quests for the Adventurers Guild? Then there was the Rose Guard who all respected him, they freely spoke of the Dark One rescuing them from the dragon and healing Prince Lorrimer without asking anything in return.

Chapter Text

As the silent battle for dominance over the minds of the common people continued, Belle encouraged Rumple to put in some extra effort when it came to how the people saw him. That was what had resulted in he, Belle, Bae and Azzy taking a trip to a plot of land not far from the shore where a warehouse had burnt down long ago. The citizens watched on with equal parts fear and curiosity as Rumple used earth magic to strip down the remains and construct a new building of two stories. Maurice had tried insisting that guards accompany them but Belle had refused; she was at her safest when by Rumple's side.

For several years that ruined warehouse had simply sat their as an eyesore but, with Belle unsure of how many demi-humans had been refused medical care since Gaston had taken over, she'd wanted to get a clinic built quickly. It was just an extra boon that making a show of Rumple building it would further encourage people to pay no heed to the Church's lies. As for Bae, he'd just wanted to be out of a castle and stretch his legs. His papa had promised no more indiscriminate killing and he seemed to be keeping to that promise; Bae was proud of him.

With the building up and the arrival of people to outfit and man the new clinic, as well as an uplifting speech from Belle about how there would be no exuberant costs and nobody would be turned away, the bravest citizens did slowly head inside to speak with physicians.

"Happy now, sweetheart?" Asked Rumple as they'd departed the clinic.

"Very. My mother actually suggested building a clinic there long ago. It's nice to see it a reality." She smiled up at him. "And then there's you. Did you see how people hid from you a little less?"

"Maybe for all of five minutes."

As they walked through the market people stared frightfully and created an almost comical bubble around Rumple, as though his powers didn't work beyond a certain circumference. Then again, Rumple supposed he should have been grateful there hadn't been any terrified screams followed by a mass exodus of the city. To be perfectly honest, he cared very little if the public opted to cease fearing he'd kidnap their children, but his public image was more about removing arrows from the Church's quiver.

"Papa, look!" Bae caught his father's sleeve and pointed to a little stall selling small apple hand pies. "Can I have one? We could take some back for my sisters as well."

Sweet boy. Bae had always been very loving and thoughtful, it was one of Rumple's favorite things about his son. There were plenty of sweet treats back at the castle now the servants were all in working order again, but he supposed buying from the market would be another way to show the Church was wrong.

As they approached the vendor people cleared away but kept watch over them all. They had given the citizens a lot to take in after all; the Dark One wandering about without a care in the world, Princess Belle walking the city instead of riding in a carriage and being escorted by numerous guards, and a giant waheela most had probably never seen before.

Belle put the nervous vendor at ease when she greeted him brightly and requested enough hand pies to ensure they, the girls, Phria and even Lorrimer got one when they returned. Belle could ease anybody's worries. The gold coin Rumple tossed to him was far too much money for some simple sweet treats, but that had been the idea. Generous wasn't a word normally associated with the Dark One, but he could again make gold and had no qualms aiding the royals in easing tensions.

Bae happily tucked the bag underneath his arm while he ate one of the hand pies and slowly they returned to the castle. These public outings wouldn't become a common occurrence, but they would re-enforce Maurice's speech.

~X~

After about a month, the silent battle with the Church reached a stalemate – which ultimately was what Demeer, Gordana and the three royal families had been hoping for. The Church would eventually think of some new angle, but they'd been forced to halt their attempts to indoctrinate the public.

In that month, Rumple had learned Aquan as best he could and Professor Mezgebu had begun teaching Semiramis Common. Things progressed slowly but she had picked up a remarkable amount. Then there was the way she'd ceased flinching every time someone entered the room. With a bath not being sustainable, Rumple had used his earth magic to construct a small building with a shallow but spacious pool for her to inhabit. Both Amicia and Valdis had been excited to meet a real mermaid so Phria had found herself taking the girls to play with Semiramis between her lessons. Of course leaving Semiramis alone in a pool all day except for when the girls or Professor Mezgebu visited wasn't exactly sustainable, so Rumple had begun working on a talisman for her much as he had with Valdis. He'd been working on it in the Court Mage Tower when Belle found him.

"At it again?" She asked as she hurried over to him. Belle hated the tower as much as Rumple did, but Maurice had allowed him to use it for the time being as it had all the tools he'd required. "Valdis keeps telling Semiramis about the talisman, she's very excited for her to have one as well."

"They're not candy, sweetheart."

"Maybe not, but Valdis is unlike anybody else and the talisman makes her feel like she has more in common with Semiramis."

Rumple sighed. "She shouldn't grow so attached, the girl will return to the sea soon enough."

There was a small issue with that plan though. Semiramis had spoken of a sea serpent attacking her and her mother before she'd been captured. She'd seen that monster tear many merfolk apart then the sailors had finished her mother off. All of it had left Semiramis terrified of the ocean and each time they'd spoken of returning her to her home, she'd become almost hysterical and refused to put one fin in the ocean. A mermaid scared of the water.

Belle perched on the workbench and took his hands into hers. "Rumple, don't you think it's time we just accept Semiramis is staying with us?"

Rumple took a breath. "Belle, I know what we did for Amicia and Valdis, but we can't collect children. Especially children who still have family in the ocean."

"An ocean she's terrified of entering and we have no idea which sea she was pulled out of. I understand what you're saying and I agree it is wrong to just take in every waif and stray we find, but this one needs us just as Amicia and Valdis did. You, Phria and I already have three children, what is one more? And, one day, if she decides she wants to find the family she has left, then we can help her."

"Belle, you turned nineteen yesterday." Yes, that had been a surprisingly quiet affair what with everything that had been happening. "And you wish to be mother to four?"

"My age has no part in this, Rumple. Had you still been planning to return to your realm to look for Bae, then I'd not suggest it. You're remaining now though and we are a family. Besides," she began with a smile. "I think the girls have already installed her as the middle sister."

Rumple sighed deeply and spared a glance to the black pearl he'd been working on. Had his spinster aunts not taken him in as a child, Rumple had no idea what would have happened to him. Those women had been his mothers, so he understood what Belle had been trying to get across to him, but Amicia hadn't had anyone to return to, and all of Valdis' family had been slaughtered centuries before her hatching; Semiramis still had family though and surely they longed for her return. They weren't an orphanage and Rumple's innate instinct to protect children only stretched so far.

"Belle-"

"Just think about it, Rumple." She cut him off and leaned to kiss his cheek as she dropped his hands. "You said yourself that something is wrong with Dreymyr and how children are treated. If Mira is with us then we know she's safe, loved and protected. The Dark One for a papa and Renner takes his job very seriously."

King Maurice and Rumple agreed on few things, but that Belle's ability to make everything sound so totally reasonable being annoying was one of them.

"Mira?" Questioned Rumple with a slight tilt of his head.

"Uh-huh. I mean, saying Semiramis every time is a bit of a mouthful." The beautiful princess stood. "Just think about it. Oh, and Papa has formally announced that I am to wed you. I felt enough time had passed for the Kingdom to get over the initial shock of you existing and, though Papa still isn't entirely happy with me wanting to marry you, he knows it's that or spinsterhood for me. My Great-Granduncle Gasper contacted him via a communication crystal and insisted on sending the Vita Tree's High Priestess herself to conduct the ceremony."

"I honestly don't care who officiates as long as we are married. I'd hate for you to be forced to live on Spinster Island with a cat and complementary bar of chocolate."

His quip had her chuckle and bend to kiss him once more. "There is one thing. The High Priestess is in Elvasitz and it will take her a long time to arrive. I wish for us to be married as quickly as possible, so-"

"Will I use my magic to speed things along?" He finished for her only to nod. "Of course, sweetheart, anything for you."

Pleased and with strict instructions for him to remember to join them all for dinner rather than working his fingers to the bone on the talisman, Belle departed leaving a soft waft of roses behind her.

Rumple's head fell backward. Everything had come to such an abrupt end after the deaths of Tvon and Gaston, all that chaos and then nothing like a story had finished. He didn't like it, felt as though it were too quiet, a calm before some worse storm. Still, life wasn't a fairy tale and Rumple may never have wanted to enter this bizarre realm, but it had brought Bae back to him and given him a family. Whatever storm came, Rumple would weather it for them if nothing else. For his family was the only time Rumple managed to squeeze some bravery out of himself.

Then there was Semiramis and her fear of the ocean. Part of him had known she'd not want to go back to the depths, part of him had long accepted he, Belle and Phria would become her guardians, but he'd hoped to salvage at least one child's family. Belle had been right, forcing her into the water would be cruel and make things worse, the best thing for Semiramis was to protect her until the day she was ready to enter the ocean again. Rumple glanced to the talisman he'd been working on, if he'd truly intended to shove her back in the sea against her will, he'd not have bothered crafting it in the first place.

Lastly was this High Priestess. Belle had mentioned her great-granduncle several times since they'd met and he knew that King Gasper was important to Belle, so refusing his generous offer was probably not a wise course of action. He couldn't teleport directly to Elvasitz though, he'd need to go to Bichelberger then use Jefferson's hat to continue to the forest city – and finally get his horse back. While returning to the Enchanted Forest had become significantly less important to him, it was still very much a priority for Jefferson and why he'd spent so long in Elvasitz learning all he could. For the sake of Grace, Rumple would aid Jefferson in returning regardless of a deal.

The next day, Rumple decided, the next day he'd make the trip and return with this High Priestess apparently willing to conduct the wedding of a beloved princess and a demon lord. For the rest of that one, he'd continue to delicately craft the sigil onto the black pearl and attach it to the two silver bands he'd chosen as a necklace. So that was what he did, he etched the tiny marks precisely and mindfully while avoiding thinking about how three young women and a child had been left to die in the storage room behind him. Demeer insisted a new court mage was on their way, Rumple just hoped this one was better than the last.

Later that evening, after he'd actually joined his family and Belle's papa for dinner, the three children had insisted on going with Rumple to test Semiramis' new talisman: Belle hadn't been wrong, Valdis was certainly excited about the whole thing. That was how he, the children, his fiancées, Renner and even Azzy had ended up in the small building Rumple had constructed to house the merfolk girl. While she'd been tolerating the pool due to it being so shallow and the only thing allowing her to breathe, it was rather evident she couldn't wait to escape it.

"Legs?" The blue-haired girl had questioned with her limited vocabulary after Rumple had produced the necklace and explained as simply as he was able. "Legs? Mine?"

Rumple nodded. "Yes, little one. Legs."

He crouched down and pushed her long blue hair out of the way. Out of all the things he'd encountered in Dreymyr, blue hair was certainly one of the less alarming, but it had caught his attention. As far as he'd ever known, mermaids in his realm had possessed the same hair colors as those who lived on land, but Belle and Phria had made it clear that blue, lilac and even pink hair was perfectly normal for merfolk and had been surprised he'd asked about it.

With little more thought, Rumple fastened the necklace from which hung the small black pearl he'd worked so hard on. As with Valdis, nothing happened for a few moments, and then the magic took hold and turned her turquoise tail into a set of tanned legs. Overjoyed, Semiramis forced herself out of the shallow pool and made to run about only to instantly collapse exposing herself to the room. Renner swiftly covered the eyes of Amicia and Valdis while he and Bae averted their gaze politely. Phria stifled a giggle before she and Belle helped the girl to her feet and Rumple summoned a dress of white detailed with blue and gold from his vault in Ranga for her. Semiramis didn't seem deterred in the slightest, just delighted to be free of the water and clothed in a pretty dress like Amicia and Valdis.

"Real legs! Real legs. All mine!"

"All yours, Mira." Belle confirmed as she stroked a hand through her damp locks. "How would you like to sleep in a bed tonight?"

Semiramis glanced up at her with puzzlement. "Bed?"

That little question had Amicia duck out of Renner's grasp and grab the girl by her hand with a big grin.

"Vee and I share, you can sleep in our room. You'll love it!"

There was another thing Belle hadn't been wrong about, the girls really had installed Semiramis as the middle sister. Rumple really had no choice, the only option was guardianship until she decided for herself to seek out her blood family.

While the girls, Belle and Phria encouraged Semiramis in taking her first steps and Bae spoke of how much she'd like the castle and city, Rumple and Renner gravitated towards one another with Azzy in the middle.

"My Lord, am I to understand you've taken Lady Semiramis as a daughter?" The pantherian queried while Demiurge snoozed around his neck – frankly the tree cat bordered on too big for such a thing any longer and Belle would likely aid them forming a contract soon enough. "If I'm to be bodyguard to the First Demon Lord's children, then I should probably know how many of them there are."

Rumple had been smart when he'd insisted that Renner protect all his children rather than specifying them by name, gender, quantity or blood. Ensuring their deal had no specifics on the children themselves had automatically made certain that were he and Belle or he and Phria to have a child or adopt one, they'd be protected as well. Semiramis wasn't who he'd expected the deal to extend to, but extend to her it did.

"Aye, Renner, I have and you will guard her like you do the others."

The shaggy-haired former assassin nodded curtly. "Understood, My Lord, Demiurge and I will watch over her."

Some days Rumple wasn't entirely sure how he'd gone from a lonely and evil sorcerer to a demon lord with a loving, and steadily growing, family. He'd never fully believe he deserved Belle nor Phria no matter what he did, and having Bae back in his life seemed more like a miracle than anything else. As a selfish man, he'd keep them all for himself.

~X~

Rumple had woken with the sun and slipped out of bed beside Belle to dress quickly. It was the day he fetched the High Priestess so that he could finally marry his beautiful girl with the sapphire eyes, and leaving early would keep everything on track. Once dressed he'd bent to kiss Belle's forehead as she'd continued to slumber then left the bedchamber for the room his – now three – daughters shared. The moment he'd pushed the door open a knife had embedded itself in the door frame beside him having missed by hardly an inch. Renner truly did take his job seriously and had long ago trained himself to be a light sleeper. While irritated by the blade, Rumple had thought little about it and ignored Renner's quiet apology. Instead he'd simply checked on his daughters, left a selection of new clothes for Semiramis when she woke and instructed Renner to pass on information of where he'd gone for the day.

As he'd headed back down the hallway and been about to teleport, Phria's silken voice called out to him. Rumple spun on his heel just in time to see his fiancée hurry over to him. Her cobalt armor had been freshly polished and her ponytail seemed slightly higher than usual.

"Good morning, darling."

She smiled and let him hug her close; his body was so warm.

"Morning." Phria stretched up to kiss him. While she may have been taller than Belle, Phria was still a few inches shorter than Rumple. "You're returning to Bichelberger, yes?" He confirmed he was. "I want to come with you. I need to speak with the Grand Mage and in person would be best."

Rumple's brow furrowed deeply. "Is everything all right, Phria?"

"Yes." She contended. "All fine. I wanted to visit a shop there as well. I thought I could get Belle the something new all brides need. Belle's dress is stunning and has these gold leaves on the skirt. Apparently the dress was her mother's."

Though her tone remained light, Rumple couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong underneath, not when a tragic dullness had settled in her emerald eyes.

"Phria, tell me what's wrong." He insisted. "Do you not want Belle and I to get married?"

"What?! No, it's not that – it's -" The pantherian sighed deeply and pushed herself lightly out of his grip, her eyes downcast. "It's just – I guess I feel like I keep expecting you to decide you don't want to marry me. You love Belle and -"

"Phria, stop. You're right, I love Belle and I'll always love her, but I love you as well." Silence lingered between them for a few moments as birds chattered outside the windows and a few maids set about their daily chores. "Do you know what True Love's Kiss is?"

"Something from fairy tales?"

"Partly. True Love does exist, it's just so rare few realize it. There's nothing to tell us who True Loves are, no map or hint. They can be born in a different realm or a hundred years after us, so finding your True Love is next to impossible. It's the most powerful magic there is, it can break curses that nothing else can. When you kiss a wave of magic bursts out and tingles on your lips. I felt that the first time I kissed Belle. I love her and nothing will ever stop me loving her." Phria's face fell. "But I felt it the first time I kissed you as well. I've lived more than three centuries and I've never known a person to have more than one True Love, a romantic love anyway. True Love can be the love a parent has for their child. I don't know if I did something noble and selfless in a passed life or made a deal with some deity, but I have two True Loves and being the greedy monster I am, I won't let either of you go." Rumple pulled the white-haired pantherian back into a loving embrace. "Please don't think I'll throw you away, I won't. I love you and you will be my wife."

"But you were so against it in the beginning," she whispered.

"Because having more than one wife just isn't done where I come from, not because I didn't love you. Promise me you believe me when I say you won't be cast aside."

Phria smiled up at him sweetly, her heart had been put at ease and worries banished to whence they came.

"Of course I believe you. I know you don't acknowledge the hierarchy of wives, but I just couldn't shake it."

Rumple petted her soft ears as he often did, though it was mostly to sooth himself.

"I'm the Dark One, I don't do what everyone else does."

That had Phria breathe out a cute laugh before she took his hand and insisted they head to Bichelberger instead of wasting daylight. Thankful for a clean way to duck out of such an emotional conversation without being rude, Rumple obeyed and in the blink of an eye they were in the vast city on the other side of the continent. Rumple went to hunt down Leotomas so he could pilfer the communication crystal they'd been using to contact Jefferson, while Phria had gotten a report from Vice-Captain Ravenscroft before she spoke with Demeer.

Finding Leotomas in the mass of hallways, classrooms and research labs hadn't actually been as difficult as anticipated for Rumple, not when Professor Ainsworth had easily directed him to the tall werewolf with a smile. Mad was Ainsworth, but helpful at least; with the rabbit ears he'd have fit in wonderfully in Wonderland. Getting the communication crystal off of Leotomas had been somewhat more of a hassle and the words 'authorized personnel' had left the man's lips more than once before Rumple had finally gotten his hands on it. Jefferson had been positively overjoyed to hear from Rumple but, when he paused to think about it, he had sort of left Jefferson grasping at straws while he'd gone off to rescue a kingdom like the white knight he truly wasn't. With hardly any encouragement Jefferson had popped back to Bichelberger to pick up Rumple before throwing them both back into his hat and escorting them to Elvasitz inside the Great Forest.

The city wasn't quite what Rumple had expected, he'd assumed the city to be a tiny thing darkened by a thick canopy and sparsely populated. In reality, Elvasitz was a stunning blend of rural and urban with trees and thick grassy areas wrapped around buildings all lit by warming sun. Towers poked out among the trees and lined a large hill which led up to the city's centre.

"I've made progress," Jefferson suddenly announced excitedly as they made their way along a cobbled lane. "The priests seem to think that magic is trying to balance itself by blocking off access to our realms. It was hard to understand at first, but they tell me it's like a scale: Wonderland, the Enchanted Forest, Oz, they're all on one side of the scale with their own version of magic, while Dreymyr is on the other scale. Magic is preventing the scales tipping by denying us a way home."

Yes, that was much the assumption Rumple had reached as well unfortunately. Balance seemed to be fundamentally important to Dreymyr and was clearly part of the reason the Cardinal Dragons existed. Viren and the others acted as anchors keeping those scales in place while dragons like Shiryu added further support and stability. Bypassing that anchor was the problem.

"That seemed evident." Rumple replied as they passed by three young elven women who giggled and eyed Jefferson; apparently rugged good looks and a scoundrel smile worked on women of any species. "Do these priests have any idea how to punch through?"

"Thank the gods, yes." Jefferson nodded. "Dark magic. I don't get it, but they say dark magic is different from other magic, like it's a unique thing both scales share. I told you, I don't get it. One of the priestesses, Síofra, she says that a big enough surge of dark magic should sustain a portal long enough for us to return."

Rumple lifted an eyebrow as he came to a halt not far from the Vita Tree Temple. "And precisely where are we meant to get a 'big enough surge' I wonder? It won't be me, that's for damn sure."

He'd felt the power of the summoning spell when he'd been forced into Dreymyr and, while he was immortal and certainly wouldn't somehow run out of magic, it would be painful and probably leave him unconscious. This wasn't tossing a bean on the ground and jumping, whoever cast the spell needed to be hyper focused, and Rumple doubted he'd be able to while in torturous agony. Tvon had surely used whatever else he'd managed to scrounge up from Halinox other than his ring, but this time they needed something more reliable. Mana stones likely wouldn't make a good substitute as they were an amalgamation of all the elemental magics. Where the hell were they supposed to find a big enough pool of dark magic that wasn't him?

"I don't know, but at least we know what we're looking for now." Jefferson sighed deeply and fidgeted with his cuff agitatedly. "Your kid came to you in a roundabout way, my Grace can't."

Yes, Rumple knew he'd been incredibly fortunate in that sense. He'd never met young Grace though had heard Jefferson prattle on about her enough times to know he'd do just about anything to be with her; Rumple admired him for that.

"We'll consult Demeer," he decided. "That University vault of his has to have items belonging to the other demon lords in there."

Thankfully pacified, Jefferson guided Rumple the rest of the way to the temple building, then trailed after him when one of the priests took Rumple to meet with the High Priestess. While desperate to return home to Grace, Jefferson still wanted to know everything about the Dark One's wedding – who wouldn't wish to get all the gossip on that topic?

As soon as the wooden doors carved with vines opened and the two men admitted inside, they were struck by the fragrance of lilies and patchouli; if that scent came from the High Priestess herself or the numerous floral arranges designed to further bring nature indoors, neither could quite tell. Vera Lilyfay's office wasn't large or grand, but there was an elegant beauty to the décor and a fairly large open balcony where she stood staring out at the majestic forest. Silvery-lilac hair hung straight and long down her back. She wore a green cloak adorned with two dramatic points at each shoulder and an unusual headdress which left two wing-like points above each ear. Vera's ears were much more noticeably pointed than Belle's half-elf ones and, while beautiful, she gave off an air of being much older than she appeared.

"King Gasper made me aware of your arrival," she said slowly as she turned to face them. "Welcome, Dark One. I am High Priestess Vera Lilyfay. I must admit, my King instructing me to officiate the Dark One's wedding to his great-grandniece was something I worried deeply over, but I am pleased those worries were unnecessary."

Rumple cocked an eyebrow. "And why is that, dearie?"

"Drazvans would have us believe you evil and nothing more, but nobody is just one thing. You have darkness inside you, but you are not dark. I feel you were born to be something quite different from what you are. It was taken from you – no, cut from you."

If this woman had sipped too many cups of nightspore cap tea or was just an odd one, Rumple neither cared nor had the time to ponder. Belle had told him she wished for them to be married as soon as possible and he'd not deny her.

"That's all very interesting, dearie, but my bride has a schedule."

Vera chuckled. "More than evil indeed." She slowly made her way across the room to a small tea set and began to pour cups for the three of them. "While I apologize for disturbing Princess Belle's schedule, I was commanded to wait for King Gasper's arrival before departing. He will be joining us as it is much more agreeable to simply use your spacial magic rather than fatiguing so many good horses."

"Dearie, I'm not a damn carriage."

Jefferson simply smirked and accepted one of the teacups from Vera; these amusing little interludes really did restore much of his willpower.

"Belle will just send you back for her uncle or whatever he is and you know it." He pointed out as he flopped into a chair. "At least this way she won't frown at you."

Damn, the Hatter had a point – wasn't exactly a good point, but a point nonetheless. That was how he ended up taking tea with the head of a major religion. Something about the elf reminded him a little of the seer girl he'd known, as though Vera were looking through, around and into him all at the same time. Weirdly, it didn't leave him uncomfortable, not when Vera gave off a sense of acceptance for all.

The trio spoke at length about what Jefferson had learned during his extended time in the city and got a more accurate description of this scale Jefferson had spoken of while they waited for King Gasper. Vera had gone so far as to offer possible places Tvon would have found Halinox's magic tools. The woman was a font of knowledge that Rumple could have done with speaking to months ago. She knew the story of the Intercardinal Dragons and that dragons hadn't gone extinct but rather chosen to remove themselves from the affairs of men. Vera Lilyfay, he decided, had been more insightful than even Demeer.

Eventually the conversation came to an end though when King Gasper arrived accompanied by only a small entourage of knights. Their greetings were short, to the point and soon Rumple was able to return to Avonlea with a king, a priestess and a madman like some bad joke. At least he'd remembered to send Svad to Kalecaster's stables before they'd departed.

Chapter Text

The arrival of King Gasper and Vera Lilyfay sent the castle into a flurry of chaos, maids rushed about ensuring everything was perfect for their stay while footmen saw to getting things set in place for the upcoming wedding. Neither Belle nor Rumple desired a bold wedding, just something small suited them fine, but Belle was a princess and he a demon lord so a quiet affair wasn't really in the cards for them. Normally royals wed at the Church on the other side of the city – for obvious reasons that wasn't in the cards either. So, alternate arrangements had been made. Vita Tree weddings traditionally took place outside among nature, therefore the choice had been made to hold the wedding on the expansive balcony where Maurice gave public speeches from, and allow the city's residents to whitness. Annoyingly publicized, but another way of improving Rumple's image with the people of Avonlea.

Shortly after night had swept over the sky, dinner had begun for what King Gasper had happily referred to as 'the whole family' and consisted of both kings, Belle, Rumple, all the children, Phria and little Lorrimer who'd finally recovered enough to leave his chambers. Honestly the boy seemed like an entirely new person without the constant pain and exhaustion. Maurice might have still held some reservations about Rumple, but he'd always be grateful to him for saving his son.

"I've been wondering," began King Gasper as he took a sip of the freshly opened Red Dove wine. "You're the Dark One, but how is it that you are not the man who came to our realm before?"

Maurice's brow furrowed deeply with confusion as did Renner's – he'd been tucked in a corner pretending he wasn't there – but it was Belle who spoke first.

"How do you know that, Uncle Gasper?"

Gasper, a man with brunet hair that brushed his shoulders and inordinately long ears, chuckled. "Oh, sweet niece, we elves live long lives and remember the stories told before the Drazvans edited them. That Dark One was described as tall and unwavering, the sort of man who cut down anything in his path unless one was useful to him." He waggled a finger at Rumple. "But you're not like that. You're slight and reasonable – a touch dramatic and insane, but that seems true of all demon lords. That Dark One slaughtered dozens of lesser black dragons then vanished like he'd never been there, it's why those poor dragons are so rare now."

Was that it?! Was that how the other Dark One had escaped Dreymyr? He'd sacrificed a plethora of darkness dragons to power the spell. Unfortunately, that sounded like it was unlikely to work again.

"You might as well tell him, Papa." Said Bae after a moment of silence. The boy sat at the other end of the dining table with his three sisters and had a reassuring smile on his face; Bae was always so strong. "No point hiding it when Belle and Phria already know."

"Yes, do tell." Gasper encouraged as he leaned forward in his chair.

Rumple sighed. "The Dark One isn't a person, it is a curse. A curse which can pass from one person to another if certain criteria is met. Some take on the curse willingly to gain power or wealth, others are tricked into it when they try to do something noble."

"And which are you?" Maurice asked from his place at the head of the table.

"I'm not sure how noble I was being, but it is the latter. The Dark One before me wanted to die so he tricked me into killing him. That's how the curse is passed, you see, the old must be killed by the new."

"Aren't you immortal, Papa?"

Rumple flashed a smile to his sweet girl. "Yes, Amicia, I am. There is a way to kill me but it is not possible in this realm." Brown eyes flicked to the two kings. "I don't suggest you try, it will not work."

"Oh don't worry about that, you're family now. I shan't be killing the husband of my darling niece. Although, if this mysterious only way is impossible in Dreymyr, does that mean your curse cannot be broken?"

"In an odd way it already has. The evil that comes with my curse doesn't speak to me as long as I am here. I am free of its machinations."

Part of him wanted to deny everything and say nothing about his curse, but for Bae's sake he told them. These people were his family and he didn't want to be a monster. The people of St. Claes had slowly begun to accept him and it felt nice – felt so nice, and a glance to Bae told him he'd made the correct choice. Confirming to the rest of the realm that Lorrimer was well and had been officially recognized as Maurice's heir had also eased concerns that Rumple was after Avonlea's throne; being king was the last thing Rumple cared about. For the first time in all his life, Rumple had a family that loved him and a safe place for his children. He didn't need to keep his secrets so close to his chest now, not when his paranoia had waned somewhat.

Dinner went on a little longer until plates were cleared and wine bottles emptied. Valdis and Semiramis had eventually started to nod off which had prompt Renner to carry them back to their room while Phria and Belle saw to putting Amicia and Lorrimer to bed respectively. While it hadn't been said aloud, most assumed Maurice and Gasper had headed off to some dark room lit only by a fireplace to crack open some ancient brandy and ruminate about kingly duty. That had left Rumple and Bae alone on their slow wanderings through the hall. Bae did most of the talking, had sensed his papa's nerves at his upcoming wedding and did his very best to ease them. The boy only had one brief memory of his parents being happy together, they'd been laying in a clearing with a little shared lunch and laughter; there had been times when Bae had thought it a false memory. Milah must have loved him and his papa at least a little once upon a time, but she was gone and come the next evening he'd have a step-mother; then another one the night after that. Suffering was behind them now. With Belle, Phria and his three new sisters, they'd finally have some joy in their lives and be a proper family again. 'The whole family' that was what King Gasper had called them and Bae rather liked the sound of it. So, he encouraged his papa and eased his nerves, then retired to his chambers for some sleep knowing a royal wedding would be a busy day for all involved.

~X~

The day was warm and golden, the perfect day for a wedding, but Rumple had passed through the morning in a sort of daze. A princess, a genuine princess had agreed to be his wife without ploy or deal. Amicia, Semiramis and Valdis had been dressed in matching lilac gowns of silk and wore delicate flowers in their hair, the trio radiated glee just as girls their age should have at a wedding and Rumple found it sustained his shadowy heart. Seeing Bae dressed in a fine suit had been a surprise but an exceedingly welcome one, he made quite the handsome young man. As he stood there awaiting Belle's arrival with the hubbub of St. Claes' citizens far below the balcony, Rumple spotted Phria. She'd insisted on standing at the back by Renner – who had actually combed his scruffy hair back for the occasion – like little more than a bodyguard rather than with the children and Prince Lorrimer. Had insisted that, as his secondary, she should have been as far removed from the wedding as was physically possible despite Belle's insistence that she was there. Traditionally, Phria never would have been allowed to attend as her presence would have been seen as rude and arrogant above all else. So, at the very back with Renner and Demiurge she stayed.

This wedding wouldn't suddenly convince the last of the suspicious that the Dark One was a good man or not a threat, but the party thrown throughout the city afterwards would surely do wonders for all after the hardships Gaston and Tvon had placed on them all. Pontiff Buchanan had gone so far as to personally send a letter to King Maurice low-key threatening him into casting Rumple out. He'd claimed it to be for the good of the realm and his duty as a Drazvan, but Maurice had ignored it. Colette had made him wary of the Church and Belle had chosen Rumple as her husband of her own volition.

When Belle had exited onto the balcony, Rumple's breath had abandoned him. That coward inside his soul had urged him to simply run away but no, he couldn't abandon his beautiful Belle. While the lilac dresses his daughters wore were elegant, they didn't hold a candle to Belle's wedding gown. A striking but also understated dress which had once belonged to her mother. Sleeves and a trail made from intricate lace, a golden corset and skirt embroidered with golden leaves. So beautiful, so wonderful, and somehow all his. Rumple hadn't spotted it, but Maurice had shed a tear seeing his sweet daughter wearing his late wife's dress; Colette would have been proud.

Vera conducted the wedding with class and determination to show love was its cause rather than contracts or threats. Perhaps, with this wedding ceremony, the mortal races could finally start to set aside fear of a past they didn't fully understand and embrace a future where there wasn't a need to order the races into a hierarchy. True love was the most powerful magic of all, and hopefully it would save Dreymyr.

Eventually the kiss binding them came and for that moment nothing else mattered; not politics or superstitions, nor power and the fact he still didn't know how to open the portal for Jefferson. Married – Rumple was married after so many years of loneliness and isolation, of depression and pain. A wife, a beautiful, kind and compassionate one at that. Vera presented them to the crowd as husband and wife and a cheer erupted. They seemed positive and pleased, though that may have had something to do with Rumple killing the Jotunn scorpion that had somehow found its way into Rosewater Harbor frightening the life out of the locals. Not that anybody else knew, but Rumple had only done so because Semiramis had spotted it after the screaming began from the castle and flashed back to her mother's death that cold, dark night.

Though trepidation continued to linger, the city celebrated their princess' wedding long into the night while the castle did the same with a great banquet; which had included a whole roasted hammer boar. Not even the Church and Pontiff could take away the day's joy. Yet, long after the day had turned to night, Renner had shuffled the children off to their beds and Gasper had allowed himself to drink himself into a stupor, Rumple and Belle fell into bed together to consummate their marriage. Many husbands would have expected their new wives to be quiet and hold still so they could do with them as they pleased, as was their so-called right, but not Rumple. No, Rumple basked in the wondrous sounds Belle made for him as though they provided sustenance. He had no need nor want for a compliant puppet, Rumple wanted Belle for who she was and adored her as a woman rather than some doll conditioned to be nothing beyond a pretty broodmare. Their lips locked as warm hands caressed one another with a bubbling wanton desire. Though they'd known one another before, this was so very different as this was the lovemaking of newlyweds. Belle cried out as he filled her, her nails scraped against his heated golden skin marking him as hers much as the fresh lovebites on her neck marked her as his. Many had probably expected the Dark One's skin to be rough like that of a snake, but Belle knew the truth, felt its softness as his kisses lavished her. Rumple was warm and strong, knew just how to touch her and flooded with animalistic pride when she mewed and moaned for him. They rushed to the precipice with speed and more desperation that either had been willing to expect, then tumbled suddenly from that steep cliff into the blissful waters below; Rumple with a deep grunt and Belle with a gasped scream of her husband's name. Euphoria tingled through the couple as Rumple's arms gave out and he was forced to roll onto his side beside Belle while they panted.

For Rumple, arriving in Dreymyr had once been a curse, but slowly he'd come to realize it to be a blessing in disguise. Had he not been summoned both Amicia and Semiramis would certainly have been killed, Belle surely would have been forced to marry Gaston and witness the horrific war he'd start in his search for power, Bae would have remained lost, Phria alone and quietly ridiculed by those under her command, even Renner would have continued to suffer. Rumple knew he wasn't a hero by any stretch of the word, but he'd finally been able to do some good with his curse just as he'd wished at the very start. Not a saint, though maybe not a sinner anymore.

~X~

Phria wasn't quite sure what to do with herself. She'd witnessed the man she loved marry his primary wife then sat through the feast while well wishes were tossed around the great hall. Jealousy wasn't what she felt, uncertainty would have been a better word for Phria couldn't silence that little voice in the back of her head that said Rumple would change his mind. Their wedding was set for the next evening, a much smaller and less public affair than his one with Belle, but Phria honestly preferred less fanfare. That was how she'd wandered into the small room her dress had been stored in. A beautiful gown that Rumple had yet to see. While Belle's had been detailed with lace and golden embroidery, Phria's had been delicately embellished with numerous white, green and golden beads. Not the sort of dress one would likely associate with Phria Federlord, but she'd adored the intricacy of it and hoped Rumple would as well. Despite the gown's beauty, that voice continued to worry her. He loved the white-haired pantherian, of course he'd marry her, but still the voice went on.

Determined not to give that voice a moment more, Phria had retired to bed in anticipation of her wedding the following day. Rumple wasn't a perfect man, no one had claimed him to be, but he was the one she'd given her heart to and she loved him dearly.

As all others had, that day came and saw Phria's hands shake like they never had before. She'd fought monsters and seen comrades die without ever shaking the way she had as Vera had begun the wedding ceremony. Having wives support one another was an exceptionally rare thing for those sharing a husband, normally the primary was the only one of any import, but Belle had truly been a rock for a nervous Phria. It had dawned on her then that this must have been even more bizarre for Rumple himself since having more than one bride just wasn't done where he came from, add to that the fact his new wife stood smiling while he married another woman and he surely must have stumbled into quite the state of ambivalence too.

When Phria had officially joined the Valkyries, she'd mentally resigned herself to remaining unwed all her life and focusing only on her duty. Many Valkyries had married, there wasn't a rule forbidding it, but Phria had been forced to work twice as hard for her place among the cobalt-clad warriors. It hadn't bothered her, or maybe it had bothered her and Phria had just done a good job of lying to herself, either way marriage had been the last thing on her mind when she'd first encountered Rumple in Demeer's office. Much like Cynthia, she'd thought it better to cut him down than work with him at first, but he'd soon shown himself to be a strangely kind man who doted on children without meaning to. He'd treated Phria with such kindness and respect when even the supposedly good people hadn't bothered. Was it really any wonder she'd fallen in love with him? He seemed to think he was the lucky one who didn't deserve her nor Belle, but Phria felt she was the lucky one. She'd found someone who loved her for who she was rather than what she was or what her position could do for them. It was only in that moment that Phria finally understood why Rumple hadn't ever referred to her as his secondary bride, because she wasn't a pawn or a backup plan to him, she was simply his wife.

The Dark One's wife, and she hoped to be for many years to come.

~X~

Renner had been the one to alert Rumple and his wives to the fact Semiramis was hiding something. At first all they'd done was lift eyebrows and wait to hear whatever childish thing it was, but Renner had seemed honestly vexed by the whole thing. That had been what had gotten Rumple, Belle and Phria to really pay attention. Semiramis hadn't been with them very long and, while delighted with her new legs and siblings, she'd been through an ungodly amount of trauma. If the blue-haired girl had chosen to hide something it was for a reason and likely something which needed to be addressed. So, one early afternoon, Renner had allowed Semiramis to think she'd slipped away from him and her siblings knowing Rumple and his two wives would follow her. She'd done her best to be stealthy but, being only eight, most of that skilful stealth only existed inside her head. Slowly, to avoid stumbling, she'd made her way down to the small building with a pool Rumple had constructed for her and slipped inside. The trio had waited a few moments before they followed the blue-haired girl inside, and when they did they found Semiramis crouched on the floor in the corner with her back to them clearly holding something. Semiramis feared water, anything bigger than a bathtub caused her to shy away or panic, so her willingly returning to the spacious pool of ocean water didn't quite make sense.

Rumple cleared his throat only for Semiramis to yelp and spin around as she did her best to hide whatever it was behind her back. Though logically she knew they'd never hurt her, Semiramis' eyes still grew wide and her heart raced.

"What do you have hidden there, Mira?" Belle asked sweetly, a charming smile on her face as she crouched beside the child.

"Nothing." Semiramis insisted in that way only children could as her face paled.

Of course they all knew 'nothing' to be a lie, so Rumple crouched down before her and offered what he hoped was a reassuring smile; comforting or not, Semiramis didn't seem all that reassured.

"Mira," he started softly. "Please show us what you've got."

Clearly worried and hesitant the blue-haired girl shook her head but Rumple's expression didn't let up, and Semiramis soon cracked.

"Please don't kill him."

That comment only caused more confusion and had the three adults to frown in puzzlement. Out from behind the girl came a small blue smile only just beg enough to fill Semiramis' cupped hands. The slimes he'd encountered in his travels had all been adult slimes, this one was hardly bigger than a large orange; to be perfectly honest it was fairly cute.

"A baby slime."

Rumple glanced up to his new pantherian wife. "Baby? Actually, how do these things reproduce?"

While a little taken aback by the odd question, Phria didn't argue, just explained. "They divide. Not always perfectly in half either, those smaller ones we call baby slimes."

Well, one learned something new every day it seemed. The strange creatures that inhabited Dreymyr never ceased to amaze him.

"Will it get bigger?"

"Yeah, as long as it keeps eating, it'll grow to full size."

Belle pulled their attentions back to young Semiramis and the slime when she crouched as well. "Where did you get the slime from?"

Mira worried her lip. "Em, when Renner took us on a walk of the gardens Bubble was by the fountain."

Oh Gods, she'd already named the damn thing. Bubble, a name almost disturbing in its lack of imagination, though admittedly fitting for the blue ball in Semiramis' hands. Ball was the best description a slime could hope for what with it having no other notable features such as limbs or horns, just a round ball of blue with two darker blue spots that acted as eyes.

"Don't get rid of him. Let me keep him?" Semiramis pleaded as she pulled Bubble closer to her chest. "At least I think he's a him." As a sentient gelatinous mass, Bubble was technically more of an it than a he, but who was Rumple to argue? "I don't know what he eats yet, he turned down everything I brought him, but I'll find out. He drinks so I brought him here." She gestured to the pool.

Mira had seen her mother slaughtered, had been through enough separation and pain. So, flanked by both of his wives, Rumple knew he'd cave. Oh, how different he was without the Darkness whispering to him.

He held up two fingers. "You can keep it on two conditions." Semiramis nodded frantically. "You have too take care of the thing properly, that means preventing it from dissolving whatever it pleases." Another frantic nod. "The other is that you have to let Belle form a bond between you and Bubble just as she has with Azzy and Albedo."

In less than a heartbeat Semiramis had agreed and lit up. Their issue with Semiramis' secretiveness solved, Belle took her to begin a bond while Phria reported to Renner so he didn't worry. Out of curiosity, Rumple had headed for the gardens to investigate the fountain Semiramis had mentioned, and he'd soon discovered a small patch of alsuprotea growing there. Alsuprotea were no rare sight, they grew just about everywhere and had a pastel pink color which made them easily visible. No, what had Rumple's interest was the small crescent where they'd clearly been eaten away. Was it possible that Bubble only had a taste for these medicinal herbs?

More curiosity was what had Rumple tug a few from the ground and teleport into Belle's room knowing that was where he'd find the blue ball. Sure enough, when Rumple tossed the clump of alsuprotea onto the table, Bubble quickly absorbed the pink plant and began to dissolve them. From Phria, Rumple had learned slimes were what they ate, some consumed only poisonous mushrooms and became poisonous themselves while there was that one at the Arcane University that had eaten so much metal it had developed its own exoskeleton. If Bubble ate herbs used for healing, then perhaps Rumple could put the slime to good use in future. Oh, what it was to have a plethora of new research avenues for him to stroll down, things had gotten boring back in the Enchanted Forest.

Chapter Text

On the day a hræsvelgr had appeared on the horizon, the denizens of St. Claes had been curious at first, followed by confused as it had neared the castle, and finally concerned as it had made to land inside the walls. Unlike Viren though, this massive bird had no intentions of wreaking havoc upon them. Thankfully, Demeer had sent plenty of warning about this hræsvelgr including that his name was Aethon, and a companion to Avonlea's new court mage. So, instead of panic, a small group made up of Rumple, King Maurice, Belle, Estienne and a few servants had gathered to greet their new arrival.

Aethon had gargantuan wings of blue feathers which lightened towards the edges, and an eagle-like head. He was easily taller than the portcullis and could surely inflict a great deal of harm and damage in only a few moments should the mood take him. Aethon wasn't the sort of bird to be trifled with for sure.

The creature lowered one wing after a few moments so a woman wearing an excessively large witch's hat could slid down to the ground. She petted Aethon's feathers a moment in thanks then turned her attention to King Maurice and his small entourage. This was the new court mage then. Demeer had told Maurice two things about her beyond her name; the first was that her choice of clothing might have been considered too risqué for the more reserved of people, while the second was that she was somewhat lax in her etiquette. Frankly nobody had cared all that much, as long as she wasn't insane or evil like Haldor Tvon had been, that was good enough for Avonlea.

She strode towards them with calculated steps in a dress of black and red leather which happily showed off her large cleavage and a short cape of the same material. Her hair hung golden from under that large hat and her amber eyes could surely bore a hold into a man if angered. Something about this woman reminded Rumple rather strongly of Regina; perhaps it was the stern expression or simply the red lipstick so dark it may as well have been black.

"King Maurice," she began with a lowering of her head rather than the traditional bow or curtsy – lax in her etiquette indeed. "I am Flavia Rudbeckia, your new court mage here on the Grand Mage's orders." She lifted her head and proffered a small scroll which were her written orders no doubt. "I am honored to serve you and Avonlea."

Maurice took the scroll bearing Demeer's hamster seal and unfurled it, read the document quickly then passed it to Estienne for his perusal. It was about time the kingdom got a new court mage, especially after the tower had been rebuilt and risk of dragons attacking had been nullified.

"We are pleased to have you. I hope you do my kingdom proud, Lady Flavia."

"As do I."

Many royals might have been irked by the lack of a 'your highness' on the end or the way Flavia met his eyes but, with Demeer's insistence on just how competent a mage she was, and the fact his daughter had just married a demon lord of all things, Maurice couldn't have cared less about a touch of premature familiarity. He'd been told fire was Flavia's forte and judging by her dress and fiery nature, had no reason to doubt it.

Maurice gesture to Estienne who'd still been reading the document. "This is Estienne, he is my marshal, please direct any issues or questions you have to him. This beauty is Princess Belle, my daughter." Belle offered a polite smile. "And this is Rumpelstiltskin -"

"The famous Dark One." She finished for him. Yes, she certainly reminded Rumple of Regina but he'd not go corrupting Flavia the way he had with her. "I have much I would like to learn from you, My Lord." Oh, so he got some proper etiquette. "Mostly your potion craft methods. The Grand Mage spoke so very highly of your skills."

"I don't do show and tell, dearie."

Belle rolled her eyes. "Forgive my husband, he thinks he's funny. I've had the maids ready the tower for you and stocked the workroom. I hope it will be to your liking. I'm sure Estienne can find a suitable place for your hræsvelgr to call home."

"Very kind, thank you. I would like to asses the damage to the castle's warding as my first act. I'm sure the Dark One has thoroughly increased security, but I'd like to examine it myself for my own peace of mind."

Since it was a perfectly understandable request, Maurice had allowed it and Flavia had soon gotten to work with Estienne as her tour guide. While Flavia's arrival had certainly been a good thing, it meant that Rumple had lost his quiet place to work and would have to source a new one. That was most of the reason he'd ended up with the Dark Castle, it had doubled as a monster's lair and quiet, though lonely, place to work and spin. Living out his days at Kalecaster Castle didn't seem viable either, the Church would use it as a reason to go after control of Avonlea and Rumple had no desire to live with his father-in-law. Maybe he'd take over Rutherford Tower to ensure no demon lord worshippers got the idea of trying to open up another portal. Unfortunately, that place wasn't designed for a family to inhabit. Ah well, that was a problem for another day's Rumpelstiltskin.

~X~

While Flavia got settled, Maurice saw to correspondence and Belle indulged in reading to the children, Rumple had gone in search of the Hatter. The man had been beyond patient with Rumple when it came finally getting that portal open, and Rumple respected him for staying as strong as he had. However, it had been Phria who'd given her husband an idea, and that had been purely at random.

Jefferson hadn't been all that difficult to find, he'd hold himself up as of late in his rooms sewing new hats as some kind of coping tactic. Rumple threw open the door and sauntered in as though he owned the place all while Jefferson carefully cut fabric with a pair of silver scissors. By this point there were six completed top hats lined up neatly on a worktable, one of which had been made of deadman's silk and actually intrigued Rumple due to the magical possibilities such a combination could result in.

"Hiding from your wives already, Rumple?"

He breathed out a laugh. "Not quite, dearie. The new court mage has finally arrived. Imagine the Evil Queen but blonde."

"Scary beyond all reason then." He mused without looking up.

"Regina has never been scary, dearie, certainly not beyond all reason."

Jefferson hummed in agreement. "Maybe a blonde Queen of Hearts then?"

Rumple had absolutely no desire to hear, think or talk about Cora if he could at all help it. The woman once been special but that had turned into a dim and distant memory long ago. Just a mistake of the past and nothing more.

"The new court mage isn't why I came," he said swiftly to move the topic along. "I thought you might be interested to know that I have an idea of how to power the portal."

Jefferson stopped dead at that, swallowed audibly then spun around to face Rumple with a desperate look in his eyes. Grace had been alone so long with only her caretaker for company and protection; how lonely she must have been, how scared.

"Tell me!"

Rumple hated that desperate look for it reminded him of the centuries of desperation he'd felt while searching for Bae.

"It was something Phria said that got me thinking. The other Dark One who was here used darkness dragons by the bucket full, Tvon used a plethora of Halinox's artefacts. While Phria agreed to have the Valkyries search the Lost Island of Zoniroh, that doesn't seem practical. Yet, that is only three of the four demon lords. Ravavena is very much alive and contained in Akula Prison. She's filled with dark magic and just sat there, so why don't we use her?"

"We could do that?"

"Sure, dearie," Rumple shrugged. "She is just sat there after all."

It was as though the sun had risen for Jefferson, Rumple actually saw the man's mood brighten as he again found hope to cling to. Long ago Jefferson had cared about little other than gold and fun, but then he'd married and had Grace. The moment that girl had been born Jefferson had begun living for her; Rumple had felt much the same the day he'd first held Bae in his arms. Cut off from the Darkness and having made a promise to his son, Rumple knew he'd reunite Jefferson and Grace without seeking a deal as it was the right thing to do and he was way overdue for a few positive acts.

So, with a light at the end of the tunnel, Rumple and Jefferson began to put into motion their plan to gain access to Akula Prison and haul Ravavena across Dreymyr to Avonlea. The plan may have sounded simple enough, but there was a great quantity of red tape to get through and Demeer would have to approve it all first as he had authority over the prison despite it being located in Worynheim.

Meanwhile, Maurice had been under pressure repeatedly by the Church to out the Dark One and 'do what was right' for his people. Of course Maurice had ignored the Church for the most part, but he knew that the more people in positions of authority on his side, the less likely the Church would be to do something brazen and deadly.

That was how Rumple, Belle and Phria were invited into a chamber only the King have ever entered before. This chamber was known among the castle's servants only as the 'mirror room' for good reason. Inside was a fairly large circular room of gray stone with ten rectangular blocks seemingly fashioned of marble free-standing in a semi-circle. These structures resembled cheval mirrors and stood at at least seven feet. The mirror room was an apt name, but Maurice preferred the name his father had used; the Conference Hall. It was soon explained that these structures were actually large versions of the communication crystals Rumple had seen elsewhere – most notable by the Watchers in the Osgar Hall Caverns – and used primarily to converse with other royals.

Rumple hadn't been surprised to learn of their purpose, not when he'd felt the magic contained within them. However, it was why he and his new brides had been summoned that held his attention. In the mirrors were numerous people. He recognized some while others were unknown to him. The mirror closest showed Demeer in some darkened room lit only by sconces with Vice-Captain Ravenscroft over his left shoulder, while the two central ones revealed King Artem with his son, and Prince Horatio with, who Rumple assumed, was his father King Nathaniel. Then there was the one at the far end which showed King Gasper who'd returned to Greenwood shortly after the wedding. Everybody else was clearly royalty judging by the crowns, but Rumple couldn't name them. Maurice introduced those unfamiliar to Rumple from left to right: Benedikt Sunringham, King of Gralia and a surprisingly humble man who valued family over gold. Nalessa's Silas Ralshire, the youngest sovereign amongst them with a face of stone to hide his inner thoughts; then again, one needed such an expression when one's family had been acting as a buffer between Drazvans and Vita Tree followers since before the Faith War. The twin queens of Worynheim, Renata and Winifred von Austein, a redhead and blonde respectively who'd clearly gotten functioning as a unit down to a fine art. Cylvera's Kotryna Molinari dressed in red and clearly prepared to kill should the situation arise. Belle had mentioned her once or twice and, while she could likely be a fearsome foe should she wish to be, Rumple suspected she was smart enough to not pick a fight if she didn't have to. Lastly, all the way from Balmund, was King Huw Levisay whose eyes screamed suspicion. Seemed the only royal who'd not been included was Reginald de Soria but, as Olgarth's king, that made perfect sense.

"And what has earned me an invitation to this little gathering?" Mused Rumple.

"So it's true," began Silas as he looked over Rumple. "The Dark One is real."

Rumple gave a flamboyant bow which caused his wives to smirk behind their hands.

"Yes." Maurice confirmed. "This is the Dark One Rumpelstiltskin and husband to my daughter. His return to our realm is no joke, nor is it a threat. I know there has been so much rumor swirling that it is difficult to ascertain the truth, so allow me to make it clear. He will not come for your kingdoms, nor does he intend to enslave like the other demon lords."

Kotryna huffed. "You expect us to believe that?"

That comment caused the meeting to descend into each royal attempting to speak over the others until Demeer had lost his temper and cut through it all only a millisecond faster than Rumple himself.

"Enough! Your Majesties, I understand that this is a lot to take in. I have known Rumpelstiltskin a long time now and have seen who he is for myself unlike the rest of you. He cares not for baubles or titles, nor is he the sort of man who'd play a game of subterfuge with us."

Rumple smirked. "He's right, dearies. If I wanted your lands or your crowns or anything else from you, I'd just come out and say it."

"Why call this meeting, King Maurice?" Huw demanded as he rested his head atop his fist, a crown studded with that many large jewels must have surely been heavy and prone to causing neck ache. "What purpose does it serve?"

"To prove we have no need to fear Avonlea and that the people of Dreymyr can coexist with Rumpelstiltskin, of course." Gasper sighed.

That caused the meeting to descend into chaos once more until Kotryna firmly refused to take nothing but reassurances at face value and promptly severed her connection. Frankly nobody could really argue with her way of thinking. Those who had opted to support Rumple had so far only done so because they'd seen what he was capable of and had his intentions proven for them. Caution and skepticism were wise things to hold close and Rumple wouldn't begrudge Kotryna for it. As expected, she'd not picked a fight, simply refused to choose a side even if she had thrown out the word heresy at one point. For the second time that day Rumple had unfortunately been reminded of Cora.

While they still held their own reservations, as time went on and the discussion intensified, it became clear that both King Silas and King Benedikt would choose to support Rumple because of their friendship and faith in Gasper and Artem, rather than the numerous reasons Demeer had presented. These were the level-headed royals who respected the old kings and could see the wisdom in their words. King Nathaniel's support had been a foregone conclusion from the start, Horatio clearly had his father's ear and, having such a bureaucratic mind, had likely been whispering in it since his return from Bichelberger. That left Balmund and Worynheim undecided. If something like this had occurred in the Enchanted Forest or any other realm, Rumple almost certainly wouldn't have cared less, but in Dreymyr where he'd built a family and wrestled back some of his humanity, it damn well did matter. The more royals there were willing to accept Rumple as the Dark One and agree to this non-aggression pact of sorts, the less backers the Church would have to mount a war against him. This wasn't about protecting Rumple himself or even Avonlea, this was about protecting the commoners and avoiding the Church throwing them forth as cannon fodder.

"When my sister and I were children, our father took us to tour Akula Prison." Renata said softly which pulled all attention to the red-haired queen. "King Aodhan was a strong-willed man not prone to changing his mind, so his advisors' complaints fell on deaf ears. There is a strange atmosphere to that place, a heaviness which is almost suffocating at times. We didn't know what caused it at first, but the further down we went, the stronger it became."

Winifred leaned forward to continue; these twins really had become almost disturbingly in sync. The blonde's voice was slightly higher than that of her sister, but otherwise they sounded the same.

"Renata and I asked father when we couldn't hide our fear any longer, and he told us it was dark magic. That it had permeated through the prison, spread to the rocks and even the air. That the fear we felt was our bodies warning us of the danger we strode toward. Many will wonder why our father took us there, his advisors certainly did." She paused a moment clearly remembering a sadly missed parent. "He did it so we knew what a true threat was, what real evil was. So as we had smelt and tasted it."

"Is there a point, dearies?"

Both Belle and Phria wanted to scold their husband for his disrespect, but knew they should have been used to it by this point and so let the topic go. Rumple wouldn't suddenly grow polite unless some bizarre spell backfired.

"The point," said Renata. "Is that our father gave his daughters the best understanding of evil and where it comes from that he could and, while obviously dangerous, powerful and surely conniving, Winifred and I do not feel the same overwhelming turpitude from you. That coupled with the fact the Grand Mage and King Artem have opted to support you freely, has allowed us to conclude we shall as well."

Rumple let out a little sigh as his mind muttered quietly to him: 'So, basically a long-winded way of saying you agree to this little treaty. Likely also realized aligning with me even just in name affords their tiny kingdom a new level of protection.'

When attention finally turned to Balmund as the last holdout, the response was significantly swifter and didn't require listening to a trip down memory lane. King Huw made it abruptly clear he had no desire to be friendly with the likes of the Dark One, yet neither did he wish to cause conflict unnecessarily. That Balmund would have been entirely surrounded by supportive kingdoms had probably entered into it a little as well. Therefore, King Huw asserted that he would not support Rumple as the majority of the others had chosen, but rather remain neutral until he'd had enough time to build his own opinion of him. That was good enough for Rumple, he'd take what he could get; especially since all of this meeting had come without a deal requiring something of him.

Ultimately, the hard work of Demeer, Artem, Horatio and Gasper had gotten the results they'd wanted, and left Rumple with just one openly hostile kingdom and Cylvera only confrontational if it became beneficial to Queen Kotryna. Ensuring the other royals didn't attack or back the Church while proving that Rumple had no intention of rampaging had been the whole purpose of the meeting, and a successful meeting it had been.

~X~

Rumple had found himself laying in bed on his back with nothing but night ambient sounds to stave off the silence. Both his wives lay in slumber on either side of him, Belle snuggled into him while she snored lightly and Phria curled almost into a ball. This was actually not all that usual. They didn't take turns exactly, but both warming his bed really wasn't a common occurrence. Two wives. Rumple still often found himself fixated on that. He'd had it pointed out numerous times by various parties that it was fairly normal in Dreymyr, that it was practically mundane, but Rumple still clung to his life in the Enchanted Forest and how such a thing would have been viewed there. There it would have been little more than an arrogant and lowly act of a misogynist. To make matters worse, him being the Dark One would have just led everyone to assume he'd forced these women to be part of his disturbed harem. It wasn't the Enchanted Forest though and Rumple would have to accept that one of these days. If anything, Belle and Phria had forced him.

To avoid focusing on something he'd already devoted far too much time to, Rumple turned his attention to Ravavena in Akula Prison. There was quite some red tape to cut through and a long conversation with the Twin Queens to be had before Rumple got anywhere the prison. Back in his home realm, he'd have just popped in and done as he pleased regardless of the consequences, but Belle had made him promise not to put the new positive reputation they'd begun to build for him in jeopardy, and who was he to refuse his beautiful Belle? So wait for Demeer to sort through the bureaucracy he would.

None of that stopped him wondering about the other demon lords though. The Little Disaster they'd called Ravavena - maybe that would have been a good alias for Regina in the early days. All Rumple knew about Ravavena was that she was an elf who'd tried to convert the ogres into her soldiers and almost succeeded, also that she was the most recent demon lord to appear even though that had been hundreds of years ago. Then there was that she'd seemingly been the easiest to defeat, which begged the question of why she'd been imprisoned rather than executed. Notwithstanding, the situation had proven itself rather beneficial for his and Jefferson's needs. Ravavena would make a fine battery for the portal.

"You're thinking so loudly." Phria mused as she stretched out from the ball she'd been nestled in and cuddled into him like a mirror of Belle.

"It's a habit." He quipped.

"What's on your mind?"

"Ravavena."

The beautiful pantherian breathed out a laugh and couldn't help teasing her husband. "Planning a third wife already, are you? Quite the collector of women."

Rumple refused to dignify that with a response so simply continued with his thought process aloud.

"How powerful is she?"

Phria shrugged, her green eyes closed as she rested her head atop his shoulder. She'd have much rather they'd simply slipped back off into slumber and talked about it in the morning, but Phria knew Rumple well enough to know he'd lay there all night thinking at the top of his voice if they didn't.

"Before my time, but very. I don't know if she had a plan exactly, just kept recruiting and assimilating territory that she didn't seem to do anything with." She practically purred when Rumple began to absent-mindedly card his fingers through her hair at the base of her white ears. "Halinox wanted to control everyone and everything, while Ivosanch wanted to watch the realm burn. Ravavena though?" Phria sighed a moment. "Most say she wanted the same as Halinox but I never quite believed it. I've only read history books, but I always thought it looked like she was just going through the motions."

Rumple let out a thoughtful hum. He fully understood that there were an uncountable number of roads leading to total corruption and darkness. Hardly any villain set out with the intent of being one. Those roads were just so easy to saunter down, and only when one was too lost to retrace their steps did one realize the mistake they'd made. That was the problem with darkness, eyes had a habit of adjusting to it so quickly that people forgot it was dark at all.

"Will using her for your spell kill her?" Phria questioned quietly which caused Rumple to lift an eyebrow.

"Possible but unlikely. The pain will make her wish it did though. Why?"

"I suppose I've come to see being a demon lord doesn't automatically equal abhorrent evil." She snuggled closer to his golden-green chest.

"I'm an anomaly, darling, I assure you."

That had Phria chuckle. "I don't doubt it."

She stretched up to kiss the corner of his mouth then settled back down and insisted he slept. He supposed it would probably be for the best, another damn meeting had been scheduled for the following day; though he'd been assured there'd be significantly less royals involved. Gordana wanted something, he'd deciphered that much, and part of him knew it would involve the final quest he owed her.

Chapter Text

Rumple had been inside the conference hall for all of two minutes before Gordana had unceremoniously dumped her final quest at his feet. The woman was blunt if nothing else and normally Rumple appreciated that, but she'd been so abrupt about it that most others present had paled. Rumple, his wives and King Maurice had all gathered in the room while Gordana, Demeer and Prince Horatio had joined them via the communication crystals that Rumple still mentally referred to just as mirrors.

"Gordana," began Belle as she regained her decorum. "I understand the ogres are of such great danger, but what you're asking of him is genocide."

"Surprisingly, not the first time I've had such a request. She's right though." He pointed a clawed finger to his blue-eyed wife. "Just telling me to go wipe out the ogres isn't a quest, it's an assassination. Nobody has commissioned this so I cannot do it to complete my end of the deal."

Gordana opened her mouth to argue but it was Horatio who got there first with his analytical thoughts and disturbing level of efficiency.

"While correct, I and the Grand Mage have made some arrangements behind the scenes. We spoke with King Maurice regarding the Blockade and how long it is likely to stand before the ogres overrun Ten Kingdom Castle should they start another war. Frankly, it didn't sound good. The ogres control a territory larger than any other kingdom, a territory with countless unrecorded creatures and resources. Many years ago the Knightly Order mounted an expedition to see how much of the area they could take over."

Phria managed to grumble before Rumple could. "Came back chasing their tails though."

"Indeed." Horatio hummed. "You remember the Church wishes to have its own holy empire?" Rumple nodded. "Well, we can't leave the ogres to their own devices forever, they will attack again at some point, it's just what they do. However, were they to be defeated the Church would swoop in to lay claim to the territory and nobody wants that. We have to make sure that land is protected once the ogres-"

"Dearies, dearies, dearies." Rumple sighed deeply. "I'm no valiant knight intending to rescue the realm from the Church's clutches. All I need is for Gordana to give me a quest she believes no other adventure is capable of completing. That was our deal. Just asking me to exterminate all the ogres doesn't count because it isn't a registered quest. Magic always comes with a price, there are rules to be followed."

"Fortunately for you, Rumpelstiltskin, Prince Horatio thinks much as you do and already came up with something." Gordana lifted a signed quest contract and held it up so all could read it. "You owed me two quests, and I will have them both. Prince Horatio, with the backing of all other kingdoms save for Olgarth and Cylvera, as well as that of the Grand Mage, has issued the Adventurers Guild with a quest to have the Ogre Territory purged of war-hungry ogres and then permanently safeguarded from any person, organization or entity with intention to monopolize the area and further their own agendas."

Belle's delicate expression grew puzzled. "I'm sorry. Forgive me if I've misunderstood, but 'safeguard' sounds as though you wish for Rumple to rule the Ogre Territory like an eleventh kingdom."

Maurice nodded and rested a hand on his daughter's shoulder. So many years the du Marchands had been doing their best to keep the ogre savages at bay. They'd lost good people to the wars, royals and commoners alike. He'd not trusted Rumple at first and probably never would completely, but Belle had been right when she'd said he wasn't a monster. Ogres lurked on the other side of a blockade that surely couldn't stand up against them forever, yet Rumple could banish Dreymyr's fear of them and keep the Church from swapping one evil for another. The whole plan had sounded so insane when Horatio had broached it, but Gasper and Silas had done much of the hard work in convincing everybody and, as soon as Artem had come to agree with them, Maurice had realized Rumple could keep another husband from suffering the same pain he'd felt when those ogres had last tried to breach the Blockade and taken his dear wife.

"That is exactly what the Chief Commander is asking of him, my girl."

"No." All eyes snapped to Rumple. "I'm the Dark One, not a king or a custodian or a damn watchdog. There'll be no eleventh kingdom or whatever you want to call it. Think of something else."

With that he stormed out slamming the heavy door behind him. Everyone left behind lingered in a sort of stunned silence. It should have been expected, what they'd asked of him was no small task and worse still, it was one without an end. If he accepted this as Gordana's final quest, then he'd be expected to do it for the rest of time; Rumple wasn't the sort to leave himself so vulnerable.

He marched down the halls while grumbling violently to himself. Maids and pages quickly darted out of his way the moment they spotted him while a few Rose Guard knights had started to wonder if their commander needed to be alerted to the demon lord's suddenly aggressive behavior.

A king, they'd basically flashed him a smile and said 'hey, go rule that big-ass piece of land for the rest of time because politics and we're scared of ogres'. If Rumple had wanted to be a king he could have taken over every realm from the Enchanted Forest to Agrabah inside a week. No! No, he'd not be doing any of it. He'd kill the ogres for them if they wanted once it was registered as an actual quest, but none of the rest of it.

Suddenly he bounced off of something as he rounded a corner and glanced down to find Bae on his backside with his hair in his eyes. Irritation and anger drained out of him in an instant as he helped his son to his feet.

"Bae, I'm sorry, lad. Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine, Papa. What's going on though? You look ready to punch a hole in the castle."

The teenage boy eyed him suspiciously, there would always be that tiny nugget of suspicion just waiting for Rumple to slip back into his evil ways. While he hated it, Rumple fully understood it.

"Just politics, Bae. Don't concern yourself with it." He glanced around the hallways. "Where are your sisters and Renner?"

"They're in the rose garden and don't change the subject." Arguing with Bae really was always pointless, it was only so long before Rumple caved. "Something is wrong. Tell me."

Rumple sighed and fell to sit on a stone bench pressed against one wall. Birds tweeted from their nests and warm morning sun danced in through the windows. Things were quiet a moment before Bae sat beside his father and coaxed him with an expectant expression.

"I owe Gordana a quest as part of a deal I made when I first came here. She and the royals have conspired to lock me into an unending repayment."

"Surely it's nothing bad," said Bae after a moment. "She seems nice enough and wants to help people. What does she want you to do?"

"Kill all the ogres." Bae opened his mouth but Rumple continued. "Then safeguard their territory indefinitely so the Church can't get their hands on it."

"Why is that so terrible? The Church are evil, Renner and King Artem told me some of the things they've done. Why would be keeping it from them be so bad?"

"Because it would mean making that territory its own kingdom that I would have to rule forever. I'm not a king, Bae. Why couldn't Maurice just annex it?"

They all knew why. Avonlea was already a large kingdom and adding that much new land to their kingdom would drastically change the power dynamics among the existing royals. The Church would use it as an excuse to go after the du Marchands, their kingdom and the demon lord again. Politics were always difficult to navigate and convoluted at the best of times, so if men like Horatio, Artem and Gasper had honestly thought this the easiest and best solution, then they were probably right.

Silence lingered for a great many moments, so long that Rumple rested his head in his hand. All he'd ever wanted was a loving family, something he had now and wouldn't let go. He'd played nice and gone to such lengths to increase his popularity with the general public for their sake, so they could be a family without facing threats every five minutes. Logically though, realistically, he knew those threats wouldn't ever truly halt, for he was the Dark One.

"Why does it have to be bad?" Rumple lifted a confused eyebrow at his boy. "I just mean that – well, people like Valdis and Belle are shunned for being half-breeds, right? Mira has nightmares every night about her scales being pulled off. Papa, maybe it doesn't matter you don't want to be a king or that you'd have to do this forever if you could help people." Bae swung around to face his father fully. "Papa, you promised me you'd be a better person and this is a way. Don't you see? If you have your own kingdom, it could be a haven. Somewhere people like my sisters could be safe, where kids aren't stolen and sent to fight a war they can't win." Rumple's eyes grew wide. He'd tried to protect Bae by running that night until Hordor had found them. Somewhere like the place Bae described would have been nice back then. Becoming the Dark One had been to help and his clever, kind and brave son seemed to believe he still could. "We can't have that place without magic for us to be together. I know that, Papa, and I accepted it a long time ago. Something like this could be good instead of evil if you're willing to make it good." The boy chuckled. "That and it sounds like Gordana already told you what you had to do for her so you can't turn her down, you don't go back on your deals."

How was it a teenage boy had made the best case for Rumple just going along with the latest thing Dreymyr had thrown at him? Such a smart boy was his Bae.

Bae stood then and offered his hand to his papa. "Come on, I bet they're in that big room with the stone mirrors, right?"

Rumple didn't even bother asking how Bae knew about the conference hall, not when Renner had kept having to round him and Amicia up when they'd wandered off exploring.

Slowly they returned to find chaos had descended. All of them talking over one another as they tried to figure out what they'd do now Rumple had refused them. Everything fell silent though when Bae and his papa entered the room; eager anticipation practically dripped out of Horatio while Gordana drummed her fingers on her desk nervously. So many lives were lost each time the ogres attacked, they couldn't let this chance to stop that slip away. Meanwhile, Belle and Phria simply smiled because seeing Bae told them everything would be fine, if there was one person who could always get through to the stubborn demon lord, it was his son.

After a sigh, Rumple walked to the centre of the room to address both Gordana and Horatio unwaveringly while Demeer simply watched on as though enjoying the entertainment.

"I will agree to this as long as you make two alterations." Technically he had no leg to stand on with his demands. Gordana had already told him what she wanted and didn't have to change it, but he hoped she'd not notice that. "First is that I'm not a king and I won't be referred to as one. I'm the Dark One, a demon lord, just as I always have been." Both nodded, they'd honestly got no care for which title he used. "Second: I will not be forced into this for eternity. If a time comes when I can't or won't continue at my post, I will be allowed to pass the task to another as long as they are of a similar magical power to me and can be trusted to safeguard in the way you originally intended. I'm immortal, but, if I die, Gasper, his family and the Grand Mage will select a replacement. Agreed?"

"I see no issue with that." Demeer commented fairly swiftly.

So much passed behind Horatio's eyes in hardly a second, that man was dangerously intelligent to the point it was almost terrifying. The first alteration was of little concern, it was the term 'can't or won't' used in his second alteration that gave Horatio pause. That suggested Rumple could just bail from the situation at any given moment, but finding someone both trustworthy and of the Dark One's power wouldn't be easy. Ultimately, this all seemed more about autonomy than Rumple actually being against the idea, so Horatio nodded his agreement much as Gordana had. She made the alterations to the contract and then had Rumple teleport it to Horatio for him to sign – spacial magic was so much easier when he could see where things were going.

"So, just like that, we have an eleventh kingdom?" Phria questioned from her place beside Belle. "I hope you came up with some way for this to be announced, because it's quite a big bit of news and I doubt everybody will simply go along with it."

"Worry not, Captain." Horatio assured. "My fellow royals have discussed that as well. As for this new kingdom, since it doesn't have a king exactly, let us just name it … the Demon Lord's Domain. Nice and simple." Maybe a little too simple to be perfectly honest. "I shall leave you now, there is much to be done."

With that, Horatio's mirror went dark and the hall grew a little quieter. Gordana insisted he dealt with the ogres as soon as possible before she and Demeer vanished as well. Rumple hadn't planned on leaving Dreymyr now he'd found Bae, had no reason to go through the twenty-eight years with Regina and everybody else, so he supposed he should have been grateful to have something to do that wasn't brooding and glaring.

~X~

Having opted to leave the announcement and prompt fallout of the new domain of the demon lord to those who'd started it, Rumple had gotten to work eliminating the ogres. Belle had been correct that Gordana's request sounded like genocide, but she'd specified 'war-hungry' in the commands she'd given him, so Rumple just had to kill those with the will to fight; any who turned tail and fled clearly didn't possess the will and could be ignored. Loopholes, Rumple did enjoy those. Ogres were violent and powerful beasts, but Rumple's magic dealt with them quickly enough just as they had when he'd stopped the war in the Frontlands. Eventually, the only ogres remaining had retreated to a long stretch of mountains in the southwestern part of his new domain and would likely stay there; especially if they knew what was good for them. Then there had been the two archipelagos to clear out, the northern one had been barren of just about everything except for some teratects and peptusini, while the southern one had been filled with volcano fissures and home to round bugs galore, as well as scythe scorpions which, until one had launched at him, Rumple had thought only resided in Sandspear Desert. This new land he'd been entrusted with was full of dangerous monsters but none were a real threat to Rumple. Amazing how an uncomprehending level of power silenced the cowardice.

Disposing of all the war-hungry ogres hadn't taken all that long, just a few days, it was what Belle had requested that had taken almost two weeks and help him from returning to his beloved family. Nobody had ever been able to map the Ogre Territory – well, Demon Lord's Domain now. They'd gotten a vague outline of the coast from some braver sailors and the Valkyrie Naval Unit, but that was it. Belle had been the one to insist he created a proper map while Phria had agreed and simply said: 'All rulers should know every inch of their kingdom no matter how large'. To be perfectly frank, Rumple agreed with them. That was how he'd ended up playing cartographer while his family sat in Kalecaster Castle awaiting his return. There were numerous rivers, forests, mountains and other landmarks that surely needed names, but Rumple cared little for it. He'd been forced to watch over the land rather than name each plant and rock.

"It'll give Belle and Phria something to do." Rumple mused to himself as he carefully drew out a surprisingly smooth section of northern coastline.

There was a large forest just the other side of the Blockade which reminded Rumple much of home so, in a moment of bizarre nostalgia, Rumple had bestowed the title of the 'Enchanted Forest' upon it. This would be the only thing he named, something to remind him of where he'd come from. The flatlands and marsh to the south, the lakes and rivers to the east, they didn't matter, just that one forest.

Something dawned on Rumple then, something he'd not thought about until that moment. He couldn't reside in Kalecaster Castle forever. For starters there were too many people wandering around and Belle continuously worried having him there would seem like Avonlea wished to make a political statement that they'd got their own personal demon lord to use as a weapon. Then there were the children, they weren't used to being around so many people and didn't understand what was expected of court life. There was also Phria to think about, having the Captain of the Valkyries take up residence wasn't sustainable, she was a leader and should have appeared as non-bias as possible: that said, marrying the Dark One hadn't really seemed all that non-bias. Didn't matter where Rumple went, his presence would seem like a threat or an alliance. He'd faced something similar back in his realm, that was part of the reason he'd chosen to live so high up in the mountains where people couldn't just stumble across him. An idea struck him then, an idea which probably should have graced his brain much sooner. The Demon Lord's Domain was his now and all rulers lived in their own lands. Bae had wanted a haven for people like Belle and Valdis, so why shouldn't Rumple make one?

All the mountains cuddled the more southern coasts, however, a large lake sat not far from the Enchanted Forest's southern side. There Rumple set to work using earth magic to create a vast dome in the middle which he flattened the top of and carefully began to construct a castle. It was his finest work built with determination and all he'd learned of Dreymyr's magic. Tall towers and turrets topped with a pale blue, a bridge which lurked under the water until summoned and a large garden for Amicia, Semiramis and Valdis to play in while they drove Renner insane. Underneath he constructed a vast vault which surely could put the Mages Guild vault to shame. This was the only other thing he'd care to name, for this was the Dark Castle born anew. The one back in his realm had simply been a place to store his collection and hide from the world. This new one though, which he'd surely isolate himself as much as possible in regardless, was a home for his precious family. Bae had been right, they could still have a safe place to live. Cut off from his curse as he was, Rumple no longer cared for amassing power but rather longed for that sweet family life he'd fantasized about when he'd been nothing but a lowly spinner. Regina, Maleficent, Cora, they'd all surely think he'd gone insane – well, more insane. They didn't matter now though, they were another realm's problem and at least he'd installed a savior into the curse Regina would cast without him. Soon the new Dark Castle was complete and Rumple knew it would stand eternal as a haven for those he loved just like Bae had wanted. Amazing how the Dark Curse seemed so pointless now. He'd prepared himself for another thirty years before he found his beloved boy, yet there he was staring at a castle he'd built for them. Whatever good deed he'd performed in some past life to have earned this one blessing, Rumple would eternally be grateful for it.

Chapter Text

As one would expect, news of the Demon Lord's Domain hadn't been accepted quietly, yet it hadn't been met with nearly as much opposition as imagined. Seemed that having a demon lord quietly in his own kingdom was less terrifying than the constant threat of another ogre war lingering over Dreymyr's denizens. For the most part Rumple ignored this, he'd never really cared much for politics and had no intentions of bothering himself with it when Horatio, Artem and Gasper were apparently more than happy to deal with it all for him – they were the cause of the bulk of it anyway. Instead, Rumple had taken his family to their new home and again promised Bae that this would be the haven he'd hoped for. Belle had been delighted with the vast library he'd constructed just for her, a plethora of books in all genres for her enjoyment. The children had soon claimed the gardens and courtyard as imagined, they knew every nook and cranny having played their games in them, while Renner had spent a full three days committing each brick to memory. Azzy delighted in no longer being shrunk down, instead walking at his full height as nature intended. Demiurge felt much the same; he may have been a kitten when Rumple had first come across him, but soon matured into a sizeable tree cat who spent most of his time up the gargantuan weeping willow tree on the far side of the castle or trailing after Renner. Now that Belle had assisted in the two of them forming a taming contract, the former assassin and tree cat had grown even more in sync. Phria had been the one Rumple had worried about the most, she was still Captain of the Valkyries and had travelled even further from Yanhil. Sure, he'd constructed a personal training room for her, but she still had responsibilities and duties. The Emerald Queen had become the public's nickname for Phria while Belle had been dubbed as the Sapphire Queen – a little too Wonderland for Rumple's liking but there was little to be done about it. Marrying Rumple had pulled Phria in two directions and it wasn't fair. Of course Phria never complained, but things couldn't stay the way they were forever. In an attempt to silence his own concerns, Rumple had provided the map of his new, unwanted, domain to his wives and given them free rein to name everything as they pleased. They'd been happy enough to go along with it, though they'd done it mostly for the benefit of their husband's conscience than because the idea of naming every mountain, lake and meadow in the Demon Lord's Domain had made them giddy.

Then the letter had arrived. A letter from Demeer which was finally the good news Rumple and Jefferson had been waiting for. Finally, finally, they'd been granted permission to enter Akula Prison in Worynheim and meet the Little Disaster. Since Demeer had begun battling his way through red tape and Horatio had thrown this new land on him, Rumple had been more or less locked away in his laboratory working on everything from stabilizing Tvon's spell to tweaking the enslavement ritual to lessen the cruelty inflicted on the slave. Then there was the 'Frankenstein thing' Rumple had mentioned. Several times his wives had heard him mention Victor Frankenstein but never really known if that was someone he hated, admired or quietly tolerated. Whatever he'd been doing in his laboratory, it was supposedly inspired by that doctor and neither wife quite knew what to make of it. Sitting still hadn't ever been Rumple's strong suit, hence why he spun so much. However, when that letter had arrived, he'd gained a renewed vigor then left with such swiftness that Valdis hadn't even had enough of a chance to demand going with him. Belle and Phria had wished Rumple the best of luck for he was doing something most noble for Jefferson. He'd been reunited with his son and now it was time to reunite Jefferson with his daughter. So Rumple had departed with the Hatter and a promise to return for his wives once the logistics had been sorted. Meanwhile, Belle and Phria had occupied themselves with the map Rumple had given them. Bae hadn't been concerned about the trip to Akula Prison, but his three sisters had. The prison was infamous for those held there, all manner of malevolent, contemptible, and malicious mages who posed such threat to the realm that they couldn't be contained by other prisons. Then, of course, there was Ravavena herself, a demon lord who'd turned the ogres into an army. Was it any surprise Amicia, Semiramis and Valdis worried for their papa?

The Dark Castle wasn't only situated in the middle of a dramatically large lake with a bridge that needed summoning by Rumple himself or four other people he'd programmed the spell to accept – them being Belle, Phria, Renner and Demeer. No, the Dark Castle also had the strongest barrier Rumple had been able to create defending it, so neither queen had seen a problem with letting Renner have a day to himself. That was how the girls had ended up settled in the throne room Rumple had begrudgingly had to build; a spacious room with lots of natural light and a raised platform in the centre flanked by two pillars. Upon the platform sat three thrones which, while ornate, weren't ostentatious in the slightest. The middle throne had been upholstered in a gray brocade while the smaller two were in emerald and sapphire respectively. Most throne rooms throughout Dreymyr only bothered to accommodate the primary wife, but Rumple wouldn't hear of such disrespect. He'd not wanted to be a sovereign in the first place so he'd certainly not shut out his sweet Phria simply because etiquette stated she was somehow worth less than Belle.

"Papa really said we could name everything?" Amicia questioned as she leaned against Azzy's fur where they'd all gathered on the floor before the thrones. "Anything we want?"

Belle smiled. "Within reason, yes. This is your papa's kingdom now whether he wants to acknowledge it as that or not. His only stipulations are that this castle is known as the Dark Castle and that the forest between it and the Blockade is called the Enchanted Forest. Everything else we may choose."

"Mama Belle," began Valdis with her head cocked to one side causing her luxuriously long black hair to cascade over her shoulders. "What does stip – siptu-?"

"What does stipulations mean?" Belle supplied for her only for the youngest girl to nod. "It means a something that has to happen."

"Shouldn't Bae help?" Semiramis queried as she glanced around as if to confirm to herself he wasn't present.

Bae, bless his soul, had been forced to cope with a lot of stress, fear and dark memories since he'd been summoned by Tvon and while older than he appeared, Bae still needed time to decompress. Alone time hadn't been something any of Rumple's family had found forthcoming in recent months what with everything that had happened. So, just as Renner had earned a day to himself, Bae had been provided space to sort through his emotions. Of course Amicia, Semiramis and Valdis had their traumas, but simply being allowed to be children was a key part in helping the three of them heal – silly things like naming mountains and rivers. Fearing water as she did there had been much concern over the Dark Castle being at the centre of a vast lake, but Semiramis knew her papa wouldn't let anything bad happen to her and, being a freshwater lake, sea beasts couldn't lurk in the depths quiet so easily.

Phris pushed her long ponytail over her shoulder and unfurled the map Rumple had drawn for them. "How about letting Bae name anything we can't think of something for?"

That was precisely what they did. Belle and Phria spent several hours laughing with the girls and choosing names for the various landmarks in Rumple's new domain. Some were named after people and things they'd encountered in their journeys such as Loch Maurice, Lake Demeer and Bertha's Bay, while others were named for their appearance: Capricorn Point and the Dagger. It had been Amicia who'd insisted the two groups of islands to the north and south be named after Belle and Phria, but neither woman had been all that keen on whacking their name on a handful of islands, so a compromise had been made resulting in the Sapphire Isles and Emerald Archipelago. Then there was Valdis' triumph; she'd pointed out that a small bay to the north-west looked like Azzy's jaw when he yawned so Azadanes' Teeth had been jotted down on the map. Rumple may have asked them to deal with naming everything in his domain because he'd not wanted to and to distract them, but it had actually turned into a fairly enjoyable afternoon. By the time they were done, almost every landmark had been given a moniker, and those that hadn't, Bae named the next day after breakfast.

~X~

Since the very moment Rumple had arrived in Dreymyr it had been abundantly clear that all viewed dark magic as an infection, a contagion, something evil that had seeped into their world, and Rumple had given that opinion serious consideration until he'd learned how the previous Dark One had escaped the realm. Dark magic hadn't entered Dreymyr like a poisoned lake, it had always existed there as a fundamental part of the world. Isra's defeat had caused the anchor to come loose and dark magic to grow chaotic, then the slaying of so many darkness dragons had resulted in the magic being siphoned off into some artefacts and those attuned to violence or those easily corrupted as a desperate way to control the chaos and fashion a makeshift anchor. As a Cardinal Dragon, Isra's defeat couldn't have resulted in death as most of the legends claimed, had that happened then darkness would have overrun Dreymyr as a wild magic and swallowed everything up whole. No, Isra was a linchpin and surely still lived – a problem for later and one which wouldn't ever be mentioned to Valdis if Rumple could help it. Speaking of Valdis, the legend also insisted her egg had been destroyed but Hilda Talinum had gone to the trouble of hiding her away: had she known Valdis might have been another attempt to keep that makeshift anchor intact?

Tvon had surely used up all accessible artefacts charged with dark magic during his repeated attempts to summon Rumple, so using Ravavena as their power source was the only option left. Of course Rumple knew using her could easily kill her and that he'd promised Bae no more unnecessary killing, but her death may have become necessary if it meant getting Jefferson home. He walked a fine line and just hoped his boy understood. After many years of neglecting morality, Rumple may have finally regained some of his humanity.

The plan had been a fairly simple one and shouldn't have needed much preparation; he, Demeer and Jefferson would make the journey to Shark Island assisted by spacial magic and Rumple's newfound ability to float high above the ground, then he'd return to the Dark Castle for his wives since having the Valkyrie Captain would go a long way to ensuring the whole thing went smoothly. However, as soon as Rumple magicked himself into Demeer's office he found the man himself with his head in his hands and Ognyan perched close for comfort.

"I'm sensing trouble, dearie."

Demeer startled in his seat but hid it well enough. With a sigh he fell back in his chair and reached to stroke Ognyan's little head.

"Turns out installing the most powerful of the demon lords as a king causes a lot of fallout."

Rumple giggled. "Who'd have guessed? And I told you I'd not be referred to as a king."

"My apologies. Did you not bring Captain Federlord with you? There are some things that I need to discuss with her."

"She's at the Dark Castle. Why do you want to talk to her?"

Demeer smirked. "No need to be overly protective. It is simply in regards to the Valkyries. The matter is fairly pressing though. Would you mind popping back for her before Jefferson arrives?"

Rumple's head cocked to one side. "When did I become your valet, dearie?"

"Oh, I'm sure you'd rather do this one little thing instead of causing your wife undue stress. I'm sure she'd be most thankful her husband acted swiftly rather than extenuating her problems."

"You're almost as good with words as I am."

With that Rumple vanished in a puff of smoke and Demeer savored his little win. Jefferson entered the office a few moments later and fell into a chair, one foot insisted on bouncing relentlessly and Demeer found himself grateful he had no children to fear for so greatly. Patience soon drained from the Hatter and he began questioning where Rumple had gotten to. Every second he was in Dreymyr was another second Grace had nobody but her caretaker to protect her. When Rumple did eventually return it was with Phria in tow and dressed in her Valkyrie armor of cobalt.

"You wished to see me, Grand Mage? Is something wrong?"

"Not wrong, no."

Jefferson shot to his feet, top hat clutched tightly in his hand. "If you're about to say we need to delay the trip, I'll punch you in the face. We need to go now."

He wasn't wrong. Things had been put off and put off and put off some more as far as Jefferson was concerned. He'd been patient and cooperative for so long that he'd started to feel as though he'd given up on returning to his beloved daughter. With Jefferson's need evident, it was quickly decided that he and Rumple would leave for Akula Prison then return for both Phria and Demeer once they could teleport freely; frankly, Demeer would just slow the journey down anyway.

With the Dark One and Hatter departed, Demeer's attention finally returned to the white-haired pantherian who did her best to keep her ears from drooping. Normally Valkyries remained standing, but with the situation and her now being a queen, he thought it best to offer her a seat.

"Captain – Phria, you've navigated us to a road never before travelled here at the Arcane University and I confess I'm not entirely sure what to do about it. While I personally have no issue, politics do like to cause chaos."

"You mean the Valkyrie Captain marrying a demon lord splits my allegiance. I can't be relied on to perform my duties anymore."

Demeer shook his head. "I have no doubt you would carry out your duties just as swiftly and reliably as you always have. You are right though. You've been absent from the University for months, and the public has officially recognized you as the Emerald Queen."

Phria worried her lip for a moment. Nobody had been more surprised than Phria when Iris Aspen had handed over the Valkyries to her, but she'd done her best to live up to the former captain's expectations. Would Iris be proud of her now, that was a question Phria couldn't help pondering.

"Am I to be relieved of my position, Grand Mage?"

"I think it would be for the best," said Demeer calmly. "You are a very capable warrior, but you have a family to protect now and that should take precedence. You've served loyally and I'm truly grateful for your service, but I think even you knew that when you left Vice-Captain Ravenscroft in charge you'd not be returning. She will make a good replacement for you, very smart and capable is that one. It would be inappropriate to have her half-sister become the new Vice-Captain, so I'd recommend choosing Ariadne or maybe Isadora. Of course, I shall leave that decision up to you. I am sorry about this, but I must think about what is best not only for the University and the Valkyries but for you as well."

Phria nodded solemnly. "I understand, Grand Mage, I do. Thank you for allowing me to tell them rather than simply being cast out in disgrace."

"You have disgraced no one and nothing, Phria. You are simply retiring. I will be sad to see you leave, you stamped so much of the Valkyries' prejudices out in your short time as their leader. You bettered them all. Well, maybe not Cynthia Stonecrop; there was never any helping her."

That was certainly true. She'd sent Renner to assassinate her out of sheer spite and hate. Had Rumple not chosen the moment he had to enter her office, Phria likely would have died and the children wouldn't have gained such a capable protector.

"Thank you for all you've done for me. I'll head to the training hall to inform Scarlette, and select a new Vice-Captain."

The goateed man rose from his chair and rounded it to shake Phria's hand. He'd not lied, he honestly would be sad to see the back of such a kind woman and skilled fighter.

With well wishes and words of luck for the future, Phria departed Demeer's office and began the walk to the training hall. A part of Phria, a quiet part at the very back of her mind, had known this day would come since the moment Rumple had agreed to marry her. She couldn't be in two places at once, nor could she perform her duties without people assuming her bias. The right decision had been made but that didn't mean Phria had to like it. She caught sight of herself in a glass display case then and paused to look. She'd hardly worn anything but her cobalt armor in years, it had practically become a second skin, then Rumple had gifted her that lovely black leather armor that Tvon had destroyed so quickly. Belle had returned to wearing dresses when not adventuring with their husband, was Phria expected to do the same.

"Don't be stupid." She told herself, Rumple wouldn't ever try to dictate her clothing. No, she'd remain in armor because that was a part of who Phria Federlord was, it wouldn't be the color of cobalt after that day.

With a sigh she continued on her way only pausing long enough for Lotomas to offer his condolences. She shouldn't have been surprised the werewolf already knew, not when he was Demeer's adjutant after all.

In the end Scarlette had taken the news well even if being promoted to Valkyrie Captain so soon had frightened her somewhat. Isadora had been chosen as the new Vice-Captain as she already kept the whole place functioning and had more than earned the position. And, with that, Phria's last duties had been performed at the Arcane University. Suddenly it felt wrong to be wearing her beloved armor, she wasn't in charge any longer so had no right to it. Then there was her wing gear, the Grand Mage hadn't mentioned it, so maybe she'd be allowed to keep it? A memento of her time as a Valkyrie.

~X~

The next day as Phria and Demeer awaited Rumple returning for them. Ariadne Eichrodt, a pantherian Valkyrie, knocked on the door to her room insisting she spoke to her. At first Phria had worried it was over the choice to promote Isadora rather than her, but Ariadne thought of nothing so trivial. The two women sat at the small table in Phria's room with tea while Ariadne unburdened herself.

"Is it true you're leaving, Captain?"

Phria nodded causing some of her white hair to fall over her shoulder. "It is, yes. I am a wife now and my husband has a kingdom to watch over. My place is at his side just as his other wife's is. I will help him in any way I can, loan him my strength when he needs it."

"The Demon Lord's Domain," she began after a sip of tea. "It is a wild place filled with beasts even after the ogres were defeated, yes?" Phria nodded. "There are few to protect his kingdom."

The white-haired pantherian cocked her head to the side quizzically; frankly she looked a lot like Belle in that moment.

"Ariadne, I feel you're trying to subtly broach something without actually using any subtlety. Just spit out whatever it is."

"Very well." The teacup went back into its saucer with a clatter. "There are those of us who feel our loyalty to you is more powerful than our loyalty to the Valkyries. You helped us when there were those who looked down on us for not being human despite us being nobles. We wish to go with you to the Demon Lord's Domain and serve under you once more."

Phria's mouth almost dropped open. She'd always known some were more loyal to her than others but she'd not expected to such an extent. Ariadne fought with a sword and shield, was almost as strong as Phria herself and surely should have found someone better to serve so earnestly.

"Em, how – how many is 'we'?"

"There are seven including myself."

"And if you're so adamant about this, I'm assuming Proserpina is another."

Ariadne just nodded. She and the demon Proserpina had been practically inseparable since they'd first arrived at the Arcane University. The two of them were clearly spearheading this whole thing but Ariadne had been talked into actually bringing it up with Phria.

"Ariadne, you have a promising career here as a Valkyrie. You were very nearly who I promoted as the new Vice-Captain. You're strong and capable."

"I appreciate that, Captain, but we've made our choice. Scarlette will take good care of the Valkyries and we understand what departing will do both to us and our families, but this is our choice. When the Dark One trained us I saw just how much there was left for us to learn and so did you. You were the only one who asked to call him master and have him guide us. You are the wise leader we wish to serve." One of her ginger ears twitched as a bird chirped outside the window. "Proserpina and I have already spoken with the Grand Mage and he's agreed to let us go with his blessing. Even allowed us to keep our wing gear."

Well, it seemed everything had essentially been decided for her. Phria needed to say no though, surely that would have been best for Ariadne and the others in the long run. Still, Demeer had agreed to this quite quickly by the sounds of things, that and she and Renner couldn't be expected to defend the Dark Castle and see to any monsters that cropped up alone forever. Yes, Rumple was the most powerful person in the realm, but he was a king now even if he didn't want to acknowledge that and it would be expected for him to have an army of strong retainers at his side. Seven people wasn't all that many anyway.

Phria reached for Ariadne's hand where it rested beside her teacup and gave it a squeeze. "Are you and the others absolutely certain about this? It isn't just leaving your position here, this means that you are vowing an oath to the Dark One. I am a proxy in this, I am loyal to my husband which means you will be as well. You might be from a minor noble family but Proserpina is a Viotto, they are the oldest noble demon family in Dreymyr."

"We know all that, Captain. I and the others knew what it would mean and we are still willing. The Viottos will probably be proud of Proserpina for choosing her own fate."

That stunned Phria into a momentary pause. Belle was fond of a similar saying and Phria had decided her fate the moment she'd chosen to wed Rumple demon lord or not.

"All right." Ariadne grinned at that. "I'll send word to Belle then you and the others will fly to the Dark Castle where you will obey her orders until I return. Understood?"

"Yes, Captain. I'll see it is done."

"I'm no longer your Captain."

The ginger-haired pantherian rose to her feet still smiling. "Yes, you're our queen now."

Then, with a bow, Ariadne was gone to tell the other six the good news. Phria wasn't entirely sure it was good news and fell back in her chair. Rumple probably wouldn't be too pleased to learn Phria had accidentally acquired a mini army, but the more people around to defend the Demon Lord's Domain the better.

Chapter Text

Rumple's return to the Arcane University had been swift and without warning but these days nobody in the administration section startled at his sudden appearance. Seeing the mythical Dark One in the halls wasn't anything new. Demeer hadn't been anywhere to be found in his office so Rumple had been forced to search him out only to stumble across Leotomas who spoke with a half-grasswalker professor in the hallway. Said professor sneered at Rumple then quickly departed with hardly a polite goodbye to Leotomas – publicly the University had aligned with the Dark One but that didn't mean everyone who worked there wished to embrace that fact.

The tall werewolf nodded a greeting in that stoic way of his and brushed his long hair back over his shoulder. Rumple hadn't yet seen one of Dreymyr's werewolves in their animal form, but he assumed it would be a lot like werewolves he was used to in the Enchanted Forest; that girl in the hood for instance.

"Where's Demeer?"

"In a meeting with the department heads. I'll fetch him for you as soon as it finishes." Rumple opened his mouth to object but Leotomas simply continued speaking unwilling to hear complaints. Part of his job was to smooth tensions and circumvent those intent on dragging out a situation. "If I may, you should speak with Queen Phria first."

That had Rumple lift an eyebrow for two reasons: Firstly, he'd not heard anybody refer to his wife as Queen Phria before. Secondly, if Leotomas had felt the need to raise the subject, then the situation must have been important. Jefferson wouldn't like yet another delay, but Rumple's wife came first; besides, he could always just blame Demeer's poorly timed meeting. So, with curiosity and mild concern lingering in his thoughts, Rumple marched off to Phria's room with determined steps. By this stage Rumple had memorized the path but teleported anyway and entered without a sparing a thought to knocking. Inside he found his beautiful bride sharpening her daggers slowly, no noise save for the grating of steel against her whetstone like a gentle melody. Belle may have been his scholar, but Phria was his warrior.

Rumple leaned against the doorway a moment with his arms folded to just look at his beautiful wife. What an enchanting sight she was with hair like silk and emerald eyes that twinkled brightly – at least they usually did. When she looked at him in that moment they were dulled revealing her mind to be pre-occupied. Still, she smiled the moment she saw him and set her things aside to embrace him. Against his dragonlinghide coat her armor clattered but neither paid it any mind.

"Hello, darling." A light kiss found its way to her temple. "Leotomas says you have something to tell me." Well, that wasn't quite what the werewolf had said but it was definitely what he'd meant. "Nothing bad, I hope."

Those lovely green eyes peered up at him as his hands went to rest on her slender waist to keep her close.

"Not bad exactly," she sighed. "I've been relieved of duty. I'm no longer the Valkyrie Captain." Rumple's lips parted to question but Phria continued more to ease her own worries than his. "The Grand Mage is right that it's best for everyone involved. I can't be in two places at once and I can't carry out the duties of both Valkyrie Captain and your wife all at the same time. It isn't sustainable and my loyalties seem split."

"Phria, darling, you have no duties as my wife beyond being my wife. There isn't any need for you to run the household or be present every five seconds. You are the youngest to ever be promoted to Captain of the Valkyries, something to be proud of, and if you wish to continue then I shan't object. I'm your husband not your owner."

That had Phria smile and rest her cheek to his shoulder. "You're a good man, Rumple, and a good husband. I've loved my time here at the University, it's been my home for so long, but you're my home now. It is for the best even if it hurts at first. I know Scarlette and Isadora will take good care of the Valkyries and it isn't as though I've been banished in disgrace, I can still visit. The Grand Mage allowed me to keep my wing gear so the University is always just a flight away." Phria paused a moment then to worry her lip, then she made her way back across the room where she sat at the square table. Rumple raised a brow but quickly joined her. "There is something else though, that's probably what Leotomas meant."

"Enlighten me, darling."

"There is a handful of Valkyries who have chosen to follow me in leaving. They feel more loyalty to me than the Valkyries and wish to serve me."

"How many is a few, and what do you mean they've chosen to follow you?" Rumple asked with slight puzzlement.

"Seven. They have opted to pledge their loyalty to you via me as their queen. They're all capable warriors, trust me on that. I spoke with Belle about it and we thought it would be a good idea to have a castle guard. Renner has to protect the children and your land is rather expansive. Every royal palace has a guard, I thought these seven could be ours. A small unit of highly trained warriors."

It was quite clear she felt she needed to talk Rumple into the idea but, when he actually thought about it, she was right. He hated the thought of being a king but that was essentially what he'd become and, while powerful, Rumple couldn't be there to protect the castle and everybody in it every second of every day. Seven wasn't an army but one Valkyrie was likely worth a dozen regular soldiers if not more. Besides, it sounded like his wives had already discussed it and come to an agreement on the whole thing; informing him was just a courtesy. Some days Rumple found himself pondered whether or not his brides being in cahoots so easily should have concerned him. 'At least they get along well' muttered his mind. They'd been the ones to assure him having two wives was acceptable and had given their blessing on the matter, they'd been the ones to encourage him in taking the girls in and taken up the role of mother to them easily. Rumple wouldn't ever be convinced he deserved either of them.

"You and Belle are right, having guards for the castle would increase security and relieve pressures off of you, Renner and I." He'd rather not have had more people than needed inside the new Dark Castle, but needs must. Where once he'd been a lonely old monster, he'd found himself surrounded by those he cared about and now those who protected those he cared about. "Where are these women now?"

"Flying to the Demon Lord's Domain." She smiled then rose to kiss his cheek. "I've told them to obey Belle until you and I return."

"Good, good." He nodded only to hold up a warning. "I have some rules if they are to stay."

"Anything," Phria told him quickly.

"Firstly, they report to Renner if you or I are unavailable." That was quickly agreed to. Renner may not have been a soldier but he'd been with Rumple's family the longest and was therefore the most trusted. "Secondly, if the land comes under attack, they will be deployed without question."

"They'd expect nothing less. I think the only ones stupid or greedy enough to attack your new territory is the Church and Knightly Order. These seven are no friends of theirs and won't have an issue defending our home if it comes to that."

"Then I suppose they can stay." He teased knowing very well his wonderful wives had already made the decision for him, his agreement was simply a formality by that point.

~X~

The very second Demeer had left his meeting with the department heads, Rumple had grabbed him by the arm and teleported the trio to Shark Island – an ominous place with sheer cliffs, a very flat top and totally surrounded by hungry sharks. The sort of place hope went to drown itself. Akula Prison at first looked like little more than a country manor house atop the only real hill on the entire island. Autumnal trees dotted the area and the building itself wasn't all that large or imposing; well made and old, but not imposing. However, this was only the administration building, the public face, and something dark lurked underneath. Akula Prison had actually been constructed entirely underground in an extensive network of tunnels, then re-enforced by wards and guarded by some of the most intense looking women the Valkyries possessed.

Inside the administration building Jefferson had been pacing on the stone floors since practically the moment Rumple had left. Valkyries went this way and that mostly ignoring the strange man and his hat, but agitation virtually dripped off of Jefferson. The moment he spotted Rumple, Phria and Demeer he launched toward them. Poor man looked like he'd not slept in a good few days.

"Finally! Where the hell have you been?"

"We are here now, Jefferson." Said Demeer in a calming tone before he turned to address Rumple and Phria. "Probably best not to mention your retirement while we're here, Phria. You and I will speak to Warden Havelock."

With little more than a nod from the white-haired pantherian, the two walked away while Jefferson returned to his pacing. Rumple didn't speak, just magicked himself to the Dark Castle to collect Belle has he'd promised then swiftly returned after he'd been assured the seven former Valkyries had arrived and provided quarters to settle into.

"Are you all right, Jefferson?" Belle asked sweetly as soon as they'd appeared. The nineteen-year-old queen rested a hand atop his forearm finally bringing him to a halt. Belle had sparkling sapphires filled with concern.

The Hatter sighed. "No. No, Belle, I'm not. That damn demon lord is just sitting down there and Grace -"

Suddenly Belle was hugging Jefferson which startled him into a statue-like stillness. "Everything will be all right. We're here now. Just a little longer."

Bless Belle and her sweet, caring nature. Jefferson physically relaxed as he absorbed Belle's gentle comfort. She had this unique ability to sooth even the most agitated of nerves with a balm of solace. Rumple adored Belle's genuine kindness, if he'd had that three hundred years ago his life would have been dramatically different.

Demeer and Phria returned then with yet another woman adorned in cobalt armor. Her hair was short, gray and neat, her eyes amber and set into a stern face which she used to scowl unashamedly at Rumple.

"Warden Gretchen Havelock, may I introduce you to Jefferson, one of my mages." A white lie simply to speed things along after so much red tape. "As well as the Dark One Rumpelstiltskin and his wife, Queen Belle du Marchand."

"Valkyries are meant to kill demon lords."

"Havelock!" Phria snapped. "Our duty is to defend the Arcane University and uphold the reputation of the Mages Guild."

Gretchen had the sense to back down and apologized for her rudeness. Demeer seized the opportunity to get them back on track and soon had Gretchen guide the group through the administration building, passed the Topper and began their journey down the ominous winding stairs. The entrance to the underground section looked much like a gargantuan bottomless well with uneven stairs and next to no light; each new step grew colder and darker even with the ball of light Demeer had conjured. Every now and again they'd come to a new level with a thick metal gate which branched off to a cell block heavily guarded by trained Valkyries. None of these branches were of interest to the group though, instead they continued down deeper into the earth knowing that each and every prisoner there was little more than a savage monster. Many may not have noticed, but Rumple, Demeer and Jefferson could practically taste the magic in the air. A toxic miasma intent on suffocating them if given half a chance. There may have only been four demon lords to ever rampage through Dreymyr, but that didn't mean they were the only ones to stumble into dark magic and evil ways.

"Are you certain you want to see her, Grand Mage?" Gretchen asked as they continued down the stairs, her voice echoed off the cold walls as though to re-enforce the question. "She's in solitary for a reason."

"While I appreciate your concern, Warden Havelock, this is something which must happen."

The less Gretchen knew about their reason for being at Akula Prison the better, it left things simpler and eased tensions. Finally, finally they reached the lowest level which again brought back the sense of being at the bottom of a well. The steps came to an abrupt end at another heavy metal gate with two Valkyries posted outside to guard it.

"Lock this door behind us." Gretchen ordered once the gate had been unlocked and pulled open with a high-pitched squeak. "This door doesn't open again unless I say it does."

As they made their way down the narrow rock hallway Belle clung to Rumple's arm while Phria instinctively rested one hand on her sword hilt; Jefferson and Demeer brought up the rear. Rumple had expected the intense weight of dark magic to grow heavier the closer to Ravavena's cell they got, but bizarrely the pressure actually seemed to ease from their shoulders. Where the upper levels had felt like drowning, pressure building up inside their heads, the path to Ravavena's cell actually provided respite from it.

Eventually they stepped out into a mostly square opening of bluish-gray rock supported by two surprisingly ornate pillars. A white ball of light lingered in a crevice between the two giving the suggestion of sunlight even that deep down and a large platform called the floor between the pillars home. None of that was what held the group's attention though, no, they were much too focused on the giant circular door and the Little Disaster held beyond.

"I warn you all," began Gretchen as she removed an octagonal ruby charged with magic from her pocket and approached the circular platform. "Ravavena may look beautiful but she's a deceptively dangerous monster. You can't trust a word a demon lord says, they manipulate and corrupt without shame."

Phria and Belle flashed an unimpressed look at Gretchen but Rumple couldn't have cared less, he was intensely used to people being distrustful of him and it showed a person to be at least somewhat intelligent rather than blindly trusting him. Gretchen's warning wasn't mistaken, just immaterial and thus fell on deaf ears.

"I think we can handle it, dearie, just open the door already."

Begrudgingly, Gretchen obeyed after a nod from both Demeer and Phria. She placed the ruby into a slot at the centre of the round platform then began to remove the wards. Spells broke and heavy chains hidden in the floor retracted until finally, with a whoosh of air, the circular cell door rotated then opened like a slow yawn.

After all that red tape and politics Rumple had finally found his way to another demon lord.

Chapter Text

With the door's opening came a gust of cold but dusty air that had Belle's nose wrinkle as chestnut curls fluttered around her. This wasn't a place people wished to visit. Frankly, beyond the Valkyries doing their rounds and bringing occasional meals, Akula Prison's bottom level likely never saw a single person. This was a forgotten place, a place most wished didn't exist and the prisoner along with it. A home for silence and spiders. Gretchen instinctively drew her sword then gestured for Rumple and the Grand Mage to head inside. Her expression said it all: enter at your own risk. For a few moments they all simply stood there staring at the open doorway leading to sinister darkness, but Grace had been alone too long already and that knowledge soon had the group moving forward. They ascended the stone steps with Rumple and Demeer at their head and finally slipped inside the cell.

Inside was dark, dank and coated in squid ink, air cold and musty. A place of Death: he who conquered all in the end. While the door may have been somewhat ornate, the cell itself certainly wasn't. No, just a crude space chiselled out of the rock with no windows nor light of any kind. Like someone had simply installed a door over a cave entrance, that was what Ravavena's cell looked like. A tragic, hopeless place designed to leave someone to rot in. Dead or in this hell hole, that had been the fate of the other demon lords; suddenly Rumple thought he'd done rather well for himself.

As Rumple's eyes adjusted to the light he spotted a pale mass slumped against the far wall. Ravavena: the Little Disaster. The elf wore only a tattered gray dress, rags really, and her blonde hair was a tangled mess down to her knees. Gray eyes were shielded by one hand and squinted almost entirely shut as she did her best to adapt to the sudden burst of light inside her cell. He couldn't be certain how long since she'd last seen sunlight. Slender, flat-chested and dirty was Ravavena, nothing like one would expect a powerful demon lord to appear. Belle fought the instinct to rush to her and offer assistance – she'd been reminded of little Amicia back at the Osgar Hall Caverns. How the mighty had fallen. The elf had been reduced to little more than a caged animal now.

Ravavena seemed confused at first, nobody ever came to visit after all, but once her eyes had adjusted and her mind had managed to focus on what was happening, she launched backward in fear. Dark magic radiated off of Rumple in thick waves threatening to drown her. She may have been a demon lord, but she was nothing compared to this practically omnipotent being.

"Hello, dearie." He greeted in that sing-song voice of his.

Ravavena swallowed audibly. "You're the True Demon Lord."

Rumple had intended to simply grab the woman and dump her in a new cell at the Dark Castle until they were ready to use her to power the portal, but then something strange happened; Ravavena shifted to kneel before him with her head lowered in a bow. This caught everybody else by surprise as well.

"Dearie, look at me."

Cautiously she obeyed, her filthy blonde hair hid much of her face but not those gray eyes. Eyes were the window to the soul, that was the old saying and Rumple had always found it surprisingly apt. He wasn't entirely sure what he'd been expecting from a fellow demon lord, but it wasn't what he saw before him. Those eyes were filled with so much guilt and self-hatred, loneliness and sorrow. Rumple could relate far too well. He knew how consuming dark magic could be, knew how it twisted and turned even the most innocent of intentions to vicious evil. This woman was like him, she might not have been angelic before her fall, but she'd probably not been a bad person. Had the Dark Curse still clung to him, he'd likely not have cared for the pain in Ravavena's eyes – delighted in it maybe - but the Darkness whispered no longer and so he crouched down before her. Jefferson's mouth opened to hurry things along but Phria's hand on his shoulder silenced him.

"You didn't intend for any of this to happen when you started playing with the dark, did you, dearie?" Rumple's head fell to one side while Gretchen scoffed as though talking to the inmates was an idiotic thing to do. "Let me guess: you were a scared and lonely little elf that found she had a talent for something no one else did. Instead of that making you interesting, it made you scary and more alone." Tears began to well up in Ravavena's gray eyes. "It was too late though, the abyss had dug it's claws in and rather than filling that hole of loneliness and isolation with people, you found you could plug it with power. You craved more and more and more until it was all you thought about, all you could think about. It was the only thing that staved off the pain. And when you realized all that it was much too late to turn back."

Tears streamed down Ravavena's dirty face as her shoulders started to shake. When she finally managed to express words they were hardly whispered.

"You understand." She marveled. "I couldn't stop."

Rumple hummed while the others simply watched on amazed there was a demon lord crying and on her knees before them.

"Yes, dearie, dark magic is addictive and thoroughly corrupting. It traps you in its web. Magic always comes with a price." He gestured to the cell walls coated in squid ink and dust. "You hate it in here, but you think it is a deserving punishment, correct?" Ravavena nodded. "I hadn't intended on dealing today, but I recognize something kindred in you. I have a better way you could be punished, make amends, whatever your pretty little head wants to call it. I need your well of dark magic to open a portal to another realm. I had been going to just use you but, if you let me use you as a battery willingly, I shall grant you a deal. What would you like in exchange?"

"You can't make deals with the Little Disaster!" Gretchen growled drawing everybody's attention. "She deserves nothing unless it's death. We don't make deals with demon lords!"

Rumple hardly spared the warden a glance. "I am one, dearie, and I can make deals with whom I choose."

Ravavena simply looked at Rumple a while with teary but assessing eyes. Even she'd thought the Dark One a myth but there he was crouched before her dressed in dragonling leather. Lesser dark magic leaked from the one in the odd hat and the man with the goatee could have only been the Grand Mage judging by how he was dressed and the immense levels of magic he possessed. How had the True Demon Lord managed to assemble such an unusual group of people to visit her?

He was correct of course, she hated her cell but knew she deserved such a fate. After what she'd done, rotting away in a dark hole seemed a fairly light punishment. Halinox slaughtered and burnt to ash, Ivosanch drowned by the Shay-El Ta, a spell so powerful even its inverter had feared it. Yes, caged up and forgotten like the beast she was had been a remarkably lenient penance.

"… I don't want to be imprisoned."

"Out of the question!" Gretchen shouted. "She led the ogres, she killed-"

Phria fixed Gretchen with a stern glare. "You will be silent, Havelock. You are here to open the door, not to provide your opinion. Kindly do not speak again."

Gretchen's face contorted as she fought the urge to snap something cruel back, probably about Phria's marriage to the Dark One. "Yes, Captain Federlord."

"She is right though, Rumpelstiltskin," began Demeer after he'd cleared his throat. "Ravavena has killed a lot of people."

"Probably far less than I have."

Belle crouched down beside her husband then to look between him and the dishevelled elf on the mucky ground. She'd always tried not to judge a book by its cover just as her mother had taught her, but Ravavena's crimes were well documented and extensive. Yes, people deserved a second chance, but hands couldn't be washed of sins quite so easily.

"Rumple, I tend to agree with Demeer. We may use up most of her dark magic but nothing says Ravavena won't do something horrific again. You know better than anyone how enticing dark magic is, how blinding."

"Enslave me!" The elf suddenly demanded, her face caked in tears. Abruptly the cell went so very quiet as all stared. "Enslave me to you. I will be your servant forever and help you open that portal you spoke of. I will still be shackled and bound, just don't let me be locked up in the dark again."

"That's actually a good compromise." Phria hummed. "She's out of this nightmare and you can keep her under control."

Why did everybody in Dreymyr seem to think slapping an enslavement collar on someone would solve their problems? Looking at all the chaos and danger Belle's collar had put her in, Rumple wasn't inclined to put himself back in the same situation but with a demon lord this time.

Rumple's unique eyes turned to his white-haired wife. "I believe I told Belle I had no desire to keep women as captives."

"She wouldn't be a captive," Belle told him drawing his eyes back to her. "You'd just have a leash you could pull on if she went too far. A safety net. I won't pretend to be an advocate of the enslavement ritual but Ravavena is willing and, ultimately, she is a criminal in need of a sentence."

Suddenly Rumple regretted his moment of weakness in offering the deal, he might have made a mistake. He sighed deeply. Over the last few months he'd been toying with the enslavement ritual trying to edit certain bits with quite some success. When a glance to Demeer didn't yield any objections he sighed once more then looked at his fellow demon lord.

"You sure you want this? There's no changing it afterwards, dearie."

She nodded. "I'm sure. Very sure. Please, my Lord, I know I deserve to be in here but I can't do it anymore."

Sitting alone in the darkness for years on end was one thing, but doing it with dark magic's corruption whispering its incessant insults was quite another. That was maddening, horrific and could only result in the birth of an even blacker soul. When he'd trained the Valkyries after arriving in Bichelberger for the first time, Phria had mentioned Ravavena had been defeated long before any of them had been born. She'd been in that cell longer than anybody but Rumple could comprehend.

"Just hurry up and do it already." Jefferson urged. He was so close to getting back to Grace. So close.

With lingering hesitation, Rumple and Demeer prepared everything for the enslavement ritual while the others watch on; Phria and Belle with curiosity, Jefferson with agitation and Gretchen with absolute disgust. Neutralizing the squid ink so any magic could actually be cast had taken almost ten minutes in and of itself. Demeer made impressively quick work of drawing the intricate magic circle on the floor of the cell while Rumple applied the small edits to the enslavement ritual he'd been working on. When the time came, Rumple cut his fingertip open with one claw and had Ravavena sup on a few drops of his blood as the spell took hold. Then, with little fuss or ado, an enslavement collar settled around her throat just like the one Belle had worn; silver with green gems and totally irremovable.

"It's lighter than I expected." The messy elf mused after a moment as her fingers reached up to brush the cold metal.

"Clean yourself up, dearie, you're a mess."

For the first time since they'd entered the cell, Ravavena stood up straight. She rolled her shoulders and acknowledged the order.

"Yes, Master." With magic that looked almost like a sparkling waterfall, Ravavena cleaned and changed from rags to a black leather jumpsuit with flowing black skirt, the shoulders ended in points and were detailed subtly with gold. "The hair can go."

Before anyone could even think of questioning her meaning, Ravavena had summoned a pair of sturdy scissors and begun cutting thick sections of hair from her head. Remnants cascaded to the dusty ground forgotten revealing her dramatically pointed ears for the first time in who even knew how long.

"Well, that's certainly a costume change." Demeer muttered to himself quietly.

Once more the elf bowed, though this time she looked far more put together and embodied an almost regal quality. Her face visible and her outfit mildly reminded Rumple of Regina on one of her less dramatic days.

"I am yours, Master. Loyal and sound, I pledge myself to the True Demon Lord. I shall serve you as best as I am able."

An oath didn't matter, with that collar around her neck a vow really made no difference whatsoever. However, all present supposed it made things feel a little more official. That and this was her way of showing gratitude, she may have become his slave, but at least she'd be out of the darkness. Amusing maybe that the Dark One had come offering sunshine.

Rumple huffed. "I'll make this an order, dearie: Don't call me master."

The collar's green jewels glowed much as Belle's had and got a swift nod from the elf. "Yes, my Lord."

Gretchen was outraged, she'd never seen such reckless abandon in all her life. The whole thing totally disgusted her to the point she felt genuinely sick. Every inch of her wanted to draw her sword and take both demon lords' heads, but her duty was to the Valkyries and Mages Guild. Captain Federlord and the Grand Mage were allowing it all to unfold. Had none of them stopped to think what would happen if two demon lords aligned? She'd heard people talking about how the Dark One wasn't like the legends – he was certainly shorter than imagined – but Gretchen thought most of what she'd just seen was blatant disregard for common logic rather than the Dark One simply being 'not a monster' as she'd heard said so many times. Repeating something didn't make it true. The warden was only drawn out of her internal grumblings when Demeer addressed her. He gave the usual speech thanking her for her assistance and apologizing for the inconvenience caused to her and the Valkyrie guards. It was the sort of reusable speech where one could simply insert a new name and location each time they used it. Sure he made the whole thing sound sincere but it was much too rehearsed. As for Phria, she said very little to Gretchen but that was to be expected of a Valkyrie captain.

With Ravavena now eternally bound to Rumple, he magicked them all back to the Arcane University where Demeer inspected Ravavena's collar to ensure everything was just as it should be. Rumple of course set out some ground rules as strict orders just in case she got any ideas. She wasn't to harm anybody unless they'd attacked her first and wasn't to provoke that attack as a loophole, wasn't to attempt tampering with her collar or leave until Rumple returned for her. Having covered his bases, Rumple returned Belle and Phria to the Dark Castle. While both had wanted to help with the portal, there wasn't all that much they could do and, if everything backfired, Rumple didn't want them getting caught up in the blast. Another reason for returning home was to make sure distance restrictions had been totally obliterated from the enslavement collar he'd worked on. He adored and loved Belle with all his heart so having her so close constantly hadn't been terrible, but he had no love for Ravavena.

~X~

Renner had known the moment Rumple and his queens returned to the castle and made quick work of greeting them and reporting about their new guards. The women had arrived some time ago and Belle had issued them all rooms since the castle had enough chambers to house just about everybody in Basilica, but they'd grown restless and eager to take up their new duties; Valkyries, even former ones, weren't the sort to sit idle.

"You should speak to them before you return to Bichelberger, Rumple." Said Belle softly. "They need to be addressed by their lord and officially be given their orders."

"Belle's right, Rumple. I may be the one they wished to follow, but I am aligned with the Demon Lord's Domain and thus you are their king."

Rumple snarled, he truly hated that word.

"Where are my son and daughters?" He asked Renner in an attempt to shift the conversation but his wives clearly wouldn't let it go so easily.

"They're reading in the throne room with Demiurge, my Lord."

Belle clapped her hands together. "Excellent. We'll go to the children and Renner can have the former Valkyries brought to us. It'll be best for you to meet them in there, more official."

That was how Rumple found himself departing the salon for the throne room with his wives ensuring he couldn't slip away. Of course every ounce of irritation drained from his form the moment his three girls spotted him and came running with smiles on their faces.

"Papa! Are you staying this time?"

"You're back now, right?"

"Will you read to us?"

The three girls spoke over one another to the point he wasn't entirely sure who had said what. He dropped into his throne and kissed their heads in turn with a smile as he let them regale him with stories of their games and the books they'd read.

"Did the other demon lord agree to help with getting Jefferson home?" Bae questioned while he helped Belle tidy up the girls' books from the floor.

Rumple nodded. "Aye, Bae. She's been placed on a sort of tethered release program." That had the boy's brow furrow. "She is willing to help us open the portal and in return she has been placed in my service with an enslavement collar."

"Like that terrible thing on Belle?!"

"It's all right, Bae." Phria soothed as she slipped into her emerald throne. "This one is modified to be quite humane."

Bae thought it over a moment. The idea of slavery appalled him, but a demon lord was a demon lord and having a safeguard was probably for the best.

Belle and Bae moved the books out of the way to clean up the throne room, then Belle seated herself in the sapphire throne while the children lined up neatly in age order doing their best to look like the son and daughters of a powerful ruler; Semiramis cradled Bubble in her arms. Soon enough Renner entered followed by the seven women formerly of the Valkyries. While they wore their wing gear, the prominent cobalt armor was gone and their affiliation along with it. Renner stood off to one side with Demiurge, his hair scruffy as always, while the seven women knelt before their new lord.

"Thank you for agreeing to our request, my Lord." Ariadne said from the middle of the line. "We will serve your kingdom and family to our fullest."

"You'd better. My queens have decided you are worthy of protecting this castle, if you have their faith then I'll accept you here. My rules are simple: You answer directly to Phria, if she is absent then Renner becomes your commander. There won't be any argument about this, dearies. Do you understand?" There was a resound affirmative which Rumple took to be a good sign. "Good, then you are officially recognized as the Dark Castle's Guard."

Phria shuffled forward on her throne to Rumple's right, the color matched her eyes perfectly. "Our time as Valkyries mustn't be forgotten, but it is behind us all now. Avonlea has the Rose Guard, Dorovoth has the Cordillera. The Demon Lord's Domain shall have the Pleiades. Ariadne Eichrodt, Proserpina Viotto, Chrysanthi Aurousseau, Halcyone Vandengrove, Sentia Swayne, Kyveli Ninomae and Theano Cashel, you are the Dark One's Pleiades. Serve him and this realm well." Green eyes flashed to the auburn-haired pantherian who'd been brave enough to come to her room at the Arcane University. "Ariadne, you shall be their captain with Proserpina serving as your deputy."

Ariadne nodded. "As you wish, my Queen. We are honored by your faith in us."

Each woman drew their weapon then and planted them on the ground to make their oath of fealty, loyal words spoken in unison which seemed to please the queens.

"I'm sure you'll settle in very well." Belle told them with a smile before gesturing to the children doing their best to behave; Valdis' wings had pulled in even more than usual, a clear sign she was doing her best to stand stright. "While your primary duties shall be to this castle and surrounding land, should Renner give you an order intended to protect the children regardless of if he's acting as your commander at the time or not, you will obey that order. Yes?" Another resound affirmative sounded. "Wonderful. Then may I introduce you to; Prince Baelfire and princesses Amicia, Semriamis and Valdis."

Rumple raised an eyebrow. 'Princesses? Oh, I'm never going to hear the end of that one.' Bae nor Rumple cared an iota for being nobles let alone royalty, but Belle had been raised with all this etiquette and hierarchy conditioned into her, and what little girl didn't want to be a princess?

"Renner will see to your guard rotation and give you a tour of my castle. Dismissed."

With that the Pleiades departed along with Renner and Demiurge. Renner wasn't a stupid man, he knew he'd just had a load of things Rumple didn't want to do dumped on him. Still, if the girls and Bae were in the throne room with their mothers and father, then they were safe. Azzy would likely be along shortly as well, he never left Belle alone for very long.

Chapter Text

Silent and peaceful was the night. Rumple lay in bed with his wives cuddled up on either side of him pretending to be asleep. Pretending because the sheer pressure Rumple's incessant thinking brought to the room prevented any actual slumber. To be honest he was in the sort of mood where his hands itched to tinker with something or simply to spin. Come the morning and he'd be essentially waving the only person he could have even considered calling a friend from the last three hundred years goodbye. For so long he'd insisted he didn't need friends, but Jefferson and that ridiculous blond doctor had wormed their way in. So there the Dark One lay lamenting the departure of the Hatter. Rumple couldn't help wondering just when he'd become quite so sensitive.

"Everything is going to be fine, Rumple." Belle told him quietly before placing a kiss to his bare chest.

"I didn't mean to keep you awake. Either of you."

Phria lifted her head then, her ears drooped slightly as they always did when tired and her white hair draped over one shoulder.

"We're more worried about you than a little lost sleep. Is it that Jefferson is leaving or that you're not going back to your realm?"

To his realm? Rumple hadn't had a single thought of returning to the Enchanted Forest since he'd found Bae had been summoned to Dreymyr. He had no beloved childhood memories or family he wanted to go back to. No, Rumple couldn't have cared less that he'd never again see the place of his birth. If he went back his curse would ensnare him again just as it had with the other Dark One who'd made it to Dreymyr, and that was the last thing he wanted.

"I don't want to go back." He promised before kissing their foreheads in turn. "My family is all here, why would I want to leave?"

The women pushed themselves up in an almost perfect unison; Belle always slept in a white chemise, while Phria had opted for an oversized shirt she'd stolen from Rumple shortly after she'd confessed her love to him. Both were so beautiful, his wives, his queens, his true loves.

Belle took one of his clawed hands into hers and brought it up to kiss while Phria crawled closer brushing her hand over his smooth chest as she worried her lip.

"You're so tense." Frankly, Rumple couldn't argue with the pantherian. "We could so do something about that."

He lifted an eyebrow as she smirked down at him then bent to kiss him. Soon Rumple was buried inside Belle while she road him, her eyes fluttered shut and mouth hung open in a silent moan. Meanwhile his claws dug into Phria's slender hips while he devoured her magnificent wet heat. Any lingering thoughts of Jefferson's departure had been thoroughly washed from his mind, cast away and forgotten about faster and more efficiently that his wheel could have ever hoped to achieve.

~X~

Morning found Bae tugging his father into a quiet alcove for a private conversation. Things had been going exceptionally well between the two of them as of late, but there were still many a pitfall to navigate, that was what had Rumple audibly swallow when he spotted the serious expression on his son's face.

"You're opening the portal today, right?"

Rumple nodded. "I'm certainly going to try. Is there a problem, son?"

Bae signed and stared at the floor a moment. While he had the body of a teenager, Bae had the eyes of a man who'd seen far too many dark things in his life.

"We've got a home here now, I like having sisters and, while it's still a bit odd, I like having Belle and Phria as my stepmothers. I don't want us to lose this home, with the Church and political climate that King Artem keeps going on about, we have enough problems." Concerned brown eyes peered up at his papa. "What I'm trying to say is: Are you sure opening that portal won't turn you back into who you were? What if it opens and the Darkness takes you back?"

For a moment Rumple stood there in a stunned silence. He'd not realized Bae worried so deeply about these things; then again, it was something that could damn them all and their new family. Having the worst part of his curse closed off in another realm had removed an incommodious weight from his shoulders.

"Bae, lad," he began while trying not to deflate. "I can't make that deal. I can't make it because I'm not sure it won't happen. I can't pretend to be brave like Belle or you, and I'm not a warrior like Phria. Maybe my curse will try to ensnare me again once the portal is open – I can't even be certain it will open. We can hope but reality is far more complicated than that and often cruel as you well know. I made you learn that far more viciously than you ever should have." Rumple took a calming breath while Bae stared at the floor as he did his best to shove past memories away. "Bae, all I can promise you is that, should that evil come for me again, I'll fight it. I was blind the first time and thought power would make everything better, but that was three hundred years ago and I know better now. I don't want to go back to the dark. I'm not strong but I'll fight it."

"None of this makes up for what you did back then, Papa. Belle goes on about second chances though and I just want you to know this is yours. If you go back to being that monster, I don't think I can give you a third. My sisters, they've never seen the real Dark One. They'll just see that monster as having killed their papa." That cut Rumple to the quick. He couldn't let that curse steal a father from yet more children. He refused to facilitate it further. "You promised me you'd be better, so be better."

Not knowing what else to do, Rumple nodded. He had his theories on the curse, what had happened and how connecting Dreymyr to the Enchanted Forest would affect him, but he'd been pretending he wasn't afraid. Having power staved off most of his fears, but no amount of power could prevent the curse latching back on if it chose to. 'Do the brave thing and bravery will follow', Belle had been saying that since the day they'd met, she'd learned it from her mother and ensured her own children knew it as well. It was a sentiment Bae had taken to heart and could see his papa had as well. However, wanting to do something and actually doing it were two very different things.

Rumple returned to the Arcane University with those thoughts still swirling around at the back of his brain. Birds chirped in the morning sun, people wandered the market and something in Mykel Ainsworth's research lab blew up startling numerous students. Nothing distracted Demeer, Jefferson or Rumple from their task though, they couldn't risk it. With the possible threat she posed, Ravavena had been placed in the Valkyrie training room with countless guards and enough wards that the room had stood a chance of keeping even Rumple in. To be perfectly honest, she'd traded one cell for a slightly nicer one.

When he entered he found Ravavena sat quietly on a bench staring at the flagstones while Jefferson fidgeted with his hat, and Demeer made little notes in a small book that was tucked away in his robes when he saw Rumple.

"I take it distance caused no issues?"

Demeer shook his head. "None at all. The collar hasn't activated once since you left, Rumpelstiltskin, I'd be intrigued to learn how you accomplished such a thing, as would Sebas Emmot. This realm has had the enslavement ritual almost as long as we've had myths of you and nobody has managed to alter it."

"I'm a unique sort, dearie." He mused as he walked to the blonde elf an stopped directly in front of her. "Stand up and turn around."

Rumple had put so much effort into not using a commanding tone with Belle after he'd learned how the collar worked, but with Ravavena he needed to ensure she couldn't find any loopholes; he was good at that so he supposed fellow demon lords were as well. Green gems glowed and had Ravavena up and turned in hardly two seconds. He'd not command her all the time, had no desire for slaves, but had to ensure this leash could be tugged on when needed. That was why he'd left her in Demeer's capable hands, he'd run several tests Rumple wouldn't have thought of during the night.

The collar Ravavena wore had a slightly different cut-out in the back to that of Belle's, hers had been circular and concentric, but Ravavena's altered one was more triangular; this was the only physical change to the enslavement ritual, but it had made a gigantic difference.

"You have an astounding talent for magic, my Lord, not that it wasn't expected."

Rumple just hummed as he inspected the sigil then had her turn back to face him. "As I'm sure you've noticed, your collar won't punish you for being too far away from me, but that is it. All other rules of the collar are still in place and if I command you to me, dearie, then you'll be pulled from wherever you are without care for what you're doing."

She nodded. "I understand."

"She gets it." Jefferson suddenly piped up. "Can we just go now?"

Yes, they'd kept Jefferson waiting much too long and it wasn't fair. So, quickly but carefully, they gathered up the ingredients and items they'd need for the spell then Rumple teleported them all to of Rutherford Tower where it had all begun. Shortly after regaining control of himself, Maurice had ordered a guard placed around the tower just in case any of Gaston's and Tvon's secret supporters got any ideas; thankfully nobody had and their visitors had consisted mostly of slimes.

After some quick words with the guard captain they'd all climbed the stairs to the top. Rumple nor Jefferson had particularly good memories of Rutherford Tower and they didn't wish to linger longer than was needed. Fortunately for them, much of the magic circle Tvon had used remained fairly intact so it wasn't that hard to recreate it. Though he couldn't really do anything to assist then, Jefferson lingered close by as though the portal could somehow open without him. For the most part Ravavena had been doing the same, but she slowly shuffled closer to the circle with her brow furrowed after about fifteen minutes.

"My Lord, this is Ivosanch's work." That had everybody pause and turn to face her as she began to loop around the circle only to point out other symbols. "And this is Halinox. And that is draconic. Somebody cobbled this together and probably thought they were smarter than they are."

She may have been his slave now, but she was also a defeated demon lord with a well of information in her head. Oh, Rumple would have to have her tell him everything once they were done – and if the spell didn't kill her; probably wouldn't but one could never be entirely sure.

"Aye, dearie, he wasn't all that smart. Actually wanted to be another demon lord and had no understanding that magic always comes with a price." That had her lift an eyebrow because only the blackest of souls actually wanted to become demon lords, and that was from somebody who was one.

"This should work but it needs a stabilizer – oh, that's me."

As realization dawned on the blonde, Jefferson actually felt bad for her. She was going to suffer through so much intense pain all so he could go home. Rumple had managed to build a life in Dreymyr and Jefferson wished him all the best, he honestly did, but Grace was his world. Still, Ravavena had agreed to help them of her own freewill and that was something to be respected, it was what had Jefferson approach her while Rumple and Demeer finished their preparations.

"Em, Ravavena?" She turned to face him. Remarkably beautiful she was when not covered in dirt or hidden behind knotted hair. Then again, all elves seemed to be exceptionally beautiful as a rule. Amicia would grow into a lovely young woman and Belle was stunning despite only being a half-elf. "Thank you for doing this. You don't know me or Grace, and I know you mostly wanted to get out of that prison, but thank you. I am grateful."

For a moment she simply stood there in shock. Nobody had thanked her for anything in so very long, so genuine gratitude caught her by surprise.

"You're em, you're welcome." Gray eyes glanced to the Dark One. People seemed aligned with him, the Grand Mage certainly was. So, if there was hope for him living in the light, maybe there was hope for her as well. "Friends call me Vena. At least they would if I had any."

The Hatter flashed her a smile, that scoundrel one all the girls loved. "Vena it is."

A few more moments passed, leaves danced on the breeze, slimes bounced about below and somewhere one of the guards gave a guttural laugh. Then a new moment began and it was time to open the portal. As Ravavena took her place and the two most powerful mages in Dreymyr began to cast, Jefferson felt nerves bubble up inside him. This was exactly what he'd wanted since the second that wretched demon lord wanna-be had pulled him into Dreymyr, what he still wanted, but part of him feared the portal wouldn't open. If it didn't open he'd never see his baby girl again.

Suddenly Ravavena dropped to the dusty floor and began to scream as she curled in on herself, a purple-black cloud like miasma formed around her then began to swirl in the centre of the magic circle. Part of Jefferson wanted to stop them causing the elf so much agony, but this had to happen. Faster, faster, faster the purple-black smoke swirled as the wind kicked up causing him to grip his top hat tighter. So this was what this spell looked like when cast properly. Haldor Tvon may have pieced it all together, but he'd lacked the power and resilience to use it properly. Rumple and Demeer though, they were masters of magic doing all of this to reunite Jefferson with Grace. He'd always known Rumple wasn't as two dimensional as most assumed, there had always been more to him than just evil, but Dreymyr had allowed Jefferson to see just how much kindness existed under the surface. When he had Grace in his arms again, he'd make sure to tell her of how it was all down to the Dark One and the inhabitants of a realm stranger than Wonderland.

Then, with a deafening clap akin to thunder, the portal roared to life with the strange smoke still circling around it like a vortex. Open. It opened! Jefferson could go home!

"That's my castle, I can feel it." Rumple shouted over the rushing, whirling sound. "You can use your hat from there."

Without warning Jefferson hugged Rumple from behind causing him to turn stiff. The elf continued to scream.

"Thank you. Thank you, Rumple."

"No need for that. Hurry up, Hatter, it won't stay open long."

If that was because the portal wasn't meant to be open or because Ravavena's heart could give out Jefferson didn't know.

"Shame you can't stay." Said Demeer. "I'm glad to have met you."

"I'd like to, it's nice here. But I have to be with Grace."

Something struck Rumple then, something he'd not thought about in quite some time. Unique eyes found Jefferson's dazzling blue ones.

"You should be prepared for the Dark Curse." That had Jefferson raise an eyebrow. "Regina has a curse to take everybody to a place without happy endings. Everybody ensnared in it will be separated from those they love and subjected to Regina's whims. You can't stop it, it will happen. Twenty-eight years. In twenty-eight years a Savior will come and the curse broken, but you and your daughter will be apart until then."

Jefferson paled. "How does she have something so monstrous?!" Rumple didn't point out it had come from him, too many complications while he held that portal open. "There's a way to escape it, right?"

Rumple shook his head. "No. It'll swallow just about everything up." Then he remembered what Demeer had said and wondered it maybe it was possible. "I'm going to pull through my things from my castle. I might be able to do the same with Grace. If you're both here the curse can't take you." He'd set all the wheels in motion for the Dark Curse but no longer needed it, the least he could do was offer Jefferson his own way out. "Tvon summoned Bae through use of my blood. It was an accident then but maybe you're blood can bring Grace to us."

Jefferson just stared. Beyond that portal was his home, but it sounded like Regina would steal it from him soon enough. Dreymyr wasn't a terrible place now the likes of Tvon had been defeated and the new bond of friendship he'd forged with Rumple would likely provide him and his daughter an extra layer of protection they'd lack in the Enchanted Forest or wherever Regina's curse dumped them.

Blue eyes locked on Rumple who'd started to struggle in holding the portal open. "Why would you do that for me?"

Rumple shrugged. "Not you, dearie. Grace. I've never met her but suspect she's often felt the way I made my boy feel. Lonely, like work and power are more important to us than they are. It's not true, but what other conclusion can a child make? You only want to find a place for the two of you to live peacefully, where Grace can thrive, and Regina is about to steal that away. That place can be here instead. Bae thought it needed to be a place with no magic, but it doesn't, it just needs to not be the Enchanted Forest. Everyone there always goes on about happily ever after but nobody actually gets one, not even the heroes, not really. My curse doesn't control me here, and here the Queen of Hearts nor anybody like-minded can force you to use that hat of yours."

"You could."

"Aye, but throwing a bit of gold at you is so much easier." Not a word drifted between them for a few seconds while wind, purple-black smoke and Ravavena's strangled cries hurtled around them. Demeer could feel the very foundations of Rutherford Tower start to vibrate as well; the portal would rip the whole place apart if it remained open much longer. "Tic tock, dearie. Are you going back or am I pulling Grace through?"

With a calming breath Jefferson nodded. "Pull her through."

Quickly Jefferson sliced open his finger on the pocket knife he always kept in his coat and let Rumple do what he needed with it. The process was uncomfortable and felt like a lifetime instead of only thirty seconds, but then little Grace tumbled through the portal and Jefferson snatched her up in his arms as Rumple turned his attention to pulling through as many artefacts and curios from his castle as was possible. Things landed in chaotic piles all around the tower until finally Ravavena lost consciousness and the portal snapped shut with another thunderous clap.

Everybody collapsed to the floor exhausted both physically and mentally. Had the elf's chest not risen and fallen, they'd have assumed her dead. Grace and Jefferson cried as he tried to explain what was happening and where they were; neither Rumple nor Demeer felt it appropriate to interfere.

His body might have hurt, but Rumple soon sent all of the items he'd sucked through to Dremyr off to his vault under the new Dark Castle.

Eventually Jefferson managed to look up from his beautiful daughter who he held so tight, tears streamed down his face like angry rivers and his cheeks had turned red.

"Thank you, Rumple."

Rumple waved him off, he'd never done well with praise. Instead he went to the single item he'd not removed to his vault; a familiar shape which glinted violently in the daylight. A clawed hand stretched out to snatch it up for this was the most important of the items he'd called to him. The Dark One had his dagger again.

Chapter Text

Demeer had been returned to the Arcane University to document what he'd seen and begin writing an analysis on both the ritual components and the fuel-like quality dark magic had provided. Rumple nor Jefferson had cared a single iota about any of that, not when they'd retreated to the new Dark Castle with Grace and the dagger. Rumple had dumped an unconscious Ravavena in one vacant room and only spared a glance to a crying Jefferson guiding Grace to his own room. His wives would surely be keeping themselves busy with one thing or another – Belle likely in the library while Phria indulged in her training room. So Rumple paid little attention to his surroundings as he marked down the hall with the dagger gripped so tightly his hand threatened to bleed. That was until he passed one of the various balconies. Bae and little Amicia emerged, her with a bright smile for her papa, and him with brown eyes that instantly fell to the infamous blade.

Bae didn't spare a moment. "You promised that dagger wouldn't control you again!"

Amicia jumped away from her big brother's sudden shouting and grabbed Rumple's sleeve. He quickly crouched down to her level for a comforting hug.

"Don't yell at Papa, Bae!"

A kiss found its way to the top of her golden head. "No, lass, it's all okay."

Rumple hadn't been shocked by such a reaction from his only son. That dagger had caused so much heartache, resentment and had left destruction in its wake; accursed shard of spite that it was. Bae's fists clenched while Amicia continued to glare at her brother unaware of what the dagger represented, of the memories it stirred up sinisterly.

With one hand on Amicia's back, Rumple proffered the dagger to Bae with the other. Back in the Enchanted Forest he'd not let another look upon his dagger let alone hand it over so freely.

"Take it. Look at it." Bae had no desire to hold such a beastly thing, but when his papa insisted and it looked like Amicia had started to consider grabbing it herself, Bae relented. "It's not controlling me. I'm still free, the Curse didn't reconnect to me. Look! My name isn't on their anymore. I'm not bound to it or it's evil now."

He urged Bae to see for himself, to understand he told the truth. The dagger looked as it always had but bore no name. Rumple felt no tether binding him to the Darkness but could sense the evil still lurked inside the blade. Free, Rumple was free of it's savagery and somehow found himself in the best of both worlds – all his omnipotence without the binding evil. This was a fantastically fortunate outcome.

"Stand up!" Bae commanded, but his papa didn't move an inch. "It really doesn't control you?" Rumple shook his head. "Then why do you have it? Why would you want this thing here?"

"I didn't bring it through the portal for me, Bae, I – I brought it for you."

Bae's eyes widened. "Me?! Why the hell would I want this anywhere near us? Papa, things were finally better."

Suddenly the dagger was thrown down at the floor between them again causing Amicia to jump. She'd thought – she'd hoped all the arguing between her papa and big brother had ended, that they could just love each other like she loved them.

"Lad, let me explain," pleaded Rumple while stroking small circles on Amicia's back to comfort the pair of them. "Neither of us wanted to be brought here, but I've found I don't ever want to leave. Why would I? I'm free of my curse, your sisters are here, Belle and Phria are here. I don't want to go back. You though, you're a strong and amazing boy who only ever wanted to explore and be happy. You're in this realm because of me and, while you might be content at the moment, what happens when you're an adult? I don't want you to come to hate me again for never being able to return to the Enchanted Forest. Opening the portal used up almost all of Ravavena's dark power, if we try it again, she'll die and you were the one who made me promise there wouldn't be any unneeded death. That means there's no power source stable enough for the portal again other than me and Valdis, and I know you'd never want to put your sister through that. I don't want you to leave, Bae, I'd rather that you have all your adventures here, but I'm trying to be better; for you, for your sisters, Belle and Phria." Rumple paused a moment to sigh deeply. Amicia took the opportunity to cuddle into her papa tighter while Bae just listened eerily quietly. "One day, if you decide you want to go back, the dagger will power the portal. It can't be opened from the other side so you'd never come back -"

Finally Rumple's speech was cut off as Bae's head fell to one side and his brow furrowed in puzzlement.

"You'd let me go?"

Rumple nodded. "I wouldn't be happy about it, and I'd do everything I could to talk you out of it, but yes. If you truly wanted to leave Dreymyr then I wouldn't stop you."

Silence lingered in the hallway for a moment. An odd weight silence possessed, an absence of sound pressed so strongly on their shoulders. A breeze drifted in through the balcony door which had been left ajar, a breeze distant trees danced in. Amicia's blue eyes flitted between father and son as the silence stretched on until she could take it no longer.

"Are you done fighting with Bae now, Papa?"

Rumple giggled in that way of his. "Aye, Amicia, we're done."

From the floor Bae retrieved the hated dagger and proffered it back to his papa. "Put the dagger in the vault where we can't see it. I can't say we'll never need it, but I don't need it now."

With a wave of his golden-green hand the dagger vanished hopefully to never be spoken of again. The vault underneath the castle had been filled with almost all of his collection from the old Dark Castle, partly gathered to keep the likes of Cora and her daughters from utilizing them and partially for a selfish demon lord to retain his past. None of it would be put on display as it had before, instead it would all linger in the darkness of his quiet vault. Nobody else needed to know of any of it, they were Rumple's memories after all. There had been a second reason for bringing through the dagger though, not to complete his collection or act as a keepsake of his days as an irredeemable beast, but instead to keep the Dark One's curse from spreading. If nobody else ever found the dagger, then maybe the Dark One wouldn't ever harm the Enchanted Forest and neighboring realms again. To Rumple it was just another part to his promise to Bae; no more unnecessary deaths.

"Papa, Bae has sword practice with Renner. Will you come watch with us?" Amicia fluttered her blue eyes knowing it always had him cave and, sure enough, she got a nod. "Yes! Do you think Phria would teach me?"

Bae lifted an eyebrow. "You want to learn swordsmanship, Mic? I thought you preferred reading with Belle."

Amicia spoke while Rumple stood and the trio began their walk to the courtyard to meet with Renner, Demiurge and the two youngest children.

"I do, but everybody else is strong. Papa's a demon lord, Phria and Renner are warriors, Mama can tame anything -" Rumple had to agree, she'd tamed him after all. "- and even Vee can fight. She's got wings too!"

While Valdis did have an exorbitant level of power as well as wings and a destructive tail if she took her talisman off, Valdis had no real idea how to use any of it. Semiramis had shown signs of extensive talent when it came to water magic as well. Bae couldn't use magic, but he was agile, quick thinking and surprisingly skilled with a sword, so it made perfect sense Amicia dreamed of being just as strong as her family. Royals in other kingdoms seemed to treat swords as the sort of thing princesses shouldn't have associated with despite there literally being an organization of warrior women with a stellar reputation. However, no matter how much Rumple didn't wish to be known as a king, he'd not object to his little princesses learning to use a sword if that was what they wanted to do.

Upon entering the courtyard they found Renner already waiting in the centre while Valdis and Semiramis tickled Demiurge's fur from a stone bench off to the left; a stone bench they'd piled with purple flowers picked from the garden Belle had started. The demon Proserpina had taken up residence leaning against a wall in the shadows as well with her spear beside her, clearly eager to see Bae's talents.

Renner soon got training underway while the girls cheered Bae on and showed Rumple the flowers they'd gathered. A pleasant afternoon with his children, that wasn't the sort of thing Rumple had ever expected to have but, now that Jefferson and Grace had been reunited, these days would hopefully become frequent. Eventually Rumple ended up with Semiramis on one side of him swinging her legs, Amicia on the other while Valdis perched on his lap. Bae and Renner glided around the courtyard as training swords clattered together rhythmically and Renner ensured he kept Bae on the defensive to better his guard and footwork. Demiurge didn't take long to scale the vast tree near the stone bench and settle on a thick branch there, maybe he'd picked up his perceived laziness from Azzy. Rumple would have to seek out his wives before long, they'd want to discuss everything that had happen at Rutherford Tower and what had caused Grace coming to Dreymyr rather than Jefferson leaving. However, Rumple would happily soak up every moment he got with those four children.

"Renner, Papa said you'd teach me to use a sword, too."

"That wasn't exactly what I said."

The scruffy-haired pantherian never turned his attention away from Bae and their training, simply responded as he blocked one of Bae's thrusts.

"If my Lord wishes his daughters trained, I will train you."

Valdis peered up at Rumple then from his lap then with a twinkle in her black eyes – a clear sign of her dragon heritage.

"Will you teach us magic, papa?"

That had Rumple pause. He didn't wish to deny his daughters anything but didn't want to encourage corruptive dark magic if he could help it. Every person he'd instructed in the way of dark magic had turned into a monster same as him then done unspeakable things to those around them in their quest for power.

As if sent to save him, Proserpina stepped out from the shadows and returned her red spear to her back as she approached and knelt before the demon lord she'd vowed to serve. Black hair, eyes that sparkled like rubies and smooth gray skin; yes, Proserpina Viotto was quite the beautiful woman who'd begun her life so far away in Dawnkarth. The silver ferronnière she wore had tiny blue gems which sparkled in the sunlight giving her an almost glowing quality, but nothing took away from her posture and spear; this woman had been a Valkyrie for a reason.

"My Lord, if I may, Kyveli is an exceptional mage gifted with both spirit and water magic. I'm sure she'd be delighted to instruct the princesses in the magical arts."

Rumple pondered a moment while Bae and Renner continued to dance around the courtyard in mock battle. Kyveli Ninomae, the Pleiades' mage and a talented on at that according to Phria. Now they had a home and weren't travelling around all the time, Rumple supposed getting the girls and Bae tutors would likely be an excellent idea. Magic required control and understanding no matter which realm one lived in. So, until a proper tutor could be hired, Rumple saw no reason not to make use of the Vellan elf.

"Aye, that sounds like a decent idea, dearie. Kindly have her report to Renner so he can set up a schedule for my daughters and son."

Bae's concentration broke for a moment and that was his downfall, Renner took the opening and knocked the teen to the grown in hardly a second. Proserpina didn't glance his way though, simply nodded then departed to track down Kyveli.

"Papa," began Bae as Renner helped him to his feet. "I can't use magic, so what's the point of me going?"

"Renner, wouldn't it be best for a warrior to have an understanding of magic and how an opponent is likely to use it against them?"

He nodded causing his scruffy hair to obscure yet more of his forehead. "Indeed it would, my Lord. Skill is only half the battle."

As always Renner remained a man of few words. He tossed Bae his training sword back and set to correcting his footwork. Rumple hadn't had any real education growing up, his aunts had done their best and taught him a profession, but that had been about it. He'd not even learnt to read until he'd been drafted. Bae and his daughters though, they'd get the best of everything; best food, best tutoring, and the most love he and his wives could give them.

~X~

Later, when Rumple had finally managed to seek out his beloved brides after checking Ravavena was still unconscious, Rumple strolled into the salon to find Missus Potts and her son of all people perched at the long table sipping tea. Belle and Phria sat opposite with concerned expressions and a tea set between them. The old woman and her boy looked tired, thin and terrible, Missus Potts had clearly spent much time crying.

The moment their husband entered, Belle and Phria were out of their chairs at his side to kiss his cheek in turn and pull him over to take his rightful place at the head of the table. Clearly something big had happened, something they likely wanted him to fix with a benevolence he didn't really possess.

"I take it this will be a long story." He sighed.

The trip from Ranga to his castle was neither short nor easy, frankly Rumple wasn't quite sure how the two had managed it. Knowing he was in for an apparently heart-breaking tale, he helped himself to some tea and sipped while Missus Potts told him her woes.

"My papa moved us from Westselo to build that inn." She eventually began while staring into her own cup of tea. "Sure, he was good with coin and had the know-how to forge lasting relations with suppliers, but it was the charm of my mother Edith who made the Teapot Inn what it is. Could cheer the saddest of folk up she could, taught me to make hammer boar stew as well." Yes, Rumple could freely admit that stew was somewhat legendary. "We ran it as a family, you see. My older sister Constance didn't have the knack but she tried. She wanted romance and she got it when she married that grasswalker of hers. I didn't mind running the inn alone, I loved it there. My husband gave us Chip and then he helped out too."

While the Teapot Inn's history was surely fascinating and filled with many a unique detail, Rumple failed to see why he was being told any of it or why they were in his castle.

"Are you stumbling towards a point at all, dearie?"

"Rumple!" Belle scolded him with a stern glare. "This is our fault."

That had him cock an eyebrow. "What is?"

Missus Potts sighed. "Since you took this land as your kingdom things have been uncertain, milord. The Church has been losing so many to Stewardism and they're determined to have all of Dreymyr thinking you a monster again. They throw propaganda around and rile folk up into a frenzy. Zealots and fanatics kept popping up out of the woodwork, some religious, others just racist. Wasn't long before word reached the ones in Ranga about a strange demon who'd claimed to be a demon lord and where he'd lived. Before I knew it people were pounding on my door demanding we confessed our sins and begged Drazva for forgiveness." She wiped away a tear. "I thought it would go away, but it just got worse. Some people tried to defend us and got beaten for it. Then they set fire to the inn. My papa built that inn with his own hands and they just burnt it down like it was nothing." Tears came forth anew and Rumple realized this was actually his fault. His cavalier attitude toward announcing himself as the Dark One had lingered in the minds of some and the Potts family had paid the price. Before being disconnected from his curse, Rumple wouldn't have cared in the slightest, but now he felt a twinge of guilt. "Mister Zule and some others helped us escape but the inn burnt so quickly."

"This is horrific." Belle stretched to squeeze Missus Potts' hand. "I'm so very sorry this has happened."

"I doubt there's anything we can do for the inn itself." Mused Phria. "The number of zealots may be small, but they cause destruction and hate equivalent to a whole army."

"How did you and Chip end up here, dearie?" The gentle tone to Rumple's voice actually startled him, he wasn't aware he was capable of such a thing. "There aren't any roads."

Missus Potts nodded and looked up from her tea for the first time since Rumple had entered the room: Chip continued to stare off blankly as though his mind were far away.

"… Chief Commander Aalto was kind enough to take us into the Guild. She knew we'd not be safe in the city, and couldn't risk inviting more of the Church's attention, so she had us sailed here."

"That's right." Phria confirmed as she looked passed Belle to her husband. "Gordana contacted us with a communication crystal and organized everything. We'd have told you, but you were so focused on the portal and getting Ravavena out of Akula Prison."

Had she not been so preoccupied with the tragedy of her last few weeks, Missus Potts would have startled at the mention of another demon lord. Four throughout history, and two had popped up at once.

"Emmerich Nalene brought them straight here, then Phria and some of the Pleiades escorted them from the Dagger." A small peninsular to the east. "They're safely away from the Church and those miscreants here."

While he had felt that twinge of guilt, Rumple failed to see why they needed to come all the way to his castle. There were uncountable numbers of monsters in the waters between Dorovoth and the Demon Lord's Domain, they'd risked their lives travelling so far and it wasn't as though Rumple wanted yet more people skulking around his castle. The seven Pleiades made sense, and Ravavena had to stay with them, he may have built an exceptionally large castle but that didn't mean he wanted every chamber occupied.

"Surely you have family somewhere. That sister you mentioned perhaps."

Belle leaned back in her hair clearly unimpressed with Rumple's not so subtle suggestion. "Had they gone to their family it would put them in danger as well. There must be others suffering because of the Church's hatred of anyone who goes against them. Missus Potts and Chip were just smart enough to come to us and ask for help."

"Fine, fine. They can stay for now." He waved his hand dismissively before mumbling to himself: "If there are going to be so many people running around this place, we'll be needing a maid."

Azzy, who'd been curled up at Belle's feet pretending to sleep for the whole conversation, suddenly rose to his full height then and growled deeply toward the door over Rumple's shoulder. It had been left partially open when Rumple had entered and, if Azzy had actually gone on alert, only one person could be hidden there.

"Was there something, Ravavena?"

This time both Missus Potts and her son startled toward the door as the blonde elf entered with her head lowered. She stopped just to the left or Rumple's chair only to drop to one knee respectfully. Belle had to rest a hand atop Azzy's head to silence his growling.

"A third wife, Rumple? Really?" Phria teased.

Rumple almost choked on his tea while Ravavena simply blushed. The teacup was quickly set down in its saucer and unique brown eyes fixed on his brides.

"Two is more than enough." Rumple waved a hand sending Missus Potts and Chip to a set of unused quarters where they'd be out of the way for a while. Rude, but Rumple wouldn't ever shake that aspect of his personality. "There have been a few developments since I left for Akula Prison, my loves. The portal was opened successful. However, Jefferson ultimately chose to remain here instead going home."

"He abandoned his daughter?!" The white-haired pantherian announced in shock. "But he was so adamant on getting back to her."

Rumple waggled a finger. "He did no such thing, darling. I pulled Grace through to our side to keep them being separated by a curse someone I know is intent on casting. It's a terrible thing which strips happiness from all it touches and leaves them memoryless and alone in misery. Grace is safe and Jefferson is explaining everything to her now."

Well that provided his wives much comfort while Ravavena continued to stay on one knee before her new master.

Belle nodded mostly to herself. "I trust Ravavena wasn't too badly harmed?"

Ravavena shuffled to better face the queens; the question hadn't exactly been directed at her but Rumple took no issue in letting her answer it. "I am perfectly fine, Your Majesty. The True Demon Lord has bestowed a great honor upon me by providing me freedom from Akula Prison, sacrificing most of my dark magic to his ritual is the least I can do to repay him. I have made a vow to serve the Dark One before his queens and the Grand Mage, a vow I intend on serving well regardless of the enslavement collar." A hand stretched up to lightly brush the green jewels there. "This castle is in the Ogre Territory, I shouldn't be surprised the True Demon Lord accomplished such a thing so swiftly."

Phria smirked as she interjected. "He calls it his 'rather large estate'."

"He is a powerful man indeed. I can't say the same for Dreymyr's citizens, but I renounce my title as a demon lord and instead take my place serving my lord and master now his portal has been accessed."

Rumple rolled his eyes. That collar was a precaution more than anything else. Though he may have taken pity on her in a disturbing moment of weakness, Rumple still had no desire for slaves of any kind and it wasn't as though he intended on somehow rehabilitating her. A quick glance to Belle told him she lay somewhere between acceptance and caution at allowing the elf to live in the Dark Castle, which he supposed was a fair place to be given the situation. Ravavena had been the one to try building an army of ogres and take the Ogre Territory for herself after all. They'd brought in Renner and the Pleiades to protect their family, having a known demon lord thrown into the mix could become too much for them to handle. However, as he watched her mentally access all that had been said, Rumple realized her urge to give people second chances would eventually win out.

"Very well Demeer went along with this and clearly think she's safe in your care, Rumple." To be honest Rumple thought it was less that Ravavena would be safe with him, and more that she'd not get one over on him. Belle turned to the knelt elf. "You are welcome to fulfil your vow to my husband, Ravavena."

The blonde elf smiled genuinely, the first one in decades. "Thank you, Queen Belle. I ask that you call me Vena, though. My Lord said a maid was needed, therefore I shall make myself useful until a more suitable one can be found."

With that she shuffled out of the room with only Azzy glaring at the doorway proving she'd ever been there in the first place. Rumple helped himself to more tea and enjoyed a moment of silence while he sipped it. Belle wasted no time taking a leaf out of his book and refreshed both her own cup and Phria's.

"This will be quite the adjustment for Grace." Belle mentioned after a sip. "Maybe we should introduce her to Bae and the girls so she has people closer to her own age to play with and keep her feeling so isolated. Bae already came here the same way so they'll have something in common."

Phria's head fell to one side with puzzlement. "I'm sorry, are we just pretending an actual demon lord just told us she'd be our maid like it was nothing?"

"Would you rather I tossed her in the dungeon?"

"Well, no, but she's a powerful demon lord. Is it right for us to use her as a maid?"

Belle set her cup down. "Being a maid is a respectable occupation, Phria, and might provide her stability and a routine. She said she wanted to be useful, so I say we let her do her best. Right, Rumple?"

"Hmm?" He couldn't have cared less as long as Ravavena didn't harm his family. "Aye, let her play maid for a while if it pleases her." Kept her out of his hair if nothing else.

For a while the three enjoyed their tea and Azzy soon settled back down at Belle's feet like the mama's boy he was. Over the last month or so these quiet moments with his beloved brides had become few and far between; a travesty in Rumple's mind. If people kept showing up expecting sanctuary in his castle he'd have to build a village on the other side of the lake just to get away from them. Look at that, a king who didn't want to be one thinking of future citizens he didn't want. Maybe they could call it Demonville and bards could write scary songs about how everybody living there was subject to the Dark One's vile whims; the Church would surely love that. No, it wasn't like people would flock to the Demon Lord's Domain, it had been filled with ogres not too long ago and Rumple felt fairly certain many of the caves and underground tunnels he'd yet to properly explore were littered with undead. Then there was the odd feeling that the south west was home to at least one dragon. No, Missus Potts and Chip had been an isolated case.

Chapter Text

It had taken a few days for Grace to mentally digest what Jefferson had told her; that the Enchanted Forest wasn't safe and so they'd be living in Dreymyr from now on, that he'd been accidentally summoned there and hadn't abandoned her for a single second, that the Dark One would make sure they could live comfortably in his territory. Okay, the last one had probably taken the most time to come to terms with, of course Grace had always known her father worked occasionally for the Dark One but that had been about it.

Amicia and Semiramis had really gone out of their way to make Grace feel welcome, something their parents were proud of them for. The two girls had made quite the day of showing Grace around the new Dark Castle while Renner and Bae trailed behind them as unofficial chaperones. Valdis however, she'd spent most of that time clinging to Phria, clearly something bothered her. Amicia had been around before Phria had come into the picture, therefore she only referred to Belle as her mama; and Phria was perfectly fine with that. Semiramis and Valdis though, they used Mama Belle and Mama Phria, and it was no secret that Valdis was much closer to the Emerald Queen. She'd been there when Valdis had hatched, had fought for her life when people like Cynthia Stonecrop would have rather beheaded the child and been done with it, had named her. So it became clear rather early on that only Phria would get the truth out of little Valdis.

Rumple had hold himself up in his tower spinning, crafting potions and fiddling with his so-called project, he'd needed to be alone after so much social interaction, and hadn't joined them for a late breakfast that morning. That had left the two queens, Azzy and Valdis alone in the salon. Occasionally the sound of footsteps sounded as one of the Pleiades passed the door doing their rounds, but otherwise they were alone.

"Did you and your sisters have a fight, Valdis?" Phria eventually asked.

"… No."

"Then what's all this sulking about, sweet girl?" Asked Belle with a gentle tone. "Is it the lessons with Kyveli? Has something happened there?"

Had something occurred during the girls' magic lessons, Kyveli would have informed the white-haired pantherian immediately without question. From the reports she'd received it was clear Amicia and Valdis had an extreme natural talent for magic just as Semiramis did, though she struggled to concentrate on giving her magic form. Phria made a mental not to finally borrow a magic level assessment book from the Adventurers Guild.

"Is it Grace?"

Valdis flinched at Phria's question and pulled her wings closer in. So it was Grace who'd caused this. How though? She'd only been in the castle a few days and seemed nice enough. It seemed unlikely the two could have had a falling out already, especially when she had two older sisters so eager for everybody to get along.

Ravavena entered then with a new tea tray and placed it on the table. All thoughts of Valdis paused a moment when the queens spotted her. Gone was the leather outfit and in its place was the blue and white dress of a maid, complete with apron. The outfit wasn't bad exactly, shorter than usual maid uniforms but hardly risqué. No, what had them pause was how alien it looked on a former demon lord. Looking at Ravavena there with her slave collar, one would never know she'd once gone by the Little Disaster.

"Is everything all right, Your Majesties?"

Belle recovered first and coated her beautiful face with a sweet smile. "Of course, we were simply admiring your new uniform."

"I thought it more appropriate." Well, she wasn't exactly wrong. "I said I'd serve as maid until someone more befitting could be hired."

"You don't need to force yourself so painfully into the role of a servant if you don't want to, Vena." Belle patted the table next to her invitingly. "Please, sit and join us for tea since Rumple hasn't."

The blonde elf worried her lip a moment as she tried to work out if her master would object to such a thing and toss her back in Akula Prison's darkness. Yet, when Belle continued to insist, she finally relented and took a seat as Belle poured her some tea. Belle had always been a big believer in the power of tea, brought people together and was perfect to sooth nerves or tensions.

Only when Ravavena seemed to have relaxed did the queens turn their attention back to their youngest child and what was bothering her. The girl didn't seem to want to give up any answers though.

"It's her wings and claws, Your Majesties."

That had the brows of both women lift because Valdis hadn't ever been self-conscious about those things before. Yes, they'd had her wear a cloak to hide them in markets, but that was it. Had Grace made some horrid remark about her wings? No, that didn't seem likely, she was a nice girl and much like her father.

"Is Vena right, Valdis?" Phria questioned softly with her green eyes fixed on the child. "Your wings are a natural part of you just like Amicia's ears or Mira's tail."

Head downcast and hands fidgeting in her lap, Valdis finally spoke. "… But they're pretty. My wings and claws are scary."

Suddenly it had all clicked. Grace was from a realm where mermaids were beautiful creatures and, even though she'd not seen an elf before, Amicia both beautiful and elegant. Valdis however, her eyes were black like those of the dragons, she'd got sharp claws that Phria regularly cut and shaped for her so she didn't accidentally rip or damage things. Then there were the wings, when spread they were a good ten feet and, though she could fly and had been up with Phria a few times, Valdis preferred to stay on the ground. The queens supposed such powerful wings could be seen as scary, bat-like and leathery.

With a nod to one another Belle and Phria went to crouch on either side of Valdis' chair like the loving mothers they were. Phria took one of Valdis' tiny hands into her own and gave it a squeeze.

"You're worried that Grace will be scared of you." It wasn't a question. "Valdis, baby girl, your papa as claws and gold-green skin but look how loved he is. These are the things that make us unique, make us individuals, it's doing evil things that makes people scary. You were born with the wonderful gift of flight, that's amazing, Valdis. You're just as beautiful as Amicia and Mira, you're all just beautiful in different ways. Look at all this hair," Phria continued while brushing her hand through the girl's waist-length hair. "So black and soft, it's perfect. You are just as lovely as your sisters and Grace will love you. Bae is from the Enchanted Forest and yet you never thought he'd be scared of you, so why would Grace?"

"He's a boy."

That even had Ravavena chuckle.

Belle shuffled closer. "And boys aren't as scared of scary things, is that it?" Valdis nodded. "I'm not sure that's quite right, darling girl, but please know you're not scary. You're our little girl, Papa's princess. We all love you very much. Why don't we go find your siblings, Renner and Grace? You can all play together. I'm sure she'd be very happy to meet you."

After a few moments the six-year-old girl finally relented. She took Phria's hand and let them lead her out of the salon after an apology to Ravavena for cutting their tea short. As expected, Grace had been grateful to have another person closer to her age to ease her into residing in Dreymyr regardless of wings and claws.

With tensions eased and seemingly entirely forgotten about, if the way the four girls had bounced about the gardens had been anything to go by, Renner had handed over guarding the girls to Sentia, Halcyone and Theano while he took Bae to the courtyard for daily training. A mental note was made to discuss another bodyguard with Rumple. When it had just been Amicia and Valdis, Renner had been perfectly capable of guarding all his children, but with three daughters and a son, Renner knew he couldn't manage it with just himself and Demiurge any longer. The Pleiades were meant to defend the castle and surrounding lands, they couldn't be relied upon to watch over the prince and princesses forever.

With Jefferson brainstorming his next move now he and Grace would be living in Dreymyr, Rumple and his wives indisposed, and Renner needing to give Bae his lesson, the four girls found themselves in the kitchens with Missus Potts and their guards. Missus Potts may not have been at the Dark Castle very long but she'd gone to great lengths to keep herself busy, she wasn't the sort of woman to sit idle, and had apparently installed herself as the castle's housekeeper while Chip had started spending time in the stable tending to Svadilfari.

The castle's kitchens were less a heavenly place where delights of all kinds were created, and more a large space Rumple had constructed mostly because – well, all castles had kitchens, didn't they. There was a vague basilica shape to the kitchens with much of the space filled with worktables, small pots of herbs perched on windowsills while pots and pans had been stored just about everywhere there was a free space. Well lit but cluttered had been Missus Potts' assessment, surprising for a kitchen so new and rarely used. She'd been determined to beat it into submission though and nobody doubted her.

"Have you girls ever done any baking before?" The older woman asked while the three Pleiades lingered by the door like the guards they were.

Grace nodded. "A few times with my caretaker and Papa." She turned to the sisters. "How about you?"

A trio of negatives sounded from them which had Missus Potts hum a moment. Everybody had to start somewhere though, she'd burnt cookies and bread rolls multiple times when she'd first started out baking with her mother. Everyone had to learn and, if the girls were willing, then Missus Potts would happily teach.

Sentia's head cocked to one side while she fished dirt out from her claws; the big indication she was a werewolf. "A you seriously going to make princesses bake? They're the daughters of the Dark One, they shouldn't be doing the tasks of commoners."

While Sentia's words came across as rude, she had made a good point. Dreymyr's class system made it abundantly clear there were jobs for nobles and jobs for commoners, baking certainly fell into the latter category. If it got out that Rumple's children had taken on cooking it would damage his reputation in the eyes of other nobles. Of course Rumple had no real care for his reputation, but Sentia had been born noble like all the Pleiades and knew how spiteful it could be. The Dark Castle was both new and woefully under staffed. Seven guards for the entire castle, one bodyguard for the children, a former demon lord for a haphazard maid who'd only bothered with delivering tea and getting herself a new outfit. Yes, Missus Potts' arrival meant a proper housekeeper, but they still needed staff desperately even if Rumple hadn't noticed. An army could be foregone for the time being since Rumple was a one man army and it didn't seem a chaplain would be required, yet things such as a butler, steward and lady's maids couldn't be ignored forever.

Semiramis' face fell. "We can't do it, Lady Sentia?"

"Oh tosh!" Missus Potts huffed. "They're having fun and baking a treat, not being shackled to the oven and expected to prepare a ten course meal. It's just some cookies."

"Keep the wolf in, Sentia." Halcyone chuckled which caused her great sword to clatter a little on her back while Theano simply remained silent quietly wishing her childhood had held so much love rather then religious strictness and expectations. "Missus Potts is right, it's just some harmless fun. Besides, do you want to be the one explaining to Lord Rumpelstiltskin why his darling daughters have been refused cookies?"

That had Sentia back down as expected. No one wanted to be subject to the Dark One's rage for something so trivial. Still, the staffing issues probably should have been brought up with both queens soon.

~X~

Things couldn't stay quiet for long, something always had to rear its ugly head spoiling what could have been good stretch of peace. It was one such day when Rumple and Belle had been enjoying some quiet time on the largest balcony staring down at their daughters as they played in the gardens with Grace while Jefferson watched over them alongside Ravavena. One moment all had been quiet and fairly sunny, the next light was blocked out and a great green dragon lit the sky. Belle gasped as the beast came to hover before them in the air, each flap of its wings a gale stronger than the most violent of storms. Rumple snarled and made to slay it before harm befell his family, but before he could conjure fire nor rock, the dragon was cocooned in a green-black smoke which thinned and tumbled down to the balcony in the form of a tall, slender, black-eyed man with gray hair and goatee. He held himself rigidly and wore a skull-like brooch containing a jade stone.

"Be at ease, Dark One." Said the dragon with a bow. "I mean you nor your bride harm. Forgive my unannounced visit but I thought an introduction was long overdue and, after you so nobly aided Viren by freeing Shiryu, I concluded you to be worth knowing. I am Avarathda."

Belle's eyes widened. "The Jade!"

"Yes, Queen Belle, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

Far more formal than Viren was Avarathda but Rumple cared little for pretty words and chivalry. As wise as the Jade, Rumple had heard that saying numerous times in his travels, Avarathda was the sagacious dragon, Viren the noble one; he couldn't help wondering what sort of dragons the others with the title of Cardinal were like.

Abruptly, and with weapons unsheathed, Phria and the Pleiades burst out onto the balcony just as Ravavena teleported up from the garden with Renner. The Dark Castle may have been lacking staff, but still possessed a capable small army.

"I shall dispose of this dragon for you, my Lord."

"No you won't, dearie." Said Rumple without sparing Ravavena a glance, kept his eyes firmly focused on Avarathda. The man had eyes full of assessment, he likely never stopped calculating and that was something Rumple could respect. If Avarathda had flown all the way there, then he had something to say. "Renner, return to the children. Pleiades, resume your duties. I assume you'd rather join me and my wives in the salon for this little chat, Avarathda?"

"That would be most preferable, yes. I thank you, Dark One."

Rumple hummed as Renner and the Pleiades teetered on the line of disobeying their lord, Rumple could handle himself without question, but banishing all the retainers didn't seem wise.

"Ravavena, make yourself useful and bring us some tea."

Inside three minutes the Dark Castle had calmed down, duties had been returned to and Rumple found himself in the salon with his wives staring at a dragon. Ravavena made quick work of returning with a tea tray surely prepared by Missus Potts.

"Your taming of the Little Disaster is most impressive, Dark One. Isra's insanity tainted his magic with a chaos that corrupts all it touches. Sacrificing so much of her power to that portal of yours likely saved her soul."

"I'm truly grateful to Lord Rumpelstiltskin," began the blonde elf as she placed a teacup down before Avarathda. "I have renounced my position as a demon lord and will serve him loyally."

Avarathda took a sip only to hum happily; seemed Missus Potts' tea could even win over mythical dragons. The elf was dismissed to the door where she'd be out of the way while Rumple drank his tea and the queens tried to stay calm. Meeting Viren had been a once in a lifetime event, yet there another Cardinal Dragon sat at the table as though he were little more than an old friend.

"What brings you to the Demon Lord's Domain?" Phria finally managed to ask after a few moments of silence.

"Viren said it best, Queen Phria. The Cardinal Dragons and the Dark One are comrades now. He may appear to be temperamental at first, but he leads us for a reason. You made quite the impression on him and Shiryu. Viren has a habit of leaving loose ends for myself or Nynio to deal with though, and I have come to resolve one. There is to be a pact between us, and I require something a little more physical than simply your word."

"A contract then." Rumple shrugged. "Been a while since I've made a deal with a contract."

Avarathda's head tilted to one side. "We are essentially family, therefore a contract should be of no issue. Viren believes you to be a reasonable man, and you are the father of my niece after all." That had both Belle and Phria to look to their husband cautiously. Valdis, Avarathda could have only meant Valdis. Seeing the silent question lingering between them, the dragon kindly elaborated. "Isra came into this world on the same day as I did. We were as brothers until the corruption started to tarnish his soul. Cardinals may not be blood siblings, but as anchors we share a connection which may as well be family. My greatest failing is that I could not help Isra. His daughter is all that remains of the dragon Isra once was, and the three of you are her parents now."

Valdis' egg had remained in the dark depths of the Arcane University's vault for longer than most could imagine, scavenging for enough dark magic to keep herself alive. She'd had no one and nothing. That was the past though, Valdis had a family and the love she'd been denied for so long. It might have been a strange family cobbled together from many a lonely soul, but it was there family and Belle supposed an ancient and mythical dragon for an uncle was just another slice of their strange family pie.

"Valdis," Belle started. "Her name is Valdis, third Princess of the Demon Lord's Domain. She'll surely be pleased to have yet more family in her life."

For the first time Avarathda's stern expression faded to a new one, one of honest thankfulness.

"A lovely name. Such a shame Isra can never see the beautiful girl she's grown into, he likely can't even remember his own name."

So Isra was still alive somewhere. The legends of his death had been exaggerated as Ainsworth and a few others had hypothesised while most scoffed at the idea. One thing was abundantly clear though, one thing that Rumple would hear no argument nor counter for.

"Valdis can't ever know Isra lives."

No one was entirely sure Valdis even knew she was the biological daughter of Isra and Msiddi, and weren't inclined to ask her. Outsiders probably would have assumed Rumple didn't want competition for the role of her father, but the real reason was that Isra truly was an irredeemable monster and keeping Valdis as far away from his corruption as possible should have been of the upmost importance.

Avarathda nodded. "I am inclined to agree. The dragon who sired her is just a shell now, no memories of his past, just dark evil which has assumed his visage. She was born of dark magic and will need to be protected from its clutches, an in depth magical education and parents who love her are the perfect protection."

Wanting to avoid perpetuating the topic of his daughter's origin, Rumple turned the conversation back to their pact as Avarathda kept calling it. A proper contract would be for the best, would be not only binding but hold more significance for the dragons. That was how Rumple, Belle and Phria spent the next hour discussing exactly what the dragons expected from this treaty. Viren had apparently been content to just let things do as they pleased until something brought the Cardinals and Dark One back together, Avarathda would rather have set out ground rules and avoided leaving the deal quite so flimsy; Rumple agreed. A small argument had broken out when Avarathda had requested an office within the Dark Castle essentially making him an official part of the Demon Lord's Domain's management, but Belle had managed to convince Rumple that Avarathda would surely be a great resource rather than hindrance. Gordana's final request as part of her deal with Rumple had been specific, and if Avarathda offered assistance in that, then Rumple needed to use him. An office wasn't too much of a sacrifice and, since the green dragon lived on the mountain aptly known as Avarathda's Keep, he'd not be moving in abruptly like Missus Potts had.

"All of this mean dragons are coming out of the shadows, dearie?"

Avarathda breathed out a small laugh. "We weren't hiding exactly, simply staying out the way of the mortal races. Humans especially have a habit of blaming my kind for any tragedy which befalls them."

"Mmm, I have some experience with that myself, dearie."

"Might I ask a question regarding Valdis?" Rumple nodded that he could. "Thank you. I wondered why you left her wings visible. I suspect her talisman isn't properly functional."

Rumple wasn't keen to have his work critiqued but the talismans had come from draconic magic in the first place, and who'd know better than an actual dragon.

"When I made it I was working off of old books I couldn't be sure were correct and knowledgable from my realm. It isn't perfect, I'll admit."

Avarathda nodded to himself a moment before he cleared his throat. "Should you like, Dark One, I would be happy to improve the carvings in her talisman to make it fully functional."

"You'd do that for her?" Phria was quick to ask.

"Of course, she is my niece."

"I'm sure she'd be grateful." A loud snap of his fingers echoed around the room then, a sharp sound which brought forth two copies of the contract. "Darling, kindly pass this to our scaled friend."

Without complaint Phria did as asked while Belle pulled Rumple's copy closer so she could read it for herself; she noted the talisman had been added as a clause lower down. After a handful of minutes both parties had agreed to everything set out in the contract, signed their own then swapped to sign the other. With that, the Cardinal Dragons were not only officially bound to the Dark One, but the entire Demon Lord's Domain.

Chapter Text

Over the last few days Rumple had spoken with Gordana about sending Martha and Chip Potts to him, and made it quite clear he had no wish to become a charity despite Bae's hopes for their new home to become a refuge for those with nowhere else to go. In the end the most Rumple had gotten was Gordana's word that she'd discuss things with him before tasking Nalene with another journey through such a perilous stretch of ocean. Sure, sea beasts didn't lurk in quite such copiousness numbers in the Sea of Harrow as they did in the Sea of Beasts, but that didn't mean a voyage was easy or without significant risk.

He'd thought the conversation with Gordana in his communication crystal room – which he'd modelled after King Maurice's – would be the most annoying part of his day, but Phria and Belle proved him wrong when they cornered him on his way to his tower where he'd planned on spinning and tinkering with a few projects. The children should have been in their magic lesson with Kyveli by that point and Jefferson had taken Grace to see Bichelberger after numerous days of asking. When he paused to think of it later, Rumple would be certain his wives had planned everything.

"Why must the pair of you insist on wearing the same expression when you want me to do something you know I'll not want to do?"

"We find it's best to put on a united front." Phria teased as she leaned against the wall, her white hair held in its usual thick ponytail. "You can't say no to us."

"Maybe not, but I can grumble about it for a while first." Rumple giggled as he gestured for his wives to get to the point.

Belle managed to refrain from rolling her eyes, he had a reputation of being an uncooperative, cantankerous and crotchety devil. Belle supposed she'd let him play fiend despite knowing him to be more of a scoundrel.

"At least grumble quietly. With us having this new alliance with the Cardinal Dragons, it's become clear that you're lacking a few things. Heraldry, you need heraldry and your domain needs a flag. I know you probably think that's the most useless thing in the world, but all noble houses have a coat of arms. If the House of the Dark One doesn't then it suggests you aren't fit to rule."

"I didn't want this land."

Belle shook her head. "I said to grumble quietly. A coat of arms is a symbol of your family. Think of it as a symbol binding your family together. The children are all adopted but this will be something they share, something that is theirs in equal parts. I'm a du Marchand, our coat of arms is a golden dragon on an azure field, but it was only crowned when Avonlea's first king was. It acts as a visual record of our accomplishments. The flag will show this land is the Demon Lord's Domain; it is protected, it is not free to take and there will be consequences for those who try."

"Belle's right, Rumple. The Church can still act like this land has been usurped from Drazva, but a flag provides a visual, something they'd have to rip down."

Rumple sighed. "So it's a flamboyant display of ownership."

"But you do flamboyant displays so well." That had Rumple breathe out a laugh as Belle cuddled into his right side. "Say you'll agree."

"All right, fine. I was born a commoner though so I've no idea what any of this is meant to look like. You're my scholarly wife, Belle, you design it." He beckoned Phria to him and she quickly filled the space on his left. "My warrior wife will ensure it all shows strength, I presume?"

"I can do that."

He nodded and kissed their temples in turn. Never would that silent fear that they'd one day come to their senses and abandon him leave his mind, but it was just a fear for neither of his queens would ever stop loving him.

"If that was everything you wanted to bully me into, I had a lovely day of potions and spinning planned."

The women flashed one another a glance before they stepped back from him. 'They're wearing that expression again' said his mind with mild irritation as he mentally braced for whatever came next.

Belle confessed: "There was something else. The castle is getting a little more lively now and you were speaking with Gordana about those who need help. Bae is very enthusiastic about the idea-"

"The point, sweetheart?"

"We want you to build a village. Just a small one beyond the lake. Bae wanted a haven for people and this village can be it. I'm not suggesting some grand city like St. Claes or Bichelberger, not even something as big as Ranga. A quiet little village where people can be allowed to live their lives without fearing persecution for the accident of their birth. There could even be a new Teapot Inn should Missus Potts like."

He hated the idea of yet more people bothering him and his peace, but Belle spoke the truth, Bae had wanted a haven and it was one of the main reasons he'd relented in taking on his new kingdom. There had been a town down the mountain from the original Dark Castle, so the idea wasn't totally alien to him even if that town had been filled with terrified peasants pretending he wasn't there. This was probably the main reason Belle had insisted on heraldry; a village needed to be governed and protected by someone, looked like that someone would be him whether he liked it or not. For Bae he supposed he'd suffer a little village beyond the lake.

"Very well, do as you please. Pick a spot and I'll clear it for you. Just don't give it some long name that sounds ridiculous. And no church. Not a single one."

Phria kissed his cheek. "We wouldn't dream of it."

He supposed Missus Potts and her son could stay in the castle if they wished, they'd made themselves useful as housekeeper and stablehand, but there wasn't any tolerance for more squatters showing up to demand a fluffy pillow upon which they could rest their heads.

"A steward would be best first. Someone hired to manage these projects and handle payment for them. Staffing has become something rather pressing. I have an idea on what to do about it though."

"Then I trust you do handle things. You were born a princess, I assume you know exactly how to procure who you need."

That was all the permission Belle needed – not that she'd actually needed his permission. Letters were sent, delivered by Albedo personally to ensure they arrived promptly, offers were made with the hopes of enticing the man Belle hoped to poach from the Merchants Guild. Arkadius Deem had been the Merchant Council representative for Avonlea since long before Belle's birth, but it was his nephew Belle had her eye on. A man who truly had the blood of a merchant and had gotten her some very generous deals on rare books over the years; he'd make the perfect steward. A marshal could wait, they had no army after all. A butler and maids though, they were needed and, with the assistance of her great-granduncle Gasper, those positions didn't stay vacant for long. By the month's end a butler and four maids had been sent from Vell with King Gasper's complements; the role of steward remained in the wind, but half the battle had been won.

The day the two queens greeted them with Ariadne and Proserpina was a surprisingly warm one as well as the day Rumple had finally gotten around to clearing the plot of land beyond the lake that Belle had decided was perfect for their village. Noe Youngblood, Igraine Caulember and Annli Stormborn – a half-demon, elf and grasswalker respectively – all of whom were soon assigned to the princesses. Meanwhile, the pretty demon with pointed horns poking out from her wavy hair, Zilpha Swift, would take on the role of Belle's Lady's maid. Phria spent all her time dressed in leather armor even after she'd left the Valkyries and had insisted she could 'dress herself – thank you very much.' So Zilpha would likely only ever be called on to assist Phria in dressing for a formal occasion and it didn't look like those would come along too often. Ravavena might have gotten herself a maid outfit but she'd got no real idea what she was doing and couldn't handle more than carrying tea trays around; she'd done her best though. Rumple had taken her to assist in clearing the area for the village.

The new staff had stopped in a line before their new masters with heads lowered respectively. The sight of two clearly heavily trained women and a waheela quickly taught them all that, though very few in number, those in the demon lord's service were startlingly powerful.

"Thank you for welcoming us into your home, my Queens. I am Tariel Kurowood and it shall be my honor to serve as this castle's butler."

The dark-haired elf gave a low bow before Phria and Belle. King Gasper had spoken very highly of Tariel to the point Belle had no doubts in his capabilities whatsoever. While not rude, King Gasper hadn't ever been one to overinflated averageness.

"It's a pleasure to have you, Tariel. I'm sorry our husband is away at the moment, but Queen Phria and I welcome you."

Tariel straightened. "You are too kind. I shall ensure everything runs smoothly and to your liking from now on, you have my word, your Majesties."

And with that, Missus Potts no longer felt overwhelmed in her new role as housekeeper and the children were provided an extra later of service all royals had. Similar to Phria's and Rumple's wishes, Bae had no want for a valet, but the girls often needed help with their hair and donning all the pretty dresses Rumple showered them with. The horns he'd made specifically for Amicia only ever left her head when she slept and Semiramis had become rather fond of intricate braiding as of late, so trained maids would surely make the girls happy. It may have sounded entitled to want maids, but Belle saw it another way. Having a proper staff proved to other kingdoms and the Church that they weren't just playing royalty, that they were very much of the same station and not to be looked down on. Also, the three girls having their own lady's maids gave them more people to trust and talk to, it would help them express themselves and hopefully help Valdis and Semiramis come to terms with the fact their talismans weren't something to be ashamed of.

~X~

Inside another month they not only had their steward, but construction had begun on a few houses to be used by those too at risk to reside in other kingdoms. Rumple still wasn't exactly delighted, but Bae certainly was and that was enough for Rumple. Belle would likely insist more buildings and necessities were added as time went on, but for the moment a handful of houses would do. Unfortunately, Belle had mentioned a new inn to Martha and Chip Potts which had been met with positive nods until they'd realized an inn in a place nobody travelled to was likely a poor business choice; a tavern might have been smarter once there were more than just the Pleiades, Renner and dwarven steward to guzzle mead down.

The little village of theirs had been a labor of love for Belle and Phria, they'd put so much thought into making it not only a safe space but a self sufficient one as well. Workers had been paid a little too handsomely to come build proper homes, irrigation and even a basic sewage system. Then again, working in the Demon Lord's Domain hadn't sounded entirely safe to some and Rumple literally made gold so price wasn't a problem. Yes, the two women had put heart and soul into making the village liveable. Dulac was the name Belle eventually gave to the little village in the making and Rumple left Ravavena to watch over it for the time being. Although, if Dulac would eventually become a home, Rumple had a great idea on how to deploy the project he'd been tinkering with on and off for months.

Things didn't remain quiet for long though. The Church had displaced so many for various crimes they'd imagined and soon Gordana had insisted on sending over thirteen people made up of demi-humans and half-breeds who'd stood up to the Church and paid the price. These people ranged in age with the youngest being four and the eldest maybe forty-five. It was safe to say a former demon lord teleporting them from the Dagger to Dulac hadn't been what the newcomers had expected upon their arrival, but Nalene hadn't seemed keen on the idea of sailing all the way around to Bertha's Bay despite its name, and it hadn't taken Ravavena two seconds to make the jump. So, with the village of Dulac ready and waiting for them, they'd done their best to make new lives for themselves in the shadow of the Dark Castle. Fortunately three of them were farmers while another had been a carpenter back in Kupfergrad, so they'd quickly gotten to work keeping the village self-sufficient.

It became clear very quickly though that Ravavena had no idea how to deal with people and wasn't the best long-term manager of Dulac's daily running. Apparently being unsociable was a prerequisite for all demon lords. So Rumple finally broke out the so-called project he'd been working on up in his tower. That was how his wives, Jefferson and Ravavena found themselves littered around the tower's work room staring at an unconscious redhead on a table.

"Rumple," Belle began with a spattering of concern. "Who is this woman and why is she unconscious and half naked in your laboratory?"

"I know I teased you about Vena being a third wife, but this is ridiculous." The elf blushed at Phria's comment. "Wait, she's not breathing."

Jefferson surged forward to check the redhead's pulse, but there wasn't one. "She's dead. Rumple, what the hell is this? This looks like something Victor would do."

"Precisely, Jefferson." Rumple smirked. "I've been inspired by our dear Doctor Frankenstein. However, she isn't dead because she's never been alive." When that comment was met only with blinks, he elaborated. "Magic cannot bring someone back to life, that is its limit regardless of which realm one finds themself in. Yet Dreymyr has magical tools unlike any other and I wanted to see just what these mana stones were capable of."

"She's a golem." Ravavena suddenly announced with an amazed smile. "That's truly impressive, my Lord."

"Right you are, dearie." He reached into a drawer to pull out a pink mana stone carved to resemble a human heart. "This is a great mana stone I found in a cave in the Ogre Mountains when I was checking on the ogres' movements." Apparently they were just brushing over the likely fact they'd stumbled across a mana stone mine. "I thought to myself, if this can power complex magical tools like Phria's wing gear, could it power a golem? It was Avarathda's tweaking of Valdis' talisman that finally got this all working."

Belle peered closer to see that the mana stone heart had been etched entirely with complex symbols and glyphs.

"Wouldn't this just be an automaton though?" Jefferson asked. "Victor wants to bring people back to life – their personalities and souls, not just bodies. That thing might get this girl moving, but would she be alive?"

Rumple shrugged. "Bit of a gray area, dearie. I put some necromancy into this as well. She'll walk, talk, be able to follow commands like those controlled by a necromancer, but the sigils I learned from Avarathda are what allow her to think."

"You've actually made life. You really are the True Demon Lord!"

The others weren't quite as enthusiastic as Ravavena. Phria's brow furrowed deeper than it ever had before while Jefferson tried to work out if Victor would be pleased with all this or outraged.

"It isn't thought exactly, more like I've introduced spells and carvings allowing her to assess information in a specific way I've previously determined and she'll act accordingly. She won't eat, drink, sleep or feel, but she will make quite the lovely little caretaker for the village."

Jefferson brushed some of the red hair out of the golem's face, it felt slightly straw-like and close up he could see her skin had a sheen to it almost like a wet stone. Rumple seemed excited though, always was when he had something new to keep his mind busy.

"All right, so what happens next? Poor girl can't lay on this table forever."

Rumple seemed to drop a little of the theatrics at Belle's words. Instead of any smart comments, he simply placed the mana stone heart down, pulled down the sheet exposing the golem's naked torso and cut a small hole into her chest between her breasts. Then while they watched on with a mix of curiosity and caution, Rumple implanted the faintly glowing heart into her chest and used magic to seal the wound. There hadn't been any blood, no bruising or anything else similar to a mortal body. She may have been pretty, but she certainly wasn't flesh and blood.

It took several moments of staring at the golem, so many moments that Jefferson had almost wanted to parrot Victor Frankenstein with one of his science not magic lines. Yet, just when the group had begun to grow impatient, hazel eyes snapped open and the golem sat bolt upright so swiftly that Belle had jumped back into Phria.

Rumple giggled in delight. He might not have brought someone back to life but he'd done a pretty convincing job of creating it.

"Morning, dearie." The red-haired golem looked to him with a tilt of her head. "Do you know who I am?"

"My creator, the Dark One known as Rumpelstiltskin." She responded in a gentle voice.

"Excellent! And what is your reason for existing?"

"To safeguard Dulac and manage its daily needs unless my creator instructs me otherwise."

He'd done it! He'd actually done it! Rumple had built an autonomous magical tool capable of basic logical reasoning. She might not have been alive, but it was as close as magic would allow.

"How do you feel?" Belle asked compassionately as she pulled another sheet off of a table and threw it around the golem's shoulders to return some modesty to her. "You're not in pain?"

The golem shook her head. "I can't feel pain, Queen Belle. Thank you for your concern though."

Emotions were a tricky thing felt differently by everyone and everything. Lacking them likely wouldn't help her, but they'd not hinder her either. Besides, if it ended up doing so then Belle would do all in her power to help Dulac's new bürgermeister.

"What's your name?" Asked Phria only for the golem to glance at Rumple with question; clearly he'd not bothered with something as simple as a name. "Rumple, you can't create her and not name her."

"Fine. Em, her name can be … Talos." Unique eyes fell to the red-haired golem. "You're name is Talos."

She nodded having no opinions on her new name at all. Talos, a golem created by a demon lord to protect a village of rejects, sounded too good to be true.

Inside an hour Belle and Zilpha had seen to proper clothing for Talos – leather breeches and white shirt under leather gauntlets, cuirass and pauldrons – and had combed her hair through to make Talos a little more presentable. Belle had half expected her to just sit there in a blank silence but, to her pleasure, Talos had asked questions and seemed happy to make conversation. She wouldn't ever fully understand how Rumple had created Talos, but she was pleased the woman had her own personality to some extent. Golems weren't alive, didn't have souls, but that wouldn't stop Belle treating Talos as though she were.

Once dressed, Belle and Rumple took her over the lake to Dulac to see if she could actually achieve what she'd been designed to do. The villagers had been hesitant to start with, it was the first time they'd seen the Dark One after all and it wasn't every day his queens wandered the streets. Talos though, she'd gotten straight to work asking if there was anything they needed or thought should be improved. Honestly, she'd shocked Belle and dramatically exceeded Rumple's expectations so it wasn't much surprise that the villagers didn't take long to warm up to Talos.

Husband and wife watched as she wandered through the village street checking on this and that as though it had been her job for a decade or more. There might have been no emotion on her face, and her voice sounded rather monotone, but she'd clearly be perfect as bürgermeister. Of course, nobody needed to know he'd turned his project into a civil servant to further reduce the time Rumple would need to spend in Dulac around people.

Chapter Text

It was mid afternoon when a knock at the door forced Rumple out of his trance, he'd been spinning in his tower since breakfast and produced a hefty bowl of gold thread by that point. With a creak he rose from the little stool at his wheel and went to pull the door open, there he found Tariel dressed immaculately in his butler uniform as usual. The man hadn't lied when he'd promised Belle and Phria that he'd keep everything in the castle running smoothly. Too efficient for his own good might have been Rumple's assessment.

"Forgive the interruption, my Lord, but your queens have requested your presence in the salon as soon as possible. I believe they have something to show you."

"Do they now." Rumple sighed as he stepped through the door closing it behind him and forcing Tariel to step backward. "Best not to keep them waiting then."

"As you say, my Lord."

Together they descended the tower in a comfortable silence. Despite his stern face, Tariel was highly intelligent and surprisingly insightful, so he'd quickly worked out his master had no need for chit-chat nor for him to remain timidly quiet like lowly staff; that was something which had led Tariel to respect Rumple in such a short period of time.

They'd spotted the three princesses on their way to the salon but had been totally ignored, there had been far too much fun chasing after Grace who giggled as she fled. Whatever game they played honestly seemed to delight all four girls.

Tariel opened the salon doors quietly and announced Rumple's arrival; utterly pointless in Rumple's mind but the mark of a good butler in Tariel's.

"Ah, Rumple, there you are. Come see." Belle grabbed him by the arm only to tug him over to the table where Phria had been unfurling two large sheets of paper. "We're finished."

"What have you finished, sweetheart?"

"The coat of arms and Demon Lord's Domain flag." Phria answered for her with a grin. She took settled against the side of him not already claimed by Belle and gestured happily to the pages. "Perfect, don't you think?"

"What am I looking at?"

"Well, you told us to design heraldry and we did." Belle gestured to a charcoal-colored flag drawing. "The flag is simple so as to be easily recognizable. Dark in color as expected of the Dark one adorned with a golden representation of the Dark Castle. It's the seat of your power in your domain and the only real landmark we've got at the moment." Rumple internally sighed because he knew Belle had put far too much thought into this. "Is it acceptable?"

"Aye, sweetheart, it's perfect." He honestly didn't care, but for Belle's sake he'd shower her with praise. "Perhaps Una Quartermaine could make us some."

"I'm sure she'd be happy for the work." Blue eyes flicked to Tariel over by the door. "I want a pin made of this for your lapel, Tariel."

"I'd be most honored, Queen Belle."

Phria pulled the coat of arms drawing closer then which was a little more elaborate and had him lift an eyebrow.

"The children helped with this one."

"Then there must be quite the story behind it, darling."

Belle tapped on the upper left quarter. "We went with party per cross. Here is sable with your dagger, this represents you and where you came from, how your curse connected you to Dreymyr. Under that is azure with a dragon representing myself and your pact with the dragons, next is vert with a spinning wheel showing your ability to create great wealth and how Phria helped you real learn it."

"And the purple?"

Phria smiled. "That's the children. We asked them what color they wanted to depict them and they decided on purple since it's a royal color and is suitable for any gender. The star was Mira's idea, she thought each point could be one of us."

A sweet idea he couldn't bring himself to argue with. He still thought having a coat of arms to be a total waste of time, but his wives had worked so hard on it and it did represent his family equally. This was an unwavering symbol that the Dark One had a family he loved dearly and who loved him in return. Yes, they'd be keeping the coat of arms.

"All your missing now is a house motto, though Belle and I already guessed what it would be." A raised eyebrow had Phria chuckle before elaborating. "Magic always comes with a price, of course. How could it be anything else?"

He supposed that was true, he had drilled the words into them after all. Rumple's head tilted to one side curiously then as he gazed at the coat of arms. "If the star is all of us, shouldn't it be seven points rather than nine?"

"It was originally." Belle smiled as she squeezed his hand and pressed it to her belly. "But we'd need too change it to eight before long and Phria didn't want leaving out so we chose nine."

He blinked down at his hand. "Belle, are you saying-?"

"That we're going to have a baby? Yes, that's exactly what I'm saying."

In an instant Rumple was kissing his beautiful wife with the chestnut curls. Nineteen may have been a bit young for a baby but they had four already and were happily married. He held her tight as they kissed. Happy, Rumple was happy – no, more than that, he felt elated. A child, they were having a child, all theirs, perfect and new. The girls would be delighted to have a little sibling of that they had no doubt.

"Nine remember?" Said Phria then pulling his attention to his pantherian wife as she rolled up the illustrations. "Don't forget."

Belle smiled comfortingly. "Don't worry, Phria, It'll happen eventually."

Rumple didn't hear of much else said after that, he'd floated away into a happy state he'd not encountered since the moment he'd first held Bae in his arms. Rumple was going to be a father again.

~X~

Things might have been going well in the Demon Lord's Domain, but that didn't mean the rest of Dreymyr had forgotten about them, and it certainly didn't mean the Church's top brass had ceased their poisoning of people's minds. Stewardship – the idea that humans were not better than all other humanoid races, but existed to protect and watch over the other races – had been steadily growing in popularity and the Church had started to realize they couldn't just scare people back into submission. That wasn't true for Olgarth though, that whole kingdom had been unable to tell where the King ended and the Church began for hundreds of years.

Word had reached Rumple about a series of sermons one spiteful cardinal had taken upon himself to give in Vinn as part of a festival and he wasn't pleased about it. The Cardinal had probably felt Vinn the least under the Church's control of all Olgarth's cities since it was a trade hub and had a decent populous of demi-humans. If Stewardship would enter the kingdom from anywhere, it would be Vinn. Rumple though, he'd grown curious of their latest lies about him and if this holy empire he'd heard tell of would be something they made a move towards sooner rather than later. So, with his wives because they insisted on accompanying him regardless of Belle's pregnancy, Rumple teleported to Vinn – though this time without the wagon – and soon found himself a wall to lean against while this power hungry cardinal ranted.

Bunting was up for whichever Guiding Saint they were supposedly holding a festival for and the streets had been packed with vendors, but a large crowd had gathered outside the church to hear the Cardinal's speech; if they were there out of curiosity or because they actually agreed with what he had to say, Rumple didn't know. Either side of him stood his wives, close enough to stay safe but they refused to hide their ears.

A cardinal somewhere that wasn't richly decorated seemed rather strange, the man was far out of his comfort zone with all these lowly plebeians around him, but that didn't stop him preaching hate for little more than his own power. Cardinal Bryden Baldassare was his name, a spiteful bald man who clearly thought himself above everyone around him.

The speech went on and on with hardly a pause for air, the whole thing carefully crafted to use calm and soothing words with darker meanings behind them. As Rumple stood there listening to the sophistry with an unimpressed expression he came to realize for the first time that it wasn't Drazva that was the problem, that goddess who may or may not have existed hadn't done anything to the demi-humans, the Church wasn't necessarily the problem either, it was those select corrupted few at the top of the hierarchy eager for more power and dominance. Those people likely didn't even believe in their goddess, just used her name to justify their acts of cruelty, racism and greed. Rumple hoped Drazva didn't exist, because if she did then she'd be ashamed of her so-called followers.

Eventually the speech turned towards the Dark One and Rumple was honestly surprised it had taken so long. To his right Belle tensed while Phria instinctively reached for her sword on her left, they didn't take kindly to lies about their husband being tossed around. Baldassare made claims of Rumple doing little more than completing Ravavena's plan, that he'd taken the ogre's land and would soon move to take everything else. Much to his amazement, the people around him – humans included – started to mumble among themselves at that statement; to them it seemed that Rumple would have already done that by now had he actually wanted to dominate Dreymyr. 'Do even the oppressed Olgarthian people have more faith in me than their Church?' Such a thing surprised Rumple. Drazva appeared on Olgarth's flag shrouded in green, she was depicted everywhere in statues or carvings, yet they still debated the truth to Cardinal Baldassare's words. How refreshing it was to find people capable of thinking for themselves. Or, at least they did until the zealots among the crowd started to snarl and accuse them of siding with an 'enemy of Drazva' as they'd put it. Rumple had no issue with the goddess, just the spiteful monsters who used her name to preach hate. They were the reason Phria had been so looked down on by the likes of Cynthia Stonecrop, why Belle and Amicia had only been referred to as knife-ear while travelling through Olgarth, and he'd accept no more of it.

"How about a deal, dearie?" Rumple suddenly announced as he pushed himself off of the wall drawing the entire crowd's and Baldassare's attention. "Something to settle the minds of the faithful."

He was met only by skepticism, like he was simply a dumb demon spouting nonsense. However, Rumple didn't relent and decided to remove any doubt he was indeed the Dark One by teleporting himself to the steps where Baldassare had been delivering his speech. Gasps erupted from the crowd and many of the non-humans gathered there backed off lest they be accused of aiding him. The festivities going on in the surrounding streets grew muted as though a barrier had been erected to shield the rest of Vinn from the church. Many backed away, Baldassare almost did but managed to safe face and stand his ground – might have convinced the stupider crowd members, but not Rumple, he knew terror when he saw it.

"Be gone, Dark One, we won't fall for your evil so easily. These good people serve Drazva, She protects us."

"But my deal was so generous and easy to complete. It's quite simple: The Church and all who serve it stay out of the Demon Lord's Domain and leave my family alone, in exchange I promise to be civil and not take over the other ten kingdoms. See, a simple offer."

"I make no deals with beasts! You shall be slain just as the other scum like you. The Knightly Order doesn't fear you. We shall not be swayed by supposed words of kindness. You are just a pathetic villain to be cut down. The Grand Mage has proven his incompetence by trusting you, so has that pantherian whore. How far the Princess of Avonlea has fallen. King Maurice must be so ashamed. Be gone form here, monster!"

Rumple's hands clenched into fists causing his black claws to prick his palms. He'd never cared when people insulted him, couldn't have cared less what was said of him, but to call his beloved Phria a whore and shaming Belle and her family crossed a line. Yet, before Rumple could explode before the crowd and rip the pitiable bastard apart, Belle stepped forward with Phria at her side totally unafraid of Baldassare's spiteful words.

"I am not Avonlea's Princess anymore. I am the Sapphire Queen of the Demon Lord's Domain, just as Phria is his Emerald Queen." Together they ascended the steps to stand by Rumple's side. "We're his wives, not his slaves nor his whores."

Baldassare snarled. "Silly girl, you have fallen for his evil so easily. Panzram and Ordel will cut you down themselves, Dark One. The Knightly Order shan't stand for the Church's cities being invaded."

Rumple lifted an eyebrow and glanced around to find not a single knight or rogue intent on battling him. He also noticed Baldassare refer to Vinn as though it were owned by the Church and Knightly Order rather than being part of Olgarth and therefore ruled by King Reginald. His wives noticed as well, as did a few among the crowd which caused puzzlement.

Rumple hadn't expected Baldassare to accept the deal, nobody had, instead Rumple had simply wanted to get the idea into people's heads that he'd offered the olive branch and the Church had refused. A small thing, but it would stick with people.

"The Grand Master of the Knightly Order is just a sadist." Phria muttered to herself, but hardly anyone took notice.

Rumple spun around to the crowd. "Well, go back to your festival, dearies, there won't be any dealing today."

He'd made his display and proven he wouldn't bow to the Church and its slander. Then, liking to leave his audience wanting more, Rumple magicked himself and his wives out of sight down the street. They waited there having blended in with the others at the festival just to see what Baldassare's next move would be. Turned out that move had been to flee, he'd spouted something about informing the Knightly Order of Drazva then vanished inside the church where the scary Dark One apparently couldn't reach him.

"Do you feel better now?" Belle asked with a small smile. "Now you've had your flamboyant moment of drama."

Rumple giggled. "Aye, I'm sated, sweetheart."

"Good." Belle rocked up onto her tiptoes to kiss her husband lovingly. "Then maybe we can take a look at some of the food stalls and the bookshop before we go home."

Deny his wife that he wouldn't. It was either a very brave or very stupid man who refused Belle books. However, when he looked over to his darling Phria, Rumple's brow furrowed deeply because she'd wandered away a few steps to a small alleyway tucked between a bakery and what looked to be a fletchers, bowyers or both. Her head was tilted and brow furrowed, but it was the hand that gripped her short sword hilt tight that drew Rumple's curiosity; that stance meant Phria wanted to step in, so Rumple took a look for himself with Belle behind him.

The alleyway itself was incredibly narrow, a muscular man probably would have had to traversed it at a slight angle just to slip through, and it seemingly led to a small courtyard around which circled a few tiny houses. These were hidden away like an afterthought, they weren't for the well-off or influential, but rather the commoners who did jobs others wished not to think of. Had Rumple been born in a city, he knew it was the sort of place a lowly spinner would have resided. To be perfectly honest, the only worse housing he'd had the misfortune to encounter in Dreymyr had been the slums where the Quartermaines resided.

Didn't take more than a second for Rumple to realize what had his beloved bride on edge, at the far end of the alleyway near the courtyard's sorry-looking well, was a woman and young boy trying to peacefully sidestep a group of teenagers hurling insults at them – the most telling one being 'demon-fucker'. The mother pulled her son closer as she rounded the well only for the gaggle of idiot teens to block their path while laughing and tossing out more insults. Unfortunately this was a part of life in Olgarth and it likely hadn't ever occurred to the teenagers that treating people in such a deplorable way was wrong. Rumple sighed, he'd faced this sort of treatment before, knew how much this woman just wanted to get her son home where he was safe; coming to Dreymyr truly had separated Darkness from man and allowed him to regain some of his humanity.

It was when the first rock hit the boy in the head that Rumple and his brides were no longer inclined to stand idly by. Fast as lightning Phria had charged down the alley, into the courtyard and knocked two of the five teens onto their asses. With sword drawn and expression serious, none of them were brave enough do anything more than scurry away while chucking a few last insults over their shoulders. Phria sheathed her sword having become immune to those childish barbs long ago, they'd not impugn her strengths as a warrior or her value as a person. Had she never met Rumple, she'd likely have spared those horrid words a few moments in her mind, but she had met her darling husband.

"Thank you, Milady." Three sets of eyes turned to the mother and child as they pulled their hoods down. Phria still hadn't grown used to being called queen or milady, but with the quality of replacement black armor Rumple had gifted her, the word had been expected. "You didn't need to do that."

"I wasn't just going to stand there and watch idiots beat a child because he's not human."

"It's hard for Dirk being a half-demon." Said the brunette woman as she checked her son's forehead to find him thankfully uninjured, though tears had flooded his eyes. "People say I'm a traitor to my kind, but I loved my husband because of who he was not the fact he was a demon. I miss him." She sighed and kissed Dirk's forehead before she straightened up and looked back to the trio. "Oh, I'm so sorry, you don't want to listen to me prattle on. My name is Nikolette Washburne by the way. Thank you again for helping us."

Rumple's head cocked to one side as it often did when confused. "Why don't you just leave? Hop the border to Nalessa or Yanhil. It would be safer."

Nikolette flashed him a sad smile and Rumple realized he already knew the answer for it was the same reason he'd never left his village.

"We've no money, I tried after Dirk could walk but didn't get very far. Nowhere to go and it's not safe to travel without money or protection. I appreciate you trying to offer advice, sir, but I can't leave."

Belle tugged on his sleeve then and flashed him that look, the one which said she was going to do something he'd not be too pleased with but didn't care and knew he'd let her do it anyway. Rumple simply sighed, he'd seen that expression a lot lately. A smile settled on Phria's face as she realized what Belle intended.

"Forgive our husband's rudeness. He is Rumpelstiltskin, my name is Belle and she is Phria."

Nikolette's eyes went wide. "You can't mean-?"

"Yes," Belle nodded. "He's the Dark One. We came to hear Cardinal Baldassare's speech, that's how we stumbled across you. I know this might be somewhat abrupt, but the Demon Lord's Domain is a haven for people like you and Dirk. We've built a town for people who have nowhere else to go and wish to protect their children. It's called Dulac and, while small and simple at the moment, it is safe. Outcasts, half-breeds, those who simply want to live away from the Church's influence."

Phria hopped in. "I get this sounds very too good to be true and trusting a demon lord is a controversial topic, but you're very welcome to join the other villagers. Nothing but contributing to the continuing success of Dulac in some way is required of you. There are farmers, a carpenter, even a leathersmith, and Talos sees to any problems."

Nikolette simply stood there staring at the three of them, lingering on the precipice of running away and remaining. Where a few moments ago had been a kind group of non-humans there was now the True Demon Lord and his queens. She'd heard the stories, the tragic tales of how Rumple had distorted the minds of the Grand Mage and most of the kingdoms' rulers, how he'd taken a teenage princess and Captain of the Valkyries into his bed as the first members of his sick harem. She'd heard it said several times that the man was but a beast who'd rip those in his path to shreds the moment he set eyes on them. Yet this demon lord and his so-called harlots had gone out of their way to help Nikolette and Dirk, that didn't seem like the act of a monster. Maybe a trap? The Demon Lord's Domain was so very far away and, if they went, they'd likely never return. Things weren't the best in Vinn, insults and cruelty was a daily occurrence for them, but surely it was better than blindly trusting an actual demon lord. Phria had said only a contribution would be sought in return for their new home, but that could have been innocent words hiding something much more sinister. Maybe the Dark One saw her being added to his harem as her contribution, and that was the last thing she wanted. Yet, this demon lord looked at her and Dirk in the eyes without a sneer or gloating, he didn't look down on her like most others in the city.

"You're allowed to say no. We won't force you." Belle reminded with a gentle smile. "I've recently come to know how desperately a mother works to protect their child though." A hand rested atop her flat stomach. "Mine hasn't even entered the world and I'd already do anything for their safety and happiness."

Silence returned then. Nikolette longed for a better life and environment to raise young Dirk in but Dulac might have been a horrid trick. 'What would a demon lord have to gain from such a thing though?' her mind questioned. 'Surely there are any number of better, more beautiful, women he could choose from if he wanted to swell his harem.' No, trapping Nikolette and Dirk did nothing for a man like the Dark One. She had no strategic value, Dirk was just a boy and from the way Rumple had looked at Belle as she spoke of their baby and been just like her late husband had gazed at her while pregnant. This man had no harem, just two lovely wives he appeared to adore. Could she accept the offer or was the risk too great?

Dirk tugged on Rumple's sleeve then totally unafraid of the omnipotence demon lord before him. Nikolette's fingers itched to pull her son back but she refrained lest she anger the Dark One.

"Are there other kids to play with?"

Rumple crouched and donned that smile he reserved only for children, a genuine one of kindness, the one men like Cardinal Baldassare said him incapable of.

"Aye dearie, there are a few for you to play with. One of them is even a half-demon like you." That had the boy's dark eyes brighten. Demons and half-demons could be harder to tell apart than other half-humans, but the most reliable method was the eyes. All demons had red eyes, while half-demons often had blue or brown. "My girls are always looking for new people to play with as well."

That amazed Nikolette, this all-powerful demon lord before her would allow his daughters to play and associate with simple peasants like them?

"Can we go, Mama?" Dirk asked excitedly. The thought of people to play with was a wonderful one for a boy most looked down on. "Please?!"

She remembered the support the Grand Mage had given the Dark One then. Her husband had attended the Arcane University and been a great admirer of Maximilian Demeer, had thought him a noble man who could see through all the conjecture. So, maybe she'd not trust the Dark One blindly, but she would pay heed of the Grand Mage's opinion of him.

"Thank you, Milord and Miladies. If you are willing to take us to Dulac, I'd be most grateful."

Rumple stood. "Are you sure, dearie? If you change your mind later you'll be walking back."

"Yes." Confirmed Nikolette with a nod and a grip on her son's shoulders. "I'm sure."

With her decision made, Rumple gave her an hour or so to pack their things up while he took his lovely wives to the food stalls and bookshop like they'd wanted. Phria had quickly sniffed out some night deer skewers which had reminded her of so long ago sat on that wall by Brass Book Lane and Borobello Market before she'd confessed her love to Rumple. Meanwhile, Belle had located the bookshop and promptly bought half the novels in the place. Only once his wives were satisfied they'd seen enough of the festivities and had started to wonder if people from the crowd had realized who they were, did they return to collect the Washburnes. That afternoon Dulac grew to a population of fifteen.

Chapter Text

Much to Dulac's pleasure, Nikolette Washburne had worked in her father's store before he'd turned her out for loving a demon, so she knew about selling things, keeping an inventory and careful storage. This had made her rather invaluable to Talos fairly quickly and she'd soon been installed as the bürgermeister's right hand. True, there wasn't a huge amount of work to do currently, but as the village took in more people Nikolette and Talos would become the guiding force in Dulac and direct connection to Rumple. Then there was Dirk Wasburne, a child of only nine who'd been subjected to cruel words and hate since his birth, he'd quickly acclimated to life in the village and formed firm friendships with the other children there. If there was one thing that always amazed people, it was how resilient children could be. With Renner and two of the Pleiades to watch over them, the princesses and Grace had been allowed to leave the castle to play in the village as well, so there was a healthy number of children interacting and just being children.

It hadn't been until a month after the Washburne's arrived that Talos had noticed a problem with Dulac. They might have been fairly self-sufficient, but the fact remained there were things they needed that the villagers just didn't have the skills, tools nor ingredients to make. None of them knew how to hunt, so Talos and Ravavena had been gathering game for them and, though they had a carpenter and leathersmith, the village really needed a blacksmith. Then there were things like cows for milk, sheep for wool and all other manner of things to aid in farming. The villagers they did have worked hard and tried their best, but if they didn't have the skills or tools, then Dulac would suffer regardless of how hard they tried.

That was how Talos, Jefferson and Ravavena had come up with the idea of doing a little travelling. They'd not acquire the things they needed just sitting around the Demon Lord's Domain, so they'd found themselves gathered in Rumple's salon with tea freshly brewed by Missus Potts. Rumple couldn't have really cared less what they did, but his wives had wanted to hear everything.

"… and that's the plan, my Lord." Talos finished in that monotone voice of hers. "We need more people and tools so this seems the most viable way to obtain them."

Jefferson leaned back in his chair, tea in hand and hat rested on the table; he looked every bit his relaxed and cocky self. "She's right, you know, Rumple. Dulac can't be sufficient if it doesn't have the basics to keep it that way."

Rumple let out a long hum. "Aye, and I suppose you're volunteering to do most of the heavy lifting all out the goodness of your heart. Is that it, Hatter?"

The dark-haired man shrugged with a smirk. "Grace wants to see more of Dreymyr rather than your dreary castle and the village. She enjoyed Bichelberger and I want my daughter happy. I don't mind doing a little grunt work while I'm at it. Besides, Vena can handle transporting things and anyone who chooses to join the village herself."

Yes, Ravavena had rather taken to the village. Acting as a maid hadn't suited her, but she rather seemed to enjoy helping out those in Dulac. Perhaps she saw it as a pennants for her previous actions, or maybe being free of her dark cell had just reminded her there was more to life than power the same way Belle had reminded Rumple.

Belle set down her teacup. "This is going to take a lot of work. Well, getting the new tools and buying livestock shouldn't be too hard, but people aren't going to be so easily convinced to up sticks and move to the only village in a land run by the Dark One." She looked to Nikolette sat beside Jefferson but in a far less cavalier pose. "I know you did, Nikolette, but you had rather a lot of reservations."

"True, Queen Belle, but there are others like me with the skills we need."

"I say they go see the Chief Commander and Grand Mage, they'll be able to find reliable people willing to move." Commented Phria. "Gordana did send us Missus Potts after all, she basically started this."

Rumple refrained from pointing out Gordana had started all of it with that damn second request of hers. Well, her and Prince Horatio, that man had talked her into it all.

Ravavena spoke up from behind Rumple then, everybody else might have seated themselves, but she had remained standing behind and to the side of her master just as Tariel had – he was brilliant at being both visible and out of sight all at the same time.

"I'll happily ferry people and cargo back as needed, my Lord. Might I also recommend enquiring in Balmund for craftsmen? Balmundan craftsmen are very well respected – or at least they were before I was imprisoned."

"They still are," said Belle after another sip of her tea. "I'll admit, I think this is a sensible plan. We gain the things we need and people seeking somewhere new to live are provided a safe home."

"Aye." Rumple agreed with his usual grumble. "But why do I have to deal with this?"

"Because you're the boss now, Rumple." Jefferson chuckled. "You wanted to stick around Dreymyr – even convinced me to stay – so you're in charge. Besides, we had to come ask you for permission because you're the one with all the gold, and how are we meant to buy anything without coin to pay for it all? Nikolette has quite the mind for haggling according to Talos, so she'll get us a good price, but she can't get everything down to the low-low price of free."

"Ah, so you're here to pick my straw bowl clean as usual. Nice to see some things never change with you."

"I'm an open book, that's why you love me."

"I tolerate you at best."

"Keep telling yourself that, Rumple."

Nikolette nor Talos could quite believe Jefferson spoke to their ruler quite so candidly without hesitation or pause for contemplation, but no one else did for they'd all grown used to the friendly bickering the two men excelled in. It had been insisted more than a few times that Rumple neither needed nor wanted friends, but there wasn't any getting away from how close he and Jefferson really were; an actual friendship rather than just two people who'd bonded because they'd been born in the same place.

"I'm sure a suitable amount of money can be gathered." Belle turned to their new yet faithful butler. "Tariel, would you please gather all the gold thread Rumple has made today from his tower?"

"Of course, my Queen." The elf gave a polite bow then vanished off to do as asked.

While they waited for Tariel's return there was much discussion on where was best to go in search of the things they needed, and Belle wrote a polite letter to Gordana regarding the skilled craftsmen and hunters they required, while Phria did the same to Demeer. Once done, Belle called Albedo to her and sent him on his way to deliver them with a hiss to his head. Albedo had served her mother well and now took pride doing the same for Belle.

Azzy padded in then and plopped his head down on Belle's lap, something she'd noticed he only did when feeling ignored, and if he felt ignored then it meant Kyveli had probably begun the children's magic lessons for the day. Unlike Demiurge, Azzy enjoyed constant tickles.

"Our carpenter McIntyre and Chip have made a few things we can sell, a few simple toys and a chess set, that sort of thing." Talos mentioned after a few moments of silence. Not enough to bring in much coin, but a contribution."

"Be sure to thank McIntyre and Chip for us, Talos." That earned her a quick 'of course, Queen Belle' before Belle's eyes widened with an idea. "What if the Quartermains are invited? Una is an excellent seamstress and you're quite fond of her work, Rumple."

All right, he begrudgingly admitted having her around would be rather useful. She'd listened to what he'd wanted and made sure it was perfect without much fuss and that boy of hers was a brave one. Surely Dulac would be a much better place for them than Locheart's slums. With a nod, Belle had his backing for that little idea and Ravavena was told to ensure the Quartermains were the first spoken to regarding moving to the village.

Tariel returned then with a bulky quantity of gold threat coiled in his hand. It was placed before Rumple with a polite apology for the delay. With a single dramatic snap of his fingers the coiled gold morphed to a healthy stack of gold coins. Forget a village, there was enough gold there to finance a small city for almost a year.

"Ooh, spending money!" Grinned Jefferson with a slight giggle and twinkle in his blue eyes.

"Talos, see that this is broken down into smaller denominations, I could do without some insane story of me hiding a massive gold mine and stealing money from the poor."

The red-haired golem nodded. "It will be done, my Lord."

"So not spending money?"

With a sigh, Rumple plucked up the top two coins and tossed them to Jefferson who quickly pocketed them.

"I suppose you do want paying. Buy Grace something nice."

"I will indeed. I'm also curious about this seamstress of yours, Rumple. If she got your seal of approval then she must be good. I'll have to swap tips with her."

A dwarf hurried into the salon then slightly out of breath. His beard was full and ginger, hair long and hung down his back like a mane. Though his face was stern and unwavering, there was much intelligence lurking inside his eyes. This was the steward Belle had fought so hard to obtain from the Merchants Guild, this was Greyve Rusthelm. His Uncle Arkadius hadn't been pleased to see him go, but the opportunity to help a new kingdom grow prosperous had just been too good for Greyve to pass up

"Please forgive my late arrival, Your Majesties, I got caught up with some work." He spotted the coins on the table before Rumple as he found his seat to Talos' left. "I see I arrived at just the right moment. I understand our finances are somewhat limitless thanks to your astounding talent, my Lord, but we can't risk flooding other kingdoms with the gold you make. Too much would throw those kingdoms into economic chaos."

"Then it's a good job we're not doing any flooding." Phria remarked as she leaned back in her chair. She'd happily admit that finances wasn't really her area of expertise, but all of them knew better than to crash the economies of neighboring kingdoms. "Rumple has already told Talos to have the coins broken into smaller denominations."

The dwarf nodded and spoke with a deep baritone. "Ah, most excellent. I may be able to expedite that task with my friends at the main office of Avonlea's branch of the Merchants Guild."

"I'll take you to Cainvaldr." Jefferson offered after a moment. "You can change the coins and Grace can have a look around a new city. Cainvaldr is a big one, right?"

Belle nodded when Jefferson's eyes fell on her. "Quite big, yes. It's very wealthy and probably only beaten in size by St. Claes."

Intent on getting the meeting finished as quickly as possible so he could spend some quiet time with his wives before the children finished their magic lesson and demanded he played with them, Rumple made quick work of handing out orders to all present. Greyve would have the coins exchanged for silver ones, then Talos would be put in charge of it all. Jefferson and Ravavena would handle moving cargo to the village as well as anyone who wished to live in Dulac, while Nikolette would put her apparent haggling skill to use to ensure they got exactly what they wanted. If nothing else the village and Dark Castle would be quieter for a while.

It wasn't until the following day after everybody had departed that Belle again brought the the topic of getting a proper tutor for the children to Rumple's attention. Kyveli could only teach the girls so much when it came to magic, and Renner's swordsmanship sessions wouldn't exactly aid them in their understanding of Dreymyr. Belle teaching them hadn't really been a proper solution since she may have been wildly intelligent, but knew a little about a lot rather than a lot about a little. So, with Rumple's blessing, a second letter had been sent to Demeer – though this time by Rumple's magic – to inquire if he had any tutors willing to teach the prince and princesses of the Demon Lord's Domain.

He hoped that was his job done with for a while because bureaucracy didn't suit him. Still, at least he didn't have Regina showing up on his doorstep anymore with poorly executed plans to torment him.

~X~

After the level of social interaction he'd been forced to endure over the last day and a half, Rumple had been delighted to indulge himself in the beauty that was Phria. Supple flesh and words of love he surely didn't deserve. They lay on their backs with Phria cuddled into his side as they caught their breath.

"This is better than you going up to your tower to brood." She teased which earned her a puzzled expression. "I don't like it when you hide up there alone for days on end. I much prefer you working your tensions out with me."

"You're my wife, not a tool."

She rolled onto her side and pressed a soft kiss to his scaled chest. "That may be so, but I still prefer this. You know, I was a little jealous when Belle announced she's pregnant, but that was ridiculous. We'll have our own soon enough. The girls have already started guessing if they're getting a brother or sister."

Rumple's mind stalled for a moment as Phria's words sunk in. Logically speaking, the idea of Phria wanting to have a child with her husband one day was a perfectly normal one which shouldn't have surprised in the slightest. However, just as it had taken him some time to properly digest the knowledgable he had two wives, it would take him a while to properly digest he would father Phria's child just as he had Belle's.

The white-haired pantherian chuckled which pulled him out of his mild internal panic and back to the warm bed and sex scented air.

"No need to look so stricken, Rumple. I'm not proposing we make a child this very moment. I can wait as long as it isn't too long. There's much building to be done in the Demon Lord's Domain before more princes and princesses are welcomed into it."

"A land I still don't want."

He'd never want it, but the territory was his and the deal was clear. At least he didn't have people trying to storm his castle, for now anyway. Rumple didn't need to think though, he just wanted to shut his mind off for a while and just hold his wife.

Chapter Text

Late one morning while Phria and Rumple had been going over maps of the southern part of the Demon Lord's Domain, specifically the area around Lake Demeer where Rumple had noticed a heavy concentration of mana stones, Avarathda abruptly marched into the room dripping strength even in his human form. Of course Rumple had known the Jade had been working away in his office doing whatever job he'd assigned himself, he knew everyone who came in and out of the new Dark Castle, but he'd not anticipated having to deal with him that day.

"I hope I'm not interrupting, Rumpelstiltskin?"

"Would it matter if you were, dearie?"

"Not in the slightest." Avarathda smirked as he made his way toward the balcony doors and flung them open to let in the afternoon sun. "I'm afraid I have come to request you accompany me to my home. It is carved into the mountain aptly named Avarathda's Keep on your maps there." When he turned to find Rumple staring at him with a raised eyebrow he couldn't keep from breathing out a laugh. "Come now, Rumpelstiltskin, you know as well as I that you'd have come looking sooner or later. You can sense the dark magic there. Why, it's as powerful as you are."

Phria rounded the desk to approach Avarathda, confusion evident on her face and the way her tail straightened.

"How could there be that much dark magic there? If it's your home then surely air should be the dominant element there. Is it another dragon egg like Valdis?"

"No, Queen Phria, there is no other like my niece. The reason for the extreme level of dark magic is simple, my keep sits atop the door to Isra's prison."

Suddenly the atmosphere grew disturbingly serious. Isra lived and now Rumple knew where to find him. Phria's mouth floundered unknowing what to say, but fortunately Avarathda continued saving her from it.

"There is something you must know, but you will need to see something before you can fully understand. I again ask for you to accompany me to my keep."

The dragon was correct, Rumple had been planning on taking a better look at that mountain for himself in the near future, so having a guided tour seemed an ideal way of doing just that. The children had gone on a trip into Dulac with Belle and Renner, so Rumple didn't see a problem with absconding for a while.

He nodded. "All right, dearie, we'll go with you."

Phria stepped closer to him automatically so he could teleport them all only for Avarathda to shake his head and walk through the balcony door.

"While your way might be quicker, Rumpelstiltskin, my method of travel is more elegant. It will also mean direct access to my keep inside of having to scale the mountain." With that, Avarathda mounted the stone railing and simply jumped off. Phria rushed to the edge in a panic only for the great green dragon to flap his wings to hover before them. "I appreciate your concern, Queen Phria, but there is no need."

They'd all grown so used to seeing the pale old man Avarathda normally presented himself as that it had become easy to forget he was a Cardinal Dragon. His wings were spread wide flapping slowly to support him, his tail spiked and deadly should he choose. This dragon could have ripped the castle apart if the mood took him, yet Phria could only think him beautiful. She'd seen Viren's crimson scales, but the Jade hovering before her was something she'd never forget.

"You really want to fly there?"

"Indeed, Rumpelstiltskin."

Seemingly less amazed that a Cardinal Dragon was willing to let them ride on his back than his wife was, Rumple teleported the pair of them onto Avarathda's back and the dragon set off swiftly. It was rather startling for the journey to be so smooth despite the speed they travelled at. The air was cold as it hurtled passed them and surely just stretching up a hand would let them brush the clouds. Using her wing gear for as long as she had meant Phria was no stranger to flying through the skies, but seeing the world the way dragons did had Phria realize just how pitiful her flying had been. She'd hardly been able to fly higher than houses while Avarathda soared above mountains easily. This was why the Church had spread hate of dragons, why they'd been worshipped as divine aeons ago; because they were majestic creatures unlike any other in all Dreymyr.

"Wonderful, isn't it, Rumple. I can see for miles."

Rumple just hummed, very little impressed him after such a long life. "Certainly dramatic if nothing else."

The gentle hills below them eventually gave way to a vast expanse of trees they recognized as Valkyrie Forest which Amicia had named. Though long, the journey didn't feel as though it had been, Phria had been too lost in the view to keep track of time while Rumple had been quietly inspecting Avarathda's scales. He could feel spirit magic deep within the dragon surge around his body and into those scales, could almost see it swirling at their tips. These scales weren't like Bertha's, not round and smooth as river rocks, instead were shaped more like giant arrowheads and surprisingly rough; he'd expected them to feel more like snake scales. Oh, Rumple knew he could make some interesting potions and spells with those scales, but he'd refrain. The memory of Semiramis stuffed into a crate by Tvon with various scales ripped from her tail popped into his head then – no, he'd shelf the possibilities of magical scales for the time being.

As they approached the sea, the air grew colder and salty, Avarathda dropped in altitude and the mountain finally came into view. There would surely be a storm soon if the seas were already so choppy and dense clouds had begun to form almost giving the feeling of sunset. Avarathda's Keep was a lone mountain on the edge of the Stolb Gulf – so named for the numerous sea stacks which littered the area. The mountain itself looked jagged and steep as though there would be a rockslide at any moment, but none of that deterred them, not when Avarathda simply rounded the keep and flew in through a large opening surrounded faintly by a blue glow. He soared up the inside of the mountain to a platform where finally landed and allowed his passengers off before shifting back to human form.

Looking around, Rumple realized the dragon's home was significantly more elaborate than he'd assumed, large arches acted as windows overlooking the sea and let in a surprising amount of light, sconces lined the carved walls and, when Rumple looked up, he saw it nearly went on forever. Suddenly a mauve dragon crossed the space high above only to vanish from sight as quickly as it had appeared.

"There are other dragons here." Rumple said mostly to himself as they followed Avarathda to whatever he wanted to show them. "You're wife, maybe?"

Avarathda's steps faltered at that and Rumple knew what that meant, the dragon said it anyway though.

"No. I have been fortunate enough to have three mates in my long life, but all of them are gone now. The dragon you saw is my youngest child Mirae." An Intercardinal then. "You'll have to forgive her, she's the dragon of premonition so often in her own world."

"She sees the future? That's amazing."

"I'm afraid it is far less glamorous than you envision, Queen Phria. My daughter sees numerous possible futures and can never be sure if her actions cause or prevent one from occurring."

Rumple could relate to that, the power he'd stolen from the seer was notoriously unhelpful and cryptic. Still, like Shiryu, Mirae was an Intercardinal and therefore a needed part of Dreymyr's magic.

Avarathda guided them up a spiralling stone staircase which seemingly went on forever until it abruptly opened into a large room with pillars forming a circle in the middle from which one could see the entry way down below. Bookshelves lined the walls, illuminated by intermittent sconces and carved murals. While stunning and Rumple would have very much liked to thumb through the tomes, it certainly didn't look like the cell entrance he'd been expecting.

"So where is Isra, dearie?"

Finally the dragon came to a stop beside a mural and turned to face them. Phria stuck close to her husband but couldn't prevent her head swivelling around to see all she could.

"He is deep below this mountain and I will not grant you access to him, that is not why I brought you here, Rumpelstiltskin. Isra is just a mindless beast now, he acts on instinct without any conscious thought." Avarathda gestured to the mural, a carving of a two headed dragon which must have surely been Rael battling the Hero. "We could not let the humans try to slay Isra, his corruption had damaged null magic enough already without risking more chaos. We Cardinals imprisoned him below to prevent any further bloodshed. The Cardinals and Intercardinals act as anchors, as you know, cut even one and the ship begins to drift. While killing Isra would have caused unmitigated chaos, having a crazy anchor is hardly better."

Rumple's eyes narrowed. "You said null magic."

"I did. People today would tell you that dark magic has it's name because it is savage thing born of evil, but that is not true. It has always been here and Isra is very much a Cardinal Dragon despite how much history rejects him. Obviously, our magic is all based on an element; fire, water, spirit, earth and air. Isra does not have onyx scales to represent evil, he is the void. Null magic was simply magic without an element."

Now that made a lot of sense and explained several things for Rumple. His spacial magic certainly didn't connect to an element, but why it had automatically been considered evil hadn't quite made sense until that moment.

"So Isra went mad, then the Church came along and null magic just got labeled as dark magic from afterward."

The gray-haired dragon nodded then precoded to the next carving. "That is correct. Isra always said that the void stared back, and I think one day it finally broke his mind. Please look." He gestured to the carving, this one depicted a vast tree with roots spreading in all directions and six apple-like stones hung from the tree; one in each of the Cardinal Dragon's colors. "We did not come into this world like other dragons. We grew like fruit on the Vita Tree, our shells a vast contrast to the rest of the forest and warmed by golden sun. Viren fell first, his shell cracked spilling lava out with him. Isra and I were next, fell at the same time, that is why I think of him as my brother more than the others."

Phria's eyes were wide. "That's how you all came to be? I never even dreamed that would be how."

"Only us and the most highly ranked members of the Vita Tree know the truth now." He flashed Phria a comforting smile before returning to his story. "Once we'd all hatched a new day dawned, and that was when the branches which had held us fell as well. They morphed into matching swords, a piece of our mother to carry with us. They aren't just swords though." Informed the dragon as he moved to yet another carving of six matching swords raised in the hands of each humanoid dragon. "They're each a shard of the Vita Tree and thus possess a sort of semi-consciousness which connects us not only to our home but all Dreymyr."

"Wait, does this mean you know where the Tree is now? Even priests have no idea."

"Yes, Queen Phria, we know, but none of us shall ever tell. There are those who would use the Vita Tree for their own gain and others who'd see it burnt. It must be protected."

"Dearie, I'm failing to see how this involves me. You said you wanted me to see and know something. Is this it?" Frankly Rumple was underwhelmed, carvings hadn't been needed for Avarathda's story. He'd assumed he'd get to see Isra, maybe work out what specifically had sent him mad, but the dragon had already refused to let him into the cell. "You're the Jade, so I'm assuming you'll have a point you're working toward."

Had Belle been there she'd have elbowed him in the stomach and, to be perfectly honest, Phria had been tempted to do it on her behalf. Yet Avarathda had beckoned them to another part of the room where an ornate sword with golden hilt and black leather wrap handle hung on the stone wall. She'd never seen something so beautiful in all her life. There was something about it though, something which almost called out to her.

"You are correct that I have a more serious point I am working toward. You see, while Isra is a physical anchor and must remain so, his lack of awareness or proper consciousness is allowing corruption and madness to continue spreading in those who use dark magic. Ravavena, the demon lord you turned into a maid, she can still hear it whispering to her. I have thought long and hard about this, but I have decided that it is the best solution. Rumpelstiltskin, I want to give you Isra's sword. Being physically present is not enough to anchor dark magic, a sentient mind is also needed, and I would like for you to be that mind."

Rumple giggled, that high-pitched giggle which often unnerved people. "Oh, if you're looking for a sane mind, you'll not find one with me, dearie."

"You're saner than he is. Also, I will remind you that Valdis is literally born of dark magic, therefore she will be more suitable to Isra's corruption than anybody else. If you shan't do this for the greater good, then I urge you to do it for her."

Valdis becoming like her true sire had been a worry for everyone from Rumple and his wives to Demeer and Prince Horatio since the moment she'd hatched. Slipping into true evil was something she feared even at such a young age, the last thing she wanted was to become a mindless monster. With Avarathda's assistance, her talisman had been tweaked to hide her wings, but just covering something up didn't mean it wasn't there. Still, tethering himself to a crazed dragon and sword that used to be a branch didn't exactly sound like a good idea. His mouth had just opened to refuse when Phria caught him by the hand.

"Rumple, your and Belle's baby is going to be born of dark magic, too. So will the one you and I have."

Damn her being right. He'd gone mad because of his curse always whispering to him, Cora and Zelena corrupted themselves with greed and jealousy, while he'd personally concentrated the anger and need for revenge in Regina until it was all that drove her. His daughter and future children though, Ravavena and maybe even Jefferson, they wouldn't have a chance of escape. Phria squeezed his and much in the way Belle did when she was trying to reassure him; he honestly didn't deserve the love of these women.

"You're sure this will protect Valdis?"

The dragon nodded. "You have my word. In exchange for doing this, I will happily allow you to borrow books form my collection. As long as you return them in a reasonable space of time, of course."

Rumple sighed deeply. "Then you've got a deal. What do I have to do?"

Carefully, Avarathda lifted the sword down form the wall and held it out for Rumple to take, though it wasn't something he was eager to do.

"You need do very little, Rumpelstiltskin. These swords are all identical save for the color of their handles and their names. Isra's is called Tyrfing and long called out for the bond it has lost. Having this sword close will allow a new bond to form and fortify the fraying anchor by adding you to it. You will be connected to Dreymyr in a way only myself and fellow Cardinals are, you may even become more powerful and distance you from what lingers of your curse." Finally Rumple took the sword. "Carry it with you wherever you go until you can feel it even when you set Tyrfing down to sleep at night, when you could throw it into the sea and know exactly where it landed. As you can see, we do not carry them constantly any longer, we keep them in a safe place important to us. We always know where they are, we can always find them. This is the real reason I asked for an office at your castle, Rumpelstiltskin, I wanted to ensure you were worthy of such a thing. Viren is very fond of you and I have come to conclude he is right to be."

"Hmm, I'd wondered about that office. Didn't think you were that desperate to be my steward, dearie.

Avarathda chuckled, a quiet noise which seemed out of character for him. "No, Greyve Rusthelm is doing an excellent job on his own. Although I would like to be part of the Demon Lord's Domain's management. I and Yihrahassa call this land home, as do my children, thus I would like to assist in this new kingdom you are building. Queen Belle has informed me of how exactly you came to rule the Domain and banish the ogres into the mountains, that you are here to safeguard this place. I believe I would be more suited to the role of a political advisor, rather than your steward."

"Seems to me, dearie, that you've already filled that role."

Rumple didn't quite know what he'd expected for when he finally took Tyrfing, but nothing wasn't it. This sword had power, he could sense that, but there wasn't any trace of the consciousness Avarathda had spoken of, almost like the sword was asleep. Maybe it was, it had done what it could to close itself off from Isra's madness and would take a while to realize it was now safe to wake. He wasn't really one for swords though, a mage had no need for a blade, but he'd carry it around and form a bond with it if it meant Valdis and his unborn child would be protected. Rumple didn't even belong to the world of Dreymyr, yet there he was working to stabilize magic by binding himself to the place even more than he already had. His children and his wives made him want to be a better man, a braver man, and Tyrfing was just another step on the journey to being one.

~X~

Shortly after overseeing the evening drills of his men alongside Seneschal Ordel – being seen every now and again improved moral – Grand Master Panzram had retired to his office and taken the communication crystal out from his desk's bottom drawer. Pontiff Buchanan had ordered this meeting and nobody denied the Pontiff for he was a man chosen by Drazva to lead the faithful; a mortal Guiding Saint.

Panzram wasn't a handsome man, could any man with a permanent scowl be? Bald, angry and spiteful with a litany of discolored scars dotted around his face and head. No, Ferdinand Panzram wasn't a handsome man, he was a rabid wolf in human form and encased in silvery armor. He enjoyed pain, enjoyed hurting people and using his faith to protect himself from consequences. He'd begun as the third son of a minor noble house yet risen to be the Knightly Order of Drazva's Grand Master. Panzram had made something of his life, but he'd done it by crushing skulls underfoot and using the greater good as a constant excuse.

Certain he was alone, Panzram placed the communication crystal atop his desk and connected to the Pontiff's. The sooner all of this was dealt with, the sooner he could summon a whore from the local brothel and entertain himself a while. Oh, that brothel-keeper always complained his whores came back shaking and bloody but he liked Panzram's coin and feared his sword too much to ever deny him.

"There you are, Ferdinand." The Pontiff's voice slightly echoed through the crystal. "It's about time."

"Forgive me," He said with a bow of his head; the Pontiff was the only man he'd ever bow before. "I had to oversee training. How can I be of aid? Are we finally slaughtering the Dark One and those whores of his?"

"Not yet, but your time will come. The Dark One is an enemy of Drazva and his corruption of those poor women has left them worthless whores, as you say. They and the abominations they've spawned for him shall be cut down eventually."

Pontiff Andrew Buchanan had the unfortunate ability to present as an innocent old man, as someone kindly and trustworthy, some might have gone so far as to say a sweet grandfather type. However, beneath the thinning white hair and the soft eyes was the heart of a monster. His dream was to see humans as the supreme species while all others served and bowed down, to have the Church finally given its rightful place above kings and nobles. He was the speaker for Drazva in Dreymyr and it was high time people learned their place. Drazva had given them their realm to rule over as they saw fit and demi-humans to obey their betters.

"The day cannot come soon enough," grumbled Panzram. "The Demon Lord's Domain is a big place though and we have no maps of it."

The Pontiff nodded as he shifted in his chair. "This is correct and why I have not yet issued orders to invade. Tensions are rising in Olgarth, the non-humans are getting ideas far above their stations as to their so-called rights and I think Prince Harold sympathizes far too much. We must quell the disquiet here, stamp it out, before we move on to the Dark One. King Reginald's rule is falling apart, he is letting good humans lose their livelihoods while disgusting demi-humans begin filtering into Olgarthian cities. Soon enough he will be dethroned and the Church shall fill the void to save the kingdom. Olgarth will become the Holy Drazvan Empire and then we shall turn our attention to the Dark One. We must be strong, Ferdinand."

The bald man hated sitting idle but knew the Pontiff was right. The Dark One had gotten so many weak-minded people onto his side that crushing him wouldn't be possible just yet.

"We can't leave that thing unchecked though. I'll not stand by while the Dark One things he's won. That land should belong to the Church and Knightly Order." He insisted. "As humans and servants of Drazva, it's ours by right!"

"Calm yourself, Ferdinand. We will see Drazva's will done soon enough. I share your concerns though and have come up with an idea, I simply need you to track down the perfect soul for the task. We cannot send an army just yet, but we can send a spy. The Dark One has begun letting waifs into his Domain, but he also dotes on those abominations he calls his children. A redeeming feature maybe that a father loves his offspring. Using one of these two weaknesses, we can slip a spy into his midst."

Panzram mulled the idea over a moment. A spy would be able to get them maps, inside information and possibly help set up an ambush when the time came. Yes, a spy was an excellent idea. Any inside information would be useful and, were they to be caught, there wouldn't be any way for the Dark One to prove the Church and Knightly Order had sent them.

"A most excellent idea, Pontiff. Although, we would need to be cautious. I assume you've heard about Theano Cashel's corruption?"

With a sigh and lowering of his head as though weary from worry, the Pontiff replied: "Indeed I have. To turn her back on her family tradition, to go against her father and six older siblings to join the Valkyries is one thing, but to then follow that pantherian harlot right into the Demon Lord's Domain is deplorable. As the youngest, Theano was spoilt and therefore never learned too obey the Church as her siblings did. She has shamed the entire Cashel family and will be slaughtered beside the vermin she's chosen to support. Drazva will deal with her soul." The Pontiff cleared his throat then and again shuffled in his chair. "Make deathly certain our spy will not be noticed by the Cashel girl or anyone else. If rumors are true then a former House of Red Coats assassin prowls the castle and I do not want a spy wasted."

Panzram nodded. "I'll see it is done. It might take a while to get them in position, but I will get them there."

"Good. I have other duties to attend to. Don't disappoint me, Ferdinand. Drazva be with you."

Before Panzram could respond the connection cut off leaving the communication crystal dark. He fell back in his chair, scowl just as deep as always and thought about how to go about slipping a spy into the Demon Lord's Domain. Perhaps he'd consult Seneschal Ordel, that one was always full of bright ideas.

Chapter Text

Rumple had been carting Tyrfing around for a month before he'd noticed the connection Avarathda had been speaking about. The sword wanted to protect, wanted to defend the one trusted to wield it; semi-sentient seemed like the most apt description. However, he had no desire for a sword, especially one which clearly wanted to be used in a way he never would. So, after a lengthy conversation in Avarathda's office, he'd handed Tyrfing over to Phria's care. She was the warrior and his wife, the sword would stay close to Rumple as well as be used for what it was intended; a win-win.

Without Tyrfing to think about, Rumple had taken full advantage of his access to the library at Avarathda's Keep. He'd spent several days there reading every single book to gain knowledge mostly lost to Dreymyr. At a push he might even have stood a chance of locating the actual Vita Tree. What had come as a real surprise was Ja'carna's existence and nobody had ever found it because it wasn't somewhere among the Blade Backs, it was within them. Apparently that was where the vast majority of surviving dragons resided, but a Ja'carna would be another day's quest.

Winds howled behind him as they flooded through the central void used to allow dragons to move between floors, but Rumple hardly noticed. Even the Arcane University hadn't had such a well of knowledge for him to peruse at his leisure. He'd spent centuries cultivating his understanding of the Enchanted Forest, Arendelle, Agrabah and every other realm he'd journeyed to in his long life, so doing the exact same now he resided in Dreymyr shouldn't have been surprising in the slightest.

"You're my father's friend."

Rumple spun around on the spot with book in hand to see a slender mauve dragon hovering in the space behind him. He'd spotted this dragon before when Avrarathda had first brought them to his home.

"Rumpelstiltskin, at your service." He bowed deeply with that usual dramatic flare of his which had the dragon chuckle.

Just as he'd seen with her father and Viren, the mauve dragon melted into human form before him dressed in blue and red with an ammolite gemstone hanging from her belt. She looked nothing like her father, but maybe a dragon's human form had no connection to their lineage. To be perfectly honest, this woman was beautiful with her brunette hair decorated with flowers and burgundy lips.

"I am Mirae the dragon of premonition, youngest child of Avarathda. It is a pleasure to finally meet you, Rumpelstiltskin."

Rumple chuckled. "Most prefer not meeting me, dearie."

"Then they are fools. I've seen you numerous times inside my visions, you do evil things in some and noble things in others, but you're never boring."

Frankly, the old saying 'away with the fairies' was all Rumple thought when he looked at her. While beautiful, she did seem in her own little world just as her father had said.

"Not boring, I'll take the complement."

"I wonder, is this the one where the handsome prince and his loves win, or the one where you refuse to help and the realm burns?"

Rumple snapped his book shut and magicked it back to its shelf. "If there is something two people want, a deal can be made. I've got no idea who you're talking about, but if someone offers me something I want or think is useful, then I shan't refuse to help."

Mirae didn't respond to that, instead she just moved on to the next topic which filled her mind. An odd little dragon but Rumple found he liked her; he could sympathize with never knowing which future would be the one to come.

"Have you seen Hazarmaveth? He said we'd go flying together. I was so looking forward to it, Rumpelstiltskin."

He glanced around, it was fairly self-evident they were the only ones there and had been for quite some time.

"Can't say I have, dearie. Hazarmaveth is who exactly?"

"My big brother," she told him easily. "You can't miss him, he's got black hair and always in black armor when human, dark purple when dragon."

No, Rumple would have remembered someone like that – hell, he'd have remembered any other dragon he saw wandering around Avarathda's Keep. Curiosity struck him then as it was one to do; Intercardinal Dragons were born by Cardinal Dragons mating with dragons of other elements. So, if Avarathda's spirit had led to a dragon or premonition, then what else had it moulded?

"What is Hazarmaveth the dragon of?"

Mirae swished her blue skirt around as she danced to music only she could hear. 'At least her madness seems to be a happy one' muttered Rumple's mind.

"Necromancy. He always wanders around with a lich he accidentally made when he was little. They're basically best friends. Imagine it, a dragon and a magical skeleton as best friends." Those things had proven themselves surprisingly powerful, so one conjured by a necromancy dragon must have been exponentially so. "Then there's my big sister, she controls gravity. Her name is Charnaleer."

Gravity must have come from Avaratha and an air dragon mating. Charnaleer's power wasn't something he'd thought of before. Changing gravity's strength would surely crush a whole company of knights like matchsticks in seconds. Yes, he'd experiment with this gravity magic, maybe even talk to Charnaleer if his research called for it.

"You have quite the interesting family, dearie."

Mirae chuckled, still dancing to her silent song. "So do you, Rumpelstiltskin. Your son will have the cutest little points to his ears. He'll be brave and wise and free of the evil you fear will invade him. He'll have your skill with magic though."

Rumple's mouth fluttered a moment as his brow furrowed. "He? Belle is having a boy?"

"Uh-huh." Mirae confirmed with a bold grin. "A lovely little boy with dark eyes and height his parents don't possess. His name is-"

"No! Nobody tells me my son's name save for Belle."

That had the daydreamer chuckle sweetly as she danced around Rumple causing her dress to flare.

"Ah, so you're the better man in this one. I like it when you're the better one. That was your birthright, you know, I see futures that never happened where you were a great hero. Not sure how it was taken, but you should have been a Savior."

"Savior?" Dreymyr seemed to use the term Hero, so hearing Mirae use a term from his realm had peaked his interest. "What do you know of Saviors?"

"I know what the word means, and I know you were meant to be one, that's all." Suddenly she stopped dancing and returned to the edge of the floor to look down. "I'm going to go look for Hazarmaveth now. Goodbye, Rumpelstiltskin."

Before Rumple could even think of speaking, Mirae had shifted back into her dragon form and flown away as though she'd never been there to begin with. Mirae would be an interesting one as his understanding of dragons and their history continued to develop.

~X~

While Rumple got to enjoy the books at Avarathda's Keep – which had irked Belle – she'd found herself inspecting the development of Dulac with the children. Talos had escorted them around while Renner had lurked behind them quietly as always with Demiurge at his side. To be perfectly honest, while excellent at his job and clearly had no intent on going back on his deal, guarding four children and Belle's unborn one was too much for one man. Short of huddling them together all the time, Renner couldn't be expected to guard all of them perfectly. As children in Avonlea she and Lorrimer had each had their own bodyguard. Renner needed help, but he'd never admit it and, while certainly useful, Demiurge didn't count. Belle made a mental note to finally speak to Rumple about that topic before she'd turned her attention back to what Talos said.

Dulac had come on in leaps and bounds now the town had proper management and skilled people to keep it functioning. They still needed a good blacksmith desperately, but other roles like carpenter had been filled; and a damn fine carpenter was McIntyre, but dwarves always made excellent craftsmen. Nikolette Washburne's knowledge of trade and how to form connections with merchants had been a godsend as well; had her father been smart enough to accept his daughter had fallen in love with a demon rather than tossing her out, she'd likely have made him a rich man. Of course, building a trade network would take a great many years and be constantly hindered by the 'you're with the Demon Lord' trepidation, but Belle was confident they'd get there in the end. Mana stones littered the Demon Lord's Domain and the Mages Guild had been more than happy to make a contract for many of them. Meanwhile, Avonlea had seen much relief due to not having to keep the Ogre Blockade so heavily manned or stocked. Yes, it would take a great many years, but eventually people would accept the Demon Lord's Domain as just another kingdom.

"Mama Phria!" Valdis beamed when she spotted her pantherian mother and two of the Pleiades stood by the latest completed building. "Mama!"

Renner's eyes remained firmly fixed on the raven-haired girl as she hurried to Phria's side for a hug. There really were becoming too many children for him to properly care for.

"It looks like the old one." Amicia muttered mostly to herself but Semiramis heard it and furrowed her brow. To most this tavern was brand new and lacked history, but some knew better.

After the tragedy which had befallen the Teapot Inn back in Ranga, Missus Potts had mostly put herself to work in the Dark Castle as cook and housekeeper while Chip had busied himself caring for Svadilfari or helping McIntyre out. However, now there were more than a handful of people in Dulac, a tavern had been called for; with that the new Teapot Inn had been built looking toward the lake and castle gate. While slightly larger due to the extra space they'd had to work with in Dulac, Missus Potts had insisted that the same cosy vibe remained. People might not be in need of a room for a few days in their new home, but she'd been determined to ensure folk felt welcome and her parents' hard work wasn't forgotten.

"Can we see inside?" Bae asked curiously only to immediately remember his papa having to essentially drag his mother out of taverns when he was a little boy. No, none of that mattered now, his step-mothers were nice women who genuinely loved both his papa and him. "Please?"

Talos was quick to push the door open so everyone could enter. Tables littered the main room lit by two large windows and a bar off to the left of the main door. Missus Potts stood behind it as she organized things onto shelves with Chip.

"The whole royal family in my inn, I'm honnored." She smiled brightly.

Renner, Sentia and Halcyone remained by the door like the guards they were while the others made their way to the bar. He'd thought agreeing to Rumple's deal to just be a survival tactic at first, while the former Valkyries had followed Phria out of a sense of loyalty. However, looking at the two queens, four children and Talos, they all saw just how much good the so-called evil Dark One had done for people. Renner just wished Aiden had gotten to see it.

For a while the royals chatted with Missus Potts and her son about the town's progress and what Talos needed to take note of to improve; to be honest Dulac was already a million times better than most villages and small towns for the simple fact different races weren't at one another's throats.

Just as it became time to leave and the group spilled back out into the street, Ravavena appeared before the with concern on her face. Her appearance was so abrupt that Demiurge had snarled at her.

"Forgive the interruption, Your Majesties, but we have a problem."

"What sort of problem?" Phria was quick to ask.

"Cockatrices. There's a whole pack of them headed for Dulac."

That had many a brow furrow deeply because cockatrices didn't travel in packs, they were solitary creatures that kept to themselves for the most part. Still, the Demon Lord's Domain was literally covered in mana stones so it stood to reason that cockatrices would be more plentiful there than other kingdoms.

Jefferson arrived a few seconds later looking concerned and a little hesitant. "You've seen those things coming at us, right? I mean, they're hard to miss."

"They're almost on top of us." Ravavena lowered her head. "I'm sorry, Majesties, I should have noticed sooner. It's my job to protect the surrounding area from monsters and wild animals."

Belle waved that off. "Not a problem, Vena, you noticed now. Jefferson, cockatrices have poisonous breath and can petrify people on top of their alarming strength. Could you evacuate the townspeople somewhere safe? Move them all into the castle courtyard, the cockatrices won't be able to get over the lake."

"I can do that. It'll take a while though, I can't move everybody at once. I can probably get Ariadne and the other Pleiades to help round people up though. Want me to take the kids?"

"Have Tariel use that barrier of his over the castle." Phria quickly insisted.

Belle thanked Jefferson and quickly passed the children, including a reluctant Bae, off to him who were swiftly transported back to the castle for their own safety. Renner knew he probably should have gone with them, but the best way he could protect them was to eliminate the threat. 'If saving them means you die, then you die' had been Rumple's exact words and Renner wouldn't disobey.

Talos looked away from the speck which was their attackers and to her queen, then, with as little emotion as she said everything else with, she made a great case for Belle returning to the castle as well; the main reason being she wasn't a warrior or skilled mage, and, most importantly, pregnant.

"I understand what you're saying, Talos, I really do, but I'm staying. Azzy is with me and Rumple taught me some healing spells. I'll stay here and provide support if needed."

Tamers weren't really much good in a fight unless they'd tamed particularly strong creatures to fight for them. No, normally tamers were used for logistics or scouting, not battle. Knowing they'd never get her to leave, the subject was dropped in favor of Phria taking over command as was her role. Rumple had always said Phria was his warrior while Belle was his scholar, and they saw no reason to oppose that; especially with cockatrices baring down on them.

"All right, listen." Wasn't like anybody would ignore their Emerald Queen. "Halcyone and I will attack from the air with our wing gear. Renner, Sentia, you're more dexterous than the rest of us. You'll attack from the ground while Talos plays tank. She can take a beating and give us openings." Without hesitation Talos lifted her ever-present Ransuer spear from her back and nodded. "Vena-"

"Should we not summon Lord Rumpelstiltskin, Majesties? Was his deal not to protect the Demon Lord's Domain?"

Belle shook her head. "The land not the town, and Dulac must be able to defend itself rather than relying on Rumple to do everything for it. I know you're not as powerful since you helped open that portal, but you're still a demon lord, Vena. We can deal with this."

Ravavena couldn't argue with her queen, she'd willingly been enslaved to Rumple and wanted to be better after a life of evil just like him. She'd chosen to dress as a maid, she'd chosen to help Talos, she'd damn well not turn her back now.

"Vena?" Blue eyes snapped to Phria. "You're the most skilled mage here. Keep them grouped as best you can, I don't want stragglers wandering off and taking out half the town. If you see an opening to kill one, take it."

With a nod their plan was in place and all rushed to their positions. Belle remained on the town's edge with Azzy knowing she'd be useless until someone got hurt. She could only watch and hope she stayed useless. Phria and Halcyone activated their wing gear and took to the skies, as did Ravavena thanks to her having learned Rumple's sigil trick, while Renner used light magic to turn invisible. It was Sentia though who retained Belle's attention. Of course she'd always known the dark-haired woman to be a werewolf, but she'd never seen a transformation before. Blue eyes went unblinking as Sentia stripped off her armor and weapons with haste, just let them fall where they may, before the sound of bones cracking echoed. She let out cries of pain as her face pushed outward into a muzzle, knees snapped to bend the opposite way and fingers lengthened to end in sharp claws. Black hair usually in tight braids broke loose to coat her entire body like a shaggy shadow. Piercing amber eyes flashed to Belle, then Sentia charged away with alarming speed.

As the cockatrices rushed closer the earth began to rumble which vibrated up through Belle's feet causing her heart to beat with trepidation. Phria and the others didn't waver though, they ventured forth to protect Dulac with determination. For a few moments Ravavena had lingered only a few feet from the Teapot Inn for a couple of moments as she chanted and drew illuminated sigils in the air before a domed violet barrier encased Dulac – not as strong as Rumple's but better than anything the rest of them could put up.

Cockatrices were a fearsome beast often assumed to be yet another offshoot of dragons, but that was a misconception. They were twisted and contorted beasts altered by mana stones with sharp talons, bat-like wings and a savage rooster's head. Taller than any of Dulac's buildings, it wasn't any wonder people feared them so. Killing a single cockatrice would have been ranked as bronze at the Adventures Guild, so Belle shuddered to think what seven of them would have been listed as.

Phria took Tyrfing to the side of one of the closer cockatrice intending to slow it down but, stunning all of them for a moment, sliced a wing clean off. Avarathda had warned them that Tyrfing was a powerful weapon, but nobody had expected that. This was a branch of the Vita Tree itself and held tremendous power unknown in modern times; a divine artefact. Hot blood spurted everywhere as the creature screamed and stumbled to the ground with a heavy thud; seeing her opportunity, Ravavena launched a barrage of stone bullets at its head killing it instantly. Squawks, screams and snarls turned the area into a battlefield Belle could only look at.

Poisonous breath spewed forth in a purple mist, a deadly miasma. Renner would have preferred literally any other monster than a cockatrice, literally any other. As an assassin he'd always opted for poisoned blades, but cockatrices were resistant to all forms of poison, including the dwarf's breath coating his weapons. Still, as he moved between the feet of the beasts, Renner swiped at them in an attempt to weaken them enough for Sentia's claws and fangs to force them to the ground. Yellowy eyes of one searched around to petrify Renner, but he remained invisible and therefore safe as long as he kept moving. Demiurge had remained up at the castle intent on lounging in that willow he favored and Renner was grateful for that, he'd not have known what to do if a cockatrice slaughtered his beloved friend. Finally his blades weakened a leg enough for Sentia to rip a gargantuan chunk out and send it crashing to the ground. Leaving it for the others to finish off, they moved on to the third.

Meanwhile, Talos must surely have been a point of confusion for the cockatrices because, no matter how sternly they looked at her, she refused to petrify and poisonous breath didn't even make her blink. An artificial being was Talos, someone created specifically by the True Demon Lord, she'd not yield to an overgrown chicken. Seeing a chance, Talos thrust her spear up when one of the cockatrices lowered its head to snap at her and plunged it deep into a yellow eye causing blood to gush and pain to burn through its head. She brought the spear around again to strike the other, but an arrow came down from Halcyone's bow blinding the creature. With it disorientated and panicked, Phria severed its head with Tyrfing before it could spit more poison.

With surprising ease they were able to cut down five of the seven cockatrices that had stormed Dulac. Ravavena's barrier had held to protect the town and Jefferson had surely evacuated the townspeople to the Dark Castle's courtyard by the time the fifth stopped moving. Phria looked over to the quiet town as her wing gear kept her and Halcyone aloft. For as far as the eye could see and further was her husband's kingdom, his domain and Phria would protect it and those living their just as he'd agreed to do. It had left Phria with a realization though; they couldn't just expect Rumple to handle every threat for them as Belle had said. His deal with Gordana had been to protect the land and keep the ogres from ever being a threat again – hence why the only remaining ogres were all isolated to the Ogre Mountains – but Dulac hadn't been a part of that deal. Rumple was the protector of the Demon Lord's Domain, not a slave sent out to deal with every little thing; even if this little thing spat poison. Three former Valkyries, a one-of-a-kind golem, an actual demon lord, a House of Red Coats assassin and wise Belle, they were more than capable of dispatching seven cockatrices.

When the final head fell and the miasma dissipated enough for Belle to hand out the healing potions she always carried around with her outside of the castle, just to be sure nobody had been poisoned, Ravavena dropped the violet barrier. They'd just finished properly constructing Dulac so to lose it to a gang of upstart chickens would have been a true tragedy. After a thorough search of the surrounding area to ensure there weren't any more threats, and with Ravavena's help, Jefferson had steadily transported the townspeople back to Dulac like nothing had ever happened. While a little concerned, everyone had soon calmed down and gone back to their daily lives – Well, the majority had, some had decided the cockatrices were an excuse to celebrate and had hauled the creatures off to be butchered.

Several hours after Dulac had returned to normal and night had fallen, Rumple arrived back at his castle to find it vacant of everyone save for the staff Gasper had sent them. Only when he glared at Tariel did he learn about the cockatrices and that his whole family had gathered in Dulac. Before Tariel had even finished speaking Rumple had magicked himself down to the middle of town where he found a flurry of activity. Though few in number, everyone had gathered forming a fairly busy crowd surrounding a bonfire like a town cookout. The village he'd lived in with Milah and Bae had occasionally had small festivals, mostly for the harvest and such, but he'd never been wanted there and so ended up spinning quietly in his hovel for the night. However, Dulac wasn't that little village and instead of shunning him, the townspeople welcomed him closer with smiles; he'd even gotten a 'nice to see you, milord' from Faris. Being the only boys of similar age, he and Bae had become easy friends and often fished in the lake when Bae wasn't in sword lessors and Faris wasn't pestering Talos to teach him to fight – determined to be a hunter was that boy.

Belle caught him by the elbow then to tug him close for a kiss. He'd been a little angry when Tariel had informed him his whole family had decided to go wandering around Dulac right after an attack from so many violent creatures, but one look at Belle told him all was well. There wasn't any melancholia, just a jovial air of people enjoying the lives they'd made for themselves in the Demon Lord's Domain. The land was home to numerous wild animals and monsters, but they knew Rumple and his family would keep them safe. To be valued and appreciated wasn't something Rumple was used to, it would take a long time to realize he wasn't one of those savage monsters any longer.

"You're just in time." Belle grinned up at him. "The cockatrice is almost ready to eat. I'm sure Renner and Vena will start rounding the children up soon."

Rumple's brow furrowed deeply as he looked at his beloved Sapphire Queen. "Eat?"

He'd admit he didn't know all that much about cockatrices, but eating the things didn't sound wise to him. They were mutated by magic and poisonous, so surely consuming that meat wasn't safe. Belle didn't seem concerned in the slightest though, just nodded as firelight danced across her porcelain face. Phria appeared then from their left with Valdis on her shoulders so she could see over the small crowd. The very second Valdis spotted her papa she was urging Phria to set her down so she could run to him for a hug which Rumple couldn't deny her. Now Avarathda had altered her talisman to hide her wings, Valdis had really started to come out of her shell – maybe a poor choice of words in hindsight – she smiled more and worried less about scaring people, didn't hide behind her long hair constantly either; Belle had been kind enough to braid it over one shoulder for her. With her shoulders free of Valdis, Rumple could really look at his wife. Stunning she was in her black armor, Tvon had ruined the first incarnation of it but Rumple had soon seen it replaced. Pitch black leather which fit like a glove, copper threat sewn in patterns on the thighs and leather chest piece which Rumple had woven protection spells into, metal shoulder plates and gauntlets completed it leaving her looking very different from her Valkyrie days. Green leather made up her belt and held a longer piece which fluttered around her thighs as she walked. Yes, nobody would have guessed her a former Valkyrie captain.

"Eating cockatrice is fine." Phria informed after she'd kissed her husband. "I've had it before when I was a Valkyrie, just tastes like chicken. As long as the butcher doesn't knick the poison sac in it's throat, the meat is fine." She slipped into her usual place on Rumple's left to look at the festivities around them. "Letting all that meat just rot seemed like a total waste, so Missus Potts decided we'd roast them and have a party."

"Great for Dulac's morale," added Belle. "You'll stay, won't you? Missus Potts had Chip pull all the tables out the Teapot Inn, Greyve said he'd bring down several barrels of his own personal wine – Oh, I sent Vena and Tariel to get cakes from the Bosworth Bakery, so there's a sweet treat for desert."

Belle had sent a centuries old elf and an actual demon lord on a dessert run? Yeah, that sounded like Belle. A quick glance around told him everyone was happy, especially the children, so Rumple nodded and stayed for the evening.

In the following hours, wine barrels had been cracked open with gusto, more cockatrice had been eaten than Rumple thought possible and Rumple had forgotten he was a cruel monster shunned by all. Noe and Annli had come down from the castle to sing songs for the town, people had danced and just generally had a good time; something they'd been denied in their homelands. The only real problem had been Chip getting drunk and falling into the lake forcing Proserpina to rescue him. It wasn't until things were winding down and his wives had gone to help Renner round up the children for bed that Greyve had slumped down beside Rumple. The dwarf smelt of wine and had a rosy glow to his cheeks, a horn of ale in one hand while the other combed through his ginger beard. Stealing him from the Merchants Guild had been an excellent idea of Belle's, one which had let them skirt around a great many issues.

"Good you came, my Lord. Not many rulers would come down to eat with the peasants like they're actual people."

Suddenly Jefferson appeared on Rumple's other side and made to sit down only to collapse to the floor giggling. With a sigh Rumple took Jefferson's cup from him and magicked it away – the Hatter had drunk quite enough. Somehow Rumple had guessed Jefferson would be a giggly drunk, the sort to smile at everything.

"Spoil sport."

"Dark One, remember?"

Jefferson waved him off as he pondered if trying to get up was worth it – it wasn't so he just sat on the floor by Rumple's leg with is hat in his lap.

"Dark One, shmark one. You're King of the Domain now, Rumple. You've got subject and -" hiccup. "-everything. Who'da thought it? Us villains getting a happy ending for a change."

Rumple breathed out a laugh. "It's not the end yet, Jefferson, and you've never really been an actual villain. Still, don't go counting chickens until they've hatched."

Greyve clapped Rumple on the back, something Rumple hadn't expected, wasn't prepared for and wasn't sure he'd liked. "Before they've hatched? My Lord, we've already cooked and eaten them, we're way passed hatching." Jefferson tried to get up only to wobble dangerously on his feet. "I think it's time for bed, Lord Jefferson. Maybe we can ask Ravavena to take you back, save you ending up upside down in the Osgar Hall Caverns accidentally."

Rumple couldn't really blame Jefferson as he watched Greyve help him away, this was the first happy occasion where he'd not had to worry about Grace's safety after all. She, Amicia and Semiramis had been dancing around a rock for a good long while with Azzy until they'd grown tired, now a simple turn of his head proved they were sat on the rock watching the dying bonfire.

He honestly still didn't like anybody calling him a king, but if it meant his children were safe, his wives were happy and Bae was proud of him, then Rumple would live with it. In the Enchanted Forest – the original one, not the one he'd given that name to between the Ogre Blockade and his castle – had held nothing but darkness for him, while Dreymyr had shown him light and hope. He'd gotten a second chance, a family, Bae back; what more was there to ask for?

Eventually, as all things did, the impromptu festival had ended and everyone had returned to their homes. All the children had been put to bed without a single complaint of 'we're not tired though' and soon a hush descended over the night. Seemed Phria might have indulged a little too much because Rumple had found her asleep next to Valdis when he'd gone in to check on them. So, not wanting to disturb her, Rumple had removed the metal pieces of her armor then covered Phria up with a blanket and let her sleep beside their daughter. With all in the Dark Castle asleep save for them, Belle and Rumple had settled into bed.

"I forgot to mention," began Belle after stifling a yawn. "Una has finished the first flag for the Demon Lord's Domain. It's really rather lovely, I'll show you tomorrow." He wasn't really that bothered, but Rumple would always appreciate fine work from a spinner, weaver or seamstress. "Did you find anything interesting at Avarathda's Keep? You've been spending rather a lot of time there lately."

"There is a great wealth of knowledge there that I want to know." Oh, Belle fully understood that, nobody could keep her from a good book for very long. "I met Mirae today as well, Avarathda's youngest. She's a bizarre dragon for sure but I like her." From Rumple that was exceptionally high praise. "She's away with the fairies though."

Belle chuckled as a hand rubbed softly over her rounded belly. "They don't exist."

Yes, Rumple wouldn't ever stop being grateful for that. No fairies, a godsend if one asked Rumple.

"What did Mirae have to say?

"Some useful things, other's cryptic and seemingly pointless."

"A conversation with you then." She teased.

"Mirae did tell me if we're having a boy or a girl." That had Belle perk up quickly. Blue eyes bored into him as she insisted he spilled the beans. "A son."

Belle beamed down at her belly. Though none of them would ever say it, after adopting three girls a boy did sound nice. A little brother for Bae to feel less outnumbered as it were.

"Our little boy."

Rumple hadn't been there for any of Milah's pregnancy, he wasn't even sure she'd have let him feel Bae kick if he had. As much as he hated it, Rumple couldn't ever be a hundred percent sure Bae was even his son biologically speaking. However, Belle wasn't like Milah, she'd honestly loved him and delighted in Rumple being a part of her pregnancy. As he lay there falling asleep beside Belle, Rumple reminded himself that Milah was gone and there wasn't any need to think of her now. She was the past while Belle, Phria and their children were his future.

Chapter Text

Things had been fairly stable and easy as of late so, as Rumple had expected, something eventually came along to throw the proverbial spanner in the works. That spanner came in the form of a letter which had been delivered to the Adventures Guild and then passed along to him by Gordana. The only people who'd sent him mail previously had all known exactly where to send letters, so the fact this one had come through Gordana had roused the suspicion of Rumple and the council he'd accidentally formed at the Demon Lord's Domain. Those suspicions had only grown when they'd discovered the author was Seneschal Ascalon Ordel, the man trusted to keep the Knightly Order functioning. Seneschal Ordel should have been a sworn enemy of Rumple and everyone aligned with him, he certainly shouldn't have been writing letters asking to covertly meet.

Rumple hadn't actually encountered anybody from the Knightly Order, but the vast majority of Dreymyr's inhabitants had very few good words to say about them as far as he could tell. A group of mindless thugs using a goddess' name to justify their cruelty. A trap – surely this meeting would just be a trap. The sixth day of the Month of Merchants was the set date, in a cave hidden to the west of St. Magda's docks.

"You're not seriously considering this, are you?" Jefferson questioned as he rested his feet atop the long table. "Sounds like a quick death to me."

Exactly when this little council had formed Rumple didn't know, but he was sure Belle had spearheaded its creation. Discussing things with his wives made sense, throwing Greyve and Avarathda into the mix since they'd been given such important roles within the Demon Lord's Domain did as well, even the Pleiades captain and deputy – hell, Jefferson being there as the only person Rumple actually knew from the Enchanted Forest had its value. However, what Rumple hadn't quite been able to comprehend was why Ravavena had dropped her maid act – though not the outfit – to essentially appoint herself his marshal when she was meant to be helping Talos.

"While I understand everybody's suspicion," began Avarathda in that level voice of his. His black eyes as unreadable as those of all the other dragons. "The Knightly Order prefers to punch a foe into submission rather than think logically to trap them. I would not be so eager to write this off as a ploy, instead I recommend attending."

Ravavena's head cocked to one side which caused her short blonde hair to fall over her forehead a moment. "Attending? I'm the only one here who has fought the Knightly Order before." No she wasn't, Avarathda had done that centuries earlier before dragons had become and endangered species. "I'll admit, I was horrible back then and needed stopping, but they are savages."

"Our demon lord won't be wiped out so easily. He is immortal."

Talos' words silenced the room. She was correct, Rumple couldn't die and, even if it did turn out to be a trap, could teleport across the realm before the first sword was swung. It was then, as Tariel entered the room with a fresh pot of tea that Jefferson quickly helped himself to, that Phria broke in with a valid question.

"Can we even be sure this cave exists? A cave that close to the docks would surely be well known."

"It is there, my Queen." Greyve confirmed. "Several years ago the Merchants Guild office in St. Magda developed a rather grizzly problem with bandits, Adventurers eventually tracked them down to a cave alarmingly close to the docks. Florent Van Hine had all the stolen cargo reclaimed and now people avoid it because they think the bandits haunt it. So it is there."

A coward by nature was Rumple, yet, with the power of the Dark One, he feared no pathetic trap set up by some religious zealots. He'd not even called the council together, that had been Belle when he'd told his wives of the letter's contents.

"Maybe Ariadne and I should accompany you, my Lord."

Rumple hardly even spared a glance to Proserpina. He'd got no need for an escort no matter how lovely the women were. So, with a simple 'no' the idea was dismissed. The job of the Pleiades was to defend the Dark Castle and those within, not to traipse after Rumple just to ease their own minds. After the pack of cockatrices had attacked, Rumple had realized guarding the Demon Lord's Domain wouldn't be as simple as plonking a castle in the middle of a lake and shooing ogres away if they ever got too eager, nor had Gordana's deal forced him to handle everything personally; as long as he took an active role when needed and ensured the safeguards he put in place were suitable, he'd not be breaking their deal.

Unusual brown eyes glanced to the ceremonial flagpole the Domain's flag had been hung on, a flag which had no ceremony to take part in. Black with a golden castle inside a ring, he'd had no part in designing it – same with his coat of arms – but it was his kingdom to protect now. The Knightly Order wanted land and power; land and power they'd steal either from him or the de Sorias soon enough. Rumple had little care for Olgarth and her royal family, but he'd sure as hell not let his children's home be snatched away from them. Whatever this Ascalon Ordel wanted, Rumple would hear him out and then decide what to do with him.

With a decision made Rumple had turned his attention to actually reaching St. Magda. While he could easily teleport to Vinn since he'd passed through there on his journey to Bichelberger with Belle and Amicia, St. Magda would still be half a kingdom away. That was where Avarathda had come in. While apparently too important himself to act as a glorified carriage, even to the ruler of the kingdom he'd essentially named himself prime minister to, he was more than happy to call in a favor for Rumple.

"Bulat has owed me for quite some time now, I'm sure he'd be happy to fly you there. It won't take long with how recklessly he files."

"Bulat?" Phria questioned with a slight furrow to her brow. "Is he another of your children?"

Avarathda chuckled. "No-no, he is Viren's oldest. Had him centuries before he and Nynio became mates. He has a tendency to think harder rather than smarter, but he is the metal dragon so that was to be expected. I am sure Bulat will be quite happy to repay his debt with a simple flight. I will summon him right away. This will give him something to do that is not following Charnaleer around."

'Ah', Rumple mused internally, 'so this isn't about helping at all, it's about keeping Bulat away from Avarathda's daughter'. Didn't matter, either way the journey to St. Magda had been dealt with without too much fuss. Phria had tried to insist on accompanying him but Rumple had vetoed that swiftly; while a very capable warrior, he had no intention of placing his wife in unnecessary danger. Fortunately, with Belle almost halfway through her pregnancy, the need for adventure had left her for the time being.

Since Rumple had opted to handle the meeting on his own, the council turned its attention to the other items on the docket.

~X~

Four hours later saw the arrival of Bulat and his half-brother Shiryu at the Dark Castle, which had surprised just about everybody because the meeting wasn't for almost a week yet. The silver and purple dragons had just descended in the courtyard, shifted to human form and started chatting to Bae and his sisters as though their appearance wasn't out of the norm. Renner had nearly lopped Bulat's head off before he'd realized who the ginger was.

"Salutations!" Bulat grinned at the children and their bodyguard. "I know my arrival is early but I wanted to see what has made Father and Avarathda so fond of this Dark One I keep hearing about. I am Bulat the first son of Viren."

The three princesses and Grace all shared looks before turning to Shiryu and asking if he wanted to join in with their game; Bubble had bounced along behind Semiramis as always. That was an invitation he'd not hesitated at and soon only Bae and Renner remained while Demiurge watched the girls in the background.

"Papa's at the Keep looking at books." Bae informed simply. "My step-mothers are here though, so is Avar. He'll be in his office over in the east wing."

"Thanks, small human."

Though there hadn't been any dismissal or superiority in Bulat's voice, Renner hadn't taken kindly to the comment and quickly made it known.

"He is Baelfire, Prince of the Demon Lord's Domain, not 'small human'."

Bulat held his hands up causing his muscles to flex and breathed out a small laugh alongside an apology. There weren't any awards for guessing Bulat's father, same ginger hair and imposing frame, but he appeared much more jovial than the other dragons. Flaming hair was short and spiked reminiscent of horns even in his human form. Slate-colored armor enwrapped those muscles of his and a silvery talisman hung from his belt.

"Prince Baelfire it is. I-"

"Bae is fine." Much like his papa, Bae had no love nor need for titles. "I can take you to Avar if you want."

Bulat tilted his head to one side as his hand dropped back to his sides again. "Avarathda lets you get away with calling him Avar? What spell did you use for that?"

"His name's a mouthful." Bae shrugged. "Besides, if he doesn't hear me say it, he can't get mad." That had Bulat almost roar with laughter. "Do you want to see him or not?"

"Not right now, I mostly wanted to meet your father but, if he's not here, I'm happy to meet you. Gets frightfully boring only talking to other dragons, we've got an alliance with the Domain now and I want to make the most of it." He flashed a smirk to Renner. "Even if scruffily handsome over here is going to scowl at me while I do it." Never mattered the species, everyone who saw Renner called him scruffy. "My brother pestered me to let him come. You don't mind him playing with your sisters, do you?"

Bae shook his head before he glanced over his shoulder to where his sisters, Grace and Shiryu had started trying to pass a ball of water that looked eerily like Bubble between each other. Exactly when Grace had joined Kyveli's basic magic lessons was unclear, but she'd thrown herself into it as best she could; Demeer still hadn't sent them a proper tutor.

"It's fine. My sisters make friends with everyone given half a chance." Bae turned back to the dragon. "If you want to meet Papa, you're going to have to wait. I'm in the middle of a sword lesson but -"

Bulat cut Bae off with a grin and twinkle of excitement in his black eyes. "You know, I'm pretty good with a sword myself. How about we spar? That'll be fun, right?"

"Bae isn't trained enough to fight you." Renner pointed out but Bulat didn't seem deterred. "You're too strong."

"I'll go easy on him and use your wooden sword."

That was how a fifteen-year-old boy ended up fighting a dragon of indeterminable age while the younger children watched on with glee. Renner didn't care who this dragon was or how it would affect the alliance his Lord had formed with them, if Bulat went too far Renner would take his head. However, instead of proving himself the meat-headed lummox Renner had assumed him to be, Bulat had encouraged Bae at every available opportunity, praised his footwork and gone out of his way to actually teach the boy. For a while Renner had been thinking about trying to get Bae a proper sword instructor, maybe Bulat should have been that instructor. What the gray-haired pantherian had assumed would be war had actually turned out rather peaceful.

When sparing had finally come to an end, Bae had taken Bulat to meet the queens with Renner while the girls had remained behind with Shiryu and Demiurge to watch over them. Of course Renner understood his deal and duty to protect the Dark One's children, it was an increasingly difficult task he'd not be able to perform on his own forever. He'd known that for some time and thought about it often; he needed to start mentioning it more though.

Just as with Bulat, there weren't any rewards for guessing Shiryu's father; all of them shared that hair of flaming red and, while still young, Shiryu would surely grow into the practically trademark imposing form. Just like his father, he wore his talisman on his chest piece with a similar cut. A handsome boy aged somewhere between Bae and Amicia with freckles and messy hair – a kid like any other upon first glance. Of course the traumas of his imprisonment at the hands of Tvon remained and would for years to come, but Shiryu owed his rescue to Rumple and felt safe inside the Dark Castle despite never having set foot there before.

"Follow us!" Semiramis insisted happily as she cradled Bubble in her arms and Shiryu soon found himself following the gaggle of girls towards the west courtyard wall while Demiurge kept a close eye on them. "Come on."

In one corner wedged against the wall was a boulder that had most likely been trapped when Rumple had used earth magic to build the Dark Castle. There wasn't anything all that noteworthy about it nor was the boulder all that large, however, the carved names drew Shiryu's black eyes. Scratched at various angles were the names of the three princesses, Bae and even Grace. This was their rock, a silly and childish thing which hurt nobody and made them happy.

"Mic found this months ago." Valdis explained with a loose gesture to her blonde sister. "Bae let us carve our names in – Don't tell Papa! You won't tell on us, right?"

None of the adults would chastise the children for carving their names into an out-of-the-way rock, had it been the castle walls or a balcony things might have been different. Regardless, Shiryu nodded confirming he'd say nothing about their little secret.

"If we're all here, we can't go away again."

That comment gave Shiryu pause, he might have been young but he recognized the tone and words of someone who'd suffered. Semiramis' comment might have been dark, but Shiryu could respect her need for something concrete.

Valdis and Grace fished around for a rock he could use, the one they'd all used had to be there somewhere, as Amicia spoke: "Write your name, Shiryu."

The Dark One's daughters could befriend anyone given long enough, so it wasn't any surprise Shiryu got the same treatment. After suffering through their own hardships the girls and Grace had collectively decided there wouldn't be any further darkness as long as they all had each other.

Seeing no reason to argue, Shiryu didn't wait for a rock but rather spat into his hand then dunked a finger in before using it to write on the boulder. Grace's face instantly scrunched up as Shiryu's spit began to burn fairly deep into the rock with a little smoke.

"That's disgusting."

"I can control the acidity." He explained. "Spitting it is the only way I can use it as ink."

That comment had Amicia cock her head to one side questioningly as Shiryu finished. They might have known dragons existed and used talismans, but that didn't mean they actually knew all that much about dragons.

"Don't dragons breathe fire, not acid? I thought only cockatrice did that, like the ones that attacked Dulac."

"Most do, not all. My mama breaths ice." The redhead shrugged. "Guess I'm a bit like a cockatrice."

Finally Shiryu's name stopped smouldering leaving him a permanent placement on the boulder between Valdis' and Grace's names. The noxious scent of acid drifted on the breeze like wisps of smoke from an extinct candle, not overpowering but unavoidable.

With him officially part of the list, Semiramis grabbed Shiryu's hand and pulled him along with her as the girls went on about playing tag in the courtyard. Since gaining her legs, tag had become Semiramis' favorite game and had kept the children occupied for many an hour.

As they played with that childish innocence uncaring of species or lineage, Demiurge settled down in a patch of warm golden sun knowing their games would keep the three princesses, Grace and Shiryu busy for several hours. While the tree cat doubted anything would happen, his taming contract with Renner would have the bodyguard alerted in seconds.

Chapter Text

Despite riding on the back of a silver dragon, the journey to Olgarth had taken a great many hours and bored Rumple half to death. One could only see so much sea and land poke through fluffy clouds before it all started to look the same and lose its intrigue. His queens had wanted to accompany him, they were a party after all, but Belle's pregnancy and Rumple's firm no had kept them in place leaving him free to deal with the possible trap himself. Of course, as an immortal, any trap would backfire on the Knightly Order, but Rumple was nothing if not cautious and paranoid. Eventually, after numerous hours of freezing his ass off high up in the sky, Rumple and Bulat entered the Channel – a curved section of water between Blex Island and mainland Olgarth, used by any ship wishing to access the Harmony Sea from the War Cry Sea and vise versa. Shortly afterwards the city of St. Magda came into view and Rumple used the invisibility spell he'd learned from Renner to hide the fact a giant dragon was approaching the city; they were doing things quietly, last thing he needed was a riot starting because Viren's eldest had flown in like a giant silver coin.

While home to Hark University, everything else about St. Magda seemed to revolve solely around Drazva and her worship. Unique brown eyes glanced to the city itself while Bulat looked for a quiet place to land. The church dwarfed everything else within the white walls, a gigantic cathedral covered in golden statues and intricate carvings – a gaudy display of wealth and finery when paired with the tiny homes on the outskirts. Either their goddess didn't exist or she was cruel to let such evil people do as they pleased in her name. Folk like Hades professed themselves gods, but at least Hades existed, Rumple hadn't found any gossip or documented evidence that she or any of her Guiding Saints ever had, not even the dragons had spoken of Drazva as though she were an actual entity. None of that mattered there and then, Rumple had more important things on his mind as they landed and Bulat retook his human appearance.

"The docks aren't too far. How long can you keep your invisibility spell up?"

"More or less indefinitely."

Bulat didn't seem surprised in the slightest which, quite frankly, was rather refreshing after so long of people being amazed by his level of magic power. Neither spoke as they hurried to Horseshoe Harbor, so named for it's distinctive shape, then along the beach until the cave finally came into view. Outside was a lone man staring out at the salty brine clearly lost in thought, or at least he'd thought the dark-skinned man to have been lost in thought.

"I've always had good ears." He spoke without turning away from the ocean; shallow waves which clambered over one another toward the shore. "Your footsteps give you away, Dark One. While I understand your caution, I ask you and whomever is with you to drop the spell now. It's more polite to have a conversation face to face, yes?"

To be perfectly honest, Rumple found himself impressed with who he assumed to be Ascalon Ordel; very astute. Rumple didn't see any point in keeping up the charade, so he cut off the spell to reveal them to the moustached man.

"Better, dearie?"

Ascalon smiled softly. "Much."

The thing which struck Rumple about this man was his armor, it had been riddled with copper details suggesting he had a fairly high magic level and funnelled a lot of it into strengthening himself and his sword against damage. The next thing to stand out was those chocolate eyes of his; the face might have looked calm and even friendly, but the eyes were those of a strategist.

"Going to tell me what you want?"

Ascalon's eyes flicked to Bulat as he totally ignored Rumple's question. "My letter requested you came alone, Dark One."

Rumple shrugged. "I've never been very good at doing what I'm told."

"Salutations!" Bulat moved closer to the Seneschal with a hand outstretched and a smile on his face; Rumple hadn't seemed intent on introducing him so Bulat had taken up the task himself. "I'm Bulat of the Intercardinal Dragons, first son of Viren."

Ascalon simply blinked at the spiky-haired man before him, didn't let anything cross his face. While not all that much taller than him, Ascalon could sense power radiating off of Bulat. 'The Dark One has aligned himself with the dragons?' muttered his mind. 'Maybe this could be of aid to us.'

"I ask again, dearie: What is this about?"

He'd never liked repeating himself but Rumple no longer felt an urge to turn people into slugs for the crime – oh, how his moral compass had evolved.

For a few split seconds Ascalon thought quietly to himself then, with a gesture to the cave entrance, he finally spoke.

"Let us take this inside where prying eyes can't see us. I give you my word as a knight that this is no trap, I simply want to have a conversation with you and perhaps form an accord."

Having chosen to give this man the benefit of the doubt, Rumple swanned inside the cave with Bulat hardly a step behind him, then leaned against the damp gray walls with his arms folded across his chest to stare at Ascalon expectantly. Over the years Rumple had become disturbingly good at spotting a liar, yet Ascalon didn't strike him as one. An odd human for sure; in fact, until he'd actually taken a proper look at the man, Rumple could have mistaken his aura for that of an elf.

"There is much on your mind, isn't there?" Bulat asked rhetorically. "I can see it weighing down upon you. My kind tries to remain out of mortal affairs and I understand why, yet I've always wondered if we should have been helping rather than leaving you all to your fates. We dragons exist to anchor magic, but nothing says we can't help when we feel it's right."

Rumple giggled to himself which drew the attention of both men, his giggle unnerved almost everybody and that was the idea. "Careful, Bulat, you sound like Avarathda."

"We could probably all do with some Jade wisdom right now."

Over the next hour or so Ascalon explained exactly how the Knightly Order's Seneschal had reached a point where he felt contacting the infamous Dark One to be the best course of action. All his life Ascalon had been encouraged by his father to rise in the ranks of the Order just as he had, to excel to a position the Ordel family could be proud of. For a reason unknown to him, his mother had loathed him until her dying day, and his father had only ever shown Ascalon attention when he'd benefited the family name, so he had freely admitted chasing after promotions to earn that attention as a young man. Fight demon lords and protect the people, that had been his youthful wish. However, as the years went on and boyish hope had given way to adult understanding, Ascalon had slowly realized he'd become the monster, that the Church and Grand Master Panzram were just tyrants with the goal of putting humans at the top with everyone else crushed under their boots. The only thing the Knightly Order protected any longer was themselves and those who ran the Church. With each day that passed the Church had grown more bold and dangerous to the point Ascalon couldn't feign ignorance. He'd wanted to fight to protect people so hadn't ever really put much thought into the idea of Stewardship, although, as he saw more and more of the irrefutable horrors he'd assisted in, Ascalon found he sided with Stewardship.

"I no longer believe in the Church." He spoke with his eyes locked on the cave floor. "They use the Mother Goddess as a cover for their machinations and she should not be exploited in such a way. Nobody should." Finally those eyes found Rumple's with an unwavering gaze. "Every moment of my life, each second of my training has taught me you are a vile monster to be cut down the instant you dare return to Dreymyr. However, I've come to learn that real monsters trick people into thinking they're the good guy. I was tricked into thinking Ferdinand Panzram and Pontiff Buchanan were the good guys, but they're the most savage evil I've ever encountered. King Reginald is a useless puppet operated by the Pontiff and they'd rather see Dreymyr burn to ash than accept people governing their own lives." Ascalon's head fell into his hands as despair threatened to overtake him, something which had Rumple and Bulat flash a look to one another. "Nothing makes sense anymore! I swore an oath to the Order, I can't turn back on that yet – The Church teaches that any species less than human is an affront to nature though, and that's wrong."

A crisis of faith, that was all Rumple saw unfurling before him, a chaotic realization that what he believed wasn't necessarily the truth or indeed right. This was exactly why Rumple hadn't ever really put much stock in religion, the religions themselves were rarely ever the problem, no, the problem was the people who exploited it for their own gain. Ascalon looked close to burning out, looked ready to buckle under the morality aerobatics going on inside his mind and descend into madness. Rumple had become all too familiar with madness in his long life and didn't wish to slip back. However, all that said, Rumple's curse had made it practically impossible to rebel against evil whereas Ascalon had no such curse.

"Then make your mind up." Rumple told him firmly. "There are four options as far as I can tell: Accept failure and die, run away and hide knowing you'll have to live with the knowledge you did nothing, help to perpetuate these evils as you have been, or do something to change it. Choose one."

"You don't need to be so blunt with him." Bulat tried to reason but all he got in response was a shrug.

Ascalon shook his head. "No, he's right. I'm a grown man, I shouldn't just wallow." Dark eyes flicked to Rumple. "I appreciate your honesty, Dark One, you are surprisingly kind. I made my decision weeks before I wrote that letter, I chose and I won't go back on it now. I've broken my oath in doing so, but at least my conscience is clear."

Yes, making up one's mind and coming to terms with it were two very different things with no set time frame. Still, Rumple would hurry things along where he could.

"So, where do I come into your little plan, hmm? I'm not one of your Guiding Saints ready to provide you a to-do list."

"Of course not." Ascalon smirked as he looked deep to the back of the cave then whistled: two short and one long. "It might be better if I get my companions to help explain exactly what it is we plan on doing and how you factor into it. Forgive me, I didn't come alone either."

Out from the cave's cold depths came two elves. One a tall man with black hair down to his

scapulae and an expression best described as a soft scowl, while the other was a shorter woman whose hair had been intricately braided. Neither looked like they expected much, as though they'd become all too familiar with disappointment in their lives and knew better than to get enthusiastic.

"And who are your friends, dearie? I'm sensing a story."

As Ascalon tried to figure out exactly where to start, the two elves looked Rumple and Bulat over, inspected them. Long ago when dragons had been worshipped widely, dwarves and elves had shared a connection to them stronger than the other species, they'd worked in unity to protect the land, but that was all gone now. Part of them wished to bow to Bulat's greatness, but then there was the part too unsure of Rumple to move. So much power, so much intense magical energy stronger than anything they'd ever encountered before. Yet, despite their caution, neither sensed malice dripping off of him like they'd felt dripping from human captors.

"Some time ago now," Ascalon finally began. "Grand Master Panzram decided my role in the Order was becoming more administration than that of a true second in command. Therefore he ordered I proved my worth by sending me on numerous jobs he'd decided were too tedious to oversee or bother delegating properly." He sighed deeply; obvious it was that Ascalon kept the Knightly Order functioning rather than Panzram. "While rescuing some humans from bandits, I and my men found two captured elves. These are Leonhard and Zilviya Mapleroith." He gestured to each in turn. "My men seemed split between leaving Zilviya to die and raping her before they left her to die. That was the moment I finally realized what I was assisting in."

"Why is this of any importance to me?"

Leonhard's brow furrowed deeply as he glared at Rumple; if that was a stupid or brave act remained unclear.

"He's trying to make you see how bad it is! My sister and I have to live in a world where humans are a constant threat, where we're hated because our ears are long. You're powerful, you have your own kingdom now, but the rest of Dreymyr is burning! The Church teaches children to hate and kill each other for nothing but greed and entitlement." Leonhard's deep voice boomed through the cave, not that Rumple cared. "It has to stop. Just help make it stop."

Desperation lingered in Leonhard's eyes, the sort of desperation which drifted ever closer to defeat, the sort of desperation that consumed whatever energy his body had left, the sort of desperation Rumple had felt when he'd tried to flee with Bae. Internally Rumple sighed. Desperation had brought so many deals to his door over the years, apparently living in Dreymyr hadn't changed that in the slightest. A voice in the back of his head which sounded suspiciously like Belle told him to listen to these people, to take it all in an do the right thing. He wasn't a Savior, he wasn't even a lower case savior, just the Dark One. Although, he had promised Bae he'd be better and helping to end the subjugation non-human species would certainly be better.

"Forgive my brother, Dark One." Said Zilviya who'd been as quiet as possible until that moment. "He's always been passionate and now he's in love."

Bulat let his head fall to one side. "So, to put it all very simply, you want Rumpelstiltskin to help you take down the Church. You have to know that won't be an easy task. It isn't as simple as killing the Pontiff and expecting things to be all sunshine and rainbows again."

"We're aware of that." The moustached man turned back to Rumple. "I said earlier that King Reginald is a puppet for the Church. It might not be obvious to everyone outside of Olgarth, but it certainly is to those living there. A civil war has been quietly brewing for over a decade now, it's just there wasn't anyone to actually lead the side wishing to out Reginald and refuse to let the Church walk all over them. There is now. Prince Harold is a good man, he's kind and smart and everything Olgarth needs in a king. Removing the Church's indoctrination will take decades – centuries even, but putting Prince Harold on the throne is the first step at least. He is the one who truly wanted this meeting."

"Too scared to show his face to little old me?" Rumple giggled which only had Leonhard snap at him.

"Don't you dare accuse Harold of cowardice! He is brave, noble and handsome." Oh, so it was the princeling Leonhard had fallen head over heels for. If their love was true then Rumple could make good use of a deal with them. "He couldn't risk being spotted here."

Rumple waved him off. "Climb down off the battlements, dearie. All I meant was that, if he's the one wanting a deal, then I should be dealing with him rather than an intermediary. He wants me to kill his father and anyone opposing him, yes?"

"No," started Ascalon with a shake of his head. "Prince Harold doesn't wish to use you as a weapon. He's trying to free Olgarth and her people, not use a demon lord to steal the kingdom for himself. An alliance, that is what he desires from you. For you to support his claim to the throne and provide assistance in battle and any negotiations. To help remove corruption from the Church and Knightly Order. That is all."

Rumple smirked. "Oh, is that all?"

"Indeed."

For the most part he'd ignored the Church since he'd been summoned to the realm, he'd focused entirely on escaping right up until he'd found Bae then shifted to ensuring his family was safe. Dragons had returned to Dreymyr, Ravavena had been released to his care and the realm had to live knowing the True Demon Lord was real. Dreymyr existed in chaos with the Church stirring the pot to swell their ranks and get the outcome they desired; the Holy Drazvan Empire. Of course, it did sound like a lot of hassle, though left unchecked they'd soon turn their attention to the Demon Lord's Domain and be far stronger when they did. 'Bae will be proud of you, so will your wives' Rumple's mind muttered to him.

"Okay." He nodded before turning to Leonhard who had been calmed by his younger sister. "This prince of yours, is it true love?" The sing-song had him frown but soon confirm it was. "Are you sure? Would you do anything for him? Absolutely anything if it meant he was safe and happy? Would a piece of your soul die if Harold did?"

With a calming breath Leonhard nodded. "I have never loved anyone like I love him. If cutting my heart out meant he'd live, I'd do it."

"Would he do the same for you, dearie?"

"… I know he would."

Eyes raked over Leonhard a moment as he assessed if what he wanted was truly worth it; it was.

"When two sides have something the other has a deal can always be made." A wave of his hand conjectured a contract from thin air which Rumple tossed to Ascalon. "I will grant your princeling the things you have asked for and even agree to continue our alliance, as long as someone of his bloodline is on the Olgarthian throne and does not pose a threat to my domain or others I am aligned with, of course. In return my terms are clearly stated: I will take hair from both him and his elven love. I will not be requested nor forced to cast any widespread destructions spells, and I won't commit genocide. I won't be blamed if Harold dies. Oh, you'll also adopt the slavery laws of Avonlea, I've seen enough children shoved in boxes. He agrees to all than and we'll have a deal."

"Hair?" Questioned Zilviya with a puzzled expression. "All you want is some hair?"

"They'll hardly know it's gone." With that Rumple gripped a strand of long black hair and yanked it free of Leonhard's head. "See? That easy. If Harold agrees all he needs to do is sign the contract and place a strand of hair atop it. Pull the hair out, don't cut it. Anyone but him signs or he is forced to sign and the contract will burst into flames leaving you with nothing. Understood?"

To be perfectly frank, Ascalon and the Mapleroiths had expected Rumple to refuse and laugh at them as though they were bugs, but he'd instead proven himself a reasonable man as long as people spoke honestly with him about what they needed. Dragons had chosen to stand with him, as had the heads of both the Mages Guild and Adventurers Guild, not to mention several royals. Co-existing with the Dark One seemed far more peaceful than trying to minimize the damage a Holy Drazvan Empire would cause.

"I'm sure he'll accept your terms, Dark One." Ascalon tucked the scroll away. "I thank you for meeting me and hearing us out. Might I ask you for one more thing though?" Only when Rumple made a gesture for him to get on with it did Ascalon continue. "Leonard and I can't leave Olgarth, we must be here to support Prince Harold when the time comes. However, Zilviya was badly wounded when I freed her and still hasn't fully healed-"

"I'm fine!" The woman insisted but neither Ascalon nor her brother looked convinced. "I'm staying with you."

"Sister, Ascalon is right, you aren't well enough and this place is dangerous. I don't wish for us to be separated either, but it's for the best." Leonhard's dark eyes turned to Rumple who'd already worked out where this was going; reading the room was a talent. "There are rumors of the Demon Lord's Domain being a safe place for non-humans. While I don't fully trust you, that dragon does and that is good enough for me. Please, Dark One, take my sister back to your kingdom and keep her safe? I will give you more of my hair if you want it."

The concern these two men had for Zilviya was obvious, it whirled around on their faces boldly with no signs of dissipating any time soon. He honestly didn't need another ward, nor did Rumple wish to take in every waif and stray, yet keeping a civil relationship with the probably future king of Olgarth seemed sagacious.

"All right, dearie, but only because it's been a while since I've done some good dealing. I don't want your hair though, I've already got that. No, if I do this for the two of you, then the two of you owe me a favor in return."

"A favor?" Leonhard questioned. "What sort of favor?"

"We'll do nothing evil-"

Rumple waved Ascalon off. "Oh don't go getting all defensive. Just a little favor of my choosing. If it makes you feel better I'll stipulate that it won't involve assassinating, torturing or abusing anyone, nor will it involve children."

The two men looked at one another as a silent conversation occurred between them a moment. Options were limited as a civil war approached rapidly, the Dark One clearly had the backing of the Cardinal Dragons of legend and he'd been affable so far. Trusting the First Demon Lord sounded idiotic, yet what other choices did they have? So, realizing their options were alarmingly limited, both men nodded.

Rumple giggled. "Two deals in one day, I must have been a good boy."

With their business concluded and a plan in place for ridding Rumple of the pesky Church – or rather, installing a capable king on Olgarth's throne – they'd said their goodbyes and Rumple had swiftly magicked himself, Bulat and a reluctant Zilviya to Dulac where Talos had been put in charge of getting her settled in. That dealt with, Rumple had intended to return to his family and castle, or at least he had until Bulat had caught him by the arm.

"A word, please, Rumpelstiltskin."

"Does this word have to come with so much manhandling?" Bulat quickly released the shorter man knowing he'd find himself in Ravavena's cell or somewhere else as equally random if he didn't. "Sorry, it's just – there's something suspicious about Ascalon Ordel." Rumple cocked an eyebrow in silent question. "He looks human, his ears are those of a human, but he certainly doesn't smell human. Dragons have remarkable senses of smell, and mine is telling me he's an elf."

An elf? Yes, Rumple had mistaken him for one for a few seconds as well, yet he couldn't have possibly been one. Ascalon came from the Ordel family, a proudly Drazvan human family with numerous members who'd joined the Knightly Order; allowing elven blood into their lineage would have been seen as disgusting, an insult to their noble line. However, Rumple and the dragons were the strongest beings in all Dremyr and their senses weren't easily fooled.

"He doesn't act like an elf and made no mention of it. I didn't feel as though he were hiding it from us either."

"So you think I'm mistaken?" The ginger glanced down at the floor as he thought. "I'll admit, I've not interacted with any species other than dragons in over a century, but I know what I smelt. Maybe I am wrong."

"Or maybe you are right." Brown eyes fixed on Bulat. "This remains between us for now. If we're wrong then nothing needs doing. Although, if we're right, I don't want anyone else aware we're suspicious."

That was something Bulat could agree to, it seemed sensible. Besides, Ascalon having elven blood didn't make actively affect them for the time being. They'd stay quiet. So, Rumple went to spend time with his family while Bulat toddled off to bother Renner as had become his latest hobby.

Chapter Text

Living quietly and peacefully was something Jefferson had always longed for, longed for Grace to have, and Rumple could respect that; it was something he'd wanted for himself and Bae after all. However, having that handsome hatter constantly flirting with the maids, lounging around his castle and forever asking Rumple to help him better create new hats with obscure materials had grown tiresome. The Dark Castle was meant only for Rumple and his family – and by extension the aids trusted to care for his family. So it should have come as no surprise to anybody when Rumple had not only worked out a way of expelling Jefferson from the castle but also ensuring the southern part of his new lands had a guardian. As ruler of the Demon Lord's Domain, Rumple was well within his rights to give out titles like candy if he so chose, and choose he did. Early one afternoon he'd cornered Jefferson and happily announce he was giving the younger man control of everything passed Two Ocean River; everything from Fool's River in the west to Lake Demeer in the east – maybe letting his wives name everything had been a bad idea.

"You're doing what now?"

"You heard me, dearie, you're a duke. You're welcome and enjoy."

Frankly, the area was far too large to be a duchy – almost as big as Balmund – but Rumple couldn't have cared less. His deal with Gordana meant he had to protect the Domain and installing Jefferson as a duke was an easy way of doing just that.

Jefferson's brow furrowed deeply. "Hang on a second. Rumple, I've got no idea how to be a duke of anything, and do you want to be the one to tell Grace she's losing all her friends? I sure as hell don't."

Rumple rolled his eyes. "Dearie, you can teleport, it's not like she'll never see my girls again. If you want I'll order Ravavena to collect her in the mornings and take her home to you at night." All right, Jefferson had to admit that sounded reasonable. "As for being a duke, I don't care. You're capable of keeping watch over the area and dealing with any small issues that may crop up. If it's something big you just need to tell me. According to Avarathda, Yihrahassa lives just across Blood Wave Gulf so you won't be totally undefended down there. I'll even build you an estate, you can fill it with hats. Name something down there too would you, the map is a little bland."

While fully aware he wasn't actually being given a choice in any of this, Jefferson still had reservations. Rumple had apparently cleared out the more dangerous threats throughout the Domain but that didn't mean all and Jefferson really wasn't a fighter. Still, a home just for him and Grace did sound wonderful – especially if she got to continue her friendship with the three princesses. Arguing wouldn't get him anywhere, so Jefferson eventually consented with a sigh causing Rumple to grin in that manic way of his.

"Excellent! I'll find somewhere to build a castle for you and even place a barrier since I'm nice like that."

"Not the word I'd use for you."

Jefferson went ignored as Rumple simply continued to speak. "Let us call it the Hatter Duchy: short, simple, easy to remember. Have fun being Duke Hatter."

Fun might not have been the best word for it, but at least Jefferson and his daughter had a safe home of their own now. Rumple had gone out of his way to help Jefferson, to reunite him with Grace and ensure they didn't get swallowed up by Regina's evil plot, so he supposed acting as a guardian for a section of land wasn't too hard a debt to pay. Dreymyr was his home now and besides, being a duke sounded cool if nothing else; ladies would love it.

~X~

Harold de Soria; a rather handsome man by all accounts with obsidian for hair and piercing amber eyes. The sort of man who oozed charm and embodied suave, who could have survived on looks and position alone had he not possessed a moral compass or brain. His father would have rather Harold simply obeyed like a good little heir, but that moral compass was a powerful one and wouldn't waver simply to make life easy.

He'd read the Dark One's contract a handful of times before he'd even considered picking up a quill, then listened to everything Leonhard and Ascalon had to say about the man. Of course meeting at the castle wasn't possible and Leonhard had to remain hidden lest he be killed or sold off, the decision to sign or decline was one Harold had been forced to make on his own.

"How it should be," he said quietly to himself as those amber eyes raked over the contract yet again.

If he won the civil war he'd soon start, then Harold would become king and he refused to be the same as his father. For hundreds of years now the Church had been sticking their nose further and further into the running of the kingdom, into their laws and how the royal family should behave; Harold couldn't stand by watching it any longer. For a great many years he'd assumed he could wait to become king naturally then block the Church from overstepping. However, maturity had taught Harold of his father's weakness and just how unworthy he was of Olgarth's crown; Reginald had all but handed over the kingdom already. There were those who'd label him as having a transgressive viewpoint, and perhaps they were right, Harold's opinions did violate standards engrained in the Olgarthan people, but at least he could think for himself. Then there was his mother, Queen Marjorie had very little love in her heart, shunned just about everyone around her as though there were vermin in the streets. Quite the vulnerable narcissist was that spiteful woman. She treated him and his sisters poorly while his half-sisters – the daughters of his father's secondary wife – couldn't go a day without being subjected to her vitriol. Queen Marjorie likely would have welcomed the Church turning Olgarth into the Drazvan Empire. House de Soria had even been stripped of their original motto because of the Church.

Aligning himself with the Dark One wouldn't sit right with all of his supporters, not that he'd expected it to, but he'd won over several kingdoms and people in powerful positions without threat nor force. Ascalon had apparently developed a respect for the demon lord while Leonhard had been swayed mostly by a dragon at his side. Elves had a deep esteem for dragons, saw them for the noble and divine creatures they were; so, if Leonhard and Ascalon had chosen to trust the Dark One, then Harold would do the same. There were precious few to trust these days.

Suddenly a knock sounded at his door sparking Harold to quickly hide the contract underneath a stack of books beside a lone candle. He called out for whomever was there to enter only for the faces of his three half-sisters to slip inside while checking they'd not been followed. A grateful sigh escaped the dark-haired man. His parents nor full sisters cared to see the trio's potential, but Harold had always seen it. He cared little that they'd been born to a secondary wife, they were his sisters and he loved them.

"Ascalon informed us that he has met with the Dark One." Announced Minerva as soon as the door had closed behind them – the eldest and defacto leader of the three.

Beatrice nodded, her blonde hair a stark contrast to the auburn of her sisters. "Is it true a dragon accompanied him, brother?"

Harold nodded to confirm that had indeed been the story; Ascalon wouldn't lie about something so important. He couldn't help smirking to himself when he noticed the cogs in Beatrice's head begin to turn. Minerva might have led their little group, she was the one who kept them unified, while Beatrice had the mind of a schemer. Always five steps ahead of everybody else was Beatrice de Soria; to be honest, Harold had sometimes wondered if she'd make a better ruler than himself. Still, his three youngest sisters had no desire for the throne, just an Olgarth not headed for implosion.

"An actual dragon, imagine that." Ethel mused to herself. "To think, we thought them long gone then one attacks Kalecaster Castle and the Dark One befriends them."

Minerva didn't seem convinced. "Befriends might not be the best word for it, Ethel. The dragon called himself Bulat according to Ascalon, the son of Viren. If he is indeed a Cardinal Dragon's child then he will be two things above all else; someone we do not wish to anger, and reporting everything back to them directly."

Most probably assumed Ethel to be somewhat vapid, especially since she was also the youngest, but that couldn't have been further from the truth, Ethel cared more for the Olgarthian people than any other. She and Beatrice had been quietly accumulating wealth for years to use to feed the poor and aid in buying demi-human slaves their freedom. King Reginald and Queen Marjorie might have written the trio off as useless since they'd had the audacity to be born female and children of a secondary wife, but Harold saw just how unwaveringly intelligent they truly were. As soon as Harold took the throne he'd return the title of princess to them all which had cruelly been stolen by his mother.

"Did the Dark One accept your request, brother?" Beatrice asked as she steadily made her way to the contract hidden underneath the books and pulled it free. "What is it you're hiding?"

Nobody could hide anything from the blonde for long.

"A contract. The Dark One accepted my need for a deal but wants assurances in return. Understandable, I'd have done the same were roles reversed, he is a king now after all. Leonhard and Ascalon seemed convinced there wasn't any deceit going on, and the contract's demands are extremely lenient."

"I suppose he could have asked for territory or wealth."

"Minerva," began Ethel as she took the contract from Beatrice to read for herself. "From what I understand, he makes gold. A man like that doesn't need to try claiming our mines or Church funds. Besides, he likely understands that our wealth isn't something we can part with. Years Beatrice and I have been growing our war chests."

"Yes-yes." Minerva conceded as she brushed lint from her blue skirt. "I know. The two of you have achieved something monumental. I suppose I just worry there is some ploy going on."

Harold chuckled as the contract was finally returned to him. "You've always been the suspicious one, Minerva. This why, as soon as I am king, I'll be appointing you as my chief advisor."

Ethel bent to kiss her brother's cheek then tease: "While I shall make quite the Mistress of the Treasury."

Beatrice pointed out a line in the contract, a line Harold had read multiple times himself and had more than a few thoughts on.

"Brother, I'm more concerned with this. Why would the Dark One want your and Leonhard's hair? Could he curse the two of you somehow?"

They'd come so far in their plan to fail now. Madeline and Eva might not have shared their way of thinking, but the rest of the de Soria children had worked hard and formed a deep bond. A civil war wasn't just about taking the throne, it was about bettering the kingdom. They couldn't allow one tricky demon lord to burn it all down for his sick amusement.

"Leonhard has already given his own hair," Harold sighed and fell back in his chair. "I suspect it's some kind of security for if I violate the contract. With the backing of the Dark One comes an alliance with the dragons by proxy, not to mention we'd have a defence against the Trinity Blades." Nobody wished to admit it, but an army against just one Trinity Blade likely didn't stand a chance. They were elite among the Knightly Order and the Church would surely make use of them if given a chance. "This contract is fair, I have asked a great deal that the Dark One could have refused in a heartbeat. My hair and that of Leonhard's along with these few things is very reasonable. I'll sign it."

"Are you absolutely sure, Harold?" Beatrice was quick to ask. "If you have even a modicum of doubt-"

"I've made my choice." Only a little reluctantly the sisters watched as Harold dipped his quill into ink and signed his name. As Rumple had instructed Ascalon, Harold pulled a single strand of dark hair from his head and placed it atop the contract. In an instant hair and all vanished in a puff of smoke scented like petrichor. "It appears we have a deal. No going back now, we are aligned with the Dark One."

~X~

Renner had done his very best, but his best simply wasn't good enough in his eyes. He'd taught Bae the basics of swordsmanship and agility, but he'd always been a sly assassin at heart rather than a warrior. That had been what had sparked him to locate Bulat and discuss the matter. That damn dragon had been loitering around the Dark Castle for almost three months by that point, so actually finding him hadn't proven too much of a hardship. He'd left Demiurge to watch the children while they dined with their father and mothers, then made his way down to lake edge; standing there to watch the stars had become habit for the metal dragon.

Renner stood silently a moment to just watch the ginger man. Handsome and charismatic he was, the total opposite to Renner in his mind.

"Did you need something, handsome?" Bulat eventually asked with a smirk over his shoulder.

The gray-haired pantherian never knew what to make of Bulat. He was strong and intimidating, yet jovial and surprisingly kind. Then again, that was exactly why he'd chosen to ask the dragon to take over Bae's sword lessons. They'd sparred exactly once upon first meeting, and Bulat had gone out of his way to encourage the boy; that was exactly what Bae needed now rather than a shady assassin.

"I wanted to ask you to become Bae's sword instructor." Straight to the point as always with Renner. "I've taught him all I can. He's got no real aptitude for magic so my light magic is wasted on him, he's good with a sword though. Dedicated."

To be perfectly honest, that might have been the most Renner had said in two days. His black ears twitched as trees danced in the breeze around them. Finally, Bulat turned to approach the pantherian. They might have been about the same height, but Bulat was almost twice as broad and had a far more youthful face despite being centuries older, those black eyes sparkled in the moonlight but there wasn't any hiding the power behind them.

"Yes, I saw that in him as well." Admitted the redhead. "You're selling yourself short though, Renner. Please don't act like your form of fighting is cowardly."

A large hand rested atop Renner's cloaked shoulder. Why did Bulat always need to be so close? That had become Renner's constant question and one which irritated him. Avarathda had given the impression Bulat had been chasing Charnaleer around for who knew how long like a puppy, so why was the dragon always in his personal space whenever the two met? Flirting, could it have been flirting? Renner didn't do well with people, he'd never been all that social and Aidan had done most of the talking for him. No, none of it mattered, Renner had no interest in this dragon and Bulat was probably just the touchy-feely type; nobody would be interested in scruffy old him.

"I might be a bodyguard now, but I was House of Red Coats long before that. My Lord should have killed me instead of entrusting me with his children. I tried to kill Queen Phria."

Bulat's head cocked to one side as the hand finally left Renner's shoulder.

"Maybe he's the sort of man who looks at what someone can be rather than what they are. He saw someone capable of protecting Bae and the princesses." A laugh escaped the dragon then, more like a huff than an actual laugh. "Doing it all on your own with just that tree cat can't be easy though. You should ask for at least one more guard. In Balmund, all the royal children have their own bodyguard."

"How do you know that?" Renner's brow furrowed.

"Just do," shrugged Bulat. "We dragons have had very little to do other than watch for a long time. Forget all that. If you truly want me to take over as his instructor then I'll do it. It will be nice to have a proper purpose again. I thank you for it. I'll even help you guard then – you really should ask for more bodyguards."

Renner didn't respond to that, he couldn't exactly argue with Bulat's words, he'd been thinking the same for months after all. However, actually asking Rumple for help made him feel as though he'd chosen to shirk his duty. Competent bodyguards didn't grow on trees and Renner had no wish to palm the children of with a subpar one because he felt overwhelmed. Still, spreading himself so thin wasn't sustainable. That the girls almost always remained together helped, but Bae was older and had a tendency to wander around the castle or slip off to Dulac. All his children, Rumple had been very specific when he'd made his deal to ensure existing and future offspring were cared for. Belle would soon give birth leaving Renner responsible for five young royals. Having Bulat take over the sword lessons would help though, would allow Renner to again focus on his duty.

~X~

As one would expect, being made a duke and handed a gigantic patch of land to watch over hadn't been Jefferson's idea of fun. Sure, having people have to call him Duke Hatter or Your Grace sounded entertaining, but that had been where it had ended. Annoyingly he'd been forced to admit, after he'd actually taken a look at a map, that Rumple placing the duchy where he had was rather strategic as it stationed people at either end of the Domain. However, it also meant Jefferson had a rather hefty workload he'd never asked for. Hated it! Even with Grace still going to the Dark Castle every day to play with the princesses, he'd hated every second. He'd been a scoundrel and something of a rogue all his life, then Rumple had stamped him with a title and expected him to do a job – a job he'd got no idea how to do properly. At least Rumple had been kind enough to build him and Grace a proper home; a lovely construction called Milliner Castle with walls to accommodate a small village on the largest prong of an area they'd since named Trident Bay, just northwest of Lyudoyed Forest. For the time being Jefferson supposed he could keep an eye on the duchy alone, but he'd need more people and he'd need them soon. Unfortunately, that was the curse of the Demon Lord's Domain, they'd been working with a skeleton crew since its creation because most people in the positions they needed filling were Drazvans. Rumple might have been a one man army, but that didn't negate the need for capable soldiers.

However, as time had gone on and Jefferson had seen how happy Grace was with their new life in Dreymyr, Jefferson had decided to put some real effort in. He'd scouted places for forts to be built – not that he had people to man them yet – as well as locating monster nests and places they'd likely overwhelm if left unchecked. Then his big idea had come, an idea which had just had Rumple stare at him for almost a full minute. A harbor. Though Ravavena could always be sent out to collect or deliver anything they needed, and Rumple had no desire to allow the Trade Road into his territory, Jefferson had pointed out that a harbor would work in their favor. Gordana had something of a habit of sending people who needed a safe place to the Demon Lord's Domain and Nalene had found it a challenge to get close what with the sea creatures and uninviting topography. Then there was Nikolette's work in getting them the supplies they needed, allowing ship access would free up their limited number of people and give Nalene a sense of safety; having Bertha around more would probably clear out some of the sea monsters as well. Those who'd formed Rumple's council without really asking him had all been for the idea. So, after a few weeks of scouting the best locations, they'd chosen a naturally sheltered section of Stolb Gulf north of Slumbering Dragon Flats for it's proximity to the Limestone. While not actually part of the new Hatter Duchy, Rumple had been more than happy to leave the port town's planning and initial management to him and Belle.

With a little magic, the town had soon taken shape into Graceport, of course named for his beautiful daughter. A series of conversations had taken place with Fleet Commander Hiranur Demirci of the Valkyrie Naval Unit and greatly pushed along by Phria. Part of the reason the naval division struggled so much with controlling the numbers of sea monsters in the Sea of Harrow was because of a lack of safe places to dock. Without a haven, any damage meant having to retreat all the way to Zansull. Graceport would provide protection in a way their ships hadn't ever had before, and Demirci hadn't been able to turn it down; especially when her former superior had spoken so highly of the agreement. With the Valkyrie Naval Unit onboard with the whole thing, getting the rest of the town up and running hadn't proven too difficult. Nalene had gone so far as to get himself a small house in Graceport since Bertha would always be welcome there without causing a panic – the building of the Merry Mary Tavern had probably helped as well. A port brought sailors, and sailors wanted a damn good drink.

This was something for Jefferson to truly be proud of, he'd built a community for his daughter to thrive in and stopped the Demon Lord's Domain from being a single tiny village to the north. 'Is this how Rumple felt when he built Dulac? When Bae smiled at him?'

Graceport might have looked mostly like a ghost town for the moment, but it would surely grow over time just as Dulac had. Keeping the Trade Road out to prevent the Merchants Guild from attempting to tax Rumple's land or enforce their rules might have been a priority, but that didn't mean they'd rebuff trade or newcomers. While Graceport had been Jefferson's idea and he'd accepted responsibility for its management, he'd already got plans to pass it off to either Avarathda or Yihrahassa – who they'd yet to meet – eventually since it was bracketed nicely between both homes of the dragons; if not them, then one of their children would do. For a long time Jefferson had just wanted to live happily with Grace but things like spite and the Evil Queens thirst for revenge had constantly gotten in the way. He'd miss Victor, that strange doctor had been a good friend, but Dreymyr was their home now and Jefferson would ensure Grace had that happy life she deserved.