The Trickster

The Trickster

Birds tweeted high in the sapphire sky. Painted by the bright luminescent sun dazzling her brilliance upon the world. Particularly the emerald green leaves of the acres of forest below her. Miles and miles of nothing but densely packed trees as far as the eagle could see with her yellow eyes. Not that she minded of course as she swooped down on something fresh. A mouse scurried as fast as it could to the nearest hiding post but the eagle caught the rodent and practically swallowed it down in one go. Now she was fed she had more energy to hunt for her chicks.

Just one scene of death and the inevitable circle of life he liked to watch from the perch on his tree, humming his little laugh he disappeared in a puff of purple smoke and reappeared again on the ground. Well, he sighed, any moment now destiny was about to run her course as the two people were to meet who would help him fulfil his plan. Not that either would be aware of this at the time. Right now, one had just slain a dragon and the other was nothing more than a forest dweller picking rich peoples pockets to survive.

One mistake made him into this. No, two - three, four maybe five or six hundred mistakes but no more than that. Tick tock, he sighed with a smile. Come on, I want to taste that feeling in my mouth of when everything falls into plan. The wheels on the coach, he sang inside his head. Humming that laugh again as the anticipation was terrific in the air. Buzzing like a bee he began to do a little one two three dance and swirled around - it was not so much fun dancing by himself. Though he had become used to his solitude. The main error was asking that man for ‘the girl!’ Why had he done that? Oh yes, he sighed, because he could make gold. The bitterness of power took over from the joy of two future’s colliding. Momentarily he became slightly drowned in that sorrow filled pit of his heart.

A fox snuffled by his foot; he was almost tempted into turning it into a hairbrush. Instead, he bent down; flicked his cloak aside and knelt down to it: “Hello, dearie,” he said, “my name is … ah ah ah,” the fox  waggled its nose close to the man’s finger, “here!” the man reached around and pulled out some carcasses for her from somewhere about his person, “take that home to your little kiddies.”

Gratefully the fox took the corpses into her mouth and trotted off. If she could have spoken she would have said: You are a kind man. My children do need feeding. I wish I knew how to send a thank you note.

What the fox did do was turn around, give the odd looking human being a glance of appreciation and left him alone.

Destiny was becoming like a kettle; never boiled when you could hear the whistle. What was taking it so long? “Come on,” the man felt sick in his stomach. “I am a maestro at this, you must be meeting her now!”

Suddenly something happened, a large dull thunk in his mind and he grabbed at his heart. No, he thought, what was she up to this time? There were days when he regretted giving her that book - actually the more he knew her the more the days turned to weeks, then months, then years. No, he was giving her too much credit. Could it possibly be something had gone wrong in his calculations? That was impossible. He was never wrong. Never!

Purple fog encompassed him as he decided to find out for himself what the young pretentious bitch was up too - if anything was interfering with his centuries long plan he would really let loose a canon of magic fireballs at the nearest village (nothing personal) he could find. Hmm, maybe save the children first. It was not their fault he was angry. Possibly the women. One or two may be pretty enough to keep in his own domain.

Moments later he materialised elsewhere in that part of the Kingdom. No less Enchanted and not one he cared to be too much in because this was Regina’s territory. How he wanted to twist her eyes out of her head sometimes! Shuddering at what he considered his 300th mistake, no make her his 450’th, he sat atop a tree and looked down below.

As Princess Snow was positioned where she should be, (she was real royalty whatever Regina might think), was hiding behind a tree to ambush the Shepherd Prince as he was expecting her too. A blonde man in some very strange apparel happened upon the scene to his left. What a pup, he sneered. Observing with satisfaction that the intruder into destiny looked lost and bewildered.

With a silent tap of his hand on his thigh the Watcher slunk closer up to the unforeseen human by appearing on a lower branch on a nearer tree: “Nyssa,” the Watcher’s ears pricked up. What a lovely name. Though he wagered she looked like a goat. “Where are you?” he stuffed his hands in his pockets and looked around vaguely annoyed. “Come to think of it,” he sighed, “where am I?”  

Thankfully, Snow was intent on her task. Robbing the rich took an awful lot of concentration. Besides the worried stranger’s cry was not quite the tally ho yell but more akin to loud exasperation. The Watcher panned the scene from his high vantage point: “If Nyssa is hurt I shan’t ever forgive myself.”

Oh sweet, the spy thought, very sticky sweet. Forgive me if I do not cry. I can’t! What is this Nyssa anyway? Humming quietly the Watcher tried to find any traces of another intruder in the air. “Now, we landed that way and I have been walking for about 30 minutes,” the stranger pointed further along the path in a north westerly point. The spy licked his lips and followed the odd looking fellow’s hand. “We were walking along and she thought she heard something whimper in pain - I told her not to but she went to investigate and I have not seen her since, I was sure she walked down this way.”

Thank you for the pointers, the spy sighed as he now had proper co-ordinates. Ah, he got her. Or rather he caught her scent. Violet and sandalwood, he sighed. Beautiful. Though he still held out no hope of this poor young thing being either human, a woman or pretty! The blond man danced up and down on his heels and toes for awhile: “Why do they never stay where I tell them too?” The spy rolled his eyes. Bored of the stranger but not of the scent. Ah, definitely a young woman, he finally deduced, the pheromones never lied.  Then again, as far as he was concerned, most women were young.

Finally the blond puppy saw Snow and tapped her on the shoulder. The spy thought to take action but Snow would perceive magic and run. There were times it was better to hide it out. The stranger, whom he had not foreseen, smiled: “Hello, I don’t suppose you’ve seen my friend anywhere?” he said.

To her credit Snow rolled her eyes and ambushed the carriage anyway. Killing the guards. As the man had predicted. Smoothly accomplished, the spy smiled. The grin became a slight grimace as the Watcher notice the bizarrely dressed intruder follow after Snow. Satisfaction took the spy’s blackened heart as Snow pinched the Shepherd Prince’s purse. Then Snow grabbed the odd stranger’s hand and rushed him into hiding underneath the ferns and bushes the other side of the road waiting for the carriage to be out of sight before she let herself be seen. Moments later they emerged and stood on the embankment. The cape had drooped off Snow’s head. Both looked shocked and the male was a little dumbfounded.

Idiotically all the stranger could gasp out was: “You’re a woman!”

“Nice of you to notice,” Snow said drily.

“Sorry, but I always thought Highwaymen were … men.”

“Who are you?”

“I am the Doctor,” he held his hand out, “who are you?”

“Snow White,” she took the hand, “look,” she said placing her quiver over her body. “We don’t have all day those were Royal Guards so we have to run.”

The Doctor stopped her: “Look,” he said putting his hands in his pockets, “I have lost a friend.”

“Is there a reward poster out for her?” Snow enquired. “What village is she from?”

“Um, Traken,” the Doctor sounded somewhat dazed. Ugh, the Watcher was only sticking around to get a description of the missing accomplice to this Doctor. Their unseen companion sneered. “Look, she is young and .... and,” the Doctor stammered and finished rather lamely. “I miss her!”

The spy moved to the ground behind a tree on the left hand side of the road, to hear the nuance and tone. If things did get nasty he’d have to magic the blond halfwit elsewhere. This man clearly loved his friend more than he was aware of. What sort of name was the Doctor? “Sorry, Doctor,” Snow sighed. “Not heard of that village.”

“It’s more of a Kingdom.”

“Well, the world is a big place,” Snow said, “what did you do to make her run away?”

“Nothing - I think,” the Doctor shook his head. “We had words I think,” the Doctor reached his hand around the back of his head and scratched his crown, “I am not sure,” he sighed, “she is such an even tempered woman,” he gazed into Snow’s eyes, “I need her,” was all he could say. Yuck, the spy thought, too soppy! The Doctor put his hands in his pockets, “I do not know how I got here myself,” he frowned and shrugged his shoulders. Then he paid proper attention at Snow. She was beautiful. “Please, tell me where I can go to look for her?” Helplessly the Doctor gazed wildly around just in case she had somehow found him, “just direct me to a figure of authority - a sheriff perhaps?”

“I….” Snow turned and yelled look out before ducking an arrow pushing the Doctor to the ground, “I said we better run. Come on!” she grabbed his now very muddy hand and dragged him down the depths of the forest.

Their unseen third party followed them. Popping from one tree branch to the next. They stopped at a particularly dense part of the woods: “Sorry!” the Doctor exclaimed. “For eulogising,” The Doctor puffed out rather dejectedly, “Nyssa, well, she is just very important to me.”

If the spy had not caught her perfume he would not be hanging around eavesdropping on this idiotic man and his soppy conversation for as long as he had. Come on, describe her you fool.

Snow’s eyes showed deepest sympathy as she took her gourd out and drank deeply; offering some to the Doctor afterwards: “What does she look like?” she said softly.

Thank you, the Watcher thought, I knew I liked you for a reason. The spy cupped a hand over his ear to get the fullest sense of the words so he could truly picture this lovely scented, lost, lonely young woman.

“Hmm, she reaches up to here on me,” the Doctor placed his hand just above where his heart would be, “long thick wavy honey gold bright hair that comes beyond her shoulders, she has taken to wearing it up. Soft pale complexion. Eyes like a sky in May and fairly um thin in the waist. In a mostly purple velvet top with puffed out sleeves with purple velvet trousers.”

“Not seen anyone that fits that description,” Snow sighed, “look your best bet would be to get someone to draw a likeness of her, get it printed and distributed and,” she brought out one of her many daggers as she was going to hunt for food, “oh and offer a reward.”

“But I have no money.”

Hmm, the man curled his finger around his chin. Smiling with his back against the tree. So the scenario did not go as planned but he could offer this Doctor, and his rather almost attractive sounding companion, some help. Money was not a problem for him. No, he had something else in mind.

“What is the girl’s name again?”

“Nyssa.”

“Nyssa… ”

“Just Nyssa,” The Doctor sighed, “look I know she can defend herself,” Snow sat down on the floor and leaned against a tree, “but I still have a duty of responsibility to her. Her world fell apart due to one of my kind.”

“She will need to be able to defend herself in these woods,” Snow sighed. “All right, I can help you find her but you have got to promise to change what you’re wearing. You stick out like a bulbous wart on an old drunk’s nose!”

“Charming!” the Doctor huffed.

“Hmm, that’s a better name for you actually.”

The other party pondered on what his next move should be. Yes, he ought to go home and use the mirror to search for this young maiden himself. Before Regina finds her. Let’s face it, he hummed his high pitched laugh, I am the lesser of the two evils. Well, sort of!

PUFF - a swirl of purple smoke - a slight spark and a broken twig, he had left the scene.

♥♣♥♣♥♣♥♣

“Ah, home sweet empty home!” he said sarcastically. “What a delight to have no one welcome me.”

Purposefully he strode up to the banqueting hall. Stood in front of the mirror by the chipped cup. With a click of his fingers the mirror brought the image up of Snow and the Doctor setting up camp together. Remembering where he had been and where the Doctor had pointed to, the mirror blurred into focus - no. Maybe to the left. Right then. No! Changing tack he decided to go across a little accessed pathway further in the north westerly direction. Taking in a theatrically deep breath he pulled his full concentration on the scent, pheromones, description and clothing. Where are you, you little minx? He rocked on his heels keeping his hands held in front of him. Come out, come out wherever you …  Ah! He grinned as he opened his eyes and clicked his gnarled fingers, flicked his wrist; “There you are, dearie,” he sighed, “all wost and awone,” he tilted his head to one side as he watched her stumble around. Scrapes on her hands, a few scratches on her cheeks and leaves in her hair had suggested she had fallen a few times.

A very young woman indeed, he smirked. Another wrist flick and he zoomed further in and turned the sound on: “Doctor!” she shouted gazing wildly about the ever darkening path,“DOCTOR!” he watched her trip over a crooked tree root. Landing in a thump on the floor. Wincing as she tried to get up but her leg buckled beneath her. Realising she could not get up Nyssa ended up clawing desperately at fallen twigs and earth trying to raise herself back up. “Doctor,” she scrunched her face but carried on through her pain further down the dwindling way. Soon there would not be a path. “Where are you?” she exclaimed through gritted teeth.

The pain was now so much. With pity he almost stepped through the mirror and grabbed her then and there but he had a plan in mind. Even vulnerable women were not enough to stop him when he had a deal in mind. Hardening his resolve he observed how determined Nyssa was. Dragging her injured leg behind her she moved forward clutching at tree branches. Eventually he could see that Nyssa was becoming sickened with pain. Wait? He inched further and narrowed his eyes. Another tree root hidden by the shadow and foliage was threatening to snare the same ankle.

The idea of her suffering further pain was unthinkable to him. A side long look at the chipped cup he smiled. Not this time! With a click of his fingers Nyssa had disappeared. A gentle smile replaced his smirk as he saw how pretty she actually was. Even covered in blood, dirt and bruises Nyssa held grace, dignity and tenacity.

Now he could relax. Bewildered Nyssa found herself lying down on the edge of a roadway. With a smile he turned to the chipped cup resting on the pedestal again: “Doctor?” she asked - he made sure her voice echoed. This would be so much fun, he did his little humming laugh. He liked this unexpected stranger. Not so bizarrely dressed. Definitely finer to look upon. Most certainly a worthy successor. “I think I shall enjoy the play,” he smiled seating himself on the edge of his dining table picking up a bowl of cashew nuts, “I shall enjoy this immensely!”

“Shshshshsh!” Snow came scrambling through the flora, “down here,” she said.

“Thank goodness,”Nyssa said. “I cannot move.” Hurriedly Snow rushed out of the foliage and helped the young woman up supporting her down the steep incline, “Nyssa, by the way.”

“My name is Snow White,” the fallen Princess said, “the Doctor has been worried sick about you.”

“Oh I am so pleased he is safe,” the spy rolled his eyes. “Somehow we got separated,” the young woman sighed. “Not even sure how we got here,” Nyssa looked at her new friend. “You’re beautiful!” she gasped.

“Thank you,” Snow blushed, “and you are bleeding,” Snow said sympathetically, “the Doctor said you thought you heard something crying?”

“I am not entirely certain on anything, Snow,” Nyssa smiled through her pain, “I was on my own, I was not even sure the Doctor was here. We can get separated at times, sometimes for months!”

Smiling, Snow continued supporting Nyssa to the camp, “Look who has stumbled our way,” she said and Nyssa’s whole countenance glowed at the very sight of the Doctor. The spy threw the bowl on the floor. Boring. “Of course the pwetty stwangers would like each other. Almost time to rewrite the play!”

“Nyssa!” the Doctor cried warmly also truly lighting up in her presence. “You are limping,” quickly he rushed round to prop Nyssa’s other side up.

“I am fine,” Nyssa said lying badly, “where are we?”

“The Enchanted Forest,” Snow White said setting her down against a tree on a particularly thick protruding root, “tricksters, magicians and all sorts of uncanny beings reside here so be careful.”

“I do not believe in magic!” Nyssa said stoutly. Her ankle was feeling worse by the minute.

Now, the man smirked hopping off the table, time for my grand entrance.

♥♣♥♣♥♣♥♣

“OH BELIEVE IN IT, DEARIE!” a high pitched voice said. Nyssa swung her head around, “YOOHOO!” he whistled, “Up here, sweetheart.” Nyssa managed to twist her head and saw something sit high atop the tree she was resting under. Suddenly it disappeared, Nyssa was looking around again: “Right in front of you, dearie!” Nyssa stared straight ahead. A man stepped forth from a puff of purple smoke wearing a dark red velvet robe, tight black leather trousers, and blood red shirt with frilly cuffs that was open at the throat down in a v shape towards the rib cage; “because here,” he sighed dramatically. “It exists!” he bowed his head. “And I,” he glanced up from his genuflected position, “am particularly expert at the craft, maiden fair!”

“Wh ... Who are you?” Nyssa asked edging further back against the rough bark of the tree trunk. He scared her but she was not sure if it was the same kind of fear as she had for the Melkur or when she was almost thrown off the roof of that English Estate. Somehow there was something about this man that excited her.

“Oh so sorry,” the man purred in perfect English tones, “wHere are my manners,” the man flourished his hands in a circle before elegantly bowing in front of her for a second time, spreading his legs apart and bending his waist. “Rumpelstiltskin, at your service!” he rolled the ‘R’ along with the wrist dramatically and then pumped his eyebrows up and down, “otherwise known as the Dark One.”

Snow narrowed her eyes: “How did …”

“Never mind your Highway Robberyness,” Rumpelstiltskin said, “the question you should be asking yourself is,” Rumpelstiltskin appeared behind Snow, she smelled pretty good too, “is the man,” here he pointed at the Doctor, “trustworthy?”

“Seems decent to me,” Snow murmured. Nyssa inched her hand in the air hoping the Doctor would take the hint. Thankfully he did and took hold of it. “Genuinely concerned for his friend and speaks well.”

“Ah yes,” Rumpelstiltskin glared at the two people. The man was sickeningly handsome Rumpelstiltskin had hoped there was a wart on his ear. “So, introduce me to these two new friends of yours.”

“The Doctor,” Snow indicated the blond puppy. “and Nyssa.”

“Charmed,” Rumpelstiltskin purred gazing at Nyssa, “it is a rare treat to see a sweet young Lady such as yourself Nyssa of Unknown Lands!”

Snow narrowed her eyes at Rumpelstiltskin then turned her gaze to her new companions, “This is the Trickster I was warning you about.”

“Tut tut, Snow White - we have to show politeness to our elders, do we not?” his accent became Scottish towards the end of that sentence. Nyssa wished he would make his mind up. “I am more Elder than anyone in this whole world!”

“Look,” The Doctor said. “We are not here to cause trouble. My friend and I do not know how we came to be here and we have no intention of staying. So,” he smiled. “Pleased to meet you and all that but whatever it is you came here to do I am afraid I may not be able to help you.”

“Och, I do not know whether to shed tears oOt of mine eyes or laugh with mine mouth,” Rumpelstiltskin teased. “What you should have said was,” he paced around the fire, “how I,” a finger pointed to his throat, “can help you!” the same finger now pointed at the Doctor.

“All right, have it your way,” the Doctor sighed, “how can you help us?”

Why does everyone fall for that trick? Snow sighed. It seemed to be the natural response. Now Rumpelstiltskin was going to broker a deal with the Doctor.

“You two are lost,” Rumpelstiltskin said walking in circles in front of the Doctor and Nyssa, stalking them like prey, “neither of you belong here and that makes me somewhat,” he disappeared and -reappeared by Nyssa’s side - she jumped a little with a slightly surprised cry, “ten-der-hear-ted,” he murmured enunciating each syllable in the word slowly in her ear. Heart in her throat Nyssa turned only to find his strange eyes looking intently at her, “Hello dearie!” he grinned flashing his rotting teeth. “You’re quite pretty aren’t ya?”

Not revulsed, that was a first. Even Belle was sick at the sight of him when they met. Yet Nyssa blushed when he called her pretty. Was that the first time someone said something like that to her? That he found hard to believe; “He- He - Hello,” she stammered in a whisper. “Sir,” remembering her own manners.

Sir, he loved that. No one had ever called him that.“So,” he said standing behind Nyssa’s shoulder. Resting his elbow above her. His scaly, wrinkled hand pointing down to the top of her head. Cheekily he wiggled the tip of his longest finger tickling her scalp. Quickly he lowered his arm and started threading his dark claws through her hair, “I thought to myself,” he turned his gaze to the Doctor but stayed at Nyssa’s side, “what if I helped these two young people find whatever it is they are looking for?”

Snow narrowed her eyes: “Don’t listen to him, Doctor,” she advised harshly. “I can help you. I have a friend who can help you.”

“How?” Nyssa gulped. Snow realised he was targeting the young woman. “It would be wonderful if you could help us,” her warm tones of appreciation and gratitude almost made him re-consider. Unfortunately, she was too good to pass up manipulating. “We are out of our depth, Sir.”

The Doctor scowled, he had just remembered where he had heard the name Rumpelstiltskin before. “NO, Nyssa!” he said sternly, “we can rely on each other, we have done so before now in stickier situations.”

Once he had Nyssa in his power Rumpelstiltskin flicked his wrists and charmed the Doctor’s lips tight shut. Snow scowled.

“What have you done to him?” Nyssa cried pushing Rumpelstiltskin away from her so she could stand up but cried out in pain and fell on her back. “Please,” she turned and grabbed Rumpelstiltskin by his shirt front, “what has The Doctor done to you?” her earnest pleas almost softened his heart but he was not called the Dark One for nothing. “Please, sir,” she whimpered. “Stop it, please!” tears started to brim around her lids.

“I was allowing you the opportunity to make your mind up,” the demon said plainly. “He strikes me as the kind who likes the sound of his own opinion;” he grabbed Nyssa’s arm by her wrist. “What about yours?” Now his gaze was earnestly peering into her soul. Nyssa left her mouth wide open. With his middle finger he pushed her jaw up. The loud struggle of the Doctor made Rumpelstiltskin silence him properly “I would not do that if I were you, dearie,” Rumpelstiltskin rolled his eyes, “you may tear your lips off your pwetty fwawess face.”

Immediately the Doctor offered his darkest scowl as his cheeks swelled up like a puffer fish: “Please,” Nyssa begged as she grabbed Rumpelstiltskin’s hand earnestly gripping it. Rumpelstiltskin tilted his head to one side as her beautiful eyes gazed into his reptilian like orbs, “please, restore The Doctor’s speech to him!”

“Is his voice really that important?” Rumpelstiltskin said nonchalantly, “does it utter wisdom and kindness? Is his voice verrrily melodious in song, perhaps?” the Scottishness threw Nyssa off for a minute. Why could he not decide where he was from? “Is it the voice of thousands?”

“Yes,” Nyssa said, “yes it does, his voice saves civilisations. Kings, Governments, Justices of the Peace revere him,” the sob was beginning to crack in her throat, “the tradesmen, weavers, bakers - down to the poorest of the poor in many eons of time,” she lowered her head and rested her forehead on the back of his hand, “everyone reveres the Doctor,” tears fell down her cheeks; he felt them fall on his skin, “my father aside - he is the kindest; wisest, man I have ever known.”

Rumpelstiltskin tilted her chin up and watched her tears decorate her porcelain features. “I am not a villain, I can make the Doctor speak again,” he said as he whipped a handkerchief out from his sleeve. Tenderly, Rumpelstiltskin dried her tears, “with pleasure!”

Gulping down the remainder of her plea Nyssa whispered: “Thank you.”

“Ah ah ah,” Rumpelstiltskin wiggled a reproving finger in front of her face. “I said nothing about this being free,” Nyssa widened her still shining eyes, “I have a trade. Like all tradesmen I have a price!”

“But I have no money,” she sighed, as her fingers inched towards her gold brooch, “except this trinket. I will give this with all my heart to have the voice of thousands speak once again.”

“I have no use fer trinket’s now!” Rumpelstiltskin giggled leaning closer to her. The tips of their noses were touching and he gave her his dirtiest grin. “I do, however, have use for a companion.”

“Nyssa, don’t you dare,” Snow said rushing towards Rumpel with her arrow already notched into her bow but Rumpelstiltskin had managed to turn the arrow into fat, wiping her hands hurriedly on her trousers Snow continued: “Nyssa, there are other ways.”

“Like what?” Nyssa said hopefully turning to look at Snow, “can you release his tongue?”

“No but there are others,” Snow said kindly, “other practisers of magic. Ones that will require gold.”

“Like whom may I ask;” Rumpelstiltskin said in a now affected over the top Eton style posh voice, “like perhaps your Stepmother,” with a wicked gleam highlighted by the fire he purred, “Regina, the Queen of this fair land?”

Nyssa watched as she saw the Doctor try to sign and gesture no to her. Exaggerating his movement the Doctor put his hand to his ear and pointed at Snow as an indication for Nyssa to listen to Snow. “I was thinking, the Blue Fairy,” Snow White said with an air of defiance.

“Really?” Rumpelstiltskin said sarcastically, “the wee Blue Feerie is it noo?” Nyssa looked between the pair, “even she expects a price!”

With a heavy sigh Nyssa saw the crestfallen look on Snow’s face. Truthfully, Nyssa disliked animosity and the longer the conversation went on, the more oxygen the Doctor was running out of; lowering her eyelashes Nyssa realised she had to hear Rumpelstiltskin out. The Doctor’s eyes were beginning to bulge from their sockets.

“Sir,” Nyssa began politely, as her heart beat hard in her chest making her feel sick; “Please, Mr Rumpelstiltskin, I just want the Doctor to speak again.”

“Mr Rumpelstiltskin?” he said in a very high extremely prominent Scot’s tone, “this is someone you could learn from your Royal Robberyness!” he grinned at Snow who just stiffened her jaw in defiance. Once he chastised Snow, Rumpelstiltskin pulled his attention back on Nyssa.“You learn quickly for a bairn,” he complimented Nyssa.

Now to impress! Out of nowhere, with a flourish of his wrist, Rumpelstiltskin produced a scroll contract. Shortly after a quill popped into his other hand.

“How - How did you do that?” Nyssa asked awestruck.

“Magic,” he said, “the thing you do not believe in,” Nyssa bowed her head humble enough to know when she had been mistaken. Now Rumpelstiltskin’s smile reached the tips of his ears, “I have no one in my stately home and no one to impart my knowledge too,” Snow had run to the Doctor and offered a comforting arm around his shoulders.

Rumpelstiltskin’s attention was entirely on Nyssa. Standing by her side he gazed fondly at Nyssa’s profile. Almost tenderly, Rumpelstiltskin reached a hand across her face and stroked the tips of his fingers along her jawline. “I would like an apprentice,” Rumpelstiltskin continued whispering in her ear, “one to teach and train. Ter impart me verrrrry wisdom ter!” he purred in another Scot’s dialect. “You have greatness within your petite little frame,” Nyssa felt fixed to the spot as he poured more words into her ear, “also, I cannot help but notice you have wee similarities to a young woman I once knew.”

“Nyssa,” Snow said as a final attempt. “Don’t you dare sign that contract!”

“But,” Nyssa said finally finding her voice, “if I sign this I still don’t get to hear the Doctor’s voice.”

“Oh yes,” Rumpelstiltskin snapped his fingers together, “that’s the catch, lassie. You sign you won’t hear him speak,” suddenly he popped in a puff of smoke only to appear on her other side, making sure he was closer towards Nyssa. Jumping a little at the action Nyssa turned. Their faces were so close his nose was resting on her cheekbone, “you don’t sign you won’t hear him speak,” he giggled, “one thing you have got to ask yourself, dearie,” he murmured in her ear but made sure the Doctor and Snow could hear him, “how can he speak again if you do not sign?”

Glancing at the Doctor; who stood by helplessly as he could not speak or reason with Nyssa, and then at Snow who realised she was also as forlorn in her hope as the Doctor in not being able to offer an alternative to this Blue Fairy. Nyssa gritted her teeth and, with her heart in her mouth, she looked at the Trickster in front of her: “Where do I sign?” she sighed.

“There,” he indicated an empty line with the point of the quill, “and there,” he directed to another blank space. “Two signatures for two deals.”

“Two deals?” Snow gasped, “she only wants to free the Doctor’s speech!”

“Two Deals, Highway Princess,” Rumpelstiltskin snarled as he turned his head, “one to free the Doctor’s speech and become my apprentice in payment - the second,” he slowly turned his head back towards Nyssa, “will come clear in the future.”

The crackle of the fire was the only sound to be heard as this sunk in on the trio: “My father taught me never to sign without reading the fine print first.”

Pinching the bridge of his nose Rumpelstiltskin shook his head: “Your father was a very wise man,” he murmured, “but if ya want yer friend ter remain moot, you mus’nae rrrread the contrrract!” his impish voice said threateningly quiet - growling like a cat who had just seen their arch nemesis.

“All right,” Nyssa said taking the quill, “when I sign this you promise to leave the Doctor and Snow White alone?”

“With all my beating heart, dearie,” he simpered.

Reassured,Nyssa signed off her name twice ending them both with an elegant flourish . “Now that’s done,” he said rolling the contract by hand and pocketing the quill he clicked his fingers again and the Doctor breathed out a gasp of air.

“What have you made my friend do?” he growled.

“Och and we have a lion in the form of a man,” Rumpelstiltskin mocked in a Highlander accent, “well, can’t hang about all night chatting with ye,” he bowed and took Nyssa by her hand; “Nighty night, dearies,” with that he encircled Nyssa in the same purple smoke that he arrived in.

♥♣♥♣♥♣♥♣

They landed in his banqueting hall: Nyssa fell on the floor coughing. “What do you really want?” she asked. “Can I read the contract now?”

“Later, maybe,” he said. “As for what I want from ye,” he offered her his hand as the fall seperated them, “that is for me to now you to find out,” he said helping her off the floor. “Come, I will show you where you can stay.”

“What about the Doctor, his knowledge far exceeds my own and he is much older than I,” Nyssa said, “why did you focus on me?”

“Because you are fairer to look upon,” he said after he walked to the pedestal, picking the chipped cup up.

“Seriously?”

“All right, you are seriously fairer to look upon!” she tried not to laugh, something told her she should hate this man. Yet she could not. Mind you, Nyssa finds hatred a fairly foreign notion. “All teasing aside,” he said mournfully. “I need to try and see if I ought to have done things differently.”

“With whom?” Nyssa asked.

“Many people,” he said quietly.

Nyssa limped around the pedestal and saw how tenderly he held the broken china: “Was this a possession of one of those people?”

“It is mine,” Rumpelstiltskin sighed, “but it was someone that made it far more valuable than anything else in this Castle.”

Gently Nyssa wrapped her hands around his on the cup. Rumpelstiltskin looked up and saw her eyes widen: “You know - all you had to do was ask,” she whispered.

“I am Beast enough to know that no one does anything for me if I just utter please,” he said. “Let me show you to your bed.”

“Where?”

Do not repeat that mistake, he thought with a sigh. He took her hand: “The bedchambers are this way,” he said with a smile. “Or we could share the same one.”

“No!” Nyssa exclaimed shocked he would even consider it. “I do not even know you!”

That was interesting, he thought. Why did she not recoil from the possibility he may have wanted to seduce her? Her only worry being that they were strangers rather than the way he looked: “See, I asked.”

Despite herself Nyssa laughed: “You did,” she said, “and in time … maybe …” she trailed off.

In time, maybe? Why would she say that? Even he could see this was an Angel. “You look like you have not had food,” he told her.

“I have not,” Nyssa sighed, “where are your kitchens so I can make something?”

“I said I wanted an Apprentice not a Slave and you are genuinely hurt.”

“So what about food then?”

“I can make food from here in the kitchen,” Rumpelstiltskin smiled, “just relax yer wee heid.”

“What about the Doctor?”

“Can he not look out for hisself?”

“I suppose…”

“Well then,” he said leading her up the stairs keeping one hand in hers and another around her waist to steady her as they walked up the many steps, “I’m lonely.”

“With all this estate and power?”

“What is the point if there is no one to share it with?”

“The point is,” Nyssa sighed, “the point is,” scrabbling around her brain for a better answer. Nyssa faltered and tried to find a clever response, “the point is,” a sigh, “is… well … pointless …”

“Which is precisely my point!”

♥♣♥♣♥♣♥♣

The desperation showed in the Doctor’s eyes as he prowled around the fire. “Stop it, Doctor,” she said, “you’re making me nervous.”

“Forgive me if my worry causes you distress!” The Doctor said sarcastically, “but my friend has signed her life away to that Demon Trickster… Twice!”

“Unfortunately he is very persuasive,” Snow White sighed biting into some wood pigeon breast, “come, eat. You would not do your friend any justice if you do not take nourishment.”

“How can I eat when I am anxious?”

“Your anxiety does you great credit,” she said, “but what help will you be if you become so sick with worry you weaken yourself to such measure that you cannot fight to get her back.”

“Could we strike a deal with him?”

“After trying to advise Nyssa not to, what good would it do to do the very same thing?” reasoned Snow, “besides, I doubt he would participate. He seemed absolutely determined to have Nyssa.”

Shuddering with disgust, The Doctor grimaced: “She is supposed to rely on me!” he growled. Then he glanced at Snow’s sympathetic smile and calmed down. “I suppose I could try and eat,” the Doctor finally hitched his trousers up and sat down next to Snow. “How are we to keep warm?”

“Keep by the fire and use our bodies.”

“You mean close together?”

“It is for survival, Doctor Charming, nothing else.”

“That’s not…” she arched an eyebrow at him, “... Doctor Charming it is!”

“So where are you from?” Snow White asked. “You are not from these parts.”

“I am from Gallifrey.”

“Galafray?”

“No… Galley, as in ship, and Frey as in Freya.”

“GalleyFreya.”

“Close enough,” the Doctor sighed. “Has this Rumpelstiltskin ever had …”

“Women?” Snow sighed, “it is rumoured that he has had several,” shuddering at the thought she grimaced, “the thought of it sickens me to the pit of my stomach.”

“Nyssa has yet to be tested in her virtues,” the Doctor sighed, “a beast like that would take advantage of her sweet temper and honest heart.”

Snow said nothing as she continued nibbling her wood meat - she offered the Doctor the spare breast. Finally, with a sigh of resignation; the Doctor took the victual offered and began eating: “I suppose Nyssa can look after herself,” he said with an ungracious grunt, “just that I am so used to caring for her that I do not want to let her go!”

“Is she your true love?”

“True… No,” The Doctor shook his head, “NO nothing like that is going on.”

Shame, Snow thought. “Does she have a true love?” Snow White enquired.

“No, she’s only 18.”

How could that be? Snow frowned. Such a beautiful, polite, lovely young woman - in the short time Snow knew Nyssa it was clear that she was the sister Snow never had. Sadly Snow shook her head. Now the only man to have taken an interest in her is Rumpelstiltskin. May the heavens help her! “Forgive me but that is the age when one starts to find love.”

“Nyssa has not had much time to find love.”

Snow handed the Doctor a bowl of berries and he tucked into them: “Not even with you?”

The Doctor sighed: “Nyssa and I are not of the same species?”

“So you are a Unicorn and she is a Griffin?”

“Nothing like that, I can live multiple lifetimes and yet Nyssa cannot,” the Doctor sighed, “I WAS in love - had children - grandchildren - but I - I ran!”

“Why?”

“Because I did not want power,” The Doctor gazed steadily into the fire, “what did you do to be living underneath the canopy of the stars?”

“I ruined someone’s life,” Snow sighed, “I do not want to talk about it.”

“Then let us talk about something else.”

“Like what?”

“I do not know I thought you had another subject in mind.”

“Like what?”

“Stars,” the Doctor said looking up at the sky, “I have not seen these patterns before,” he leant back with his arms underneath his head as he looked at the dazzling luminaries twinkling in the ebon expanse above, “do you know what they are called? Constellations, patterns - the Galaxy you reside in?”

“Right,” Snow smiled, mirroring the Doctor by laying on her back, also admiring the view, “well, I do not know what Galaxy I am in. Science - well - is not my forte.”

The Doctor turned his head as she did hers: “Well,” he sighed, “Nyssa loved science, and she has other qualities. Though she still needs a guiding hand,” Snow did not like that. If she was that clever she could be another dark power. In Rumpelstiltskin’s care she would almost certainly become like Regina and all the other’s before her. “I could be this world’s only Scientist!”

♥♣♥♣♥♣♥♣

Nervously, Nyssa glanced around the bedchamber: “I sleep here?” she asked, “This is too opulent for me. I am just a Consul’s daughter,” she touched the beautiful dark wood four poster bed with forest green velvet drapes and several light mint green silk sheets covering a big mattress and soft duck feather pillows.

“Consul’s daughter?”

“My father was a Consulate,” Nyssa said. “This is a room fit for a Queen.”

“How powerful was your father?”

“I suppose people followed his command;” she said hugging the post to support her weight, “but that was because he ruled with fairness; kindness, and love.”

Rumpelstiltskin sneered. “Love!”

“Yes love, like the kind you must have had for that wonderful woman otherwise you would not have put the cup where you did.”

“Love does not happen for me, dearie,” Rumpelstiltskin said airily, “That child confused a smile and a few nay, very small remarks, on how well she cooked - for love.”

Nyssa narrowed her eyes and glared at him: “You’re lying,” she said.

“I may be many things but I am not a liar!”

“I took a Psychic trace from that artfully beautiful vessel down there,” Nyssa sighed, “she is a very beautiful, caring and tender woman,” Nyssa’s eyes closed as she pictured the woman that belonged to the tender heart, Vaguely, she could hear her voice, “Thankfully, for her, not as much hair that I have,” with a sigh she continued, “but it is still soft and smells of fresh dewed spring grass…”

“STOP!” Rumpelstiltskin snarled. In a furious stride he grabbed her by the arms and violently shook her. Shook her so vehemently he was causing her more physical pain, “YOU LIE TO ME! YOU DECEIVE! YOU’RE PROPAGATING A FICTION!” Brave heart Nyssa, she sighed. Keep calm. He is heartbroken. “ALL YOU WOMEN DO IS SPEAK UNTRUTHS!” the anger was so much his mouth was starting to drip with saliva and every word he shouted in her face made his spit land in her eyes: “YOU. ARE. LYING!”

Finally Nyssa had enough and twisted one of Rumpelstiltskin’s wrists in a bone crunching circle until his back was turned. Smoothly, she then twisted his elbow and forced him down on his knees. Ignoring her own agony Nyssa bent her knee in his spine as her hands were in his hair. Firmly, but not harshly; she grabbed a chunk of his hair and pulled his head back to her ribs: “Listen, Rumpelstiltskin;” she said in his ear as gently as she could, “I do not know your past with women,” her voice had now simmered to a scolding almost parental tone, “but to tar me with the same brush is unfair especially under such a short acquaintance,” a deep sigh issued forth cooling breath down his neck, due to her own physical pain, “I can assure you there are many things I am skilled at but lying is not one of them.” Nyssa let go off Rumpelstiltskin’s hair but kept his arm behind his back.

“As I was saying,” she sighed with exasperation. “The hair,” she continued, “smells of fresh dewed springy grass almost auburn in hue,” closing her eyes again she smiled and her voice became light and happy. “Eyes the warmth of bluebells. Her smile as refreshing as a cooling shade in a forest glade. Voice has a …” now she was slightly confused, “a twang I am familiar with but this world does not hold that country. Finally,” she pushed him forward letting go of his wrist. Rumpelstiltskin rolled around and sat on the floor with his knees crossed, “she loves you. Loves you dearly.”

Rumpelstiltskin began to cry in his seating position on the floor rubbing his hands through his hair: “I’m sorry!” he snuffled.

Tilting her head to her side Nyssa limped up to the imp and gingerly sat down besides him trying not to distress her leg. Wrapping an arm around his shoulder she urged him to cry on her. His arm curled around her elbow as he gripped tightly on her bicep. Gently she rocked him in her arms. “Your wife is out there, I feel it. Her psyche has patterned itself everywhere,” Nyssa rubbed his back. “Echoes of her love ring out all around.”

“She was not my wife,” he said, “could never be my wife.”

“Was … NO, is!”

“She died,” Rumpelstiltskin sniffed. “You can really hear her echoes?” he wiped his eyes and smiled through his tears. “Sorry, I am supposed to the Dark One!” he exclaimed bitterly. “Some Dark One, you managed to actually fight me?” he grinned. “You’re much stronger than you seem.”

“Not offended that you were beaten by a girl?”

“I am the Dark One, dearie. Not the Chauvinist Pig One. Besides,” he waggled his eyebrows up and down repeatedly, smiling mischievously, “you are not just a girl, you are Nyssa of Unknown Lands and my Apprentice.”

“You may be mostly dark,” Nyssa said taking hold of his hand, “but there is light within you. Something you are striving for,” her other hand was on his knee; “whatever it is you need help to get there. Now,” she winced trying to get up but he grabbed her by her waist and kept her on the floor, “so we are staying on the floor.”

“She was meant to be my slave,” the supposed Dark One said, “it was but brief and … painful I did not intend on falling in love.”

“Nobody does,” Nyssa sighed, “The Doctor is fond of a certain saying,” she bumped her shoulders against his with a smile, “It is better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all!”

“Has he loved?” Nyssa shrugged her shoulders: “But you love him?” he pointed an accusatory finger at her narrowed eyes. “Do you not.”

“I have great admiration for the Doctor but he is far too important to fall in love.”

“What kind of man is too important to fall in love?” his grin was back on his face, sparring was something he was much better at doing, “is this Doctor somehow impervious to love yet can be compassionate, how does he manage that I wonder?”

“What I meant was,” Nyssa narrowed her eyes at him, “The Doctor is a kind man who shoulders a huge responsibility.”

“I am the Dark One and I loved!”

“You’re Eighty percent Dark,” Nyssa sighed, “after all,” she reasoned, “does not a summer’s day still hold dark corners and does not the night sky possess a bright moon?”

“Are you in for a surprise, dearie.”

Leaning in closer she pressed her lips against his ear. “I have a feeling I am in for several,” Nyssa whispered playfully.

Rumpelstiltskin laughed at her response: “I feel we are going to spar well.”

“So when you say you want an Apprentice what do you mean?”

“I am a lonely man in a big house and awesome power. You are a young woman who I sense has great Craft within you and all you need is a Guide to show you the way,” Nyssa lowered her eyelashes and gulped, “there is no such thing as Magic, you may think even now.”

“It’s - It’s not that,” she stuttered, “it is just that I do not like having the powers I do possess. I would rather be like my friend Tegan.”

“What’s a Tea-Gan?” Rumpelstiltskin asked.

“Tegan is a human friend,” Nyssa sighed, “she is the closest thing to a best friend I have,” she admitted with a heavy heart, “she comes from a Planet called Earth. A Planet not highly advanced in Science and where people do not appear in puffs of purple smoke!”

“A land without magic? You have been to the land without magic!”

“More than I care to,” Nyssa sighed, “but yes. I have indeed been to the land of no magic; Tegan and I met under tragic circumstances.”

Rumpelstiltskin stood up and took her hand in his noting with pleasure that she rose like a Lady even with her pain: “My home is your home,” he bowed to her. “I have a feeling you and I are going to be great friends, Answer me something else,” Nyssa nodded, “do you have a true love somewhere?”

“I have not had any offers.”

“Why?”

“Too young, Maybe I am perceived as too innocent or possibly,” she sighed lowering her lashes again, Her voice wobbled with heartache, “I am not pretty enough for men to be attracted to me.”

“Impossible,” Rumpelstiltskin moved closer towards Nyssa and tilted her chin up standing twelve inches apart, “if I, a Beast, can see how gloriously you glow when you smile. How bright your eyes twinkle!” he wanted to kiss her. “Softly you speak how calm you are?” he lowered his own gaze and took her hands fully into his, “I fail to see how you have not broken many a young man’s heart.”

“No,” she sighed, “I do not think you are a Beast,” Nyssa looked up into his odd eyes. “Is having a true love important?”

“It could be dearie,” he said, “I will just have to make sure you have no dangers put upon you.”

“Well, you have not tried to kill me yet,” she smiled. “That is generally the norm.”

“You do not know what I am like. Or what I plan to do with you!” he sneered bobbing his head like a snake would. All he needed was a forked tongue. “What dark horrors are you concocting in your pretty little heid that the monster would do to ye?”

Gulping down her insecurity as he took a step further forward: “Maybe I do not,” she said bravely. Squaring her shoulders she kept her eyes on his. “In answer to your other question,” she tilted her head leaning against the bedpost in pain, “whatever it is clearly does not involve killing me - and I signed a contract for you to leave the Doctor alone. Twice!” Rumpelstiltskin arched an eyebrow and stood straight, “So as far as I am concerned you have to fulfill your part of the deal as I fully intend to honour my parts.”

“That I do, dearie,” he said moving his face close to hers, their noses touched at the tip, “Tell me, dearie, why do I not repulse you?”

Nyssa stared straight into his mesmerising topaz reptilian eyes. The tension was palpable. Bizarrely Nyssa just wanted to laugh. “My father brought me up to view a stranger as a friend you have yet to meet,” she said calmly, “also to never allow appearances to affect your judgement. The best way to measure a man,” she touched his cheeks with both her hands and pulled his forehead down to touch hers, her mouth dried up, “is by his actions,” Rumpelstiltskin felt a charge rush through him as he could sense her need to be a woman instead of a girl. Realisation dawned on him that this beautiful; untested, young soul actually believed he was not a beast. So much like her - he wanted to grab Nyssa’s heart metaphorically and keep it for himself, “like you could have done any number of horrible things to me by now,” she gazed deeply into his eyes. “Like, imprison me. Beat me up for being beautiful. You could have turned me into a mechanical monster and made me forget who I really am,” with a sad sigh and another tear from her eyes which he caught on his finger, “But would you destroy an entire race?”

“Not without warning,” he whispered keeping his own hands to himself though he could easily hug her towards him, “I would at least save the women and children first.”

“Would you make me kill my best friend?”

“This Tea-Gan?”

“No, another friend,” Nyssa sighed sadly, “Would you take the form of a kind loving father and turn into a…” she could feel his eyes burning into hers: “Oh!” she said, “sorry you…”

“Do not fret, dearie,” he said as he moved away from her, “I let you see a touch. You will not find it so easy in the future.”

“You were a man once,” she said. “Inside of you that man still exists!”

“Possibly dearie, possibly!”

“The monster I was talking about killed my father completely,” Nyssa muttered. “You are not the Beast, He is!”

“What was his name?”

Shuddering Nyssa’s hands wrapped around his face as she hung her arms around his neck as it was her turn to cry on him - tenderly he leaned into her body and awkwardly wrapped his own arms around her waist: “I’m sorry, I did not mean to cry!” she wiped the tears, “I loved my world so much. My people.” her fingers were curled around the collars of his shirt. “My hopes and dreams. I miss the flowers, songs, dances,” the tears began coming thick and fast. He stood there, resting his chin on the top of her head. Tightly hugging her to his body. Allowing her own loss to be poured out: “My father called me Nyssie when I was a child. It was just us. My mother had died when I was very young,” her head was buried in the crook of his neck and she shivered out a contented sigh as his hands began rubbing up and down her back. “I’m really sorry,” she whispered. “I just need some more time.”

“We got all the time you need, dearie,” he whispered. “The offer is still open for sharing, you know?”

Laughing through her tears Nyssa reluctantly, and very slowly, parted from his embrace: “The answer is still no,” she brushed aside some of his crimped hair whilst he tenderly stroked down the side of her cheek following the tears, “I do not think I am good enough or perhaps in your terminology - bad enough - to be sharing a bed with you.”

Rumpelstiltskin sighed. So it was her own insecurities that made her say no, and not his twisted evil countenance. Crocodile someone called him once. What did Nyssa think of him? What had … No, he still could not think her name. The moment he had found out about her death - was the time he had felt as if his own heart was ripped out and squeezed to dust.

“Nyssa,” he mumbled, “I understand your reluctance but I would not share my bed with anyone. You are special, I only bring special people to my castle.” He glanced into a reflection on a mirror. Nyssa hung her head and blushed. “In fact,” he continued, “I have a strong suspicion that we shall be sharing before the end of this first night.” Smirking as he watched her cheeks glow. Not even remotely revulsed. Well, how about that? A real woman! “I have been called many things in my long life,” she tilted her head looking at him in puzzlement. “What would you call me, from my appearance?”

Chewing the inside of her cheeks Nyssa thought about it for awhile: “As I said,” she sighed, “appearances do not matter to me.”

“Just for fun, why do I not make you recoil?”

“Why should you? Look,” she grabbed his wrist, “you are not handsome that is true. You are not slimy in texture, or rough to touch. You are not unfeeling. For some reason you make me laugh,” Nyssa smiled, “even though you may cause terror in the hearts of many - you are still capable of great kindness,” she took his chin in her fingers and directed his gaze towards hers: “you may exact your price as you have and will from me but you are … Rumpelstiltskin.”

“What is that supposed to mean?”

“It means you are who you are and why should anyone change that?”

When it seemed he was not taking the message Nyssa swallowed down her nervousness and closed her eyes. Tiptoeing up she opened her eyes and bumped her lips on his, rushing her hands through his hair. Swift, tender and shyly Nyssa’s lips teased and massaged his. Breaking apart before it became too deep. “I hope that was clear,” she said awkwardly stepping away from him to sit on the bed due to her throbbing leg. “You are the first man I have kissed.”

Quikly he spun on his heel. Still the Beast. Not a True Love’s Kiss. For several moments Rumpelstiltskin stood with his back turned from her. Nyssa bit her lip worried if she had offended him. Agonisingly she waited whilst she watched him twiddling with his long thumbs behind his back. With a flourish he spun on his other heel: “Stand up!” he commanded. She did so! Without saying another word Rumpelstiltskin glanced her up and down. Eventually; he began muttering: “Yes,” he said placing his hands where her chest was, then lowering them to the curve of her waist, even feet apart the movements made Nyssa a little excited for what he was thinking, “Yes, the height,” he thought, “Just perfecting the mathematics in my mind.”

“What are you up to?” she asked.

Appearing not to hear her he continued to look her up and down. Once satisfied he winked: “A bit more magic, dearie!” he said. Turning on his heels like before, he urged her forward by curling his finger over his shoulder. Clumsily, Nyssa hobbled to his side. “Open the wardrobe door.”

Squaring her shoulders she opened all the wardrobe doors - empty. Shoe rack clean. The same with the drawers - lined but devoid of items. “It’s all right I am used to the clothes I am in now.”

“You can’t live forever in the same apperal,” he whispered. “Close them.” Nyssa did, “Now,” he walked to the left side of the wardrobe.

“I guess you wish me to open it again?”

“Let’s play - What’s In The Wardrobe - shall we?” laughing Nyssa nodded: “Three correct answers and you will see your prizes. All three in under ten minutes a bonus question will be asked for a secret prize!” Nyssa felt as if her ribs would crack from the pressure of holding in her vocal joy: “Do you understand the rules?” she nodded and tried to take this seriously but the laughter was threatening to break out, “Nyssa of Unknown Lands - What is the colour you are wearing?”

Smiling Nyssa shook her head: “Purple!” she responded giggling.

“Correct, you may now see your prize!”

Tutting, Nyssa opened the door only to find it was filled to the brim with all sorts of accessories. Gloves of many colours and shades; various fabrics and patterns. Belts, buckles, and fascinators. Scabbards for daggers and bigger ones for swords. Hats and many pairs of leather tight boots in different dark shades. Velvet jackets and coats hung from above. “Wow!” she breathed.

“For the second prize,” he walked to the right side of the wardrobe; holding her hand, “what was the name of the woman who you claim you can sense echoes of?”

Closing her eyes smiling with joy Rumpelstiltskin noted with quiet realisation that to lose this maiden fair would be stupid. He was not stupid. He was going to give her everything she wanted. That was within his power. Glowing cheeks with dimples deeply etched into her face, to see her happy was making him feel happy; Nyssa was enjoying this: “Tick tock,” he whispered darkly.

“BELLE!” she said. “Her name was Belle,” with a sigh Nyssa’s face fell: “and she lived up to it too. No wonder you could not resist.”

“Indeed,” he said, “but do not be so harsh on yourself,” Nyssa opened her eyes, “for your name is just as lovely and suits thee well!” Yorkshire now? “Nyssa of Unknown Lands!” Nyssa opened this door and it was filled with silken gowns, dazzling shoes. Lovely shawls and beautiful hats. “Like her you also deserve the best!”

“All this is produced by magic?” she asked.

“For the third prize,” he stood in front of the double doors and drawers: “the penultimate question in our little game;” Nyssa could not stop giggling. This was fun and she could not remember the last time she had laughed like this. If her father could do magic this is the sort of thing he would do. “Is it better to do what is ethically right even though it could be morally wrong?”

Nyssa frowned. The game had taken a different turn. Whatever she answered it could be wrong. Twisting her mind around this conundrum she sighed eventually and opened her eyes: “If it means that the ethically right decision saves lives and the morally right one would destroy them then I would choose ethics over morals.”

He grinned: “Correct,” he stepped aside and she opened the double doors wide and saw a cornucopia of attire. The drawers were filled with bone wired corsets of darkly gothic style. Leather trousers that matched the belts. Handkerchief style skirts. Velvet blouses. Lace blouses. Silk skirts. Reds, blacks, dark greens, purples. All lined up neatly. “Thank you!” she said.

“Now for our grand finale,” he tilted her chin up; he winked making her blush. “Do you believe in magic?”

“Yes,” Nyssa melted under his intensity she was tempted to kiss him again, “oh yes I do!”

“Turn around,” he whispered.

At the farthest end of the chamber stood a dresser with a mirror edged in black metal in heart design. Little pieces of silver jewellery hung on little curly spirals of the mirror. Powder compartments, lipsticks in real gold casings and a row of individual eyeshadows with the brushes to use with each colour. Makeup? She had not worn makeup since her father’s fateful wedding.

“Oh it’s wonderful …”

“Have fun playing dress up, dearie,” he smirked, “oh and,” he picked her up as if she nothing but a feather and cradled her in his arms. Gently, Rumpelstiltskin laid her on the bed. Hovering his hand over her wounds big and small a little purple shimmer hovered and she was instantly healed. The ankle had to be dealt with differently, he gazed up into her eyes: “Would you allow me to touch your ankle?” he asked. She nodded. Rolling her right trouser leg up he saw how swollen it was becoming. Removing her shoe and odd looking stocking, he massaged her foot in circles before determining where the break was; once he had he healed the slightly cracked ankle bone. “There good as new,” he grinned rubbing the exposed flesh noting she was no longer wincing, “no deal needed for that,” he sighed. Definitely not a beast, Nyssa sighed, in fact he is rather handsome when he is kind. “That was free!” Thoughtfully Rumpelstiltskin rolled down the trouser leg but took off her other shoe and stocking so she would feel more able to rest. “Tomorrow we have work to do.” A lavishly laid table stood in front of a fire. “Once you begin learning the craft you will be able to decorate as you please,” he said.

“But what if I cannot learn this craft?”

“I have been around for a very long time, Nyssa,” he sighed. “A very long time - I recognise those with talent and you are talent.”

“Does it make people evil, this power?” her voice was small and frightened.

Without providing a verbal reply he just stood there observing how vulnerable and young she actually was. Still powerful though, still with capability. No, this one was going to be kind still. This woman represented a second chance. Not for redemption - but for something else. He did not want her to become a monster. Belle would never allow it.  

Flicking his wrist Rumpelstiltskin produced a crystal bottle filled with light golden liquid with golden silk pump spray - a fine gold chain elongated the reach so Nyssa could feel elegant whilst at her toilette: “A perfume,” he said, “To give you that extra feminine nuance!” he placed it on the bed by her side, “of all your hopes and dreams are part of me now - by the time I am through with you,” he giggled his strange helium like laugh, “no one will be calling you just Nyssa anymore!”

With that he left her alone leaving a last minute gift of a pile of books by a newly appointed bedside table. Shrugging her shoulders Nyssa decided to make the best of it as she sat and ate the fine meal her new mentor had provided for her. His odd little laugh echoed down the hallways as she took in her new surroundings by herself.

♥♣♥♣♥♣♥♣

Rumpelstiltskin sat in his own lair and watched through his looking glass and the smile widened ever more when she began exploring all her new clothes and items. A click of his fingers; a hot steaming bath appeared by her windows and she swung around in case he was there.

Battling between the Beast and the Man he let the Man within win. A sigh and a smile he watched as far as her unbuttoning her tunic then he covered the mirror. The one he gave Nyssa was a non enchanted looking glass. There was need to protect her. Absolutely necessary to make sure the Queen did not see her. At least if Nyssa could perform magic, and he had no doubt in his mind she was going to fail him, then she could protect herself. Mind you she could fight without it. Just not against Regina.

“Sleep well my dear Lady,” he said sitting back in his chair. The chair creaked as he leaned into the curve of the seat. Pensively, Rumpelstiltskin steepled his fingers, resting his chin on the top point of the arch. Pursing his lips with thought. Yes, best just to make sure. He retrieved her contract and looked at the second section of the deal. “We are to be partners from now on.” With a flourish he hid the scroll once again, “and if those two goody goodies do seek that tricksy Blue Fairy for help,” he sneered, “I have your signature twice - and we all know what that means…”