"So you tried to steal from the dark one."

Regina glanced down at the man now more wood then anything as he closed his eyes exasperated and nodded. They had taken to hiding out in the caravan he had found in the woods. Over the course of the past week their presence within the small town had garnered more than a fair share of attention and it was more than they could take.

Not because she hated most people that tended to cross her way and he had a funny way of rubbing them up so much they wanted to punch him… or was that her? She could never really tell as that was pretty much the staple of her life since she had met him.

Either way they didn't like it, and so had on finding the abandoned vehicle it made the perfect hideaway, it also served as a solace as they needed to still plan and talk without anyone hearing them. Neither of them had gotten very far in the way of their goals, much to her displeasure, and now with the fact he had just pissed off the most influential person in the town… they needed to hide.

Well she didn't. But for peace of mind and the fact she didn't fancy being his next target should he decide to move on to his travelling companion, she had retreated with the puppet as they now hid in the woods surrounding.

"I did,"

She tilted her head; at least he was smart enough to admit to his gross judgements in error as she took in his defeated form. He did make for a pitiful sight. Slumped upon the small couch, his entire lower body now fully wooden, she didn't know when it was that she had come to feel the slightest bit sorry for him.

It might have been the times she left him in situations that had at most often, near resulted in a prison stay, she wasn't as completely arrogant as to deny culpability for what she had admittedly saw as her own doings… but the way she saw it, they were like life lessons.

She had been seen all sorts in her twenty eight year tenure on the outside world to know enough about avoid bringing attention to oneself, her senses… albeit far greater than the rest and certainly that of the block sitting in front of her, it afforded her the ability to be able to go about in most cases relatively unseen.

It had been her routine all those years and it was something she had perfected. Of course when he came along things had to change, something she could do… not to say she liked it but she could do it, and she had thought the same of him at a time.

After all, he had just as much time on the outside as she and given his skills and what he had told her during his time's moving from place to place. She had assumed he just as masterful in the art of inconspicuousness, a true talent to the craft.

But after the second detainment due to his near constant affliction of looking both like a homicidal psychopath and a nervous bomber, she had to think that maybe she assumed too much of his stories and that he too had put too much stock into his own confidence.

If she had known that then she would never have tried to sneak those brownies she bought in Amsterdam during a layover, never mind putting them in his bag since it had more clothes.

Well live and learn.

It was that she had deicide to give him some sort of pity and so when she had heard about his plan and how bad it had gone, she had helped him when she had found him in the park unable to move from the bench he was sitting on, in all honesty she was surprised he was still breathing.

Being out in the open and so soon after trying to pull a fast one of the strongest magic user in the realms… if what she hard was right, then she would have been sure that he would be out for revenge at nearly being duped.

But never say never… there was that saying after all of having a false sense of security, maybe he was waiting for that, he must have known by now about his condition and so probably thought him not worth going after right away. If that was the case then she would rather it be him than her.

In fairness she had actually never heard of this Dark one… not until he had gaped at her stupidly before closing his mouth after she tried to shove pebble down his throat. On getting annoyed with his repeated questions of how she could not know about such a person pissed her off so much that she threatened to push him on the tracks of the train they were traveling on.

But once he got over his bout of stupidity long enough to form words. He then told her the story that was the legend of the Dark one; a truly vile person who dedicated their lives solely to the practise and mastery of all things pertaining to black magic. One who could live for centuries, as the current dark one had done and whose reputation –in whatever form, was instantly feared and regaled in all the realms.

A true embodiment of evil with no sign of redemption for the soul he had told her, she had sat there for the longest time listening to him as he spoke.

Actually listened, not facing him and sounding out his words like she normally did, for once in his life he had told a story worthy of her attention and it had her both curious and fascinated.

Also puzzled, as again from what she heard – this dark one… the latest one, had hailed from the good old land they did, so how was it she had never heard of him before? How had it gone unnoticed that someone so powerful and fear mongering as the literal source of all evil, and she had blissfully been ignorant to his presence.

It baffled her, and now on hearing more of this enigma had her in two minds. She wanted to go see him – to see the all-powerful and truly terrifying man who had tormented the land so with his wicked ways and acts of sins so bad, not even Lucifer would want him as a friend.

But that was where she was hesitant, the fact that he was so powerful and easily so… it had her innate preservation switch flicking at the mere mention of his name. Unlike some, whose skills sorely needed refining she knew her abilities, she was confident of her own powers and just how strong she was.

But the way he spoke of him being able to halt an entire army of thousands with one stroke and with the other, completely decimate them… that were something to pause at. Mal had taught her well, teaching her pretty much from the first spark that left her fingertips.

But she had neglected to mention this particular person and just how infallible he was, someone as worldly as her surely must have come across the man once or twice in her life. How the hell could she simply forget to say such a being existed?

It was another to the list she had to ask the blonde once she saw her and shook her head before moving to sit at the end of the couch. That was for later, now though they had a bigger and more imminent problem on their hands.

If he was indeed out for revenge on the simpleton at her side then soon enough, given his hold on the town. It would only be a matter of time before he tracked them to here, the fact that they had yet to actually break the curse was giving them a headache, but it left them in a messier spot.

Without her powers there was no way she would be able to defend them. Sure she had her strength as a backup, but she didn't want to risk getting thrown in jail for something as common as assault, back in the other land it was no problem, punch a person and be on your way long before they came round to report you.

Even if they did, the lack of authority made the effort null and there was just no chance of getting justice. Here though… there was Emma Swan.

Another problem of theirs… well - hers if he was getting technical. Since the moment she had interacted unknowingly with the younger woman, it had brought them to her attention and like a dog with a bone, of Swan with a piece of bread – he didn't appreciate her joke, she had gone around asking about them just like he said she would.

It was also another of the reasons they had taken to hiding in the woods. Avoiding the blonde was hard when she was practically everywhere, trying to fend off a small boy who had the same traits as the overbearing blonde just sneaker, made it impossible for them to go around normally.

Twice he had snuck up and got the drop on her – twice, and she was left feeling annoyed at each one. How can someone so dam infuriating get that close to her without her noticing? She suspected his midget like status to help, but it didn't overlook the fact that now they had both of them on their backs.

She leant back against the seat and sighed. Whatever happened to good old espionage, the days when people could creep around looking nefarious and up to no good without actually being judged for it? She blamed the neighbourhood watches that had been set up.

"So what now." She asked no one really, more of an out loud thought as he shifted the best he could at her side before shrugging.

"Nothing… for now, we wait."

Picking the bit of sofa fluff from the hole in the side, she scoffed and rolled her eyes. Just what she wanted to do, before chucking it to the floor in distaste.

"Fantastic."

A little while later after they had talked, August making sure that even in spite of the fact that Emma knew about them being in town, he didn't want any more altercations with her until the time was right. Something Regina still didn't know why but wasn't going to pain herself working out, if he wanted them to stay away from the ugly duckling then who was she to argue with his logic.

It was around ten when she stood up – the day had been long and so moved over to the small door as he watched her go, another thing they had agreed upon was that he was to stay in the caravan from now on. Her pissing of Emma was nothing compared to pissing of Gold and so knowing that she had a better chance of moving around, he had grudgingly given up the last secret he held.

So with the book firmly in hand and keys in the other, she turned to him as he sat on the sofa – legs as unmovable as the dirt etched into the table as he gave her a small smile and nod of his head.

"I know you don't like her, but please… if not for me then for Mal, when the curse is broke it will be easier to find her." She didn't reply to his words, simply looked at him on hearing his plea. Of course it would be easier once magic returned… both her the blonde and for her, but with all that had gone on and the fact he was steadily getting worse, she knew that she had to finish off his little task and so smiled once before turning and leaving him alone.

She got back into town quicker due to the lack of traffic, but as she made her way to the diners' door, there was hardly ever any traffic during the day, which painted a sad picture of just how small this town really was… and she still could not find Maleficent at all.

But her wallowing over her failure could wait until the morning… or when she found a suitable place to get drunk. She slipped inside the building to see it dark, before going to move to the stairs when bustling had her turning to see the side door opening, and Ruby stepping out.

It had been expected that Ruby would be at the diner. What with Granny owning it and all, but it still came as a shock to finally see her coming through the entrance. She looked…

Still like her Ruby, only different. Which was an understatement, but true, she was Ruby – with her love of all things red, even having it poured into her hair which made her smile. But as she looked closer at her… observing from afar – she realized that her personality was vastly different from the brunette she knew in the forest.

It was like her wolf was out… but in human form, in this form – the one standing in front of her serving customers. Finally being able to run and play and do everything that it couldn't once back in its mortal cage. She knew that wolf very well and so seeing it act so vicariously through its avatar of sorts… it reminded her of the old times.

Of course when she spoke to her, the reality came crashing back down around her as her once best friend greeted her warmly, asking how she was liking her stay and welcoming her to town before moving on to the next patron was like a slap in the face to her, and she for one moment, had the wind knocked from her lungs.

It was then she decided to avoid the wolf woman as much as she could. Unlike Emma who she really didn't like, it wasn't a matter of hating ruby as she never could, but seeing her look at her smiling like she used to, but not knowing her was hard and so to save herself the bitterness she made it a mission to not be in the same room.

"You're late." She turned to find the taller woman staring at her; Regina said nothing as she moved to the nearest table. "Granny was about to lock the doors… said something about if you couldn't come in at the right time, then you could sleep outside like a dog."

Unable to stop the smile from crossing her lips at the older woman's words. Regina tilted her head lightly, before replying. "I know… I apologize; I had things to do and didn't realize how long they would take."

Ruby stood tall at her response, turning to look at her as they fell quiet again allowing the wolf woman to get a proper look at the illusive quest who always vanished without word or warning. She had been curious about the new lodger, and only found out curtesy of Granny who yelled at her when walking through the door about how she found better help and she didn't even have to pay.

From that moment on she wondered who the woman was, but try as she might, could never get her to stay in one place long enough to have a conversation. She was like a bloody shadow, the fact that she disappeared in the early morning and came back late only added to her curiosity.

In fact this was the most she had ever heard her speak and so was a little startled, but she held herself well. Living years with a cantankerous older woman had allowed her to perfect her masking skills to a pro level and so instead pursed her lips.

"Well it's a good thing I said I would clean up tonight; otherwise you would have been out on your ear." She cringed a little before getting back to her sweeping, Regina glanced at her and not being able to help herself despite her own inner voice saying she needed sleep, she moved over to sit at the empty table.

"You sound like you speak from experience."

She lifted her head to see the slightly amused smile adoring her face and sighed before nodding. "A couple, at first I didn't believe her, thinking that maybe she only said it to get me in quicker… until I realized she was telling the truth on finding the door locked."

Regina laughed lightly making the other woman smile, as she stopped her cleaning and moved over to take the seat across from her; she studied the newcomer carefully, her eyes gazing over her appearance before speaking.

"You know, I think this is the first time I've ever seen you in one place for more than five minutes." She watched the smile fall slightly as Regina lowered her head a little to look at her, none of them said anything as she thought back the urge of guilt before replying.

"I never realized just how much my company was desired." Her tone was teasing as her eyes cut back to the brunette who stared at her blankly for a second before grinning and nodding.

"Are you kidding? A newcomer in town? Your like the shiny new toy everyone wants to look at," Her words caused the raven haired woman to inwardly grimace. She had come to see just how much of Podunk type of town this place already was, its people were enough to drive her nuts and she had never liked most people in the beginning.

Now to have it confirmed that not only was this place filled with idiots she didn't deign worthy to look at… unless it was to point just how much of a simpleton they were, or to outright scorn altogether, now it hit home at just how sad they truly were if her arrival was fascinating enough to be front page news.

God she really hated this place.

Red laughed at seeing the look of discomfort on her face. Clearly she hadn't done enough to hide her emotions from the taller woman, though with Ruby she never could.

"If it helps, I don't think everyone is your fan." That had her brow arching. "Oh?"

"Yep – Emma seems to think your arrogant." That had her laughing louder; of course she would… though they hadn't interacted since that day by the bench. The other woman had it seemed taken her words to heart and the fact that she made it impossible for the blonde to actually find her most times, made her suspicious.

"Well arrogance would recognize its own. Hasn't anyone ever told her that she herself is far from humble…" Ruby frowned at her,

"What do you mean?" She held up her hand as she stood, Regina watched her as she moved to the bar and after some searching, pulled out a bottle of whiskey. She returned with two tumblers smiling as she paced in in the middle.

"If we're going to be bitching, might as well make a night of it." Once the glass had been filled she pushed one over to the other woman who nodded her thanks before sitting back.

"So what do you mean about Emma."

"Surely you must have seen how obnoxiously self-centred she can be," The question wasn't really one to be answered but it had her thinking anyway leaving the other woman to carry one speaking.

"She might not have been able to find my whereabouts these past few days, something intentional, but I have seen her plenty. She has an air about her that screams cockiness… an entitled sense of conceitedness, as I've said it doesn't look well on her and the fact that everyone seems to just go along with it… almost like she is something, it just seems to inflate that undeserved ego of hers."

Ruby stayed silent after her little tirade. She had known that Emma didn't care so much for the newcomer, but wow… it seemed that Regina hated the blonde. She sipped her drink musing on her words. She hadn't ever really taken much stock of how the sheriff acted.

But as if a light had been shone down and a film played back, she could now see the behaviour of the blonde in more detail. She had to admit, it was exactly like Regina had said. The way she held herself and walked – it was almost as if.

"She thinks herself superior… but acts on it with humility." She didn't know she spoke out loud until a pleased hum of confirmation and the smirk she saw had her smiling sheepish.

"Relax – it's not like I'm going to tell her what you say, I doubt I can be in the same room without my tongue slipping something unsavoury… besides, the limited number of people seemingly interesting enough to befriend in this place, the sheriff seems your only option… but even then I can't imagine how much fun she can be given her profession."

She felt like she should say something to defend her friend, as right as Regina had been in saying the amount of people her age were lacking. Emma could be cool in her own ways… but she didn't know – there was something about her that didn't seem to connect with her.

Like a part of her that was missing something, something that the blonde could not fill and she didn't know whether it was the drink making itself known. But as she sat across the other woman, that side of her was slowly receding.

They sat in the dark and drank until the bottle was gone. She knew that Granny would kill her for finishing off the entire lot but she found that she didn't care for once. As they dragged themselves from the table and Regina helped her tidy what was left of the tables waving off her protests she found it was worth it, for now she could say she had a new friend and the thought excited her.