#So she can have both Flower Hill and Weasel Unit parents which is why the weasel unit assumes she is one of them

[ceiling-karasu]

I think reading a few stories from the classmates' perspective would be a really good idea to help set the tone of the story or fill out the AU! I would love to see things from everyone else's perspectives as well.

Which means I should probably write something from Nayeon and Tokgasi's perspectives on how they see Jollin, because I think I have the same problem of just one perspective. Still better than the dark and depressing atmosphere of Lily Bell, though, even despite the attempts at humor.

Also, off the top of my head, I don't remember if you mentioned this, but where do they all stay? If the hedgehog kids are going to a school, and it is acknowledged that they will be funneled straight into conscription, then would they live with families (or whatever small shed/apartment Dalnim is allowed to stay in. You seem to be drawing him ‘clean’ so to speak, so he is able to follow some grooming habits if he isn’t bathing in the school sink? If he wa dirty I think you would show that) or would it make sense for them to start living in dorms/barracks on the school campus after a certain age?

Which is just something I've been thinking about for my own AUs with hedgehogs. With one AU I have them living with families until conscription, but another I'm thinking the kids can live in dorms/barracks after a certain age beforehand. The tone is bleaker in the latter but there's a later reason for that.

And what are they all eating and in what amounts? Although that might be getting too detailed lol.

I think I can remake the drafts if I can find graph paper again. I think half the issue is I think I need to work on layers more, because I think that could help me figure out the basement cellar, main floor, and attic in proportion to each other. Or I could just do it separately. Either way, I have a few dozen house layout schematics saved that i found online for reference.

Also, turns out villas don't have to be exactly proportional anyway. I was worried about the outhouse style bathroom being at the end of a random hallway, but it turns out villas specifically can just be like that, all sprawled out. I just have to make the furrows connect to the kitchen properly. Not sure if I should include the secret passageways and furrows in the schematics, though.

I'm sorry to hear about your grandfather's passing! I did not really know mine either, sadly enough.

I haven't fully fleshed out the reason the grandfather hasn't brought up Jollin being a scout to Nayeon yet. I'm thinking that no one wants to break her heart (not in the romantic sense) by telling her that the new neighbor squirrel is really an enemy scout, because she gives off a pure air of innocence that is no longer widely found among youngsters her age in Flower Hill, and no one wants to lose that. If she finds out that Jollin is the enemy, she might snap into a more serious mode and start distrusting everyone.

The reason might be more that if she doesn't know, then Jollin might see her as not a threat and let his guard down, and then she tells things to her grandfather. So yeah, the whole, keeping an eye on him thing, but perhaps in a roundabout way.

Especially since Nayeon essentially means 'Cute Bunny' in some Korean slang, but elegant/beautiful destiny in other ideas, and it is really a good descriptor name for her. I think I kind of gave up on trying Hangul for her name, since everything about how dormice are named has French origins anyway (barring Romans thinking of them as a delicacy). Although I worry that 'cute bunny' actually comes from Korean idols named Nayeon that fans claim look like bunnies.

Something I did while I was waiting for class.

I don’t know if she would be a new character of mine. But if she was, she would be working as an archivist or doing something based around culture. Idk. She isn’t a character I would place in OFP since she wouldn’t be a solider. She would have been exempted.

The quality came out a bit wonky

[swanqueeneverafter]

The Once & Future Queen Pt.30

Camelot. (Guinevere, Lancelot, Merlin and the Knights ride out of Camelot toward an unspecified destination. Over hill, through valley and beyond, they come upon a cliff overlooking the Impenetrable Forest.) Lancelot: “Where now?” Merlin: “Through the Impenetrable Forest.” Gwaine: “But it’s. . .” Elyan: “Impenetrable.” Gwaine: “We can’t possibly get through there?” Merlin: “We must.” The Impenetrable Forest. (The group make their way slowly through the forest, cutting away at the branches in their path. Gwaine manages to rip his cloak on the thorns, leaving a piece of it behind. Everyone stares at him while he frantically thrashes around in an attempt to free himself.) Gwaine: (Composing himself:) “Keep going.” (Everyone smiles and continues on through the forest.) Meanwhile, In Another Forest. (While Morgana rides, she drags a bound Anastasia by the hands behind her horse. Breathing heavily, Anastasia collapses onto the forest floor. Dismounting, Morgana walks over and offers Anastasia a drink from a canteen.) Morgana: “Here.” (Anastasia glances at the canteen but does not accept it.) Anastasia: “I don’t want anything from you.” Morgana: “Drink it. You may need it.” Anastasia: “Why?” Morgana: “I would not be in such a hurry to know.” (Morgana lifts her arm and pours all the water out of the canteen onto the ground. Remounting her horse, Morgana continues to drag Anastasia along on their journey.)

Arendelle. Forest. (After a quick trip across the sea, Regina and Emma have journeyed to Arendelle to seek advice from their friends.) Emma: "Are you sure Kristoff will be all right watching Maria by himself?" Anna: "Oh sure, he's very capable. Plus it'll help him get used to the idea of having a baby around." Emma: "Ohh, so you're feeling a little broody huh?" Anna: "Maybe... and besides, Maria will need some friends to play with someday." (As the foursome continue walking through the woods, the conversation turns to Elsa and Anna's childhood.) Regina: "So you were forced to hide your magic from others and made to keep away from your sister?" Elsa: "Yes and no. My parents knew of my powers from an early age and, while they may not have openly encouraged it, they were supportive. It was only after the accident with Anna that they became concerned." Anna: "An accident I still don't remember by the way." Elsa: "Well I do and my parents were right. I could've killed you, Anna. That's why I chose to lock myself away, for fear of hurting the people I love again." Emma: "I’ve been there. I know when my magic was out of control and accidentally struck Henry, all I wanted to do was keep as far away from people as possible." Regina: "Yes, but as you now know, that wasn't the answer. Your parents told you to conceal your magic because they didn't understand it, Elsa. That won't be the case for Maria. Whatever problems or accidents that occur, we'll be ready for." Elsa: "I hope you're right. I still shudder to think what would've happened if not for Grand Pabbie." Anna: "Speaking of which, we're almost there, come on." Valley of the Living Rock. (Eventually, they reach the valley and Anna calls out.) Anna: "Grand Pabbie, it's us." (Nothing happens for a moment as the four women stand around waiting and then a large boulder rolls towards them, revealing itself to be the leader of the trolls.) Grand Pabbie: "Oh, Anna, how wonderful to see you again. And I notice you've brought some new faces with you." Anna: (Smiles:) "Grand Pabbie, these are our friends Emma and Regina." Grand Pabbie: "Ah yes, the ones who united the realms and will one day do so again." (Regina and Emma look to each other confused by this statement.) Anna: "Grand Pabbie, they seek your help." Grand Pabbie: "Well I would be honoured to help you ladies." (Taking Emma's hand, Regina steps forward and gives a polite bow.) Regina: "We are the ones who are honoured, Grand Pabbie." Grand Pabbie: (Chuckles:) "It is remarkable how far you've come, Queen Regina. I can feel the lightness of your energy pouring out of you, matched only by that of your wife, Queen Emma." Emma: (Smiles:) "Well flattery will get you everywhere, but I'm no queen." Grand Pabbie: "Of course not, at least not yet. But enough of my musings, you came to me with questions?" Regina: "Yes. (Glances at Emma then back to him:) We wanted to ask for guidance in regards to our daughter." Grand Pabbie: "Oh yes, the miraculous child known as Maria. What is it you wish to know?" Emma: "Well, the thing is, we've only recently discovered that Maria possesses magic and we wondered what the future holds for her?" Grand Pabbie: "I see. Why is it so important for you to know?" Regina: "We realise she holds great power and we wanted to know if it was light or dark magic that she possesses." Grand Pabbie: (Chuckles:) "Well that is easy. There can be no doubt that Maria was born of both light and dark magic, just like the connection between you both feeds the strength of your combined powers. A power so great that it is unrivaled by everything that has come before it. However, if you wish for me to see into the child's future, I would have to be in her presence, but I urge you to let the future remain unwritten. I fear you humans put too much stock in prophesy and I do not desire to be responsible for another child's fate." Regina: (Sighs:) "Thank you, Grand Pabbie. I believe you're right. Knowing too much about the future can lead to terrible things." Grand Pabbie: "Wise words, Your Majesty. Is there anything else you wish to ask me?" Emma: "Actually... I was wondering if you could tell me more about what happened in Ingrid's past?" Regina: "Ingrid?" Emma: (Nods:) "Since she gave me back my memories and after everything we went through, I've always been curious to know just what happened to cause the Snow Queen so much pain." (Anna and Elsa step forward.) Elsa: "I think we'd both be curious to know too." Anna: "She was our aunt after all." Grand Pabbie: "Very well, that I can show you, but I give fair warning, it is not a happy tale. If you would all take each other's hand, we can begin." (Anna, Elsa, Emma and Regina all hold hands and at the moment Emma and Elsa take Grand Pabbie's, the vision of Ingrid's past plays out before their eyes.)

Arendelle. Past. (In the castle's garden, Ingrid sits clutching the urn and her new blue gloves.) The Duke: (Approaches:) “Ah, the Golden Crocus. A mysterious flower that blooms only for those who are willing to wait. I don't believe we've had the pleasure.” Ingrid: “Ingrid. (She curtseys:) You must be here for Helga. I'll go and fetch her for you.” The Duke: (Blocks her path and Ingrid drops her gloves:) “Yeah, I-I'd heard rumors of this mysterious third sister, but I had to see her for myself.” Ingrid: “Oh.” (Attempts to retrieve her gloves but the Duke advances on her.) The Duke: “The stories did not lie. You are more beautiful and intriguing than I could have ever imagined. Did I say that out loud? (Chuckles:) Of course I did. Oh, you are enchanting.” (He tries to kiss her.) Ingrid: “Oh, no. Don't do this.” The Duke: “Helga will never know.” Ingrid: “She loves you.” The Duke: “But it's you that I want, you mysterious flower... The Queen to be.” (He holds her.) Ingrid: “No, no, no, no, no, no! Get back!” (She pushes him away with her magic, sending him flying across the ground.) The Duke: “What dark sorcery is this? Stay away from me!” Ingrid: “Please, don't tell anyone. Please. This has to be our secret.” Helga: (Arriving:) “Ingrid. Ingrid, what's going on here?” The Duke: “Your sister started kissing me. She told me she loved me. And when I rebuffed her, she tried to kill me with... With her magic.” Ingrid: “No! Helga, no.” Helga: “Thank you, Duke.” Ingrid: “That is not...” Helga: “Thank you for showing me what a... Liar and a scoundrel you are, and for saving me the trouble of considering taking your worthless hand in marriage.” The Duke: “How dare you?” Helga: “We shall see to it that your diplomatic mission here is over. And we shall send you straight back to Weaselton.” The Duke: “It's pronounced ‘Wesel-ton.’ And I am its Duke, and I do not take orders from you. Believe me, when Arendelle learns the truth about her, they shall side with me.” Helga: “Ingrid is my sister, and I love her for who she is. And so shall everyone else.” The Duke: “Really? Is this why you hide her away from balls and royal dinners? Why no one has ever laid eyes on this freak?” Helga: “You are out of line, ‘Weasel-ton.’” The Duke: “Mock me all you want, but the people deserve to know what their future Queen is. Before I'm through, all of Arendelle will know your secret. And when they find out how dangerous your sister really is, you won't have to hide her any longer because they'll lock her up and throw away the key.” Helga: “Enough!” The Duke: “Because that is the only fate befitting a monster.” Ingrid: “Stop!” (Ingrid uses her power to hurt the Duke but Helga protects him and she is hit by her sisters magic.) Helga: “No!” Ingrid: “N-no! No! Helga! Helga, no. Helga.” Helga: “Ohh.” Ingrid: “Helga. Helga, hey. I'm so sorry. H-Helga... No. I... No! No! No! No! (Helga freezes to death:) What have I done?” (While the Duke runs for his life, Gerda arrives.) Gerda: “Ingrid? Ingrid, what happened? Where's Hel...” Ingrid: “I didn't mean to.” Gerda: “What did you do? What did you do?!” Ingrid: “I was trying to stop the Duke. It was an accident. You have to believe me.” Gerda: “You stay away from me. Stay!” Ingrid: “No! No. Please... Please, don't be afraid. We said that we would always be there for each other. We made a promise. I love you. Gerda, please, you have to help me. Take my hand. Please take my hand. You're all I have left.” Gerda: “Ingrid... You killed our sister. You're... You're a monster.” Ingrid: “No, G-Gerda, no. (Gerda takes the urn and traps Ingrid:) No! No!” The Dark Tower. Present. (Anastasia begins walking up a long flight of stairs with Morgana following her, holding a torch.) Morgana: “Keep moving.” Anastasia: “Where are you taking me?” Morgana: “You’ll find out.” (They climb the stairs all the way to the top of the tower. Morgana opens a door and Anastasia steps inside.) Anastasia: “What is this place?” Morgana: “Sleep well.” Anastasia: “Morgana. . .?” (Anastasia runs towards the door just as Morgana slams it shut, locking her inside. Anastasia turns and walks further into the room.) Forest. Recent Past. Night. (Guinevere walks alone in the forest, she passes by a tree and moments later Morgana steps out from it.) Morgana: “Guinevere.” Guinevere: (Stops, then slowly turns around:) “Thank you for meeting with me.” Morgana: “Your message was unexpected. After all these years, you still do intrigue me so, Guin.”

Guinevere: “After all we’ve shared, I’m glad I can still surprise you.” Morgana: “Indeed. And is that why you called me here, to lure me into a surprise attack?” Guinevere: “Would you still be here if you sensed any danger?” Morgana: “Then why am I here?” Guinevere: “I wanted to thank you.” Morgana: (Scoffs:) “For what?” Guinevere: “For sparing my life. You could have easily killed me back in those woods and yet you didn’t.” Morgana: “A rare oversight on my part.” Guinevere: “No, you knew what you were doing. In your own distinct way you chose to protect me. It was in that moment I knew the real Morgana was still in there somewhere.” Morgana: “You can’t possibly be this naive.” Guinevere: “You can protest all you like, but I know there’s good inside you, Morgana. That’s why I won’t stand by and watch you destroy yourself even further.” Morgana: “Merlin is the one destined to destroy me and yet you house him in the castle.” Guinevere: “I’m aware of the prophesy and I will do everything in my power to prevent that from happening.” Morgana: “Really. So is that why you wanted that sword from the Lady in the Lake?” Guinevere: “The sword is not meant for you.” Morgana: (Laughs:) “Oh no, of course not.” Guinevere: “I would never see harm come to you, Morgana, I swear it. I’ll prove it to you.” Morgana: “And how do you intend to do that?” Guinevere: “Lancelot rallies his men to find you, even as we speak. There is no place near that is safe for you right now.” Morgana: “I am aware of it. I have plans to travel far beyond Camelot’s reach.” Guinevere: “Regardless, it is only a matter of time before Lancelot and his men find you. And when the time comes, I shall send warning, giving you ample time to escape.” Morgana: “You would defy your beloved Lancelot to save my life?” Guinevere: “I owe you that much.” Morgana: (Chuckles:) “Oh Guin, such noble words. You’ll forgive me if I find them hard to believe.” (Guinevere gives her a look. A horses whinnies in the distance as a patrol approaches.) Guinevere: “Go!” (Guinevere pulls her hood up and runs off back towards the castle. Morgana calmly walks the other way. Gwaine arrives in the clearing, and spots the hooded figure running. Turning his horse, Gwaine heads the direction Guinevere went. As he passes, Morgana magically pulls Gwaine off his horse, sending him crashing the the forest floor and knocking him unconscious. Meanwhile,  Guinevere makes it out of the woods and straightens her cloak and walks back to the castle.) The Sacred Cave. Present. (Having navigated through the Impenetrable Forest, Lancelot and Guinevere enter a cave. Walking cautiously through the darkness, they turn as one at the sound of an aged woman’s voice.) Dochraid: “Who dares enter the sacred cave?” Guinevere: “We come to petition the Dochraid.” Dochraid: “Give me your hand. (Guinevere takes a step forward but is stopped by Lancelot who offers his own hand. The Dochraid takes it, sniffs it and pushes his hand away in disgust:) I smell the stench of enmity.” Guinevere: “We come in peace. In friendship.” Dochraid: “You are no friend of the Old Religion.”

Guinevere: “Great Dochraid, I am a friend of Morgana Pendragon.” Dochraid: “Silence! I know you, Guinevere. I will have no part in your plans.” Guinevere: “How do you know why I’ve come here?” Dochraid: “I am the Dochraid. The Earth speaks to me. You are not welcome here. Depart!” Guinevere: “Oh, I cannot do that. Not until I have what I came for.” Dochraid: “You dare challenge me, the ancient Dochraid? You? A puny Queen?” Lancelot: (Steps forward once more:) “And yet we will have what we came for.” Dochraid: “I am a creature of the Earth. You cannot kill me.” (Lancelot draws his sword and shows it to the Dochraid, who recoils in fear.) Lancelot: “This sword was forged in a dragon’s breath and it will do my bidding.” Dochraid: “You do not have the power to wield such a weapon.” (Lancelot swings the sword and slices the Dochraid’s arm. She cries out in pain and covers the wound with her hand.) Guinevere: “Please, we wish you no further harm, Dochraid. Tell me what I need to know.” Dochraid: “Your friend is doomed, Guinevere. Her spirit has been consumed by the Teine Diaga. Bound by the silver wheel for all eternity. Her body is nothing but an empty vessel filled by the will of another.” Guinevere: “By another? Do you mean Morgause?” Dochraid: “Regardless, Morgana has been set on a path to claim the throne of Camelot and will stop at nothing to achieve her goal.” Guinevere: “How do I break this spell?” Dochraid: “Only the greatest of sorcerers can attempt such a thing.” (Lancelot points the sword at the Dochraid again and she recoils in fear.) Lancelot: “Merlin, the greatest sorcerer who ever lived travels with us, he can break any spell. All we need to know is how?” Dochraid: “You must travel to the Cauldron of Arianrhod. There you will need all of your powers, for you must summon the White Goddess herself.” (Lancelot brings the sword closer to the Dochraid.) Lancelot: “And that is all?” Dochraid: “No. Morgana must enter the Cauldron. Its waters hold the Goddess’ power. Only their touch can heal her. Remember, Morgana must enter the water willingly. If she is tricked, forced or beguiled, she will fall into the abyss and be lost forever.” (Lancelot lowers his sword.) Guinevere: “Thank you, Great Dochraid. Thank you.” (Guinevere and Lancelot turn to leave the cave but the Dochraid uses her magic to throw a dagger at Lancelot’s back. Lancelot turns and uses his sword to block the blow, then using the blade to strike the Dochraid once more. She cries out in agony and crumples to the floor. Guinevere looks down at her for a moment before Lancelot takes her arm and leads them out of the cave.) The Dark Tower. (Anastasia is laying on the floor when liquid from a mandrake root above her drips onto her face. Anastasia sits up and sees mandrake roots all around her. A cacophony of shrieks and screams fills her ears. She crawls on the floor trying to distance herself somehow from the screaming when the door opens and Morgana walks in.) Morgana: “Come. . .let us have something to eat.” (Morgana leads Anastasia out of the room and she quickly follows.) Arendelle. Dining Room. (Returning to the palace, the foursome reunite with Kristoff and Maria. Taking a seat at the table, Emma speaks with Elsa while Regina allows Anna to spend some time with Maria.) Regina: "I hope she didn't give you any trouble?" Kristoff: "Nothing I couldn't handle. (When Anna looks to him eagerly:) Uh... but then you were only really gone for about an hour." Regina: (Smiles:) “Relax, Emma and I won't be leaving Maria here overnight anytime soon." Anna: "Oh but you will stay tonight, won't you?" Regina: "Well, we didn't want to impose..." Anna: "Nonsense. We have rooms for days, we'd love for you to stay over." (Regina looks over to Emma who nods.) Regina: "Then we'd be honoured." Lily: (Entering:) "That'll make a nice change." Elsa: (Rising from the table to welcome her:) "Lily!"

Lily: (To Regina:) "I mean it'll save you and Emma from having to find some random room where you can fu-" Elsa: (Wrapping her arms around Lily:) "What took you so long, I thought you were coming straight from work?" Lily: "I was, then as I was leaving I got a call about some disturbance." Regina: "A disturbance, in Storybrooke?" Lily: "I know, shocking right? It was at your vault in fact." Emma: (Joining them:) "The vault?" Lily: "Yeah, turns out it was nothing, just some false alarm." Regina: "Well that's a relief." Lily: "Yeah, but I'll tell ya, your sister has quite the attitude problem." Emma: "Zelena? What was she doing there?" Lily: "I don't know, but she accused me of trespassing before kicking me out." Emma: (Closes her eyes:) "As tactful as ever." Regina: "Thanks for checking it out, Sheriff." Lily: "Hey, not so loud, we don't want to jinx it." Emma: "Oh I have a feeling the job's as good as yours." Elsa: (Clasping her hands together, smiling:) "Well I'm starving, let's eat." (With a general murmur of approval, everyone takes their seats at the table.) The Dark Tower. (Sitting amongst the cobwebs, Morgana serves Anastasia some food at the large dining table.) Morgana: “Eat. Here. Food always makes me feel better. Would you prefer some chicken?. . .You must eat. You are fading away.” Anastasia: “I don’t know what cruel trick you are playing but I will not be broken by you.” Morgana: “I thought this would be nice. I know how lonely you must be. All by yourself in that room. At least you’re not shackled, there’s daylight, you can move, you can see. That’s a lot more than your sister was afforded in my hovel.” Anastasia: “You expect me to be grateful?” Morgana: “I too have suffered Anastasia. I spent years living in darkness. I would have sold my soul for someone to show me kindness such as this. Do you want me to take you back up there?” (Anastasia shakes her head and reaches out for a small bread roll. Watching her take a bite, Morgana smiles and pours the wine.)

The Impenetrable Forest. Night. (Guinevere, Lancelot and the knights are all sleeping in the forest while Merlin watches over them. Being immortal and with no need for sleep, Merlin continues his meditation. Opening his eyes, Merlin’s attention is drawn to something in the bushes. Glancing back at his sleeping companions, Merlin follows the fluttering sound through the woods. Only when he is out of sight from camp does the winged creature reveal herself to him.) Queen Mab: “Welcome to my realm, Merlin.” Merlin: “Who are you?” Queen Mab: “Why, I’m Queen Mab. I am the spirit of this place. And all the places that bring despair to men’s hearts. Few have ever seen me, Merlin, you should count yourself fortunate.” Merlin: “You... everything in this forest, it’s bewildering.” Queen Mab: “The forest is but one step on the journey.” Merlin: (Crouches down so that he is eye to eye with the forest spirit:) “How do we find a way out?” Queen Mab: “Oh powerful one... you should not have to ask. Left is right and right is left. And the way behind is the way ahead. It is simple.” Merlin: (Scoffs:) “Oh...simple.” Queen Mab: “You have a minds eye, Merlin. You must learn to trust in it. For far greater challenges lie ahead.” Merlin: “When we reach the Dark Tower?” Queen Mab: “If...” Merlin: “What do you mean?” Queen Mab: “You must beware Merlin, the tower is not a real place. It is the heart’s rest. The mind’s deepest fear. The stillness in a humming bird’s eye...” Merlin: “Stop, talking in riddles.” Queen Mab: “Then I shall speak in rhyme. Heed my words which you concern, for one of you will not return.” Merlin: “What do you mean? (Queen Mab chuckles gleefully. Merlin looks back towards camp:) Which one? (When he turns back, Queen Mab has disappeared. Hearing more rustling coming from his left, Merlin stands ready:) Show yourself.” (Much to his surprise, Merlin sees not a forest spirit but instead, with her bow in hand, Merida steps out of the darkness.) Arendelle. (Regretting her decision to stay in the dining room to talk with Lily while Regina put Maria to bed, Emma now finds herself lost and wandering the halls of the palace.) Emma: (Muttering to herself:) "This is god-damn ridiculous. (Knocks on a door and peers inside. Finding no one, she closes it and continues on:) Who needs a palace this big? (She tries another door with much the same result:) You would think one ball room would be sufficient for anyone's needs, but oh no, not here in Arendelle, they're just ball crazy apparently. Gotta have at least three ball rooms or the people might not take their Queen seriously. (Opens a door and closes it:) Balls. (Another door:) Balls. (Yet another door:) Balls. (No luck:) All right, deep breath Emma, you can do this. (She breathes deeply and slowly exhales before continuing her journey down the long hallway, passing several doors and pointing to each one as she goes:) Eeny, meeny, miny moe, Catch a tiger by the toe. If he hollers, let him go, Eeny, meeny, miny moe. Pig snout you're... (Coming to the last door on the left:) out! (Sighs:) Well, here goes nothing." (Emma approaches the door and knocks.) Regina: (From inside:) "Come in." Emma: (Greatly relieved, turns the handle and enters the room:) "You would have to choose the furthest room from..." (Emma stops in her tracks when she sees what awaits her. Wearing heels, stockings, suspenders and a bra, Regina stands leaning over the bed, casually reading a book.) Regina: (Looking up:) "Finally." Emma: "Regina, what-" Regina: (Stands up, stretching her back and giving Emma a luscious view of her curves:) "Well, as this is our first official evening spent in the palace, I thought I'd make it special. (Walking towards her:) Had I known you'd take this long talking shop with Lily, I may not have bothered." Emma: (Smiling at the vision before her:) "I'm sorry. This place is humongous and I just got lost. (While Regina walks around her to remove her jacket:) Can you ever forgive me?" Regina: "Hm. I don't know, you did keep me waiting an awfully long time. (Walks around to step before Emma, her arms folded and one foot tapping the floor as she playfully considers accepting Emma's apology:) Perhaps if you were naked I'd be more likely to forgive you?" Emma: (Counters:) "I think if we were both naked we'd each feel better about the whole situation." Regina: "I agree wholeheartedly." Emma: "And, seeing as you've got a head start, I think it only fair if you helped me out of my clothes?" Regina: (Smirks, her hands already unbuckling Emma's jeans:) "Sounds more than fair to me."