The Best Tea Cup is Chipped Book 1

Advice

Belle was cleaning the Great Hall when the two great doors swung open to reveal Piper and Jefferson.

"Belle my dear girl!" exclaimed Jefferson dramatically striding forward and embracing her. Belle laughed and returned the hug.

"Hello Jefferson. It's been a while."

"Far too long," added Piper placing a hand on her shoulder. "How are you?"

"I'm quite well thank you."

"Now where has Lord Grumpypants gotten to?" asked Jefferson with a smirk. Belle covered her mouth with her hand to hide her smile.

"Don't let him hear you saying that!"

"Yes, I'd rather not have to convince him to change you back into a human from whatever invertebrate he'd decide to turn you into," snorted Piper dryly.

"Shall I go get tea?" asked Belle.

"No need for that dearie! We'll be leaving at once!" came Rumplestiltskin's voice from behind her. Belle and Jefferson jumped and Belle wacked Rumple with the dust rag.

"Stop doing that just because you CAN poof everywhere doesn't mean you need to. You have two perfectly good legs!"

"Yes but where's the fun in that?" he asked with a smirk.

"Best be careful Rum one of these days you might just give your dear caretaker a heart attack and then where would you be?"

"I did survive on my own for 300 years you know Pip." countered Rumple.

"Yes but once one get used to certain things they become much harder to do without?" the blond replied with a smirk.

"I assure you I haven't the faintest idea what you mean," scoffed Rumple. A little too quickly if Belle were honest. Truthfully the idea that perhaps he had grown to value her to the point where he would miss her pleased Belle.

"Well, I hope you three enjoy where ever it is you plan to go." she said beginning to head towards the doors.

"Where are you going Belle?" asked Rumple. Belle's brow furrowed.

"I presumed to do my chores."

"Those can wait. You'll be coming with us," he snapped his fingers and she found herself in her green cloak.

"I am?" gasped Belle.

"She is?" repeated Piper and Jefferson in surprise.

"Did you all suddenly lose the ability to hear?" asked Rumple irritated.

"No but you're being nice which is scary," answered Jefferson. Belle watched Rumplestiltskin roll his eyes.

"We're headed to Guilder there's a forest with some ingredients I need and an orchard just off the side of it. You and I shall collect the ingredients from the forest while Pip and Belle explore the orchard."

"Wait so I'm a glorified babysitter?" asked Piper. Belle was too excited about the prospect of another world to object.

"The last time Belle left the castle grounds she got kidnapped I'm not taking that chance in a different realm." Snapped Rumple.

"Well as long as you aren't planning on going into the Fire Swamp it sounds delightful." said Jefferson. Rumple scoffed.

"Please, if I wanted to send you to get something from the Fire Swamp I would NOT be joining you."

"Well then, shall we go?" asked Belle unable to hide her excitement. Jefferson shot her a grin.

"In a moment. There's one rule you must remember about the hat. The same number that go in must come out." Belle nodded in understanding. Jefferson stepped forward with his top had and set it on its head then with both hands spun in round. The hat swiftly picked up speed the brim widening into a swirling grey vortex and a wind whipping up.