Forest of Fireflies

Prologue Part 3

The night had been very long but it was full of joy and festivity for Snow. It was only until an hour or so after her normal bedtime did the princess become tired. Everyone at the birthday ball said 'good night' to the young girl as Joanna led her back up to her chambers. Snow couldn't remember much of what exactly happened when the servants were preparing her for bed. She was too tired and immediately fell back onto the soft white sheets of her bed. After everyone had left the room and Snow was left alone, she was about to go off into a deep sleep when she heard a small giggle. Joanna? There was no response. Heart beating quickly, the young princess drew the sheets tight around her body and reached out for the candle on her bedside table. She held the light out in front of her and moved it around, checking if anyone was there. Cautiously, Snow set the candle back down and slid under the covers. She gripped on tighter to her teddy bear than usual.

Just before closing her eyes, Snow hear another giggle. Before she could scream however, a soft playful voice said, "oh, no need to worry Princess. I've just come to give you a birthday gift".

Snow peeked over the covers and she saw a strange man sitting on her armchair by the fireside. She had never seen a man like that before. His skin was green and weirdly glittery under the curly rough locks of hair that rested a little over his ears. The man was wearing a tight reptilian-like suit that seemed to compliment his small slit of a smile. "Who are you, Sir...."

"Who I am does not matter dearie...Now, would you like to receive a birthday gift?", the strange man asked as he immediately changed the subject.

Snow was a little sceptical of this stranger but she answer anyways, "Why, thank you".

The young princess didn't know that she was talking to Rumplestiltskin, or the fact that what he was about to do would change the course of the future. Rumple held a small box out towards Snow who plucked it carefully from his hands. She smiled and began to unwrap the beautifully wrapped gift. She pushed past the tissue paper inside the box and it revealed a small porcelain doll of a young toddler girl. "Thank you....Sir, I think this sort of looks like my sister!" Snow exclaimed.

Rumplestiltskin simply smiled and answered with a sly smile, "It's your birthday today! It's nice getting all the attention, right? Well, its a pity that in a few years time the Kingdom would have to celebrate the birthdays of two princesses in one year. Your birthday wouldn't be so special anymore would it?"

Snow frowned and answered, "You mean my sister, Daniella? I don't understand what you're saying, Sir."

"Oh, its just a little thought. Never mind about it...."

Snow was confused but she spoke, "Well, I certainly don't mind sharing anything with my sister! I do hope that I'm allowed to play with her more often though. I don't know why but Regina doesn't seem to want me to play with Danni. Whenever I play with my sister, I feel like she is glaring at me. Its a little scary. I don't think she knows that I realise those glares though. When I look up, her face changes again. Its happier but in a strange fake way. Sorry Sir, am I bothering you?"

"Not at all Princess..." the imp smiled manically. He was getting excited as he spoke again, "I do believe that Regina is just a mother being protective of her only child. I suppose I understand her situation though, Daniella really only has Regina doesn't she?..."

Snow breathed out, "Excuse me? I'm her sister! Well half sister technically but father will be there for Danni too..."

Rumplestiltskin knew he had planted a worrisome thought within Snow. The girl was clearly confused. Thats when he took his cue and waved his hands around his body. In a puff of red smoke, he was gone. The princess being unsure what to do, let out a shrill shout. A few minutes after the guards rushed in, Leopold ran towards his daughter's side.