The Story of the Child

[unvarnished]

[August hasn't left his room since he woke up here. He's a little afraid to, truth be told. Afraid that if he takes his eyes off her, she'll be lost. She's so small, and as he speaks she makes happy noises, as if she enjoys the sound of his voice]

So... so these kids. They're only with us for a week, and then what? Do they have someone to look after them?

Comments

[cloaklikeblood]

[Child? Oh, dear. Ruby manages to sound merely concerned instead of slightly amused]

August, honey? You sound a little frazzled. Are you okay?

[unvarnished]

She's just a baby... There's got to be someone who's looking after her, right? [he sounds a little desperate here]

[cloaklikeblood]

[Her tone is soothing when she speaks]

I'm pretty sure the castle wouldn't allow a baby to be harmed. Remember on that ship they had the children in that enchanted sleep? I'm sure when the children disappear, they're taken to a place where they're well looked after and they're happy.

[unvarnished]

Yeah, I'm sure you're right. [this is not going to make him leave the room, though, or to let her leave his sight]

[cloaklikeblood]

Would you like some help?

[unvarnished]

[truthfully, he wants to put her on someone else and run. But he can't do that again; he won't let himself]

I need to look after her myself.

[cloaklikeblood]

Even first time parents need help every once in a while. How about I sit around and watch and give you pointers while you take care of her?

[willrememberthat]

I was wondering that, too...

[unvarnished]

... Okay.

[unvarnished]

I think I'd feel better if I knew for sure. She's so small...

[cloaklikeblood]

Give me directions and I'll be there as soon as I can. That reminds me, I also have another thing I need to discuss with you. About my furry little problem. When you're not so wrapped up in an adorable bundle of joy, of course.

[unvarnished]

[insert directions here] Thanks, Ruby.

[willrememberthat]

I think it's happened before, here. Maybe--I dunno...

[unvarnished]

I read about that. [still, he wants to be sure]

[cloaklikeblood]

No problem. Be there soon.

[She sets off, following the directions that he gave her. She wasn't in a hurry like she was with Emma because this wasn't exactly an emergency. That and she was still in a lot of pain from that little adventure. As a result, she's moving slightly slower than normal but she gets there and knocks on his door]

[willrememberthat]

I'm sure it's not anything bad.

[unvarnished]

[he opens the door, the baby cradled in one arm. She looks maybe a month or two old but already so much like her father: the same bright blue eyes, the tuft of ginger hair he had when he was a boy. The baby gurgles at Ruby, not sure what to make of this stranger]

She's saying "hello".

[unvarnished]

Better not be. She deserves to be loved. [anybody hurt his girl and they're gonna answer to him :| ]

[cloaklikeblood]

[Ruby smiles the moment she sees the baby, eyes lighting up in delight at the adorableness]

Well, hello there, lovely. My name's Ruby.


[She looks over at August]

What's her name?

[unvarnished]

Aspen. [he named her after a tree. Don't judge him :| ] Aspen Elizabeth Booth.

[willrememberthat]

All babies do.

[cloaklikeblood]

[Ruby can't really judge, after all. She's named after a sparkly rock and her nickname in the Enchanted Forest came from a piece of clothing]

Aspen Elizabeth is a lovely name.

[Her gaze shifts to the little girl and she smiles again]

Don't you think so, Aspen?

[unvarnished]

True... All babies deserve that.

[willrememberthat]

What's her name?

[ensorceler]

They must be nothing more than magical constructs. I would assume they merely disappear just as other creations in this castle do.