Moonlit Dreams || CLOSED

[REGINA MILLS]

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Regina decided to leave both Tony and Diana behind, because she felt that they would weigh her
down and distract her from her goal. Honestly, she didn't care that neither of them knew
where they were. But what matters is that she'd try to find Henry, where ever he was. She wasn't worried
about the others she left Storybrooke with. She couldn't care less. After all, she was much better off
without them. If she wanted to get her son back, she would gladly do it her way. So she knew the best
way to do that, was to go off alone.

She had reason to believe that the wave that crashed aboard the Jolly Roger had sent her completely
off course, and landed her in another world. The wave was enough to destroy the ship, and since the
island and the waters around it was fuelled by magic, it made sense. Things went utterly haywire when
she decided to disable the corrupted Mermaid aboard the ship, which caused the tsunami to happen in the
first place. Hell, she didn't know that would happen. But why Regina was the only one to be whisked away
from Neverland, was beyond her knowledge.

She stumbled through the eerie forest, allowing her heeled boots to crush the dried leaves and
branches in her path. Stealth wasn't exactly her strong suit, but she was determined to find her way away
from the Forest that surrounded her. A frosty breeze blew through the Forest, which caused a shiver
down her spine. Tugging her jacket closer to her, she folded her arms over her chest, and continued forward.
She really did not know where the hell she was going.

But as the faint light of the day grew more dull, the stars began to shone way above her head, while the
moon emanated with a pale misty light. The Forest itself was strange, and yet wondrous. Fireflies began to
appear amongst the golden flowers at the base of the trees, and yet they seem to glow. It was actually
quite a beautiful sight, and several times Regina would stop and admire them. Definitely nothing she had
seen before. As much as she wanted to stay, she kept pushing forward until she found a clearing.

Finally. She was out of the forest.

She found herself standing besides a small cliff edge, but a faint path was sighted to her right, which led
down a rocky hill. Below the cliff, Regina would make out a small building. However, there was no one
in sight. She took the opportunity to glance upwards, admiring the darkness of the sky now littered with the
glittering orbs of stars. There was a thin blanket of clouds, which distorted the view of not one, but two
moons. One was giant scarlet in appearance, and other one much smaller, was a mixture of violet and silver.
Almost like two large marbles in the sky. It was a gorgeous sight to behold, which caused Regina to marvel
at the mysteries this new world beheld.

Without hesitating, Regina made her way down the path. She needed to at least take shelter for the night.
If only she knew where she was, otherwise she'd be better prepared for what lurked in the night. And she
really didn't want to stick around to find out.

Once Regina reached the end of the path leading to the building, she got a closer look. They were stables.
To some level, Regina was relieved. Quietly, she circled the building in case there was anyone present,
and made her way directly to the stables itself. It was connected to a small cottage, in which she noticed a
dull light inside. Someone was definitely home, so she was sure to avoid it when necessary.

It was quite an old looking stable. The wooden exterior seemed to fray at the edges, like it had been
battered by a storm recently. Quietly, she stepped through the open doorway, which stood slightly ajar.
Her hazel eyes scanned the darkness, in which she discovered three horses in their separate enclosures.
No one else was present, much to her relief.

She had a real fondness for horses. She practically grew up riding with them, until her dear fiancé
was murdered within the stable of her family home. Only since, she had only ridden horses for war
when her mind was clouded with hatred and vengeance. Now she had the sudden urge to ride again.
She missed galloping in the open fields, feeling as wild and free as the horse itself. She missed those
moments. Especially when her dear Daniel was by her side.

She glanced sadly at one of the horses. A silver mare. Their eyes met, and a softness enveloped
Regina's stern features, as she walked closer. Regina reached carefully towards it, and horse was still
and somewhat calm, allowing her run her fingers through it's silky mane. A small smile escaped the
Queen's lips, taking in that moment. She felt like a little girl again. But all innocence of her youth lost,
she now felt empty. Void of any emotion causing her to feel whole again.

But horses had always given her fond memories of Daniel. Her love. So being here filled her heart
with incredible pain.

Regina's eyes began to glisten within the pale moonlight of the open door, upon realising that she
really was lost and alone. The story of her life. She always ends up the same way. Then her face contorted
in sadness, as realisation hit, "I'm so sorry, Daniel."A lonely tear trailed down her cheek, as her voice
broke into a hoarse whisper, "I'm sorry I couldn't be the person you wanted me to be. I tried, and I
failed. I don't deserve your forgiveness, and I mostly certainly don't deserve to love again. It pains me
that I can't see you, especially when I need you the most. Everyday my heart aches, and it grows
more lonely with each passing day. I failed as your fiancé, and I failed as a mother. I don't
deserve to live."

Several more tears trailed down her cheek, as she bit back the urge to break down. Not here, not now. 

                       Henry needed her, and she had to remain strong. For him. He was all she truly had left. She
                    ran her fingers across the horses forehead, as the silence was hard to bear. With a last silent sob, she
                               tore away from the horse, and wandered to the cleanest empty enclosure hidden in the
                                                                                  darkest corner of the stables.

                                Finding herself suddenly exhausted, she collapsed to the side amongst the fresh hay,
                                                                                        and fell straight to sleep.