amicustenebris | Labyrinthium Inbox

Loki had been dealing with no end of distractions, including the upheaval Somnius was going through with Wonderland's invasion of sorts. But he hadn't forgotten a challenge he'd been given, and he was eager now to see if he'd met it. He was certain he had, but still--the only way to know for sure was to go to the source.

So it was during a slow shift at Clotilda's, although he wouldn't bother Gold too much if the man were busy. "You'll have to forgive me delay in coming to you with an answer to your challenge. There has been much going on, and I'm not exactly familiar with the children's stories of Midgard, Mr. Stiltzkin." Loki said in soft conversation.

Gold, if anyone looked for him, was noticeably scarce during the Wonderland debacle. Warned ahead of time that such anomalies were not permanent, and knowing that particular location's...eccentricities (and unwilling to see who held the throne of Queen of Hearts in this particular incarnation), lying low and avoiding as much strangeness as possible had been his main plan of attack. Once he was able to return to work, that was precisely what he did, and if you were to judge based on how he behaved, he had been going about his routine uninterrupted the entire time.

Loki caught him in the back when there was spinning to be done. A menial task for most but it freed up the proprietess' hands for other dealings to have someone that could take to it so well (even if he was very much bigger than the wheel she used). Until he had saved up enough shards to have his own crafted, he could make due, and his hands were no less smooth in their movements as he worked. It was clear he was very much in his own world when he did this, serene even, but not so zoned out that someone speaking to him was going to be taken as a rude interruption.

A small smile touched the corners of his lips. He did press the challenge knowing Loki would be smart enough to figure it out, after all.

But he didn't immediately let him have it.

"That is not a surname so most definitely not the correct answer."

At last his gaze cut upward to meet his.

"But I would have wondered if you had taken longer."

"I mean, I was attempting to be polite and not use the full one. I also can't exactly describe you as having a rumpled style. You're very well dressed and that's something I do appreciate." Loki replied with a grin. He did appreciate the challenge still. "Knowing this about you, I suspect if you don't have to make a deal to do so, you'll make Clotilda very happy with an exclusive product."

He did appreciate his conversations with the man though, and when their shifts crossed in the shop as well. Both were professional, and Gold had likely caught Loki at work. Either as model helping hawk some products for their proprietess, or more often as sales person. With that silver tongue and charm on full display, but using it to help people find clothing that suit them and made them happy.

"When I have it to trade, at any rate." No sense being boy about that, though he knew what Loki was referring to. "That's a deal in itself; it need not always be complicated." It would be interesting to be in a setting where the gold itself could not be used as currency, if he could ever get it to work again.

Had he perhaps tried once or twice at the wheel since getting here?

It had to be similar to the magic gifted him when he gained the ability to transform. Changing himself and changing something else were merely a difference in target. He would simply have to keep practicing until he better understood the feel of that particular spell.

Surely that was the key to finding his way back to that particular talent.

"And we cannot all charm the customers as you do."

Not that he was unpleasant to anyone, or had failed to demonstrate his own flair when tailoring. But what others might view as charming on his part he just took for professionalism.

Chalk that up to a lifetime of being appreciated for your craft, while being simultaneously disliked and eschewed. You got used to the necessity of your abilities being what bought you a modicum of civility from people.

"Perhaps that's what I'll trade with then, if I need to. My charm at your service." Loki said with a chuckle. "I'm glad you've been settling in well though, at least hear. How is the rest of it going?" He was honestly curious too, as Mister Gold was an interesting being. They spoke a similar language and could find common ground.

"Tempting," Gold quipped. His eyes were once again on the task in front of him. "But having met you... I would rather not believe your good will is merely being used to buy something from me." Strangers could be transactional with their behavior toward him. It rang more hollow when it was someone you knew. Stung, even, if you held no ill will toward them and had some regard.

"Right now you have nothing I want, so it certainly isn't and hasn't been used that way." Loki said quietly, but knowing the other would hear. Even his one time joking about how Gold could owe him a favor for the help with Clotilda was just that. A joke. "You seemed well set up when you hosted me, so I hope things are continuing to go well for you at your home."

A gentle reminder that he had missed a question, or at least that this is where the line was going. "With a few more shards to cover additional necessities, better." This place had become his more regular work, but there were still other places around town that he was doing the odd job or making a trade.

He hadn't quite gotten power or running water to the place yet. So heating, having drinkable water and even bathing were all still happening the old fashioned way. Many people here would likely consider that a lot of additional labor, and at last half of him did.

But before he was ever the Dark One that had been quite normal. Even in the middle of winter, he was busy, yes, tired even, but warm, clean and fed.

Fine, even.

"Ah. Sometimes some people have had others be charitable and help out that way. Mostly I believe because few of us know how to live without. Or if we do, we don't want to go without." There is an implied offer there, if Gold wishes to take it. If not, Loki can and will pretend it was never brought up.

"I was lucky in my arrival. I was invited to live in a cottage where the utilities had already been bought. Since winter was soon coming, I did my part though by renovating so we had a proper fireplace and hearth."

Gold took a moment to absorb that, because he did catch on that something was being offered. Given he had already expressed a dislike of unspoken transactions, he nearly kept it casual and changed the subject without addressing it. An unspoken close to the topic, equally as subtle as how the subject had been broached.

But he paid attention to the words used. And 'charity' would not have come up if it were meant to be a transaction that must be repaid.

...At the very least if it was treated like one later, the word gave Gold some legality to refuse it.

"It would certainly mean far less work on my part. ...I will admit I have been more focused on getting the place functional and less on retrofitting a luxury."

"See, I've had my time in the dregs, as it were. I won't say I've been to Hel per se, as I've not been to that part of Niflheim. But I've been close enough to and it isn't a pleasant memory." Loki said, although the smile never left his face. "I miss Valaskjalf, and like my luxuries. So I sympathize with those who have to do without." Then much more quietly, leaning down as if he was studying how Gold was doing the spinning--which really was quite fascinating in its own right. "Consider it a gift, if charity is not to your taste as well. Goodwill rarely goes amiss, and I've been shown much while here." Whisper quiet, and only for his...colleague at least.

Gold had been very kind and shown kindness in return among several people already. Taking inventory of that stole much of any desire he might have had to object. Whether it was inviting a relative stranger to tea in his own house, or befriending a very tall owl with promises of further commiseration (which he was already planning to bake for), or any other such moments -- he had run into several already that struck a familiar wavelength that he hadn't known among many in Storybrooke or the Enchanted Forest before that.

Tones that matched or at the very least struck harmonious chords. When you were the Dark One, there was very little of such music.

"It would be very much appreciated. And like your counsel not forgotten."

Because Loki was right. It did not go amiss. Better that he build more of it before his reputation or bad habits caught up with him.

"I can't say when it'll appear, but it will be done." Keeping his voice low, and now Loki crouched. Still watching the spinning. "I'm sure it's more impressive when you're making gold, but this on it's own is a form of magic to my thinking." An easy smile, and blue-green eyes shifted to meet Gold's gaze for a moment. "You're taking fluff. Bits of fluff and threads and strands, and somehow making it into usable cord and thread. It's transfiguration at its most basic and simple, and so very common and yet..."

A small wave of his hand, and Loki chuckled. "It's magic."

Gold's eye contact dropped. It was a familiar tic, when he was being polite. To hide a smile or anything more. Humble, in his own way.

He'd never really known how to take a genuine compliment head-on, even if at least part of him agreed wholeheartedly.

Because otherwise you look overproud.

Or you start to see things that aren't there.

"...When it works, the mystical part is not so different, either. Not really."

He had become so accustomed over the years to channeling it this way. You start with the method that comes most naturally then branch out to other forms afterward.

Getting back to his feet, Loki let the man work. "Well, when you're able to, if you wouldn't mind my studying a bit, I'd love to do so." Loki found all kinds of magic fascinating really. "And if you would mind, I'll understand. And just have to be sneaky about observing." With a playful grin and mischief in blue-green eyes.

Anything Gold could think of to say, communicating that Loki could probably teach him a good deal as well? Well, in his mind it sounded more suggestive than would have been proper or intended.

Either way, it would have said more than he felt comfortable saying, so he chose something that felt safer.

"Why would I mind?"

That brought full laughter, amused and playful too. "I, of all people, know and understand how we can be about secrets. That's part of why it's so much fun looking for them." But he nodded, and would take advantage of being able to watch, when he could.

"How did your exploring of the town go?" More common chatter, but Loki also was curious. He wondered what the other had noticed or not noticed, or decided to look into given their circumstances.

Oh, something a little more detached, then. "I've introduced myself to some of the local business, made a few acquaintances, done some reading in the library -- as yet no new, concrete conclusions, but perhaps a lead or two to follow."

Or continue pursuing. Wonderland had been an untimely interruption.

"Have you met any of our non-human dreamers yet? I'm amazed you managed the library. I can only be in there so much before I start to..well, feel a supreme need to organize." Ducking his head with a soft chuckle. "Which might seem odd, considering I usually favor chaos. But I do like some things orderly and organized, and a library is one of those."

"A few. A little yellow-furred creature that my grandson would insist on being best friends with. A talking llama. A little duck girl who was very eager to be helpful."

He had to agree about keeping libraries organized. He was far more ordered but organization for many things was just part of their upkeep. A lack of such a thing felt like neglect.

"There are very few things that are truly random and fewer of those that are as infuriating as a library that appears to be deliberately out of sorts. But patience goes a long way, and what is missing can in itself be a clue."

"That last statement is why we get along so well, I think." Loki said with approval. "And I see you've met Webby. The llama I met did not speak, and was quite rude. I've seen the little yellow creature around, but haven't met it yet." Loki looked up as they heard a door open. "If you'll pardon me. Assuming it's possible, I'd like to continue this conversation, but work first."

Loki could only get away with so much socializing really, but while Clotilda did not ask her salespeople to hover, she did expect them to be welcoming.

And that wasn't even all of them. But Gold was a little grateful for the brief lull as Loki excused himself. Time to catch his breath and gather himself some if he does come back. "Don't let me keep you," he says with a smile, returning to the spool he's nearly finished out.

It wouldn't take long, but Loki also took some time to do some tidying up and re-arranging of garments. To give the other more time, as Loki could tell the other wasn't usually the most social sort. When he does come back, he's bearing two small cups of tea and offers one to Gold.

"I figured this would not go amiss, and already have given one to Clotilda too." Said with a half-smirk. "Easy enough to use my break for that."

Gold sat back from the wheel to take the cup with both hands. He spared a moment to take in its make, any little details. It was not exactly like the one he was thinking of, but he was rather fond of effort that went into things people took for granted.

It's just a cup.

"Thank you."

It was not a very fancy cup, meant to be purchased and fairly 'disposable' if needed by patrons and the stall owner. But that didn't mean it hadn't been made with care. There's also the fact that Loki had brought tea for everyone in the shop working right then; that in itself also had meaning.

"Not hard for me to do, and I thought we all could use one." Before taking a sip of his own cup of tea. "How much did Webby startle you?" With a hint of amusement and smile.

"Not too much." Not necessarily true. "She's a lot like my grandson." Extremely true. But he was less startled, more on edge, because children are either in bliss, a state that will leave you constantly worried about them, or both. Once a fretting parent, always one. Maybe even more of one if you have lost a child before.

"She's an interesting one. Not normal, by her own admission. But she can back up her combat skills and was raised by her super-spy granny, from what she's said. She wants to learn everything, and will very quickly decide you're friends." There was a bit of a fond smile. "It's no bad way to be, and there are quite a few of us who watch out for her, and the other teens and children. A few have been officially adopted." Loki moved to take a drink of tea. "Gamora and myself have officially adopted Alice, for example. She has many who watch over her and have adopted her unofficially as well."

"She's certainly shown she knows how to look after herself," Gold admitted. "But it's good to know she has eyes on her just the same." And that this seemed to be par for the course for the unusual number of children here without their families.

If admitting to being a grandfather was giving away an important detail, then Loki gave back in kind by indicating he had adopted someone.

Gold didn't know if he would ever do such a thing here. It tugged it something painful to think about. Very similar to how he could feel his anxiety beginning to pull at his insides if somebody cried in front of him.

His child was dead. But you go on being a parent even when you no longer have a child. Tears attacked something visceral in him. And part of him would probably always yearn for someone to take care of.

It was clear he was somewhere far away for a moment.

There are plenty of people of varying ages (some who would be considered 'kids' themselves) who watch over the younger kids. Everyone here was so responsible and so kind. Loki wondered at it a bit, although he wasn't surprised really. Not by the responsibility so much as the kindness.

In any case, he noticed that the other was clearly remembering something and lost in his own world. That was alright, Loki was patient. Enjoying the company and the tea while waiting for the other to come back.

It took a moment, but Gold remembered where he was and that he was not alone. Shaking his head to clear it, he sobered and took a sip of his tea. "My apologies." Some inward scolding. "You mentioned someone named Gamora." Since they both adopted Alice, Gold made an immediate assumption. "Someone close? Or just mutually concerned for the same person?"

"Mutual concern. Alice has been a resident here close to the longest, if not the longest. Gamora rescued her early on, and the two lived together. Alice invited me to live there, pending Gamora's approval." Loki offered.

Debating for a bit, clearly pondering while he took another sip of tea. "We are from the same universe, Gamora and I. We had never met, nor wronged each other that we were aware of. But I was an agent of her father's, for a while. Neither of us are fond of the being though, and glad to be away from him. We're a strange sort of friends, for now, thanks to our mutual care for Alice."

"Pardon my assumption then. Are there...many here, from your universe?" Some he had seen here he recognized via their fictional origins, of course. Their franchises. But that did not necessarily mean they knew each other before or were neighbors. There are very few places like this, or Storybrooke, in most realities.

"It's an easy assumption to make, so nothing to pardon." Loki replied easily enough and with sincerity. If he were going to be upset, he'd be upset over better things than that. "We are the only two, now, although there have been two others before from our universe so that we were four for a time. There is a Thor here as well, but he is from a different universe than I am."

"I don't imagine that makes things less uncomfortable," Gold muttered. Having encountered a Belle that was not his own but still drowning in all their similarities, he understood the depths to some degree.

"Actually, it does both. The Thor of my universe and I are on interesting terms. Some things are being mended, others are still too raw. The one here has been welcoming enough, and is dissimilar enough from the one I know, that it's not painful." Which Loki knew he was lucky to have. "I'm not sure if I'd say it's uncomfortable or not, considering the contexts. Though you'll have to forgive me if I don't feel like sharing those contexts."

"I did not ask in order to pry." A small nod, showing he recognized the boundary and would move away from it. "I just -- know the possibilities that tend to exist."

"Then you're already wiser than most." Loki pointed out; accepting the boundary respecting. He hadn't thought the other meant to pry overly. It didn't seem to be in his nature.

"Honestly, it's lucky that both Gamora and I were wanting to leave that part of our pasts in the past. Also that we had not wronged each other personally that either of us knew. It could have been very uncomfortable otherwise."

"I can imagine." But not only imagine. The list of people who didn't have bad blood with the Dark One was shorter. "I have been fortunate thus far, but if anyone can appear here then I suppose one must be prepared for any eventuality."

"That's part of why building up goodwill does not go amiss. Reputation can be a currency all its own." Loki confided, but he got the sense that Gold understood.

There was the possibility that people far less kind than Emma Swan (whom he realized he had not done much to keep tabs on -- knowing she was somehow from an earlier time made things feel precarious, and she had thankfully not tried to meddle with him or fuss). People who would not hesitate to "warn" others about him. At a time when he had as little magic as they would, it would have been even ground for a time.

And of course, there was another part of that. There were some people that might appear here, and his goodwill and reputation would be threatened not because of anything they could say? But because he would probably kill them and would not be subtle about it.

"To having a place to start over without others to meddle, then."

"We can hope. It has been surprising that there are those who know of me, or a version of me, who are still pleased to see me. I hope you are able to find similar acceptance and kindness." Loki acknowledged, raising his tea-cup to the other for a moment.

"Honestly, I am far more accustomed to being accosted with the same question or two when it is someone who isn't from my world." Gold raised his cup and took a sip. "It gets old after a while."

"I can imagine so." Loki said dryly. His mind briefly went back to all the threats to 'kill' him should he betray Thor again. It was amusing, even though it had been equal parts annoying and somewhat infuriating at the time. He'd quipped back then, to show how very little it mattered to him.

Gold was really tired of being asked if he steals babies. He knew the tale, but that was still a rather impertinent question to put forth. Especially when the one you're asking could easily lose their temper. "But no, the reputation issues come more from people who knew me on my own turf. To everyone else we're just stories."

Edited 2024-03-08 22:15 (UTC)

"Everyone is a story to someone." Loki pointed out, although he could relate a bit. "For what it's worth, I took nothing against nor for you when finding out your true name and story. Other than, as you'd already mentioned, you're good with contracts. And that you can spin stuff into gold, which I still very much want to see."

Meaning Loki was absolutely not going to judge the other.

"I am sure our proprietess will be wanting a demonstration as well, when I am able again." Briefly he looked over his hands. "I think I'm not far off, but I'm not quite there yet."

My apologies for disturbing you, sir. Loki mentioned you might be willing to help me with a problem with my roof?

[ What the Hell, Loki ]

That depends entirely on what the problem is, but I'd hazard to guess it has to do with what the plantlife got up to recently.

It is. A branch came through my ceiling and left a sizeable hole. I have a tarp up for now, but this is obviously not a permanent solution.

We're certainly about to be in a rainy season, so no, definitely not permanent.

I am also not an architect. Have you consulted with anyone else on this matter?

Several of the townfolks. Unfortunately, they have their own repairs to see to, and cannot get to it for several weeks. I will admit that my circle of acquaintances amongst the newcomers is small, due to my work schedule.

[ Relatable. ]

I might be able to manage something. No assurances without seeing it, and I certainly cannot plan that kind of expenditure for free. But I am sure we can come to some manner of arrangement. Shards or trade of some sort.

Of course. I would never think to ask for such a favor for free. I live in the hill houses. Just let me know when you'd like to stop by and I'll be sure to be awake and have my lothcat out of the way.

Then you're not far at least. I'm free this afternoon, if you'll just let me know where.

I would appreciate it. My home is [here]. And thank you, ever so much. I appreciate your time, even if you cannot fix it.

[ A man with a cane, clad in black and brown linens and leathers, appears on the road in the afternoon, as he said he would be. He takes in the appearance of the hill house and the area around it with a sober eye, measuring anything that might be taken as visible damage but also any signs of recovery from the local flora. ]

[ Misa is not a gardener. She's just not. She can help other people garden, but when left to her own devices, she ignores the garden and lets it do what it's going to do so she can spend more time embroidering and sewing. Sunning his belly on the stoop lies a lothcat who appraises the man from upside down. There's a soft humming coming from inside.

However, there is a tarp over one section of the roof, dipping slightly in the center, denoting a hole of some kind. ]

[ He's generally pretty chill around animals but does not insinuate himself either. Since he does not recognize it and she mentioned having a 'lothcat' -- something else he has never heard of -- he has to assume this is what she was talking about.

He steps carefully to the door and knocks. ]

[ Misa, a small woman (she barely hits 5'1), comes to the door wearing an undertunic of blue-green and trousers of grey. Her hair is up in intricate braids, out of her way. One braid is prominently displayed against her forehead. It's thin, but still important. Dark eyes study him for a moment. She pulls the pins out of her mouth. ]

Mr. Gold?

[ Behind her, the house is clean and orderly. Except her living room, which is a chaos of bolts of silk of all manner of blues and green. There's also a mocked up table set for the fabric. ]

Please, come in. Can I get you some tea?

[ He's taller than her but not more than most, not quite half a head even. ]

Yes.

[ A nod of greeting. before stepping in. ]

Only if it won't put you out.

[ It's comical, her and Loki. ]

Oh, not at all.

[ The pins float from her hand back to the pin cushion on the table and push into the tomato. She turns for the kitchen. ]

Please come in and forgive the mess. The crystal granted my wish recently.

[ He takes quiet note of what he sees, the surroundings, what she is doing seemingly by magic. Just to bear in mind for future reference. He follows her inside, trying to pinpoint the location of the damage he saw from the outside without wandering off. ]

I think 'tidy' is something for later, given what everyone is recovering from. You needn't worry.

[ The majority of the damage is in her bedroom, unfortunately. She'll take him there in a moment. Though cracks can be seen in other places, leading to the bedroom.

She plucks the tea set out of the air and puts it on the table. ]

Would you like to see the damage first?

If it's no trouble.

[ If he is going to use magic, he will need time to consider how. And to possibly take a moment to re-gather his energy afterward. Which tea would be helpful for. ]

Not at all, this way. Would you get up in the rafters?

[ She asks, when her lothcat winds around her ankles. Then, it listens to her, and jumps along several shelves and settles on one of the rafter beams.

Misa shakes her head, and leads Gold down the hallway to her bedroom. The shattered window that Loki fixed is still there, filtering light into a prism of rainbows over her bed.

Above the bed, however, is a bright blue tarp. Said tarp is held up on the roof by stakes through ropes on top of her home. The hole is obviously one where something came through. ]

Here it is.

[ The bedroom is also neat, and well maintained, despite the hole in the roof. The only area of organized chaos is a small dresser with all manner of hair ribbons, bows and ties. ]

[ If anything about the scene makes him uncomfortable, it is the fact that it's a stranger's bedroom. So even with invitation it feels like overstepping in a way. Despite the tarp, though, he thinks he understands the nature of the problem, at least. ]

...I think I should be able to do something about that.

[ She smiles and bounces on her toes, like a young girl should. ]

I would dearly appreciate it if you wouldn't mind.

[ She cocks her head to the side. ]

Should I leave you to work and prepare a meal?

[ She knows how people need to eat after 'working'. ]

We should probably agree on a price, first.

[ A shifty glance. ]

And do so somewhere other than your bedroom.

[ She hides a smile. Then, she leads the way back to the kitchen and begins a meal preparation. ]

So, payment?

[ She asks, catching a knife she bumps off the counter, with the Force and picking it out of the air. Then she turns back to creating food. ]

Before bringing shards into it: what can you do? I've noticed you have some preternatural abilities. What came with you? What potion did you drink? How practiced are you in both?

[ She opens a cupboard and puts the red potion on the table. ]

This is the potion I woke up with. I have not drank out of it. I don't trust Vaeros to be beneficent in his granting of powers. My powers are my own. I am a Padawan of the Jedi Order and a Healer by trade.

The Force is created by all life and connects all life. Jedi are one sect of people who can use the Force for a few things: healing, telepathy, telekinesis are just a few.

I am not a Master, but I am practiced enough.

I compliment you clear dedication to your craft.

[ He takes in all that she says and considers how to respond carefully. Magic is magic, and the language with which its holders speak of it will differ in every world. ]

The Force, as you call it, is honed differently in every world. Universe. Dimension. However you choose to name it. From experience with these potions, you are not wrong -- the downside is that save in color you have no clue as to what you will get. The red, I believe, is elemental magic. What element you are given is up to capricious chance.

I understand that I am merely assuming that you had to buy back the abilities you use now. I did as well, but in choosing to drink my potion and acclimate myself to how that magic works, how it feels when one uses it, it helped to decide what came back to me first and how. It also helped me to hone what I did get back and expand its use.

[ An understanding nod. ]

But all power has a price. Whether it is shards or the consequences of a choice hastily and poorly made, or your own energy in exchange for too much of it used up front. I slept like the dead for days. Paying that price meant my home suffered no damage. ...The point being, I do not fault you for your decision. But there are ways to use it mindfully and with wisdom, should you ever change your mind.

[ A circular gesture with his hand, back to the subject of her house. ] Making your roof undamaged should not lay me up for as long. But if you are a healer, you might help me a little in that regard.

[ She understands what he is saying, but doubts he realizes that he impacts the Force in his own way, and that she can differentiate those ways to tell who is at her door or approaching. She hadn't really explained that to Loki, either. It tends to upset people to know that she knows that they're there. She keeps it to herself to save them the worry. ]

I am well aware of the prices of using the Force. I did not even make it home before I fell asleep. Loki found me and brought me home. I slept quite a while before I was able to even access the Force again.

[ But the way he speaks is far more Sith-like, than Jedi-like and that is... worrying. Still her Oath will not allow her to do anything but nod. ]

I would be happy to help you. You are helping me after all.

A healer or two helped me during the conflict by replenishing my energy. I doubt I would have lasted to the end were it not for them. However, before I ask if you can do the same, I wanted to inquire first --

[ And he pauses, seeming to consider it. So far there haven't been any that can do it, and he is still wary of what it could mean for those that could. The hand holding the handle of his cane tightens. ]

-- Do you have experience at all with older injuries?

[ Misa puts the tea on the table, pouring them both mugs. ]

That... depends on the injury. There are some things I can help with - the removal of troublesome scar tissue, or adhesions for example. But other things are unfortunately out of my scope. Describe the injury to me, and I will determine if I can help?

[ Gold sucks in a quiet breath. ]

My ankle was shattered when I was younger. Aside from the pronounced limp, it does not pain me unless I am on it for too long.

[ Like standing in a queue all day. Vaeros. ]

But it does present its issues. Least of all being the ability to run if there is immediate danger.

[ She frowns, then shakes her head. ]

May I study the injury? I cannot promise, but perhaps I can ease some of the pain. But you realize that if I do heal it, other muscles, other bones are going to be very sore for a while, while everything readjusts?

Temporary discomfort is something I can deal with.

[ This is more than anyone has been able to tell him since getting here. ]

When I have access to all my magic, I might as well have no injury at all. The trouble is that I do not right now, and I am wise enough to know that sometimes I will be without and do not need the added vulnerability.

[ He mutters a quick apology and makes certain he is sitting comfortably before he starts to unlace one of his boots to more clearly show her. His ankle is thankfully not swollen anymore, but still a touch misshapen. Something that didn't heal quite right and still healed weaker besides. ]

[ She puts her tea down and kneels in front of him. There's a gentle touch of her fingers as she carefully touches the skin of the foot an ankle.

A small frown touches her face. ]

I will be honest.

[ She looks up at him. ]

Can I give you back what you had? No. It's been too long. The muscles and tendons have compensated. However, with some anesthesia, time, and the Force, I should be able to fix it, make it less painful and give you some range of motion back.

[ He actually looks a little relieved. ]

That's more than I have, and what remains, later a healer of another sort might be able to do more. Its age has left many unwilling to try and I do not blame them. And conventional medicine to even try would want to re-break it.

Were we on a Republic world, I would suggest that, with cybernetics to help compensate. Some others would suggest a fully cybernetic foot replacement, although that would have a risk of phantom pain. We do not have that here, but I can do some things.

[ She stands up. ]

It will involve at least one other. Because I'm going to need someone to hold you under while I work. Is there someone you trust to put you down, or will you allow me to choose someone?

[ Oh well THAT is a loaded question. ]

There are one or two I would...consider.

[ She nods. ]

That is why I ask. You will have to make that call. I have no desire to make you uncomfortable while I work on your ankle.

Would that be an agreeable trade for repairing your roof, then?

[ She blinks. She'd do it without him repairing her roof. But if that's the way he wishes to see it... ]

Of course, that would be just fine.

[ Magic for magic seems the fairest trade. It will also potentially cut down on the number of people asking for similar favors in the future, he hopes. ]

I will need the tarps taken down then.

[ He starts to put his boot back on and lace it back up. ]

And if you have any other rooms in the house that are undamaged with similar architecture, letting me see that before I set to work would help.

The other bedroom has similar architecture in reverse.

[ She says, already thinking of how she could fix the ankle without Kolto.

Once he has his boot on, she opens the door to the other bedroom, where nothing has been touched. The beds are placed back where they should be and there's no curtains on the windows any longer, but it's just a plain, empty bedroom. ]

This here should help? I'll go take down the tarp.

[ She leaves him be to remove the tarp, using the Force. ]

[ He is no expert in building houses, but the upshot of these houses is their make was fairly straightforward when it came to seeing what is doing the work. Once he has an idea how the supports are meant to appear, he joins her in the room. ]

I think I see what you mean.

[ Same basic ideas, just in the other direction. ]

[ She gathers the tarp and folds it neatly, putting it under her bed. She's sitting on the bed when he comes in. ]

Do you need any further help? Or should I leave you to work and fix us a spot of food?

Food would probably help, actually. It will be finished when you are.

Edited 2024-05-12 23:06 (UTC)

[ She nods, and leaves him alone to work, to go make them some more tea, and some food. She needs some as well.

The lothcat is curious about him and jumps up on the bed, laying in the rainbow prism filtering through the bedroom window. He cocks his head to the side, watching. ]

[ Gold takes note of the creature and where he settles, mainly to be certain he doesn't misdirect his magic. His hands move, slow and steady, and rather than weave cloth it is as though with his fingers, he is drawing on the air.

The ceiling doesn't repair so much as it rewinds; Gold doesn't know magic to mend, but he can transform. In this case, it's a bit of a cheat, isn't it? He is transforming a broken roof into one that is not broken, using his memory of the architecture in the other room to direct him. ]

Gold may not have gone back to sleep, but Loki did. He had a lot to do and valued his rest both for the necessity but also for the pleasure of it. As curious as he was, he was also not going to hurry too much. Whatever Gold was dealing with, Loki could tell it ran deep and was not pleasant.

He still didn't want to delay though, if Gold would accept his offer of helping lay a shield on him. So it was about mid-afternoon when Loki made his way to Gold's house.

He did eventually allow himself to rest again, for at least a few hours. Once he had a cup of tea to calm himself and had made certain every door in the house was locked. By the time Loki arrived, he answered the door perhaps looking a little less than enthused, but very clean and put together. Not so much as a hair out of place, clothing well laundered and cared for.

Maybe he looks a little wary, but most people did on the heels of a clearly identified "we need to talk" meeting.

The wariness is expected and Loki is not put off by it. He's also taking in that impeccable appearance. Noting it against what triggers he'd noticed in Gold's dream cycle. Also absently recalling a week or two ago, when he'd checked on Gold and the man had woken up in a still-panic.

"Forgive me for not bringing along a gift this time, but it didn't seem appropriate."

"It's no trouble." Gold furtively glances around outside before he steps back to let him in. "Thank you for not pressing the issue over the network."

Loki slips in quickly, noting that furtiveness too. Speaking while he waved the thanks off. "No, I get it. The network is not designed for privacy. It's more I wanted to be certain we would follow-up."

Crossing his arms, Loki looked the man over again to be certain he was taking in the whole picture. "As I said, I consider you an ally at least. Nor did I mean to invade your privacy, but apparently our dreams are not as secure as we'd like lately."

"Your discretion is appreciated."

But his gaze drops. Back in Storybrooke, everyone knew what had happened. There was no secret to keep when it came to the basics. The specifics? Not so much. But here he had been able to keep everything to himself, even from himself when he didn't feel like thinking about it -- which was often.

The only person that knew about his son was Stolas. As for what led up to his death? Not so much. He had been brief.

"I don't tend to remember much when I'm awake again. Not always." But he would argue that the nightmares didn't come often.

Maybe they come more than he initially thought they did.

Loki was quiet while listening to all of this. Clearly thinking about how to approach it. He kept his tone soft, and there was no judgement at all. "I know a repeated panic reaction when I see one. I've seen yours enough times now to have an idea of what the triggers are, on reflection. While I would like to know why, I'm also diving into something private."

Half of his mouth lifted in a wry smile. "And I guard my own privacy jealously, so I expect you do the same." A pause and a breath, and then Loki spoke. "I leave it to you, how much you might want to share. And I am still willing to lay a shield on you, should you like."

"I do not know how to take that offer yet."

Because he is careful about the deals he makes.

He doesn't like hearing that he has been seen panicking. It is something he does his best to control -- even if it is happening, it's not for everyone to see.

"Before coming here, I was -- well, there is no soft way to say it. I was enslaved. Incapable of refusing anything, for more than a year. And the person responsible murdered my son to do it."

So he supposed that wasn't really someone got over. Who was ever really fine, after that? But everyone back in Storybrooke expected him to be. He had decided he would be.

Loki nodded, understanding that it would require great...trust in a way. He did not blame the other for being wary and wanting to take his time. Loki also was aware he was the bearer of bad news right now, or at least unwelcome news.

"I see. I presume if they show up here, then you'll claim vengeance. Death is not permanent here, so keep that in mind." Again, no judgement--just understanding and acceptance.

"A matter handled before coming here." Very simple, matter-of-fact. "But good to know, about death." Because the idea of Zelena appearing here places a dark cloud over him every time it comes to mind. An instinctual clench of his insides.

But he also knows he doesn't trust himself.

Most people who know him here do not appear to have the worst opinions of him. That would drastically change.

Because he wouldn't just kill her. He would keep doing it until it bored him.

"You're aware people can show up from different times, even in the same universe yes?" A warning, because Loki did get it.

A few moment's pause, then. "Are you simply having it all show up now because you're overtired, or has something brought it all back to the forefront of your thoughts?"

And being enslaved--that explained the brief glimpse Loki had caught of Gold's 'home' in the nightmare part. The silhouette, the cage-like feel...

Gold considers the warning. What if she appears from a time before she had committed her crimes? Part of him wants to not care. She just wouldn't know why he hated her and it wouldn't matter.

But it's only part of him.

"...I want to say recent events are bringing it more to the forefront. But other than someone seeing it for the first time, nothing is really different."

Loki crossed his arms casually, brain turning it all over once more. "I'm noted as being extremely perceptive, but I'm sure there are others. So some might pick up on the pattern in your dreams. I'm unsure how to prevent that, admittedly."

"I don't have a lot of experience in stopping instincts formed to defend yourself against something you already killed. As far as I know, you just deal with them."

"I don't either, but I'm trying to figure out more if there are ways for them to not be so visible to others for you while you dream." Loki pointed out, as if it were obvious. He wasn't meaning to be snide or imply the other was an idiot...just preoccupied turning the problem over in his head.

Edited 2024-05-07 20:34 (UTC)

Gold shakes his head. There is no offense to take really. "Is it safe to assume these effects are temporary?"

What is he planning?

To just not sleep until it stops?

"Hopefully. But I've no idea for how long it'll last." Then an eyebrow-raises. "I don't think you can avoid falling asleep fully if this lasts longer than a week. At most." Entirely matter of fact about that.

Gold misses being the Dark One. You know what he didn't need to do, then? Sleep.

"And simply sleeping when most others are awake is not going to be especially useful when I still have a schedule to keep."

Probably not, although Loki doesn't voice that. He could also point out that there's such a variety of people here Gold can't be sure that he'd be the only one asleep at any given time. Instead, Loki switches topics somewhat.

"How did you learn magic? How to use it, to wield it?" He has a point and purpose to this question. Mostly because he is also noting he should check in on Eilonwy to see if she's having trouble with dreams or nightmares right now too.

"...That answer is very complicated. Some trial and error early on. Later a mixture of careful study and feeling it out when parameters changed." Because the rules do change when you traveled to other worlds.

A nod, and he appreciated that Gold had answered. "Do I have to teach you visualization and how to do basic shielding, in the sense of focusing one's mind and controlling it that way?"

A sigh. "The only magic that heeds me right now is transformation." This isn't to say he would not welcome new techniques, but at present there's too many locked doors, places where he can feel power is still present but he cannot access.

"Fortunately, what I have in mind is not yet fully 'magic' in the way people think of it. More it's a foundation upon which magic is often built or laid." Loki did try to keep the sarcasm out of his voice. "To put it at its most simple and blunt, are you able to build a wall around your thoughts or mind so that another can not pick up on them? Because the same wall can help in shielding your dreams from others."

"It's not something I have ever needed to be practiced in, but that does make sense to me, at least." Being the Dark One afforded him some natural immunities. At least, if no one got hold of the dagger, at least.

"Well, time to start practicing that. Use different layers. A wall of thorns for example, over a wall of grating, over bricks, etc. Build it and keep it up at all times, so that it becomes unconscious." Now Loki let a half-smile come to him. "The other thing I can think of, is to perhaps focus intently on something else before you sleep. Tell yourself a story, make something up, but focus on elements of it so intently that they show up in your dreams. So that you're choosing what people see, not just letting it happen randomly."

"...I will start to work on that, then." He reads it well enough to understand Loki is offering alternatives outside of making a deal. It's appreciated. It sounds simple -- some things never are, while others will be when one least expects it.

"I also trust you are intelligent enough, and clever enough, to see how this is a foundation for how magic works?"

"In places, yes." Just like knowing anatomy wasn't inherently required for healing magic, but it certainly helped to know what you were healing and how, if you wanted more precise control of it. "...I'm not attempting to come off as ungrateful. It is just an unusual position to find oneself in." Just as the man was more accustomed to being the host rather than the one being hosted: he was very rarely ever a student.

Loki snorted in amusement, still with his arms crossed casually. "You're not seeming ungrateful at all. Or you're doing a poor job of showing it if you are. I suspect you're relieved I've offered options that don't involve us making a deal. I can't guarantee they'll work as well as a shield--but there we go."

A pause as blue-green eyes studied Gold again. They were full of secrets and lies and mysteries, searching over him. Then Loki nodded. "I suspect you also won't want this option either, but I've some affinity with mental magics, including memory modification. I'm certain I could simply link you being unconscious and only certain memories. Or block just the trigger perhaps." Loki had been calculating whether to let Gold know that fact about him.

That was...a lot. But that is useful information to file away. And he supposes that makes senses given that Loki is...who he is, "That...is something I shall bear in mind, but strikes me as being on the extreme side just now."

Loki smirked, and wasn't offended. "I didn't think you'd like that option any more than my placing a shield on you." The smirk left though, as he relaxed from his crossed arms. Although they remained up, and his right fidgeted with his left. "Depending on who paid attention, or how much weight they gave it, that last post on Sleepr outed that yes--I have mental magics. The 'taking over someone's mind' it alluded too was years ago and required a special weapon I do not have access to anymore." A pause. "I'd prefer those who do know I am familiar with things like memory modification to remain small however." In other words, he was trusting Gold to be responsible with the information.

"...I have no reason to share that information with anyone." Even if it were helpful he imagined he would sooner offer to someone that Loki might know a solution or be able to point them to someone else. Since they were recommending each other for things lately.

A nod, as Loki understood everything Gold wasn't saying with that statement as well. "I shall leave you to your shield building then, unless there's more?" More he could do, more Gold wished to share. "Oh, the dream sharing works with others too--you may find yourself in their dreams."

Oh, all the more reason not to sleep, then! "Wonders never cease, clearly."

Sarcasm from him? No. Surely not.

"Thank you. For your discretion, for your advice. I suppose for asking the right questions."

Loki shook his head at the thanks, but smiled and chuckled a little. "Oh it's one of my many 'flaws'--asking questions and poking at things. But you're welcome all the same. I'll take my leave now." Loki figured that Gold would rather be done now with this whole thing. "This all works better, by the way, if you control when you sleep and not let exhaustion take you." Meaning don't 'not-sleep' Gold.

Gold was a stubborn man and he therefore felt the immediate, intense desire to do exactly that -- not sleep -- purely to assert himself. But he also saw logic in what he was saying. "There will be far less of that now that the plants and animals are behaving themselves, I assure you."

All the more reason to keep saving his shards.

Loki was gambling that Gold would be more inclined to use common sense and logic. "Let's hope so." He murmured, before showing himself out and leaving Gold be.

The Doctor, one day decides in the middle of doing what he's doing is to check up on someone and stop by for tea. His face beaming with delight, knocks at the door.

Gold's Hill House with its well kept little garden, its rain barrels and hand hewn awnings, already looks quite lived in. The Doctor has excellent timing. Not that Gold is a workaholic or a social butterfly. But there is still always the chance that either he is not the one that answers if anyone answers at all -- he might have been in town.

As it is, there he is answering the door. A little surprised, but not outwardly put out. They had agreed to meet at some point. Just not precisely when. And perhaps there was something else.

"Good afternoon."

"Good afternoon. Don't suppose I could take you up on that tea?"

"Had a sudden craving?" It's not a 'no' -- he steps back to allow him entry.

"Just a bit." The Doctor gives a quick and playful eye wink and steps forward.

Gold closes the door behind him with a sigh -- he was about to start a pot anyway. The house inside is rather tidy and cozy. The floors clean and polished, the beams dotted here and there with carvings.

The kitchen is outfitted with more modern appliances, but it appears to have been functioning without them before. The fireplace in the wall (it appears to be shared between the kitchen and the living room on the other side) has cubbies for chopped wood, large enough to accomodate dutch ovens and even a cauldron where needed. Herbs and the such hang to dry from the ceiling beams, and warm light spills in from the round windows on the far wall, adorned with simple sheer lace rather than full, heavy curtains.

Presently the otherwise cool place is gently warmed by embers still burning down there. Gold fills a kettle and gets it on the stove to heat. "Please make yourself comfortable." There is a table with a few wooden chairs.

The Doctor casually puts his hands in his pockets, "Nice place." As his head turns around, "Loving the fireplace." Slowly he finds himself a seat, "How have you been doing?"

"Thank you. I have grown rather attached to it."

Hence why, during the whole moon debacle, he spent all of his energy protecting it and getting rather snippy at anyone and anything not treading lightly enough around it.

"...I've been fine. Fully recovered, back to work." He considers the two blends he has right now. "...Conifer and juniper berries or lemongrass and honeysuckle."

"Well, that why you were so determined to keep it safe from the vines. Good. Good, to hear! Surprise me!" The Doctor exclaims there is a short pause, "I believe I brought up if you wanted to chat about your home world?"

"You memory is very charitable. I believe I didn't object to holding a conversation on the subject."

A little clipped. This is not a man clamoring to share everything about himself. There are boundaries that can be crossed. But for the time being he is willing to answer questions.

He decides on the latter blend, wanting to save as much of the winter mix as he can in case someone in the house takes sick before the berries are back in season again. It soothes chest congestion.

The Doctor gives the other a beam, "The thing is - you never gave me your name. What am I to call you? Mystery man?" The Doctor teases, "Where I come from is Earth, and the main thing about that Earth is magic doesn't exist. Everything that magic can do can be done with some sort of technology."

"Most call me Gold."

He hadn't realized that this might be something he hadn't said yet.

"It differs from world to world. Dimension, probably a more palatable word to use. I came last from an Earth that also did not have magic save what had been brought from other places."

"Dimension or universe would be better. World to world wouldn't make sense, a universe has certain laws for everything. Like here for instance here, we can assume that on another world here the physics would be the same. That's interesting where was the magic coming from, what dimension? And how was it leaking into your Earth? I'm going to say thar was some sort of Space Rift caused by some event."

"It wasn't leaking; it was brought."

Matter-of-fact. There was only magic in Storybrooke (and in small pockets elsewhere) at first because a few people had brought magical objects. Tangible pieces. Magic was only fully restored within the bounds of its borders because Gold had been smart enough to bottle its essence and smuggle it over.

Something only the Dark One could have managed.

"By whom?" There's concern on The Doctor's face because that means there's a dimension hopper, which means they're cutting though The Void and going though The Void to get to that universe. In other words; holes and he doesn't like his in-between space filled with holes.

"That has both a simple answer and a complicated one." Jumpers pretty much an accepted thing, Doctor. And that's before anyone gets into the logistics of what the Dark Curse does. Or magic beans, for that matter.

"Believe me - I can understand the science and math behind opening a wormhole at a subatomic level and also enlarging that said wormhole in order to cross between dimensions and The Void, the in-between space."

"Portals. We generally don't get more complicated than that. Doors, often literal, more common if you're talking about going by way of a jumper that you either found or happen to have on your payroll." The kettle whistles its readiness, and Gold takes it off the heat, preparing two cups and setting his new mixture to steep. "And sometimes a curse -- that's usually the only thing strong enough to bridge into a world without magic; your common paths will usually lead to other worlds with magic only."

"I know what portals are." The Doctor listens and finds what is stated very interesting. "And that's how you got to a world without magic? Someone gave you a curse. I'm sorry, so,so, sorry."

"Probably strange to hear, but I am not. Not in the grand scheme of things. It was the only way I was getting there." He taps his temple. "Fated."

"Fated? Yeah sorry. Don't believe in that sort of thing. But good to know you didn't end up on an Earth without magic. So - you ended up in another one with magic. Which I would assume wasn't too much of a problem for you?"

"Your belief or lack thereof changes very little. You see the path you are on plainly -- or as plainly as you allowed to see it. You follow it." A frown. "Sorry, are you referring to where I am right now, or are you confused about what I just said?"

"Not really. Rather I see the paths all over. What happened with crossing over to another world with magic?

"We differ in that respect. I was able to see just one line, where it led to, what would build it up. Who would play a role."

He's realizing he never really tried to see any other prophecy once he had the one. Did it even work that way? At the time, would he have cared?

He took it to find his son. Why would he look elsewhere?

"Crossing to worlds with magic was something I had a good deal of experience in already. Jumpers, like I said. Pays to know at least one. But once beans went extinct, only an especially powerful curse would open the way to a World Without Magic."

"Beans? You mean like magic beans? Blimey, I hope you weren't Jack and sold them for a cow. But that would be the human version of that fairy tale. My people's versions involved portals much like you're telling me here about. One's from beans that make portals. And did you ever cross over with a curse?"

"Everyone is a story somewhere. I, however, am no Jack and that story in my world ended with...well, fewer riches and more genocide. So there you go."

Such a chipper subject to serve tea to. He also rose to fetch the most recent plate of sweets he'd baked. When he did his last acorn loaf, there'd been more dough leftover than he had planned for. Better to make use of it.

"Yes. The Dark Curse was enacted by one particularly angry soul, who stole everyone that had ever crossed her away into a world where their happy ever afters would be lost and forgotten. I came along for the ride."

Edited 2024-06-06 19:44 (UTC)

The Doctor is deeply silent, because the word genocide makes his stomach twist. There's a silent look of that they're not too different in some ways.

"I hate it when the world ends like that." The Doctor remarks dryly, "I'm so, so, sorry for your loses."

"Really. Memory wiping too. All sorts of bad in these universes. But I assume that the memory wiping can't be permanent, surely if it could be resolved with science."

A short pause, "Is that what you do? Hop around between dimensions?"

Edited 2024-06-06 20:14 (UTC)

"Have done; it is not exactly something I was looking to make a hobby out of. When I say that it takes a curse to get to a world without magic, I mean having tried to get my hands on other methods first."

He settles down before his cup.

"Memory alteration and loss tend to come in and out in various forms. The person enacting the curse made herself the ruler of her own little pocket of the world without magic, and she wrote not only her role in it but also that of every person trapped there. So when it was at last broken, many people suddenly had two sets of memories in their heads: The ones that had been stolen from them, and the lives that had been created for them. ...So yes. As I said before, I have some experience with pocket dimensions, of various forms."

"I'm not blaming you for what happened. If anything you should like a traveler, like me." The Doctor remarks simply, "If anything," His sounding stinged, "I'm tired of hearing about genocides."

Then loses himself inside of the tea cup.

"Quite. And where you part of the memory alteration pocket dimension?"

Sadly the older you get the more of them you become aware of. "...Yes. I knew that part would end eventually. The goal was to wake up and leave once the curse lifted. The spell made its borders dangerous for any of us to cross, you see. The danger didn't leave, however. Just...changed. Something of a troublesome setback."

"Worlds can in other ways too. Just like all of humanity one day leaves Earth for the stars." There's a twinkle or two in The Doctor's eyes, "They went on to inhabit other planets and mingle with other species."

On a more serious note; "How did the danger change?"

"Denizens of our little town, before, had little reason to try to leave. But misfortune would befall anyone who tried to leave."

Mister Gold was quite content to handle his business in town and utilize his connections and resources to have others handle matters outside of Storybrooke.

"After the curse fell, anyone of us that crossed the border would lose our memories and return to being our cursed selves again."

And that was just the start.

"Sounds like a trap pocket universe." The looks out the window, "I wonder what happens if we try to sail away on that ocean here. Would the same thing happen?"

Another sip, "And what about you. Are you here cursed or did you come when you were free?"

"Oh, it is well after the curse falling." He doesn't imagine he would be telling anyone about all this if he were still just his cursed self, after all. "Once it fell, and magic was restored at least within the confines of our little town, a good deal has happened since. It has become something like everyone's home, like it or not. The curse did a bit of a number on our world in our wake. We're all a little surprised there was anything left."

Edited 2024-06-07 00:38 (UTC)

The Doctor gives a firm head, "Blimey it most be strange for you to have a place rather than hopping around as you want."

The Doctor rubs the underneath part of his chin and looks out the window, "Blimey, I miss my Tardis..."

"Right I suppose you want a bit about my Earth?"

"I tend to stay in one place for as long as possible."

First the village. Then his castle. Then Storybrooke. Here. In truth, that is a small list of locations for more than two hundred years of living.

"It would be a fair exchange."

"How do you do that. Then I suppose my Police Box is my home." The Doctor remarks with a gentle hum and then with biting words;

Not sure what to say. Thar aren't curses, expect greed and hate and bigotry. The stuff humanity can be very good at times."

The Doctor drinks the rest of his tea, with a softer tone "Everything magic can do, science at some point - can. Want to pop around the universe sure thing! Or pop around other Earths or time travel. Animal shapeshifting. Really just name and it and eventually science has been able be a placeholder for magic. They're brillant when they want to be - humans." The Doctor beams at the end.

Edited 2024-06-07 00:56 (UTC)

There's something in what he says that pings as familiar. Tardis might be something he's heard before, and his cursed self has some understanding of what a police box is (or was).

No definite connections.

But when he starts into talking about science, Gold has to tell himself that he is not having a cup of tea with Frankenstein, who very much wanted to make the division a pissing contest. A challenge that the Dark One rose to on several occasions but the idea of doing that in his own house really makes him want to roll his eyes.

And maybe it's because a sticking point comes up with it.

"The less said on time travel, the better."

The Doctor gives a slight head nod, he had no want to say he's a time traveler, anyways. Something about it prick a nerve; like maybe an experiment with time travel or something? Trying to save someone and failed and maybe caused a paradox? Definitely a prick nerve.

"...I am also not trying to be short with you. Just...far too much time spent on someone who very much wanted to make a competition out of it. Magic and science. It gets tiresome after a while."

Even when it involves largely winning.

"If it means anything I believe it's probable for magic to exist somewhere. Like here for instance."

"I have just my experience to go on. Some places, there can be more of one than the other, probably balancing on other axes I cannot really identify. Very rare there is just one and not the other. Some that could be mistaken for worlds that are just one. But the other is just...faint. Forgotten. But you hear echoes if you know how to listen." A shrug. "Just as easy to surmise it's all the same thing, just operating by different rules in each place."

"Yes, I've been to some places where the rules were different than the usual. Both of them pocket universes run by a very powerful being, The Toy Maker and The Master. The Toy Maker played games and The Master used his type writer to control the reality around him. Blimey, that was a long time ago."

"And now you stand in yet another. The ones that are created by people do tend to be a little smaller. The limits of a more familiar kind of mind. Storybrooke is self-contained or was. But people from the outside could come in. It might as well have not existed and yet did. A way to hide it. Keep people inside from noticing that they were not changing the way the world outside was." A glance upward as he considers. "Probably for the best that some things were allowed to change. About thirty years in that, lucky that things like technology and fashion were allowed to shift."

Regina would have been made entirely of shoulderpads otherwise.

The Doctor gives a slight head nod; "Basically it was a trick to come into Storybrooke."

"Unless you had reason to look for it, you would never think to even wander in that direction." How a lot of magical things could be, really. "Now you have me curious. I last saw the World Without Magic around the year 2014. Might you come from some point after?"

"We're not from the same universe. Believe I would know if magic existed given my adventures."

"And there was none in that one, save what was brought in from outside. But I'm willing to bet there was some overlap of similar things."

"I'm sure 98 % of our worlds is over-lapped. Probably still have technology despite being so isolated."

Gold takes a sip of his tea. "I can't say whether that is correct or not. But I do know more than one dreamer here is at the very least a story there. Even me. Not always correct. But that's the nature of the beast."

"That is the nature of the beast. What other things do you think are similar between our worlds? For instance, did the Battle of Waterloo happen in your universe?"

"The event and the earworm that took inspiration from it," he replies somewhat dryly.

"Okay so you have a Napoleon in your world, anything you're wondering if it overlaps in mine?"

"To be honest, I was mostly being polite; I was not venturing out enough to have the widest picture of that world in particular. Just what the memories of a person that does not exist tell me is so." He at least has the presence of mind to understand that isn't the kindest of answers. "There might be occasion to see more of it someday." Belle would want to. Henry would. ...If all turns out well, perhaps Neal will. "And I suppose then I will need to decide where to begin."

"Well, you know where to find me if you ever figure out where to begin."

"You travel to go. What do you look for first, when there isn't a direct goal in a new world?"

"There isn't an direct goal. Just where I end up in my Tardis. Sometimes I take my companion someplace they want to go."

"So what are you looking for in those cases? What's likely to catch your eye?"

"Let me be clear. My adventures are on random. I happen somewhere like The Rings of Akhaten. So many shops!"

The Doctor ends with an enthusiastic state and then simply states, "I do love shops."

"Sometimes my companion wants to see something like meeting Charles Dickens. Blimey such a wonderful man."

Edited 2024-06-07 19:41 (UTC)

"So the people you are with might give you a direction." That sounds relatable. "...I suppose there are one or two people that might be that way for me."

"Yes, and sometimes they just go along for the ride with me. Good. Glad to hear that and likewise most of them are just around for the ride."

"We are very different." It seems the only thing that can be said to that. As impossible as the Doctor finds magic, so too does Gold find the idea of doing anything without an end goal.

"Is there anything you can tell me how your world's magic works?" The Doctor asks curiously

"In any world with magic, the rule is universal: There's a price. The way payment is taken may differ in some way." But it could also differ in lots of ways in just one world. "You are paying for changing something fundamental about reality. It's like throwing stones in a pond. It creates ripples, and no matter how big or small, the entire pond is going to shift to make room for this new change as it settles in the bottom. Might be tiny, impossible for most to perceive. But then you might have just thrown in a boulder. Big splash. Bigger ripples. And that water's got to go somewhere, now that something else is taking up the space it used to occupy."

"The way you describe magic sounds like time and needing to understand thar's trade off..."
A short pause, "Sorry. That's sorta my area of expertise."

An internal twitch. If that is the case, then he might as well make things plain or it's liable to keep sneaking up. "I'm guessing time travel is a more achievable thing where you are from. It's nigh undoable in my corner, about as forbidden or impossible a magic as resurrection. But that does not stop desperate people from trying. If I had to guess?" He taps his temple again. "Universes where one is common might be those where the other is less so. There are people who can see threads of fate where I come from. Time as it flows, will flow, can flow. Might not always translate the most clearly, but that is the limitation of the mind. Perhaps you either get a free vantage to look, or you move within it with greater ease. One or the other."

The Doctor is quiet and waits for Gold to finish, "My people invented time travel... And you're right. I can see the threads of fate, usually, anyways. What should be, what could be and what should not be, it's the burden of my people."

"It's a rare person that gets the gift and stays around for very long after of their own volition." That girl with the firey hair hadn't been unique in that respect. She saw her end coming and embraced it with a kind of desperation that took him a very long time to understand.

But then, so had Zoso, and both her comprehended a great deal better after Zelena had hold of the dagger.

Seers don't live long. Neither do Dark Ones after they've been captured apparently. If their keepers do not put them down to assume the mantle and power themselves, then -- well. There certainly is that desire to find someone who will.

Gold shakes his head, affords himself another sip of tea. "So I suppose it is safe to say it is a burden among mine as well, the ones that have it."

Even in The Doctor's world there are humans who have been given high enough telepathically 'to see'. He simply gives a slight head nod in he understands.

"I'm sorry. I'm so, so sorry." The Doctor reaches one hand towards Gold. He wants to hug him because this is someone else who is tormented with knowing and it's rare to find those sorts even in the multiverse.

Gold doesn't appear to know how to take the gesture. He goes stock still and watches him, but otherwise does not move toward or away. No idea what that was.

"I don't have the gift myself anymore, but I did."

"Nor do I. Feels a bit like something is missing here."

"It takes getting used to. Not having a fixed point to follow anymore." Having a long-term goal to work toward. Something that was always in front of him. Maybe coming back wouldn't have been so difficult, if it didn't feel like those fixed points were rapidly disappearing.

"Fixed points are rare, time is mostly in flux."

"That might be the major part of why our universes differ. I am from a place of fixed points. Many movable pieces that will all coalesce to one final, immovable point on the map. The language used to describe them is...deliberately open to interpretation. But the words you are given are always more specific than you think they are."

"Could be. Could be. I am so,so, sorry if that is the case." The Doctor can't imagine an entire universe were fixed points were everything. He wouldn't be able to ever help out.

"Thar are fixed points in my universe but - it's not everything."

"Forgive me if my meaning was unclear. It isn't everything. Many things that can lead to one. And I have to wonder if it's the looking that makes some of them fixed points to begin with. Payment for cheating, perhaps."

"Right, sorry. And I can't say without being in your universe and being able to see time. But actually from a non-linear, non-subjective viewpoint it’s more like a big ball of wibbly-wobbly timey-wimey- stuff. But fixed points also aren't impossible. Thar are events that are in fact fixed. They always have to happen. Even in my universe, I just know what the events are. I said sorry, so, sorry because fixed points I can't do anything to change the event."

"Same as seers, knowing when those fixed points are. I was one for as long as I needed to keep one in particular in view." And then. Well, he died shortly after. The ability didn't come back with him.

At least, he didn't think it did. Zelena didn't really know that was ever really in his wheelhouse, so when she controlled the dagger she never made him look ahead. And since the one vision he cared to have had come and gone, there was no thread for him to perceive, and he had no reason to try to find another.

The girl hadn't told him how he might do that, but then he wasn't at all certain she had any control.

It was very possible that if he ever found himself back home and back to himself, that power would still lie dormant in him, waiting to be used again.

"What happened?" The Doctor asks cautiously with a small swallow.

"It came and went." True. Simple. And not overly personal.

"And you don't miss it?"

"Some things are better not to see coming. Beyond that, only as much as it provided some amusement. When you see the future, everything is irony."

"Don't know about irony but than like I said before thar's wiggle room, usually." The Doctor on the other hand misses his sight, it's a part of himself but keeps it to himself.

"The tea was quite lovely. Is there anything you like about being here?"

"The company, I have to say."

Which, to an onlooker might suggest he's saying, merely, that he likes most of the people here. In fairness, he hadn't met anyone he actively hated -- that in itself was a miracle -- he had even made a friend, secured several close colleagues.

But in truth, his son was here, alive and safe, and that alone did wonders for his nerves.

The Doctor grins widely; whether its present company or company in general. The Doctor's that Gold has those he enjoys time with.

"And you?" He raises an eyebrow.

Throw the ball back to his side of the court as quickly as possible.

"Oh yes!" The Doctor remarks enthusiastically, "My daughter's here... And well- everyone else isn't so bad."

"That is...more familiar a sentiment than I was expecting."

After the mind control and physical healing The Doctor goes to knock on Gold's. Hid brain still in a sizzle of if he's a good person or not.

"Did you get a good look at that water?"

Oh right. Along with everything else going on, there were several uncomfortable things that passed between them.

"I've been waiting, to be honest." There has also been a lot to take care of in the meantime.

"Oh good. Glad to hear." Despite the weird that passed between, "Did you find any special molecular structure of the water? Or been able to test it on someone who is mind controlled? Do they need to sprayed with it or consume it. I'm guessing consuming."

"I think you are assuming a good deal about what I have the ability to test here," Gold says with mild discomfort.

He opens the door to let him in and show him to the kitchen. He keeps the last bottle of the water stored there. Not one of the large jugs he'd seen him filling.

The bottle is also tinted to make any images in the water near impossible to make out. But once it is taken out of storage it is almost like...you can hear something distant.

"I'm not going to claim I can give you a definitive answer to that. A blast to the face seemed to be enough, but I didn't exactly survey anyone to see if they ingested any."

"You should come to the MedBay I do have scientific instruments there. If you wanted to pop on by? I also brought a vial for your water if you don't mind." The Doctor notice the tint in the water.

"It's something to test. There's too much mind control happening out there! And the after math is going to hell!"

Gold unstoppers the vial before doing the same with the battle. He has very steady hands and very easily fills it without spilling a drop. He is pointedly not looking at the water itself. He doesn't need to know what it is trying to remember for him or show the rest of the world.

"There's always more than you think there is," he says rather sourly, sealing the vial again.

True? perhaps. Safer to assume than not.

"Yeah, thing about that is- I don't want to chance my memories leaking."

Well. They both have experience with that now, don't they?

"I don't blame you. You're probably going to have to learn to distribute this without touching it."

The Doctor has questions about what he saw, about the other's man's inner pain. But now, he really has to make a choice, it's dangerous for others to see another face in the water. On the other hand, he knows from the after victims of The Master, how awful mind control can leave one feeling emotionally and he can't allow that pain, can he?

The Doctor rubs his hand on his face, "If I ever see that man with a hook here, I'll make sure he gets what he deserves for shooting someone."

After a good talk down of course.

Odd to hear. And Gold is a little surprised at himself that he feels some immediate objection. But in fairness, the man would exhaust all avenues to justify himself, especially if it meant damaging any standing Gold has here. "Being run over wasn't enough, you figure?"

Hook got a lot more coming to him after that. Gradually, of course.

"That too, obviously."

"With all hope he doesn't." Not just because Neal is here but Emma is here, and he doesn't trust him with the mother of his grandchild. "But well. More's the pity that deaths aren't permanent here." And he actually doesn't have enough ire for him to do it more than once.

"I'm sorry. Wut? What? Wot?"

What did he need clarification on? That Gold would kill him if it would be permanent? Or did he somehow miss the memo on how death worked here?

He chose the latter. "I was informed some time ago. People return to life if they die here."

The Doctor gives a deep inhale. So, they're like Jack.
"That doesn't make dying any less painful." The Doctor remarks plainly and with press lips.

He doesn't like how he can relate to Gold's memories of being violent when sad. That use to be very him at one point and still might be.

"No, it certainly doesn't. But for certain people it removes any desire I would have to employ it."

Making very clear. Yes, he would absolutely kill this person, but it is not worth it if he still has to put up with him afterward.

"Good." The Doctor remarks firmly, even if he can feel the swell of hate he has for Daleks boil in him and how he doesn't hessite to kill them anymore. Expect, it's not The Doctor doing the killing, but allows the humans do so for them. For a moment, Gold might see that flare of fire in those eyes that was in the first memory. That of something that would take you down.

"...The waters were a touch kinder to you, I feel, than me." But then he doesn't have a lot of happy memories. "I appreciate your discretion, but I suppose that is one way to learn I am not a terribly kind person under several circumstances."

"You don't want me under certain circumstances." Which made it harder to emotionally connect at times. A companion that was willing to get over the rough patches was a wonderful thing.

"I must admit, Doctor: that is more refreshing to hear than a lecture." There is a very short list of people he'll tolerate that from.

"A lecture wasn't going to do you any good. But I am disappointed by the both of you in that memory. I have higher exceptions in humanity. You're too good at hating each other at times."

A shrug that says that's fair. You kinda have him in a box here. "Assuming we are opening the doors to talk about these things, now, with the possibility of leaving the subject completely afterward: I might have a question or two."

The Doctor feels a jump go up his spine and he ruffles his hair, "What?"

At least he's had time to think on how to frame this question with some delicacy. "In the first vision you were quite recognizable. A difference in age, perhaps. The other, not so much. May I ask why?"

The Doctor ruffles his hair, "Don't think you'd believe me if I told you."

"Given everything I have told you, I'm shocked and a little offended you think so little of my capacity to consider the impossible."

The Doctor because he knows which memory that was and even said, 'Im the Doctor' in that.

"I used to be a woman. That woman you saw. I regenerate when I die."

He wasn't certain what he expected if the Doctor chose to answer him, but it's not that. His eyebrows go up. "Interesting." He chooses to keep it light, and not address the fact that if he no longer looks like that, it means he died. "Thank you for clarifying."

"You're taking this rather well." The Doctor simply remarks. "Why?" None of his human companions handled it well when The Doctor changed faces.

"I have told you a great deal about worlds with magic, and we are in a place where some people are given the ability to transform as soon as they arrive." A small shrug. "Things change people in various ways. The why is usually the only part that differs."

The Doctor gives a good head nod. That explains that, then.

"Now less of a question and more of an observation but hearing someone say they are going to save the Titanic does leave one with some feelings of incredulity, you understand..."

"Yeah, the thing is. Wasn't the water ship Titanic it was the spaceship Titanic and I did keep it from crashing into the Earth." The Doctor looks smudge about himself and the impossibles that someone use to pull off. Lately, he hasn't been going that sense.

"Seems a terrible name for a ship in any case, given the baggage that comes with it." If he had knowledge of the "color theory in a children's hospital" debate he might cite that as an example of context being important.

"Agreed, but given the CEO was planning on crashing the spaceship anyways."

"So intentional? I don't imagine an insurance payout would be worth it if there were casualties or collateral damage."

The Doctor gives a fierce head nod, "If it crashed the insurance was worth the payout. Unfortunately most onboard didn't make it. They were murdered by robots. But - at least didn't crash into the Earth."

"I'll take your word for it." Even if he knew he could argue in court to get that payout to someone else? Most of the time that kind of legal representation is only available to the wealthy and those at fault for things like this.

"Don't know how all that human stuff works, me. Just know money pushes some humans to be murders." The Doctor remarks coldly.

"Greed comes in many forms. But you're not wrong, sadly."

The Doctor remarks dryly, "Unfortunately. Been though different times and different planet and it still exists."

"If you have people, you will eventually have greed." People, he says. Not humans. Plenty of creatures can be greedy; have you met dragons?

The Doctor gives a firm head nod, "I don't like it when comes down to greed ever. But it's not just humans it's everyone. Everyone who can establish a society. Even without money greed can exist. Greed for power."

For a moment he's remembering his deals with King George. "Greed also makes people very stupid." Said with a distant look and a nod.

"Yup." The Doctor remarks with a tired tone, "We both have stories. But isn't that what anyone is in the end? A story."

"That's the thing. A person is never just one story, and a change in narrator is going to change the tone and the role." Even when the Author as a concept might as well be God in some worlds.

"Well - if you want to start talking about the multiverse than yes, we have infinite stories. And you're right. You want a good narrator."

"Even without multiple universes. Everyone that's ever encountered you would have a different story to tell at your funeral, I promise. And not all of them would be good."

Tested the lake water with scientific instruments. Only comes up as ordinary water.

So - there must be a being that is high telepathic.

That's not alarming.

They're not doing anything to harmful. Just projecting a magic mirror.

Do you particularly enjoy having your private memories placed on display for any onlooker to just take in?

No but it could be worse. And it makes me wonder what the point was of it.

It can always be worse. That does not make it not harmful.

Are you going to be alright?

I imagine I would be doing a good deal more than complaining if I were not.

[During 12/25, Mr. Gold will have a package delivered- a matching set for his knit gloves and a card.] Hello Mr. Gold- I hope these gifts help to keep you warm through the season. It's been very nice getting to know you!- Eilonwy

The gloves fit perfectly. Thank you for thinking of me. -Mister Gold

On the night of the 24th the quiet flapping of wings could be heard outside as Arrakis delivered his gifts. He didn’t have his wind magic anymore so he couldn’t silence his approach completely as he quietly placed a box next to the door. He stifled a small shiver. By the goddess it got cold at night. He had more gifts to deliver though so he turned to leave. If you are fast you might catch him before he takes to the skies again.

Inside the box is a card written in fancy calligraphy:

Happy Holidays Mr. Gold,
Arrakis Faylare

Inside is a small bag of homemade chocolates in the shape of a spool of thread. The chocolates are mildly spicy, dark chocolate with a hint of cinnamon.

Labyrinthium Inbox

A few weeks after his arrival--while at Clotilda's

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