Rebuiding a Kingdom

I walked inside the throne room alone. I had just gotten out of a Council Meeting getting an update on how things were progrssing within the Kingdom with results I was pleased with. We were rebuilding and doing a fine job, the people were happy. I looked to my Throne and remembered the last time I had been in here. I was during my coronation, the last time I saw the Huntsman face to face. He had been spotted around the palace but has made no move yet to leave. I don't know why but that had made my heart filled with joy. I had come to understand the Huntsman and even enjoy his company but have yet to speak with him since we've come back to the palace.

I was just wondering around the castle, attempting to stay out of the way. It was kind of difficult because of my size. I wasn't in the court dress that they decided that I should wear. I was in my regular leather wear since I had just come from the stables. I left my giant axe in my chambers since I didn't feel like freightening the people in the palace again. I tucked into the thrown room hoping to get away from everyone. I looked around after I had entered and noticed that someone was already there. "Snow?" I questioned, my tone was thick with its normal gravel but it didn't have the sound of alcohol. The young woman turn around which revealed that it was her. "Apologies my Queen, I will leave you to your thoughts." I said as I bowed slightly to her. I turned away quickly but didn't get the chance to leave the room.

I turned when I had heard my name and saw that it was the Huntsman, he was the only one besides William who called me Snow. "Eric wait." I started as he began to leave the room. I didn't even know what to say I just knew I did not wish to see him leave, I finally got to see him. "I've been meaning to speak with you." I said walking up to him. He was always a burly man, I was so small compared to his size.

I stopped walking when she said my name. I turned to face her just as she was walking closer to me. What does she want to speak to me about? I haven't been getting into drunken fights with the soldiers, nor did I destroy anything thing that I know of. "What is it that you wish to speak to me about?" This would probably be a good time to speak to her about leaving.

I moved my mouth but nothing had come out. I did not plan on seeing him and I did not know what to say that would keep him here. "I want you on the Royal Guard." I said the first idea coming to me. It actually wasn't a horrible idea though, its understandable considering her was smart with weapons and had the strength of a soldier.

Now would be the time to start drinking again. I really don't know if that would be a good thing for me to be. "With all do respect your majesty. There must be someone more qualified than a lowly huntsman. Besides I was planning on leaving at nightfall." I didn't really think it would be a big deal to leave.

"Leaving? Why? Are you not comfortabel at the palace?" I asked. I really didn't want him to leave, I thought we had made a common friendship at least. "Theres no one more qualified then you, I've come to trust you over the weeks we have known each other." I said to him. I hope he does not leave.

Snow seemed to be flustered when I told her that I was planning on leaving. I waited until she gave me a chance to talk. "Yes leaving, and the palace isn't really the place for me." It was true I was a huntsman and not accustomed to living a life in the palace. "The reason I was leaving was because I promised Anna I would escort her back to where the river village was. I was also planning on helping them rebuild the village." I looked at her squarely. "Is there no one else you trust. The Duke's son seems to want that job."

The river village. How could I have forgotten? It was my fault they had to rebuild. "Oh well then it seems your right you cannot take the job." I said and looked down. I was upset he didn't feel comfortable in the palace and that he had promised the girl he would help her. I turned away. "William is a good fighter but hes not strong enough to lead an entire army, but as you said he seems to be the only canidate." I said trying to mask my unhappines. He had made a promise and I rather he gone through with that then stay here because I didn't wish to see him leave. Rebuilding the villiage was more important than my silly feelings.

"Snow you are acting like a silly little girl." I stated bluntly, after she turned away. I rubbed the bridge of my nose. "Aye girl you frustrate me to no end." I gave out a heavy sigh. "If you can supply me with capable men, including carpenters and ironsmiths. I can come back faster and think about you're offer." You should tell her that it was your kiss that woke her from slumber, and not William's. I wasn't sure that I could do that though, William is a prince. He's much more worthy of her then you are.

"I thought you said the palace was no place for a Huntsman?" I asked turning back around. "If you do not wish to take the job then please tell me. If I need William, a man loyal to me and my Kingdom, then he shall have the job." I told him. The way Eric speaks to me as if I am a child upsets me but I know he cares, I just have never learned to hold my tongue.

"It is not a place for a Huntsman, My Queen." I gave her a small smile. "But someone must keep you out of trouble, especially with all the grief you cause." I looked at her. "I'd need to think about it Snow, but you must do what you feel necessary."

I smiled when he said I need someone to keep me out of trouble, something he always said about me. William was more likely to get me in trouble then keep me out. "I feel it is necesarry that you take the job." I said to him and walked closer to him. "Take care huntsman, travel safe." I said. I just wanted to get the goodbye over with but I did not want to see him go.

"I will definitely think about the proposition, My Queen." I said with a faint smile. I kept calling her by her title because you never knew who was listening in on the Queen's conversations. "Snow... What is bothering you?" I asked her with a don't lie to me tone.

I shook my head. "Nothing. Nothing is bothering me, I just wish you safe travel." I told him. He used that tone, he knew something was wrong and wanted me to tell him but I couldn't because even I wasn't sure how I felt. I felt my heart speed up though when he said he'd think about the request, I'd have to fill it soon but atleast I had that to go.

I sighed at her, I wasn't going to push her for an answer even though I wanted to. "I will see you in the dinning hall before I leave." I gave a slight bow before I started to turn away. "Try to stay out of trouble. My Queen, I will be back when I'm permitted to." I smirked at her then started to leave.

I nodded, not knowing what else to say. I could not tell him how I felt when even I did not know. He started to leave and I felt the words slip from my mouth. "Just promises you'll come back." I said. I needed to see him once more before he started a life without me.

I turned back to her and walked towards her. "You have my word, I will return. For what ever my word is worth." I didn't know what my word was worth since most people still consider me a drunkerd. I took her hand in my and kissed the back of it while bowing. "Stay safe my Queen." I smiled at her and swiftly left the room to collect my axes and sattle up the horse for the journey.

This was it. He was leaving and God knows if hes coming back or not. My heart began to sped up, pounding a mile a minute. I can't let him leave, I can't. Fight Snow, fight my mind kept telling me. The reality was beginning to set in. "Eric." I said loudly. "Eric!" I yelled and chased after him. I ran out the doors and saw him walking down the corridor. "Eric!" I yelled again and ran toward him. He turned but before he could understand what was happening, I threw myself into his arms. "Don't go, please don't go. I can't be strong when your not here." I cried into his shirt. What came over me, I don't know, all I knew was that I couldn't handle if he left. I tried to hold in my feelings but now they just exploded out of me,

I was halfway down the corrider when I thought I heard my name. I heard it again and realized that it was Snow calling me. I turned around as I started to say her name but I couldn't really do anything. She was in my arms before I could even think. I wrapped my arms around her as she started sobbing into my shirt. I heard gasps from some of the people that were in the corrider but I didn't pay them any mind. I tried soothing her the best that I could, but I was definately not used to doing that. "Snow, you were strong without me. You will always be strong, even when I'm not here." I really had no clue how to stop her from crying or what to say.

OOC: Happy New Year.

I started shake my head violently, not caring what the people of the palace thought. "No I was scared, I was frightened before you. You taught me to be strong, it is your strength that keeps me strong." I told him. I sounded hopless, like I needed him to live, which was nothing like me but the relationship he and I developed over these few months made an entire difference.

"Snow look at me." I said as moved her face with my hand. "You've just gotten stronger since you've met me. You will keep getting stronger, you don't always have to be around me. I will only be gone for a little while. I will come back." Why did this good bye have to be so damn bad? I'm promising her that I'm going to be coming back. Why can't I just leave like I had planned on it. I can't say no to her.

I looked up at him when he moved my face with his hand. "No. Eric you do not understand, I need you by my side. I can't do this without you." I told him. I have dreamed of ruling the kingdom since I was a little girl but what happened with Ravenna I saw how fragile I was. "It is your strength I need." I told him as tears fell my from my eyes.

I step into the corridor and stop as I see Snow crying into the Huntman's arms. I'd be lying if I said I didn't feel any pain at the sight. My sword hangs on my hip and my crossbow is slung on my back. I clear my throat to get their attention. Sorry to interrupt. There was a group of remaining soldiers of the Queen. I took the guard out and we drove them to the far end of the Dark Forest. Unfortunately as expected they put up quite a fight, we were forced to eradicate them all. I know she knows what I mean. We had to kill them all. It still irritates me that Snow doesn't seem to think that I'm a capable leader and soldier. She forgets how I infiltrated the Queen's army to save her. We still haven't properly reunited, or should I say she's been to busy trailing after the Huntsman to give a second glance to her old best friend. I still am in love with her. I'd be lying if I said her seeming disregard for my affections didn't hurt me a bit.

I was just about to say something when someone cleared their throat. I snapped my head in the direction when a newly familiar voice spoke. I would have left Snow to talk with William since it was official business. But I didn't budge, Snow was still in my arms holding onto me. I squared my jaw when he spoke to Snow. She doesn't like killing, she's still hurt over having to take her Evil step mother's life. So I stayed with her to show her my support even though I knew it would piss off the Prince.