Happy Holidays, rubystandish!
Title: You Are Cordially Invited to the Storybrooke Town Solstice, Christmas, Hanukkah, Saturnalia, Yule, Hogmanay, Mid Winter, Kwanzaa, Yalda (“Does anyone in Storybrooke actually celebrate that one?” “I don't know but I'm not taking any chances.”) Whatever Party
Recipient: rubystandish
Author: joylee56
Rating: PG
Characters/Pairings: Emma, Snow, Ruby, Granny, the Blue Fairy, Agigail, Belle, Nova, Charming, Mr. Gold, Henry, Snow/Charming, Gold/Belle
Word Count: 6334
Warnings: Some religious intolerance. Massive amounts of sugar.
Summary: Solstice is coming. Emma fails to explain multiculturalism to the Blue Fairy. Charming and Gold try not to get run over in their ladies' rush to prepare for the Holiday. Oh, and the Goose may be getting fat.
Author's Notes: Happy Holidays!
You Are Cordially Invited to the Storybrooke Town Solstice, Christmas, Hanukkah, Saturnalia, Yule, Hogmanay, Mid Winter, Kwanzaa, Yalda (“Does anyone in Storybrooke actually celebrate that one?” “I don't know but I'm not taking any chances.”) Whatever Party
It all started so innocently.
Belle had set up a number of book groups at the library. One of them started out called something like Romantic Literature Through Ages but had immediately been dubbed The Chick Lit Group by someone. (Emma swore it was not her.)
The name stuck. Between that and deciding to meet on Sunday afternoons during football, the group became a female preserve. Even Dr. Whale, who actually read and enjoyed 19th Century Gothic Literature, admitted to not having the courage to continue with group.
“I didn't mind being the only man and having to defend Mr. Rochester not telling Jane about his crazy wife in the attic.” He maintained. “But when they started comparing feminine hygiene products, I knew it was time to leave.”
The first week of December, after a spirited discussion of Jamaica Inn. The group moved as a whole to the Diner for refreshments. They had been there quite a while when Emma, who was not a member of the book group, stumbled in searching for hot cocoa. “Cause it's another beautiful Maine winter day. Explain to me again why we're living in the coldest place in America?”
“Regina. Curse.” Ruby supplied as she steamed milk for Emma's cocoa.
“I think Alaska and North Dakota may be colder.” Abigail commented. “Not that any of us are likely to find out any time soon.”
Since this line of discussion inevitably led to questions as to why the magic makers in town were not able to figure out how to get past the town boundaries without memory loss, Belle quickly changed the subject. “At least the weather will probably bring snow for Solstice. We only had snow a couple of times when I was a child and it makes for such a beautiful Solstice celebration.”
“Oh, Solstice!” Snow smiled. “It's been years since I've had a real Solstice celebration, what with... one thing and another. I used to love Solstice.”
“We haven't celebrated properly since, heavens, since your father passed.” Granny put in. “We should do something this year. We got a lot to be grateful for what with the curse breaking and all.”
“Indeed we do.” Blue put in. “We should make it a true celebration. Invite the whole town.”
“Just like when I was little. We would open the castle to everyone for the lighting of the fire and a feast.” Snow said excitedly. “Emma, do you think we could use City Hall? There is room there and if we make it a potluck it wouldn't cost all that much.”
“Uhn, well, I don't know. City Hall hasn't really got any kind of kitchen or anything.” Emma looked bewildered. “This is like Christmas?”
The Blue Fairy took on a look of religious fervor. “Solstice marks the triumph of light over darkness, since it is the point at which darkness begins to retreat each year, Winter Solstice represents the harnessing of darkness and it's falling to the light. The Gods themselves are said to push us back toward the sun and the light to counter-balance the pull of the darkness and the night. To assist the Gods in this endeavor believers dedicate the lightness in their hearts to the battle. They must revel, sing and dance.”
Granny frowned at this but did not say anything.
“And as part of the battle for light each person makes an offering to the Gods of their ecstasy.” Blue continued.
Emma looked alarmed. “Wait this is a religious celebration? Guys, the town really can't sponsor a religious celebration. There's the whole separation of church and state thing. No favoring one religion over others.”
“That's silly.” Put in Blue. “Solstice is celebrated by everyone.”
Granny finally spoke up. “Not everybody performs Ecstatic Offerings though. I've got no problem with a Solstice party, but not if it's going to be a actual Bacchanalia. We're Renewed. The Gods deserve sober reflection not a drunken brawl.”
“To live life to the fullest best honors the Gifts of the Gods.” Blue responded piously.
As Granny frowned even more. Emma jumped in. “And that right there is why in this world we don't do religious celebrations on the public dime. The last thing this town needs is a religious war over what kind of decorations get hung at City Hall.”
“Not to mention,” Abigail pointed out practically. “Even among the orthodox, despite the fairies' precepts, the kingdoms all had different ways of celebrating Solstice. I doubt you're going to be able to come up with any one custom everyone agrees with. Besides there are a number of people in town who have embraced the local faith. Black Tom for one.”
“Who?” Asked Emma.
“Reverend Thomas, the Presbyterian minister.” Abigail went on. “And they're going to be very uncomfortable with what they now regard as a 'pagan' celebration. Emma's right. We should simply have a holiday party. A Ball perhaps. With a nice buffet and games for the children.”
“Which,” Snow informed her daughter in an undertone. “Is pretty much how Midas' kingdom used to celebrate Solstice. They weren't very religious.”
“Don't care, if it gives us an out.” Emma whispered back. Then loudly. “That sounds good. Nobody's going to complain about a dance with food, right?”
“Could we have it on some night other than the actual Solstice?” Belle had sat out the debate quietly sipping her tea. “That way Ru... er the people who want to actually honor Solstice could come to the party.”
“The Dark One can not honor the Gods.” The Blue Fairy sounded shocked. “They would not accept his Offerings.”
“Actually, Rumpelstiltskin follows the Old Faith.” Belle said with dignity.
Blue sniffed. “I would expect no less from such as he.”
“Old Faith?” Emma asked Snow quietly.
“Monotheists. They worship the original source of magic.” Snow explained equally softly. “It was a major religion up until a couple of hundred years ago when the fairies started taking an active role in governing the Kingdoms. Most of the believers converted, at least publicly, to following the Gods. But there are a few left. They're big on literacy and learning so you still find them heavily represented in the healing arts and law.”
“Gold is the FTL version of Jewish?” Emma snorted. “Regina didn't leave any stereotype untouched when she set up this curse did she?”
Abigail had apparently managed to talk the rest of the group into her idea of a Ball and dinner while Emma was being briefed. “Although for that we will want an actual kitchen.” She finished.
“We could have it here.” Ruby spoke up. “If we shift the furniture and open all of the connecting rooms for the Inn as well as the Diner there's more than enough room. What about it Gran? Donate the space as a Solstice offering?”
“I'm happy to host the party here.” Granny put in. “But the Landlord gets a cut of my event rentals. So I can't do it without paying Gold for the use of the space.”
Everyone looked at Belle.
“Fine.” She sighed. “I'll talk to him about it.”
The next day saw them gathered again for the second planning session for the Storybrooke Town Solstice/Christmas/Hanukkah/We'll Figure Out What to Call It Later party.
“I'm going to have to show up to all of these sessions just to make sure Blue doesn't turn this thing into some kind of Mass aren't I?” Emma told her mother after the open skirmish over the name.
“Probably.” Snow admitted. “Multiculturalism wasn't really a concept in the Enchanted Forrest. And our memories of this world are from small town Maine. I'm not sure any of the rest of us understand the issues very well.”
“Great. Just what I wanted to spend December doing.” Emma sighed.
“So, Belle, how is our hunt for a venue going?” Abigail asked.
“I spoke with Rumpelstiltskin.” Belle told them. “But the lease for the Inn is very specific about the rental terms for all events. I'm afraid he's not willing to alter those terms.”
“Not a big surprise.” Muttered Ruby.
“He did suggest,” Belle went on. “That if we charged a small subscription for the Ball, and asked local businesses for their sponsorship, we could easily cover not only the cost of the rental, but food and the expenses for a more public event in the town square, since entire town can't really fit in the Inn in any event.
“He started things off with the purchase of an ad on the back of the program.” Belle held up a check.
“Program. What program?” Emma asked.
“The one that's going to have space for sponsors to advertise in.” Granny snatched the check and smiled at the amount. “It can have the menu and a dance card as well. Can we mention to the other businesses how much Gold paid? This will more than cover his cut of the rental fee, but it would be great if we could get enough together to put on a nice dinner without having to charge the folks that don't want to come to the Ball.”
“Yes, he said it would be fine to mention his sponsorship.” Belle told her. “Will that really make a difference as to how much other businesses will contribute?”
“Oh, yeah.” Granny chuckled. “Can't look bad at the Chamber of Commerce meeting by having Gold donate more than you're willing to come up with. Abigail, you should be in charge of that. You'll know how to sell it without looking crass.”
“One of the fairies should accompany her.” The Blue Fairy put in. “This is after all a Solstice celebration. The Dark Ones should not influence it.”
“How many times have I got to say this.” Emma spoke up. “Not just Solstice. We need to be inclusive here. It's for the whole town.”
“Not to mention,” Abigail commented so that only her side of the table encompassing Emma, Belle Snow and Granny could hear. “If Gold's helping us with the financing, he's going to have influence.”
Then more loudly, she added, “I'd be happy to have one of the fairies accompany me. Perhaps your Bursar?”
“The Bursar is rather busy this time of year.” Blue told her. “I though Nova.”
“I really think someone with a better understanding of funds like the Bursar would be more appropriate.” Abigail held firm.
“Note for future reference.” Emma muttered to Snow. “Let Abigail handle the fairies.”
Snow gave her daughter a warning look and then spoke up. “Well with that taken care of we can start planning the menu.”
After the fourth planning session Emma commented. “This thing has turned into a huge time suck. Why exactly did we have to spend an hour arguing about what color the bunting was going to be?”
“Because blue and silver are traditional colors for the Gods' Solstice celebration, whereas green, red and gold are for this world's Christmas and purple is the color of the Old Faith.” Snow told her. “Since you clearly missed the subtext on that Granny and I were trying to keep with your inclusion theme.
“I'm pretty sure Abigail was arguing about it only because the rainbow compromise Nova suggested would have been just plain ugly.” Snow finished.
Emma dropped her head to her hands.
Several planning sessions later Emma was finally in hope they were wrapping things up.
Snow summarized. “Okay, so we've got sign up sheets for the tasks that will need doing the last couple of days before the party going around. The kids are going pitch in by decorating cookies and Jefferson's agreed to oversee that. And it looks like we've raised more than enough money to cover all our expenses. Good job on that, Abigail.”
“Thank you.” Abigail nodded. “We couldn't have done it with out the Bursar talking the musicians into working for scale. She was a great help.”
“So, that's everything I think.” Snow finished with a smile.
“Not quite.” The Blue Fairy spoke up.
“I knew things were going too well.” Emma muttered.
“This is a celebration of the light.” The Blue Fairy continued.
As Emma opened her mouth to speak, Snow kicked her. “Wait and hear her out.” Snow hissed.
“As such we can not have it contaminated by dark influences.” The other fairies nodded at their leader's words. “It has come to our attention that Rumpelstiltskin has purchased tickets to the Ball.”
“I think Belle actually bought the tickets.” Snow pointed out.
“With the Dark One's credit card.” Blue pursed her lips.
Belle shrugged. “It's mine, but he pays for it.”
“I am uncomfortable having the Dark One's influence at a celebration of the Gods.” The Blue Fairy stated.
Belle started to scowl. Emma jumped in. “First, and I've reached the stage where I'm going to record this and put it on my phone for playback, this a party for the whole town. Not a religious celebration. Gold is a part of this town. And Belle's date. You can't seriously be suggesting we exclude him. Belle's done a huge amount of work on this thing.”
“Not to mention he came up with the seed money that got everything rolling.” Abigail added her support. “We can't take his money and then tell him he can't come.”
“It's not a matter of money.” Blue informed them.
“No,” Muttered Granny to Emma, “It's a matter of power.”
“The Dark One's magic will contaminate ours. We will not be able to properly conduct the celebration.” The Fairy insisted.
“Well, perhaps Mr. Gold would be willing to agree not to use any magic at the party,” Snow suggested. “Belle, would you explain the problem to him and ask him?”
“Why do all of my tasks amount to 'manage Rumpelstiltskin'.” Belle sounded more than a little put upon.
“Cause it needs doing and you actually get results.” Emma pointed out.
“You've certainly done other things as well.” Snow quickly added. “You're going to help the day of the party aren't you? Would you like to cook or decorate?”
“Both please.” Belle perked up. “One of the books I read mentioned this wonderful custom in this world about mistletoe. I talked to Papa. He can order enough to hang some in every doorway.”
Gold was carefully making his way back to his shop from terrorizing one of his tenant's. He had every intention of immediately seeing to the roof repairs for the laundromat, but he'd made the owners of the business go over the storm damages in detail before doing so. His mood the last week had been foul and forcing the the Lees to itemize each and every problem at length was a relatively painless (for everyone other than the Lees) way to take out his frustrations.
“Gold! Hold up.” Came a cry from down the block.
Looking up Gold found Charming bearing down on him. Closing the distance rapidly the other man continued. “You're just the guy I need and you owe me.”
He did indeed owe Charming for helping to save Belle from having her memory wiped by her father. Sighing Gold, responded. “How can I assist you Mr. Nolan?”
By now Charming had reached Gold and was taking his arm to hustle him down the sidewalk. “Snow's got me outfitting myself and Henry for this stupid party they're planning and Henry's giving me grief over it.”
“You want my sartorial advice?” Normally Gold would have shaken off the other man's hand, but the snow had left the sidewalk slick enough that Gold could not maintained the pace Charming was setting without risking a fall.
Besides the gesture seemed more comradely than patronizing coming from Charming.
“Well, it's not the first time.” Charming pointed out. “I've never been able to figure out about clothes. Snow forgets I wasn't raised as one of the nobs like she was. Horses and swordsmanship I was able to pick up, but what goes with what and style is beyond me.”
“It's just another form of gamesmanship, Dearie.” Gold told him. “Half the trick is in the bluff. If you act like you're the height of style everyone will think you are.”
“Well Henry claims that what the Reitzels want us to wear is 'dumb', and I don't know enough to be able to tell one way or another.” Charming pulled him into Reitzel Haberdashery. “What do you think?”
Gold took one look at Henry, pouting in front of the mirror, and said, “Ye Gods. No. Just... No.”
“I tried to tell them.” Henry informed Gold, clearly both much put upon and thankful for an ally. “I look like something out of an Elton John video. From the 80s”
“I don't think Sir Elton ever wore that much gilt. Or that shade of pink.” Gold circled the boy in amazement. “In fact I don't think I ever wore that much glitter. Reitzel, what were you thinking?”
“The royal family should stand out.” The tailor weakly tried to justify himself. “Even in this world royalty wears ornamentation.”
“Putting aside the question of the Windsors' taste, those 'ornaments' are real Reitzel.” Gold shook his head. “Burn that tunic, assuming the material will still burn under all that metal, and find the boy a white dress shirt, with black trousers and waistcoat.”
“But we spent...”
The tailor's protest was cut off by his partner grabbing his arm, muttering, “Dark One. Not to mention best customer” and hustling him into the back room.
Henry starting pulling pins out of the tunic, so he could take it off, “Thanks. I thought Mr. Reitzel was actually going to con Granddad into making me wear this thing.”
“One would think your grandfather would know better. Particularly now that he remembers the trick those two pulled on the Emperor of Agrabah.” Gold told Henry.
“Hey, why do you think I came looking for help?” Charming defended himself. “And you shop here. I figured they knew what they were doing.”
“I don't let them choose my clothing.” Gold sounded mildly affronted. “And they're actually rather good tailors when they're not trying to run a scam.”
Then he called into the back. “And bring the same plus a white dinner jacket for Prince James.”
“Is that what you're wearing?” Henry asked. “Cause Granddad should look as good as you do.”
“I'm not sure I'm going.” Gold said stiffly.
“Oh no.” Charming retorted. “If I'm going to this thing, you're going as well. I'm not going to try and keep the peace between all those women crazed with party planning all by myself. You at least have to head off Belle. And stand up to the Blue Fairy. If somebody doesn't she'd going to have the entire town ablaze with the Solstice lighting.”
“I don't believe Belle wants me there.” Why exactly was he confiding his personal life to Charming? Just because the man's advice had been good before and he had managed to find and keep his true love...
“Where'd you get that idea?” Charming asked. “We're holding this thing on the 19th specifically because Belle insisted on having it on a night you would come.”
This was news to Gold. So why... “She's put a number of restrictions on my and our behavior if I attend.”
“It's a religious thing.” Henry piped up with. “The Blue Fairy thinks that everybody who comes should believe in the Gods, so that she can have a 'proper' Solstice party, and she's being all bossy about how the party goes. My Mom, well actually both my Moms are getting really fed up with it. Emma says Blue needs to get a grip and figure out how things are done here, But Regina says it politics. Since you're the most important person who doesn't believe in the Gods, the Blue Fairy's going out of her way to make things awkward for you.”
“I wouldn't say I was the most notable.” Gold smirked at Charming.
“I sort of converted.” The other man muttered. “Maybe not officially, but it kind of came with the job.”
“Your secret's safe, Dearie.”
“It's a secret?” Henry looked surprised. “Why? It's a really cool story. How you went from being a shepherd to a prince.”
Charming rubbed his neck. “Well, yeah, but not everyone would think it was okay for a shepherd to marry a princess.”
“But she's your True Love.” Henry argued. “And you're a hero.”
Gold took pity on Charming's inability to explain. “In the old world social mobility, do you know what social mobility is, Henry?”
“Having a better job and more money than your parents.” Henry came back with.
“Close enough. Social mobility was very limited. A shepherd could be a hero, but his reward would generally be a better farm and possibly a place on the Lord's council. He and his children would still be constrained to remain peasants. It took enormous... efforts to alter ones place in society and even if one succeeded that person would generally not be readily accepted by the nobility, although his children might be.”
“And this is a place everybody misses?” Henry frowned.
“Not everybody, lad.” Gold told him. “Even putting aside the freer... philosophy here in this world, indoor plumbing and electricity are wonderful things.”
“Not to mention a spinner can end up owning half the town.” Chaming's smile quirked.
Gold's eyes narrowed. “Not many people pick up on that.”
“I may have been a shepherd but I wasn't a stupid one.” The other man told him. “Spinning would be a really strange hobby for the most powerful magic maker in the land, unless of course that's how he used to make his living. It helped knowing that in those early days after I made our first deal. I figured if you could go from spinning to the Dark One, I could manage to learn how to be a prince.”
“Happy to have been of service.” The Dark One bowed slightly to the Prince.
“So you have to come to the party.” Henry returned to his earlier point. “Cause otherwise thing could get weird.”
“Things are going to be weird no matter what.” Charming put it. “At least if you're there I'll have help to keep those women in check.”
“Besides Belle will be really disappointed if you don't come.” Henry put in.
“She has been rather enthusiastic over this party.” Gold admitted.
“They've all been 'enthusiastic' over this thing.” Charming sighed. “I swear every female in this town has gone crazy. I've lost count of how many men have complained to me that I should rein in Snow because their womenfolk are after them to come to the party and they don't want to have to go.”
“You're not considering it are you?” Gold asked sharply.
“Gods no!” Charming shook himself. “Putting aside that's not how Snow and I do things, I'm smart enough to know that if you want to keep a happy home life, you don't disappoint your woman over something as silly as a dance. No matter how much many strictures she puts on your behavior ahead of time.”
Gold recognized manipulation when he saw it. But the Prince's advice was good no matter what his underlying agenda in giving it. So he nodded in agreement. “We must therefore ensure our ladies are not disappointed.”
At this point the tailors apparently decided it was safe to return, quickly fitting the evening clothes to Charming and Henry under Gold's watchful eye.
“So will this be fancy enough for the party?” Henry asked.
“It will with a memorable detail.” Gold told him. “Can you discover the colors of the gowns your mother and grandmother are wearing to the ball?”
“Emma's wearing a black pants outfit with a bright red blouse and Snow's got this sparkly purple dress that's all billowy.” Henry supplied immediately.
“Excellent.” Gold waved him over to the rack of ties. “Pick out ties that will match those colors for yourself and your grandfather.”
Henry happily ransacked the tie racks, to the not very well disguised distress of the tailors, and came up with a bright red tie for himself and a dark purple one for Charming.
“Shall I show you how it's tied?” Gold asked Henry.
“Yes, please.” Henry looked excited. “This is just like in James Bond.”
Gold demonstrated the proper method of tying a bow tie once, with Henry watching closing. Then guided the boy's hands through the process with Henry standing in front of Gold before the mirror. By the third time, Henry managed to tie it himself.
“It's a little lopsided.” The boy looked at it critically.
“That's all right. You want it tied just poorly enough to be obvious you did it by hand.” Gold informed him. Then lowering his voice to a whisper he added. “Now, do you think you can help your grandfather with his should he need it?”
“He'll need it.” Charming put in. “You don't need to conspire with Henry. I all ready admitted I'm hopeless at this stuff.
Henry grinned and then proffered a gold lamé tie to Gold. “Belle's dress is made out of this material.”
“Is it?”
“Yeah, Ruby's been teasing her about it.” Henry told him. “Cause it's a pun on your name.”
“She was wearing a gown of this color when we first met.” Gold informed the boy.
“I'd say that's a sure sign she expects you to be there.” Charming put in.
“Save your diplomatic efforts for the women,” Gold told him. “I'll turn up and serve as your 'wingman'. I will even follow Belle's strictures about civility to the Blue Fairy, but only for the night.”
“At this point Blue's annoyed enough people that I'll be happy if nobody starts lobbing magic shots at her. Civility may be more than can be hoped for.” Charming responded
By mid morning of the party, Emma was rapidly reaching the end of her rope. “You're not actually thinking of lighting all these candles are you? The place will never pass fire code. Can't we just string Christmas tree lights?”
“Candles are traditional.” The Blue Fairy informed her. “And you're the sheriff. You can waive any code violations.”
“The purpose of those codes is to protect people.” Emma pointed out. “So you're going to have to make some new traditions and replace about two thirds of these candles with electric lights.”
“The hardware store has some very nice battery operated tea lights.” Abigail put in to pacify the fairies. “And in some places those strings of lights are called fairy lights, so it's actually very appropriate.”
Leaving Abigail to make sure Granny's did not go up in a blaze, Emma sought out Snow in the kitchen.
“I swear if I hear 'it's traditional' one more time today I'm ready to start lobbing some of those magic shots David is so worried about.” She complained to her mother.
“I take it that means you don't want to try these very traditional mince tarts then?” The kitchen was a flurry of activity. Snow was setting a batch of tarts out to cool as Granny slipped the next sheet of tarts into the oven. Belle was rolling out another batch of pastry. While Ruby ladled frosting from the large mixer into smaller bowls. Gretel added color to the frosting to be used by herself, Grace and Jefferson, who had taken over the other prep table, to decorate gingerbread people so that they represented the various citizens of Storybrooke.
“Depends, is mince all you've got?” Emma inspected the baking.
“No, we're also making apricot and blackberry.” Belle put in. “Apparently the ingredients of Solstice tarts varies considerably from region to region. Rumpelstiltskin told me in his village they were savories and made up the main course of the Solstice meal.”
“My Granny told me that, too.” Granny put in. “But I had the impression that it was custom that was dieing out even when she was a girl.”
“Well, Rumpelstiltskin has been around a rather long time.” Belle commented, rubbing her noise and leaving behind a flour smear.
Doing some quick math, Emma said skeptically, “Wait, that would make Gold over a hundred before the curse hit.”
“More than that.” Belle glanced up. “The histories of my duchy say his magic was what ended the first ogre war, and that was three hundred years before I was born.”
“Is she pulling my leg?” Emma asked her mother.
“No.” Snow wiped her hands and turned to start filling Belle's tart shells.
Emma shook her head. “And I thought I had a thing for older men.”
“Older men are more patient and experienced.” Belle told her primly.
“Yeah, and some day I'm going to get you to tell us about some of that 'experience'” Ruby smirked. “I mean think of what kind of technique you could pick up in 300 years.”
“Ruby! Small ears.” Granny nodded toward the children decorating the cookies.
“Well, clearly I meant magical technique.” Ruby winked as Snow snorted and Belle blushed.
“Emma, the fairies want to know if they can use the street along the south side of the square for more parking?” Ashley stuck her head through the diner pass through.
“What? That'll block the paramedics and fire station. Of course not!” Emma rushed out to stop this latest madness.
Ashely looked around. “So I probably shouldn't mention the part about the fire chief moving the gazebo for the bonfire in the square, right?”
“Definitely not.” Snow told her.
Somehow it all came together in the end. Snow and Charming finally opened the dancing only an hour late because the musicians misplaced half their sheet music and had to run off to the copy shop before they could get started. But the crowd seemed happy to mill about eating and drinking. And taking advantage of Belle's mistletoe.
“Isn't this the best Solstice ever?” Snow gushed.
“Well personally, I think that first Solstice we had together, hiding in the woods just by ourselves, was the best Solstice ever. But this ones pretty good.” Charming told her.
“But this one has Emma and Henry.” Snow pointed out.
“You have a point. Maybe they're tied.”
As they danced Nova came running up to them. “Your majesty, you need to come. There's a problem.”
Snow glanced at her husband. Who smiled, “Go on. We'll catch up later.”
The bar was near so Charming wandered over. Gold was there sipping a glass of wine. “Enjoying the party?” David asked him with a grin.
“Ah, yes.” Gold admitted. “Thank you for convincing me to come. But I believe I am still in your debt, so far nothing has come up that needed my help handling.”
“Except Belle.” Charming's grin widened. “Saw you two taking advantage of the mistletoe. But the night's still young. We may yet need you.”
“Need him for what?” Belle asked suspiciously as she joined them.
Charming quickly put in. “I asked Gold to back me up if things got out of hand tonight.”
“Oh, it's much too early for any brawls to start.” Belle commented. “We haven't even gotten the Solstice fire lit yet. I wonder what's holding that up. We've all the treats laid out and ready to go for the frolic.”
“From here it looks like there may be technical difficulties.” Gold gestured toward the fireplace, where the fairies and Snow were glaring at the massive logs.
“Better check it out.” David sighed as he led them over to the fireplace. “Problem?”
“It seems the fairies may have spread themselves a little too thin.” Snow frowned at them. “They can't light all of the fires at once and be sure of their control.”
“Nova used some of our fairy dust to secure the decorations at the harbor.” The Blue Fairy told them. “It's left us a trifle short.”
“They can light the bonfires. Those don't matter if they burns too hot, but inside is another matter. We don't want to risk setting the building on fire.” Snow glanced sheepishly at Gold. “I don't suppose you could...?”
“I could, had I not been sworn not to use my magic tonight.” Gold's eye's crinkled in amusement. “But I think I can manage a less complicated solution.”
With a slight bow, he removed a lighter from his pocket and presented it to Snow.
As Snow set about lighting the fire, Charming murmured to Gold. “Say that coming did you?”
“Not specifically.” Gold answered smugly. “But planning has never been the fairies strong suit and it never hurts to be prepared.”
The fire blazed up. The Blue Fairy clapped and announced, “Now let the Frolic begin! We will revel to delight the Gods!”
“Or, you know, just for a great party,” Emma quickly jumped in. “Those tarts and cookies look really good, everybody. Dig in.”
The children, with Jefferson's help, had managed to create a gingerbread person representing each person at the party. Henry, Gretel and Grace distributed them under Jefferson proud eye.
Emma took hers with a star on the chest and a sword in hand and showed it off to her parents. “Cute idea. Some of the symbolism is a little obscure though. Why did they make Gold's green and sparkly? Because of his money?”
Her parents exchanged looks. Snow supplied. “Not everyone had the same appearance in the old world.”
Not paying attention to the Charmings' conversation, across the table Gold commented. “This all looks delicious, Belle. You did a wonderful job.”
“Thank you. Would you like my cookie?” Belle grinned as she held out a gingerbread woman covered in little gold balls.
Gold blinked at her. Clearing his throat he said, “Uhm, my dear, nothing would give me greater pleasure, but among the peasantry that custom has meaning beyond... It's not like kissing under the mistletoe. Not that I would hold you to anything.” He added quickly.
Belle stepped closer and took his cookie, still holding out hers. “I know the custom, Rumpelstiltskin. I agreed to forever when we met. And in this world apparently you only need to have three dates before...”
She blushed and her voice quieted. “Before things can move forward. Don't you think it's time?”
Clearly he did as his response was to pull her into a long lingering kiss.
Emma, observing this from across the table, looked at the cookie she'd just bitten the foot off. “Okay, these things are tasty. But they're not that good.”
“It's not the cookie.” Her father sighed. “It's the offer. When a courting couple exchange Solstice cookies it means... Well, if some guy offers you one don't take it, okay?”
“Because?” Emma asked.
“Your cookie is you.” Snow explained. “When you give it to someone you're offering to let him 'eat' you. Got it?”
“Got it.” Emma wrinkled her nose. “That's kind of raunchy for a Christmas custom.”
“Remember the part about dedicating your revels to the Gods?” Snow pointed out. As her daughter took this in, Snow turned to her husband. “Since you're so dead set against Emma exchanging cookies I suppose that means you don't want mine?”
“I'm perfectly willing to be the hypocritical papa. She's to do as I say. Not as I do.” Charming took the cookie and proceeded to thoroughly kiss his wife.
Emma decided another drink was in order and took herself off to the bar. Only to find the Blue Fairy smugly observing the proceedings back at the cookie table. “Not a word.” Emma warned her.
“Just wanted to wish you a Joyous Solstice, Sheriff.” Blue responded.
Looking over at her parents, then on to Henry chasing after Grace and Gretel in search of more treats, Emma had to smile. “And a Merry Christmas to you. Cause even with all the hassle, this is probably the best Christmas I've ever had.”
Have a happy holiday!
Recipient: rubystandish
Author: joylee56
Rating: PG
Characters/Pairings: Emma, Snow, Ruby, Granny, the Blue Fairy, Agigail, Belle, Nova, Charming, Mr. Gold, Henry, Snow/Charming, Gold/Belle
Word Count: 6334
Warnings: Some religious intolerance. Massive amounts of sugar.
Summary: Solstice is coming. Emma fails to explain multiculturalism to the Blue Fairy. Charming and Gold try not to get run over in their ladies' rush to prepare for the Holiday. Oh, and the Goose may be getting fat.
Author's Notes: Happy Holidays!
You Are Cordially Invited to the Storybrooke Town Solstice, Christmas, Hanukkah, Saturnalia, Yule, Hogmanay, Mid Winter, Kwanzaa, Yalda (“Does anyone in Storybrooke actually celebrate that one?” “I don't know but I'm not taking any chances.”) Whatever Party
It all started so innocently.
Belle had set up a number of book groups at the library. One of them started out called something like Romantic Literature Through Ages but had immediately been dubbed The Chick Lit Group by someone. (Emma swore it was not her.)
The name stuck. Between that and deciding to meet on Sunday afternoons during football, the group became a female preserve. Even Dr. Whale, who actually read and enjoyed 19th Century Gothic Literature, admitted to not having the courage to continue with group.
“I didn't mind being the only man and having to defend Mr. Rochester not telling Jane about his crazy wife in the attic.” He maintained. “But when they started comparing feminine hygiene products, I knew it was time to leave.”
The first week of December, after a spirited discussion of Jamaica Inn. The group moved as a whole to the Diner for refreshments. They had been there quite a while when Emma, who was not a member of the book group, stumbled in searching for hot cocoa. “Cause it's another beautiful Maine winter day. Explain to me again why we're living in the coldest place in America?”
“Regina. Curse.” Ruby supplied as she steamed milk for Emma's cocoa.
“I think Alaska and North Dakota may be colder.” Abigail commented. “Not that any of us are likely to find out any time soon.”
Since this line of discussion inevitably led to questions as to why the magic makers in town were not able to figure out how to get past the town boundaries without memory loss, Belle quickly changed the subject. “At least the weather will probably bring snow for Solstice. We only had snow a couple of times when I was a child and it makes for such a beautiful Solstice celebration.”
“Oh, Solstice!” Snow smiled. “It's been years since I've had a real Solstice celebration, what with... one thing and another. I used to love Solstice.”
“We haven't celebrated properly since, heavens, since your father passed.” Granny put in. “We should do something this year. We got a lot to be grateful for what with the curse breaking and all.”
“Indeed we do.” Blue put in. “We should make it a true celebration. Invite the whole town.”
“Just like when I was little. We would open the castle to everyone for the lighting of the fire and a feast.” Snow said excitedly. “Emma, do you think we could use City Hall? There is room there and if we make it a potluck it wouldn't cost all that much.”
“Uhn, well, I don't know. City Hall hasn't really got any kind of kitchen or anything.” Emma looked bewildered. “This is like Christmas?”
The Blue Fairy took on a look of religious fervor. “Solstice marks the triumph of light over darkness, since it is the point at which darkness begins to retreat each year, Winter Solstice represents the harnessing of darkness and it's falling to the light. The Gods themselves are said to push us back toward the sun and the light to counter-balance the pull of the darkness and the night. To assist the Gods in this endeavor believers dedicate the lightness in their hearts to the battle. They must revel, sing and dance.”
Granny frowned at this but did not say anything.
“And as part of the battle for light each person makes an offering to the Gods of their ecstasy.” Blue continued.
Emma looked alarmed. “Wait this is a religious celebration? Guys, the town really can't sponsor a religious celebration. There's the whole separation of church and state thing. No favoring one religion over others.”
“That's silly.” Put in Blue. “Solstice is celebrated by everyone.”
Granny finally spoke up. “Not everybody performs Ecstatic Offerings though. I've got no problem with a Solstice party, but not if it's going to be a actual Bacchanalia. We're Renewed. The Gods deserve sober reflection not a drunken brawl.”
“To live life to the fullest best honors the Gifts of the Gods.” Blue responded piously.
As Granny frowned even more. Emma jumped in. “And that right there is why in this world we don't do religious celebrations on the public dime. The last thing this town needs is a religious war over what kind of decorations get hung at City Hall.”
“Not to mention,” Abigail pointed out practically. “Even among the orthodox, despite the fairies' precepts, the kingdoms all had different ways of celebrating Solstice. I doubt you're going to be able to come up with any one custom everyone agrees with. Besides there are a number of people in town who have embraced the local faith. Black Tom for one.”
“Who?” Asked Emma.
“Reverend Thomas, the Presbyterian minister.” Abigail went on. “And they're going to be very uncomfortable with what they now regard as a 'pagan' celebration. Emma's right. We should simply have a holiday party. A Ball perhaps. With a nice buffet and games for the children.”
“Which,” Snow informed her daughter in an undertone. “Is pretty much how Midas' kingdom used to celebrate Solstice. They weren't very religious.”
“Don't care, if it gives us an out.” Emma whispered back. Then loudly. “That sounds good. Nobody's going to complain about a dance with food, right?”
“Could we have it on some night other than the actual Solstice?” Belle had sat out the debate quietly sipping her tea. “That way Ru... er the people who want to actually honor Solstice could come to the party.”
“The Dark One can not honor the Gods.” The Blue Fairy sounded shocked. “They would not accept his Offerings.”
“Actually, Rumpelstiltskin follows the Old Faith.” Belle said with dignity.
Blue sniffed. “I would expect no less from such as he.”
“Old Faith?” Emma asked Snow quietly.
“Monotheists. They worship the original source of magic.” Snow explained equally softly. “It was a major religion up until a couple of hundred years ago when the fairies started taking an active role in governing the Kingdoms. Most of the believers converted, at least publicly, to following the Gods. But there are a few left. They're big on literacy and learning so you still find them heavily represented in the healing arts and law.”
“Gold is the FTL version of Jewish?” Emma snorted. “Regina didn't leave any stereotype untouched when she set up this curse did she?”
Abigail had apparently managed to talk the rest of the group into her idea of a Ball and dinner while Emma was being briefed. “Although for that we will want an actual kitchen.” She finished.
“We could have it here.” Ruby spoke up. “If we shift the furniture and open all of the connecting rooms for the Inn as well as the Diner there's more than enough room. What about it Gran? Donate the space as a Solstice offering?”
“I'm happy to host the party here.” Granny put in. “But the Landlord gets a cut of my event rentals. So I can't do it without paying Gold for the use of the space.”
Everyone looked at Belle.
“Fine.” She sighed. “I'll talk to him about it.”
The next day saw them gathered again for the second planning session for the Storybrooke Town Solstice/Christmas/Hanukkah/We'll Figure Out What to Call It Later party.
“I'm going to have to show up to all of these sessions just to make sure Blue doesn't turn this thing into some kind of Mass aren't I?” Emma told her mother after the open skirmish over the name.
“Probably.” Snow admitted. “Multiculturalism wasn't really a concept in the Enchanted Forrest. And our memories of this world are from small town Maine. I'm not sure any of the rest of us understand the issues very well.”
“Great. Just what I wanted to spend December doing.” Emma sighed.
“So, Belle, how is our hunt for a venue going?” Abigail asked.
“I spoke with Rumpelstiltskin.” Belle told them. “But the lease for the Inn is very specific about the rental terms for all events. I'm afraid he's not willing to alter those terms.”
“Not a big surprise.” Muttered Ruby.
“He did suggest,” Belle went on. “That if we charged a small subscription for the Ball, and asked local businesses for their sponsorship, we could easily cover not only the cost of the rental, but food and the expenses for a more public event in the town square, since entire town can't really fit in the Inn in any event.
“He started things off with the purchase of an ad on the back of the program.” Belle held up a check.
“Program. What program?” Emma asked.
“The one that's going to have space for sponsors to advertise in.” Granny snatched the check and smiled at the amount. “It can have the menu and a dance card as well. Can we mention to the other businesses how much Gold paid? This will more than cover his cut of the rental fee, but it would be great if we could get enough together to put on a nice dinner without having to charge the folks that don't want to come to the Ball.”
“Yes, he said it would be fine to mention his sponsorship.” Belle told her. “Will that really make a difference as to how much other businesses will contribute?”
“Oh, yeah.” Granny chuckled. “Can't look bad at the Chamber of Commerce meeting by having Gold donate more than you're willing to come up with. Abigail, you should be in charge of that. You'll know how to sell it without looking crass.”
“One of the fairies should accompany her.” The Blue Fairy put in. “This is after all a Solstice celebration. The Dark Ones should not influence it.”
“How many times have I got to say this.” Emma spoke up. “Not just Solstice. We need to be inclusive here. It's for the whole town.”
“Not to mention,” Abigail commented so that only her side of the table encompassing Emma, Belle Snow and Granny could hear. “If Gold's helping us with the financing, he's going to have influence.”
Then more loudly, she added, “I'd be happy to have one of the fairies accompany me. Perhaps your Bursar?”
“The Bursar is rather busy this time of year.” Blue told her. “I though Nova.”
“I really think someone with a better understanding of funds like the Bursar would be more appropriate.” Abigail held firm.
“Note for future reference.” Emma muttered to Snow. “Let Abigail handle the fairies.”
Snow gave her daughter a warning look and then spoke up. “Well with that taken care of we can start planning the menu.”
After the fourth planning session Emma commented. “This thing has turned into a huge time suck. Why exactly did we have to spend an hour arguing about what color the bunting was going to be?”
“Because blue and silver are traditional colors for the Gods' Solstice celebration, whereas green, red and gold are for this world's Christmas and purple is the color of the Old Faith.” Snow told her. “Since you clearly missed the subtext on that Granny and I were trying to keep with your inclusion theme.
“I'm pretty sure Abigail was arguing about it only because the rainbow compromise Nova suggested would have been just plain ugly.” Snow finished.
Emma dropped her head to her hands.
Several planning sessions later Emma was finally in hope they were wrapping things up.
Snow summarized. “Okay, so we've got sign up sheets for the tasks that will need doing the last couple of days before the party going around. The kids are going pitch in by decorating cookies and Jefferson's agreed to oversee that. And it looks like we've raised more than enough money to cover all our expenses. Good job on that, Abigail.”
“Thank you.” Abigail nodded. “We couldn't have done it with out the Bursar talking the musicians into working for scale. She was a great help.”
“So, that's everything I think.” Snow finished with a smile.
“Not quite.” The Blue Fairy spoke up.
“I knew things were going too well.” Emma muttered.
“This is a celebration of the light.” The Blue Fairy continued.
As Emma opened her mouth to speak, Snow kicked her. “Wait and hear her out.” Snow hissed.
“As such we can not have it contaminated by dark influences.” The other fairies nodded at their leader's words. “It has come to our attention that Rumpelstiltskin has purchased tickets to the Ball.”
“I think Belle actually bought the tickets.” Snow pointed out.
“With the Dark One's credit card.” Blue pursed her lips.
Belle shrugged. “It's mine, but he pays for it.”
“I am uncomfortable having the Dark One's influence at a celebration of the Gods.” The Blue Fairy stated.
Belle started to scowl. Emma jumped in. “First, and I've reached the stage where I'm going to record this and put it on my phone for playback, this a party for the whole town. Not a religious celebration. Gold is a part of this town. And Belle's date. You can't seriously be suggesting we exclude him. Belle's done a huge amount of work on this thing.”
“Not to mention he came up with the seed money that got everything rolling.” Abigail added her support. “We can't take his money and then tell him he can't come.”
“It's not a matter of money.” Blue informed them.
“No,” Muttered Granny to Emma, “It's a matter of power.”
“The Dark One's magic will contaminate ours. We will not be able to properly conduct the celebration.” The Fairy insisted.
“Well, perhaps Mr. Gold would be willing to agree not to use any magic at the party,” Snow suggested. “Belle, would you explain the problem to him and ask him?”
“Why do all of my tasks amount to 'manage Rumpelstiltskin'.” Belle sounded more than a little put upon.
“Cause it needs doing and you actually get results.” Emma pointed out.
“You've certainly done other things as well.” Snow quickly added. “You're going to help the day of the party aren't you? Would you like to cook or decorate?”
“Both please.” Belle perked up. “One of the books I read mentioned this wonderful custom in this world about mistletoe. I talked to Papa. He can order enough to hang some in every doorway.”
Gold was carefully making his way back to his shop from terrorizing one of his tenant's. He had every intention of immediately seeing to the roof repairs for the laundromat, but he'd made the owners of the business go over the storm damages in detail before doing so. His mood the last week had been foul and forcing the the Lees to itemize each and every problem at length was a relatively painless (for everyone other than the Lees) way to take out his frustrations.
“Gold! Hold up.” Came a cry from down the block.
Looking up Gold found Charming bearing down on him. Closing the distance rapidly the other man continued. “You're just the guy I need and you owe me.”
He did indeed owe Charming for helping to save Belle from having her memory wiped by her father. Sighing Gold, responded. “How can I assist you Mr. Nolan?”
By now Charming had reached Gold and was taking his arm to hustle him down the sidewalk. “Snow's got me outfitting myself and Henry for this stupid party they're planning and Henry's giving me grief over it.”
“You want my sartorial advice?” Normally Gold would have shaken off the other man's hand, but the snow had left the sidewalk slick enough that Gold could not maintained the pace Charming was setting without risking a fall.
Besides the gesture seemed more comradely than patronizing coming from Charming.
“Well, it's not the first time.” Charming pointed out. “I've never been able to figure out about clothes. Snow forgets I wasn't raised as one of the nobs like she was. Horses and swordsmanship I was able to pick up, but what goes with what and style is beyond me.”
“It's just another form of gamesmanship, Dearie.” Gold told him. “Half the trick is in the bluff. If you act like you're the height of style everyone will think you are.”
“Well Henry claims that what the Reitzels want us to wear is 'dumb', and I don't know enough to be able to tell one way or another.” Charming pulled him into Reitzel Haberdashery. “What do you think?”
Gold took one look at Henry, pouting in front of the mirror, and said, “Ye Gods. No. Just... No.”
“I tried to tell them.” Henry informed Gold, clearly both much put upon and thankful for an ally. “I look like something out of an Elton John video. From the 80s”
“I don't think Sir Elton ever wore that much gilt. Or that shade of pink.” Gold circled the boy in amazement. “In fact I don't think I ever wore that much glitter. Reitzel, what were you thinking?”
“The royal family should stand out.” The tailor weakly tried to justify himself. “Even in this world royalty wears ornamentation.”
“Putting aside the question of the Windsors' taste, those 'ornaments' are real Reitzel.” Gold shook his head. “Burn that tunic, assuming the material will still burn under all that metal, and find the boy a white dress shirt, with black trousers and waistcoat.”
“But we spent...”
The tailor's protest was cut off by his partner grabbing his arm, muttering, “Dark One. Not to mention best customer” and hustling him into the back room.
Henry starting pulling pins out of the tunic, so he could take it off, “Thanks. I thought Mr. Reitzel was actually going to con Granddad into making me wear this thing.”
“One would think your grandfather would know better. Particularly now that he remembers the trick those two pulled on the Emperor of Agrabah.” Gold told Henry.
“Hey, why do you think I came looking for help?” Charming defended himself. “And you shop here. I figured they knew what they were doing.”
“I don't let them choose my clothing.” Gold sounded mildly affronted. “And they're actually rather good tailors when they're not trying to run a scam.”
Then he called into the back. “And bring the same plus a white dinner jacket for Prince James.”
“Is that what you're wearing?” Henry asked. “Cause Granddad should look as good as you do.”
“I'm not sure I'm going.” Gold said stiffly.
“Oh no.” Charming retorted. “If I'm going to this thing, you're going as well. I'm not going to try and keep the peace between all those women crazed with party planning all by myself. You at least have to head off Belle. And stand up to the Blue Fairy. If somebody doesn't she'd going to have the entire town ablaze with the Solstice lighting.”
“I don't believe Belle wants me there.” Why exactly was he confiding his personal life to Charming? Just because the man's advice had been good before and he had managed to find and keep his true love...
“Where'd you get that idea?” Charming asked. “We're holding this thing on the 19th specifically because Belle insisted on having it on a night you would come.”
This was news to Gold. So why... “She's put a number of restrictions on my and our behavior if I attend.”
“It's a religious thing.” Henry piped up with. “The Blue Fairy thinks that everybody who comes should believe in the Gods, so that she can have a 'proper' Solstice party, and she's being all bossy about how the party goes. My Mom, well actually both my Moms are getting really fed up with it. Emma says Blue needs to get a grip and figure out how things are done here, But Regina says it politics. Since you're the most important person who doesn't believe in the Gods, the Blue Fairy's going out of her way to make things awkward for you.”
“I wouldn't say I was the most notable.” Gold smirked at Charming.
“I sort of converted.” The other man muttered. “Maybe not officially, but it kind of came with the job.”
“Your secret's safe, Dearie.”
“It's a secret?” Henry looked surprised. “Why? It's a really cool story. How you went from being a shepherd to a prince.”
Charming rubbed his neck. “Well, yeah, but not everyone would think it was okay for a shepherd to marry a princess.”
“But she's your True Love.” Henry argued. “And you're a hero.”
Gold took pity on Charming's inability to explain. “In the old world social mobility, do you know what social mobility is, Henry?”
“Having a better job and more money than your parents.” Henry came back with.
“Close enough. Social mobility was very limited. A shepherd could be a hero, but his reward would generally be a better farm and possibly a place on the Lord's council. He and his children would still be constrained to remain peasants. It took enormous... efforts to alter ones place in society and even if one succeeded that person would generally not be readily accepted by the nobility, although his children might be.”
“And this is a place everybody misses?” Henry frowned.
“Not everybody, lad.” Gold told him. “Even putting aside the freer... philosophy here in this world, indoor plumbing and electricity are wonderful things.”
“Not to mention a spinner can end up owning half the town.” Chaming's smile quirked.
Gold's eyes narrowed. “Not many people pick up on that.”
“I may have been a shepherd but I wasn't a stupid one.” The other man told him. “Spinning would be a really strange hobby for the most powerful magic maker in the land, unless of course that's how he used to make his living. It helped knowing that in those early days after I made our first deal. I figured if you could go from spinning to the Dark One, I could manage to learn how to be a prince.”
“Happy to have been of service.” The Dark One bowed slightly to the Prince.
“So you have to come to the party.” Henry returned to his earlier point. “Cause otherwise thing could get weird.”
“Things are going to be weird no matter what.” Charming put it. “At least if you're there I'll have help to keep those women in check.”
“Besides Belle will be really disappointed if you don't come.” Henry put in.
“She has been rather enthusiastic over this party.” Gold admitted.
“They've all been 'enthusiastic' over this thing.” Charming sighed. “I swear every female in this town has gone crazy. I've lost count of how many men have complained to me that I should rein in Snow because their womenfolk are after them to come to the party and they don't want to have to go.”
“You're not considering it are you?” Gold asked sharply.
“Gods no!” Charming shook himself. “Putting aside that's not how Snow and I do things, I'm smart enough to know that if you want to keep a happy home life, you don't disappoint your woman over something as silly as a dance. No matter how much many strictures she puts on your behavior ahead of time.”
Gold recognized manipulation when he saw it. But the Prince's advice was good no matter what his underlying agenda in giving it. So he nodded in agreement. “We must therefore ensure our ladies are not disappointed.”
At this point the tailors apparently decided it was safe to return, quickly fitting the evening clothes to Charming and Henry under Gold's watchful eye.
“So will this be fancy enough for the party?” Henry asked.
“It will with a memorable detail.” Gold told him. “Can you discover the colors of the gowns your mother and grandmother are wearing to the ball?”
“Emma's wearing a black pants outfit with a bright red blouse and Snow's got this sparkly purple dress that's all billowy.” Henry supplied immediately.
“Excellent.” Gold waved him over to the rack of ties. “Pick out ties that will match those colors for yourself and your grandfather.”
Henry happily ransacked the tie racks, to the not very well disguised distress of the tailors, and came up with a bright red tie for himself and a dark purple one for Charming.
“Shall I show you how it's tied?” Gold asked Henry.
“Yes, please.” Henry looked excited. “This is just like in James Bond.”
Gold demonstrated the proper method of tying a bow tie once, with Henry watching closing. Then guided the boy's hands through the process with Henry standing in front of Gold before the mirror. By the third time, Henry managed to tie it himself.
“It's a little lopsided.” The boy looked at it critically.
“That's all right. You want it tied just poorly enough to be obvious you did it by hand.” Gold informed him. Then lowering his voice to a whisper he added. “Now, do you think you can help your grandfather with his should he need it?”
“He'll need it.” Charming put in. “You don't need to conspire with Henry. I all ready admitted I'm hopeless at this stuff.
Henry grinned and then proffered a gold lamé tie to Gold. “Belle's dress is made out of this material.”
“Is it?”
“Yeah, Ruby's been teasing her about it.” Henry told him. “Cause it's a pun on your name.”
“She was wearing a gown of this color when we first met.” Gold informed the boy.
“I'd say that's a sure sign she expects you to be there.” Charming put in.
“Save your diplomatic efforts for the women,” Gold told him. “I'll turn up and serve as your 'wingman'. I will even follow Belle's strictures about civility to the Blue Fairy, but only for the night.”
“At this point Blue's annoyed enough people that I'll be happy if nobody starts lobbing magic shots at her. Civility may be more than can be hoped for.” Charming responded
By mid morning of the party, Emma was rapidly reaching the end of her rope. “You're not actually thinking of lighting all these candles are you? The place will never pass fire code. Can't we just string Christmas tree lights?”
“Candles are traditional.” The Blue Fairy informed her. “And you're the sheriff. You can waive any code violations.”
“The purpose of those codes is to protect people.” Emma pointed out. “So you're going to have to make some new traditions and replace about two thirds of these candles with electric lights.”
“The hardware store has some very nice battery operated tea lights.” Abigail put in to pacify the fairies. “And in some places those strings of lights are called fairy lights, so it's actually very appropriate.”
Leaving Abigail to make sure Granny's did not go up in a blaze, Emma sought out Snow in the kitchen.
“I swear if I hear 'it's traditional' one more time today I'm ready to start lobbing some of those magic shots David is so worried about.” She complained to her mother.
“I take it that means you don't want to try these very traditional mince tarts then?” The kitchen was a flurry of activity. Snow was setting a batch of tarts out to cool as Granny slipped the next sheet of tarts into the oven. Belle was rolling out another batch of pastry. While Ruby ladled frosting from the large mixer into smaller bowls. Gretel added color to the frosting to be used by herself, Grace and Jefferson, who had taken over the other prep table, to decorate gingerbread people so that they represented the various citizens of Storybrooke.
“Depends, is mince all you've got?” Emma inspected the baking.
“No, we're also making apricot and blackberry.” Belle put in. “Apparently the ingredients of Solstice tarts varies considerably from region to region. Rumpelstiltskin told me in his village they were savories and made up the main course of the Solstice meal.”
“My Granny told me that, too.” Granny put in. “But I had the impression that it was custom that was dieing out even when she was a girl.”
“Well, Rumpelstiltskin has been around a rather long time.” Belle commented, rubbing her noise and leaving behind a flour smear.
Doing some quick math, Emma said skeptically, “Wait, that would make Gold over a hundred before the curse hit.”
“More than that.” Belle glanced up. “The histories of my duchy say his magic was what ended the first ogre war, and that was three hundred years before I was born.”
“Is she pulling my leg?” Emma asked her mother.
“No.” Snow wiped her hands and turned to start filling Belle's tart shells.
Emma shook her head. “And I thought I had a thing for older men.”
“Older men are more patient and experienced.” Belle told her primly.
“Yeah, and some day I'm going to get you to tell us about some of that 'experience'” Ruby smirked. “I mean think of what kind of technique you could pick up in 300 years.”
“Ruby! Small ears.” Granny nodded toward the children decorating the cookies.
“Well, clearly I meant magical technique.” Ruby winked as Snow snorted and Belle blushed.
“Emma, the fairies want to know if they can use the street along the south side of the square for more parking?” Ashley stuck her head through the diner pass through.
“What? That'll block the paramedics and fire station. Of course not!” Emma rushed out to stop this latest madness.
Ashely looked around. “So I probably shouldn't mention the part about the fire chief moving the gazebo for the bonfire in the square, right?”
“Definitely not.” Snow told her.
Somehow it all came together in the end. Snow and Charming finally opened the dancing only an hour late because the musicians misplaced half their sheet music and had to run off to the copy shop before they could get started. But the crowd seemed happy to mill about eating and drinking. And taking advantage of Belle's mistletoe.
“Isn't this the best Solstice ever?” Snow gushed.
“Well personally, I think that first Solstice we had together, hiding in the woods just by ourselves, was the best Solstice ever. But this ones pretty good.” Charming told her.
“But this one has Emma and Henry.” Snow pointed out.
“You have a point. Maybe they're tied.”
As they danced Nova came running up to them. “Your majesty, you need to come. There's a problem.”
Snow glanced at her husband. Who smiled, “Go on. We'll catch up later.”
The bar was near so Charming wandered over. Gold was there sipping a glass of wine. “Enjoying the party?” David asked him with a grin.
“Ah, yes.” Gold admitted. “Thank you for convincing me to come. But I believe I am still in your debt, so far nothing has come up that needed my help handling.”
“Except Belle.” Charming's grin widened. “Saw you two taking advantage of the mistletoe. But the night's still young. We may yet need you.”
“Need him for what?” Belle asked suspiciously as she joined them.
Charming quickly put in. “I asked Gold to back me up if things got out of hand tonight.”
“Oh, it's much too early for any brawls to start.” Belle commented. “We haven't even gotten the Solstice fire lit yet. I wonder what's holding that up. We've all the treats laid out and ready to go for the frolic.”
“From here it looks like there may be technical difficulties.” Gold gestured toward the fireplace, where the fairies and Snow were glaring at the massive logs.
“Better check it out.” David sighed as he led them over to the fireplace. “Problem?”
“It seems the fairies may have spread themselves a little too thin.” Snow frowned at them. “They can't light all of the fires at once and be sure of their control.”
“Nova used some of our fairy dust to secure the decorations at the harbor.” The Blue Fairy told them. “It's left us a trifle short.”
“They can light the bonfires. Those don't matter if they burns too hot, but inside is another matter. We don't want to risk setting the building on fire.” Snow glanced sheepishly at Gold. “I don't suppose you could...?”
“I could, had I not been sworn not to use my magic tonight.” Gold's eye's crinkled in amusement. “But I think I can manage a less complicated solution.”
With a slight bow, he removed a lighter from his pocket and presented it to Snow.
As Snow set about lighting the fire, Charming murmured to Gold. “Say that coming did you?”
“Not specifically.” Gold answered smugly. “But planning has never been the fairies strong suit and it never hurts to be prepared.”
The fire blazed up. The Blue Fairy clapped and announced, “Now let the Frolic begin! We will revel to delight the Gods!”
“Or, you know, just for a great party,” Emma quickly jumped in. “Those tarts and cookies look really good, everybody. Dig in.”
The children, with Jefferson's help, had managed to create a gingerbread person representing each person at the party. Henry, Gretel and Grace distributed them under Jefferson proud eye.
Emma took hers with a star on the chest and a sword in hand and showed it off to her parents. “Cute idea. Some of the symbolism is a little obscure though. Why did they make Gold's green and sparkly? Because of his money?”
Her parents exchanged looks. Snow supplied. “Not everyone had the same appearance in the old world.”
Not paying attention to the Charmings' conversation, across the table Gold commented. “This all looks delicious, Belle. You did a wonderful job.”
“Thank you. Would you like my cookie?” Belle grinned as she held out a gingerbread woman covered in little gold balls.
Gold blinked at her. Clearing his throat he said, “Uhm, my dear, nothing would give me greater pleasure, but among the peasantry that custom has meaning beyond... It's not like kissing under the mistletoe. Not that I would hold you to anything.” He added quickly.
Belle stepped closer and took his cookie, still holding out hers. “I know the custom, Rumpelstiltskin. I agreed to forever when we met. And in this world apparently you only need to have three dates before...”
She blushed and her voice quieted. “Before things can move forward. Don't you think it's time?”
Clearly he did as his response was to pull her into a long lingering kiss.
Emma, observing this from across the table, looked at the cookie she'd just bitten the foot off. “Okay, these things are tasty. But they're not that good.”
“It's not the cookie.” Her father sighed. “It's the offer. When a courting couple exchange Solstice cookies it means... Well, if some guy offers you one don't take it, okay?”
“Because?” Emma asked.
“Your cookie is you.” Snow explained. “When you give it to someone you're offering to let him 'eat' you. Got it?”
“Got it.” Emma wrinkled her nose. “That's kind of raunchy for a Christmas custom.”
“Remember the part about dedicating your revels to the Gods?” Snow pointed out. As her daughter took this in, Snow turned to her husband. “Since you're so dead set against Emma exchanging cookies I suppose that means you don't want mine?”
“I'm perfectly willing to be the hypocritical papa. She's to do as I say. Not as I do.” Charming took the cookie and proceeded to thoroughly kiss his wife.
Emma decided another drink was in order and took herself off to the bar. Only to find the Blue Fairy smugly observing the proceedings back at the cookie table. “Not a word.” Emma warned her.
“Just wanted to wish you a Joyous Solstice, Sheriff.” Blue responded.
Looking over at her parents, then on to Henry chasing after Grace and Gretel in search of more treats, Emma had to smile. “And a Merry Christmas to you. Cause even with all the hassle, this is probably the best Christmas I've ever had.”
Have a happy holiday!