video;

[madehervows]

[The feed clicks on to show a woman in her late twenties, possibly early thirties. And she does not look pleased. If looks could kill, well, everybody viewing the broadcast would definitely be dead.

Well, that's what she's trying to convey, at least. The half dried tear tracks running down either side of her face tell another story. When she speaks, she sounds tired and worn out.]

I'd thought I'd seen the last of strange lands when I left Neverland. It appears I was mistaken. [A beat.] Though I have no doubt about the fact that this land is just as irritating as Wonderland and Neverland were. They always are.

[There's an eye roll in her words, even if she doesn't actually do one.]

I won't bother asking how I got here, [She has a pretty good idea of that already, even if it's completely wrong.] I'd just like to know where I ended up.

[Her hand hovers over the phone, as if she's debating whether to say anything else. Eventually it clicks off without another word.]

Comments

[inmybook]

How long have you been here? Did you just show up today? Have you seen the mansion? I can... I could show you around.

[It feels uncomfortable, this mix of emotions. His worry about what things are like back home, his relief that she came back, his fear that she and Emma will start fighting again when they had come so close to making things work. Between everyone.

Will he have to start all over again? If he has to, he will. Because that is what needs to be done. They can get along. He knows they can. He just has to make them both see that.]

It's kind of a big place but I've been helping James make a map and I know where almost everything is.

[It's a slight exaggeration, but only a little one...]

[madehervows]

Henry, slow down. [It's said fondly, with the smile she reserves explicitly for Henry.] I just got here, so I'd love for you to show me around.

[Because oh my god, Henry willingly wants to spend time with her? To Regina, this is bigger than the whole Wonderland thing. Especially given Regina's current circumstances before coming here.

But luckily for Henry, Regina is capable of getting along with Emma now. Sure there are a few barbs, but the outright hate that Henry might be expecting isn't there, not anymore.]

James, hm? A friend of yours?

[Yes Henry, tell her all about the strangers you've befriended in her absence.]

[inmybook]

Yes.

[Oops. Was this a trap? His answer might have been a little hesitant. Brows furrowing slightly again. It still seemed a bit dangerous to introduce his friends to Regina. She might not like them much. She had a habit of not.]

He's really nice. [And he does magic, but maybe that is a thing for another time. Wait until she finds the magic closets. Even Henry has taken to using them once he moved past his misgivings.]

[madehervows]

[It isn't a trap, yet anyway. But she can tell how hesitant he was to share that information, and it stings a little. Was she really that bad? Of course she was.]

Then I'm glad you have a friend, Henry. Is he your age? [Yes Henry, give your mother all the details so she can vet your friends. With any lucky this won't end too badly.]

[inmybook]

He's a few years older.

[Like 4 appearance-wise and, what, 7 age wise? Henry doesn't know the specifics, all he knows is that James is a nice guy and has only ever been friendly and helpful with Henry.]

But he's really nice and we sometimes draw pictures together.

[Because ways to not make Regina like James would be telling her that James was letting him help him with a map of Wonderland, and he explored and drew maps for James to help.]

[madehervows]

[She makes a small 'hmm' noise because Henry you know older boys are trouble!!

Oh wait you wouldn't know that because Regina systematically made sure you had no friends.]

As long as he's not getting you into any trouble. Is he?

[It's her Mom Voice, Henry. She didn't mean, or expect to break it out so soon, but she's worried.

Translation: Never tell her about the map making. Ever.]

[inmybook]

No!

[A little quick there, Henry, but he keeps going.]

We spend a lot of time in the library, mostly. And sometimes the diner

[He definitely doesn't go looking for secret passages or exploring the gardens on his own. Nope. Not at all. Just like he definitely isn't best friends with a dragon.]

[madehervows]

[Oh, yeah. You're caught, young man. Buuut she'll let this one slide and play along for now. As long as nobody tells her about the dragon.]

As long as you're staying safe, Henry. You'll have to introduce us some time.

[Never tell her about the dragon.]

So. Why don't you show me where you're staying?

We could probably end this one here?

[inmybook]

I will.

[He tries so hard to sound confident about that. But he gives a nod.]

Come on, we're on the eighth floor.