1 comments/ 11997 views/ 6 favorites Rumpelstiltskin By: nicolefox12370 Once upon time there lived a handsome young king named James, who lived in a beautiful, glorious kingdom. However, he was deeply impoverished; James planned to make a critical alliance to finance his kingdom, and most importantly feed his starving people. One fateful morning King James left his kingdom to make a pilgrimage to a neighboring kingdom to negotiate a match with King Robert. It was such a simple plan; marry Robert's goofy daughter and save the kingdom. It made perfect sense to everyone in the kingdom, especially his royal advisor, Gareth. King James trotted carefully though the village. A strong wind lifted his red hair as he waved and smiled at his subjects. He eyed the tattered clothing covering their frail bodies. King James knew in that instant that he would do anything to save his kingdom, even make a match with Robert's horrible daughter. A small smile formed on his handsome face; yet, it did not travel to his emerald green eyes. His bright head turned to Gareth. "How about a drink at the tavern? I fear I will spend my life drinking my supper to bear life with her." Gareth laughed in delight, "Yes, a drink will do us well, milord. The roads are quite dry." Gareth didn't envy his best friend; James had few choices in his life as king. He was planning to pledge his life to a spoiled, shallow princess. Gareth frowned sadly as he looked at James' serious face. The king and his party headed toward the local tavern to enjoy a goblet of mulled wine. 88888 Rumpelsliltskin watched the beautiful young girl walking in a huff in a green meadow, sunlight playing across her golden hair. He could read waves of burning anger in her sky blue eyes. She pulled a thin ratty shawl across her ample soft bosom as a deep frown marred her beautiful face. Rumplestiltskin ignored a wave of desire; he had other matters beckoning to the hall of destiny. He waved a silent goodbye as the girl stomped towards the center of town. In her fury, she didn't view the handsome man with dark hair shrouded in black. "Another day, perhaps, furious beauty." Rumpelstiltskin turned his horse toward the Wizard Council. His father sent a summons demanding his presence at the next meeting of the council. As usual, his father moaned and groaned over the fate of the world. War, famine, and destruction were always on the horizon. Of course, Rumplestiltskin and his siblings must use their magic to save humans, such a lovely thought. 88888 A large man with ruddy cheeks, deep blue eyes, and a wild wave of blonde hair caught the king's attention when he stepped into the tavern. Mostly, because he was the only person that didn't drop to their knees in a deep respectful bow. The man kept sipping and laughing as the tavern fell to deafening silence. King James arched an auburn eyebrow as he listened to the man's claims. "Well, my girl, Eleanor is as beautiful as a summer's day. Her golden hair like flaxen, sky blue eyes, and soft pale skin." He took a deep sip of mead. "Her beauty matches her sweet nature like a young robin." The king frowned in annoyance. He reached a strong hand to grab the man's shoulder to end his ceaseless bragging. "My girl is blessed with the ability to turn straw into gold." His blue eyes widened, "Can you imagine a simple miller... like me with such an exquisite creature?" King James dropped his hand as he stared at the fat man's shiny bald head. A woman who can spin straw into gold. Her skill could save the kingdom. No, he must be lying. James opened his mouth to question the man when the tavern door was flung open. Brilliant sunrays assaulted the inhabitants' eyes as Eleanor stood in the doorway. King James' emerald green eyes stole over her figure trembling with anger. His eyes roamed over her soft curves encased in a tight cotton dress. Her long fingers twisted in front of her as she stepped into the smelly tavern. She brushed past him; her delicate fingers tapped the burly old man's shoulders. His head turned slightly; his wide smile dropped from his face. King James wanted to laugh when he lowered his eyes in deference. "Ellie, my girl-" "Father," Ellie's hands dropped to her trim waist, "The wheat is ready... has been for days. We have orders to fulfill." A chubby finger pointed to the assembly group of ruffians. "Just having a drink with-" Ellie's hand flew into the air. "Just having a drink, Father? You smell like you had several drinks. When I have been home, sitting, waiting, sorting! Get to the mill, now, Father. It's time to be a miller." The miller's head moved side to side. He gave his daughter a hopeful look until he noticed that she tapped her foot. "Okay," he muttered. He slowly trudged to the door. Ellie looked at the tavern owner. "Place it on your bill," she replied sadly. "We'll pay in the morning. I'm going to have to spend all night working to pay it." Ellie sighed. She loved her father deeply. Sometimes, he drove her mad. He was a lazy, lay about. He would assure her doom. She rushed out of the tavern; unaware that she caught the attention of the King. King James watched the beautiful girl dashing past him. Her presence left the smell of roses. He ignored a wave of desire as he thought of the fire in her blue eyes. "James, do you think that it's true?" James' brows knitted together as he pondered the miller's comments. The girl did say that she could pay the bill in the morning. She would have to spin all night. "I don't know." James walked towards the tavern owner. He accepted bows and curtsies from his people. The tavern keeper's hands shook in fear as he deferred to his king. "Sire," he whispered humbly. "Welcome to my humble tavern. Would you care for a drink?" James smiled politely. "Mug of ale, please. I have one question." "Yes, milord." "Does the girl pay her father's debt every morning after she spins all night?" The kindly tavern owner shook his golden head. "Oh, Ellie is the best girl; she pays in full every day after he has a drinking binge." The tavern keeper thought about a new bundle of better fabric woven by Ellie. His wife loved her fabric; so he accepted fabric as a payment for her father's drinking habit. King James brought the cold mug of ale to his sensual lips. He gave Gareth a serious look. "Send a messenger to King Robert's kingdom. Tell him that I must postpone my arrival. Then, bring the girl and her father to the palace in the morning." Gareth nodded at his sovereign. King James felt confident for the first time in weeks as the cool ale coursed down his parched throat. That girl could answer all of his problems, and save him from a lifetime of discontent with King Robert's daughter. Rumpelstiltskin Ch. 02 Rumplestiltskin hated these annoying family affairs. A lifetime listening, cajoling, and solving his sister's many problems. Why in the burning pits of hell was she made a fairy godmother? The magical world was quite simple. You're assigned a human, and you spend a good portion of time fulfilling the wishes of said human. It's not hard; she never read the fairy handbook. Luna, his sister, would arrive home in the midst of a crisis, and her tears flowed like a babbling brook. Their father would do anything to shut her mumbling mouth. Hence, Rumplestiltskin was summoned to the manor. "Oh, Rumpie." His eyes narrowed in her direction. He was the greatest wizard of his generation; scores of magical men longed to walk in his gold lined slippers. Yet, his silly sister referred to him as "Rumpie." He repressed the urge to slash her fragile psyche to pieces, and scold her for immature behavior. His anger melted away from he stared into her tear-drenched eyes, so like their mother's. A large hand smoothed her tousled dark hair as he gathered his younger trembling sister into his arms. "Now, puppet, what is the problem?" Luna wiped her damp face across his silk tunic. Rumplestiltskin grimaced, but he realized that it could be replaced. His sister with her thousands days of moods was priceless. She grabbed the material of his broad shoulder; her fingers opening and closing like a clam. "She doesn't want to...marry him," Luna sobbed. Her dark head shook furiously, "I spent years arranging that marriage. Doing... what she wanted," Luna sneered. Rumplestiltskin arched an eyebrow. She's finally mad at her deranged human. "What happened?" he soothed. "She isn't in love with King James any longer... she wants a knight in her kingdom." Rumplestiltskin frowned. He assisted his sister by destroying King James' kingdom; it was a misguided attempt to assist his sister. So, he nudged the handsome king in the direction of that silly creature. "Oh, Rumpie, make him change his mind." "I'll think of something," he promised. Eleanor's aching fingers stitched gold flowers on the heavy white cloth. Her brow dampened with sweat as her arms grew heavy under the strain of creating small flowers. She dropped the soft fabric to the floor; her tired eyes gazed at the moon in a starless night. She smiled slightly when she heard her father working in the mill. She knew that her father was a good man. Her mother's death destroyed the balance in his soul. A large tankard of ale seemed to ease his pain. He forgot his purpose in life. Eleanor was determined that her father would find his way out of the darkness. Until then, she would embroider flowers to pay his mounting debts as he drowned his sorrows in drink. Eleanor hoped that one day, her life would be full of happiness. King James leaned against the wall stone window. His arm placed over his dark red head; his green eyes critically assessed his country. He struggled over the last few years after his father died suddenly. His people starved, and struggled to survive harsh winter. Initially, he balked at the idea of marrying King Robert's daughter. Yet, her dowry would supply his kingdom with revenue for the ages. He couldn't say no to the Wizard when he presented the offer. "Gareth," he called over his shoulder. Gareth moved behind his sovereign, "Yes, milord." He placed his head on the stone wall. "Have you made plans to arrest the girl?" "We will wait outside of the tavern. If, she comes, then her father spoke the truth about her gift. If not, we travel to King Robert's kingdom. A solid plan. We will see if she delivers gold to the tavern owner. If, she does, then she will make gold for her king." Gareth smiled brightly. He prayed to heaven that James would be spared King Robert's awful daughter. "Yes, milord." Rumpelstiltskin Ch. 03 Gareth spent hours sitting in a dark corner of the tavern, waiting on the girl to arrive and pay her father's debt. He blended into the darkness. His mind made mental notes as he listened to the common folk complain about the lack or food and resources. He had much information to report to James upon his return to the castle. If the girl's father lied about her ability, James would have to marry King Robert's daughter. His people were ready to rebel, and the land would fall into lawlessness. Gareth placed his metal goblet on a wobbly table; he leaned back in his chair as he watched the girl entered the dingy tavern. He noticed that her stride was regal for her level of birth. She was amazingly beautiful. His eyes narrowed as he watched the townspeople interact with her. He had expected as least one miscreant would slap her bottom or offer her a quick tumble. He was mystified by their almost adulation for the girl. She was beautiful in her worn dress that displayed very curve of her body. Gareth realized that girl had a calming effect on these people. He watched her standing in front of the tavern owner, a bundle on her back. Her laughter floated around, brightening the space. Gareth leaned forward, observing the girl with keen eyes. He saw her deposit the package into the tavern owner's arms. She reached up and pressed a quick kiss to his fat cheek. She turned, and moved towards the door. Unexpectedly, she stopped, and swirled on her feet. She blew one last kiss to the tavern owner. A roar of laughter filled the tavern. Gareth watched the girl leave the establishment. He flicked his hands to signal the knights to arrest the girl, and bring her to the castle. He finished his drink as his knights carried out his bidding. Eleanor trembled as tears streamed from her confused eyes. She clutched the bars of the cart as the King's knight wheeled her towards the castle. The townsfolk covered their mouths in horror as their beloved Eleanor was trapped like an animal, and hauled away to an unknown fate. Carl, a young boy of nine, dashed towards the Miller's home, in search of Eleanor's father. He hoped that he could help her as she faced an uncertain fate. Eleanor bounced around in the cart as it moved rapidly towards the castle. She pondered over what crime that she could have committed. The knights refused to answer her question about her transgression against the King. She had done nothing, ever, in all of her life. She paid her taxes with her meager earnings. She struggled to understand. She wiped delicate hands across her tear-stained face. Her heart thumped as she arrived at the castle. Her breath caught in her throat, the large stone building was intimidating. She shuddered to think of her crime, and her punishment deep in the castle walls. James sat on his throne watching the young woman trembling before him. Stray prices of hay sticking in her long blonde hair, he wondered if it was as soft as it appeared. His fingers wanted to tug the golden silk as he claimed her as his. James pushed those thoughts of his head. It was hard for him to think as she sat quivering on his Council room floor, her breasts pushed to the top of her bodice, he wondered if her nipples would harden under his touch. James acknowledged that he was mesmerized by her beauty, but he didn't have time to take a mistress. He walked calmly down a few steps that elevated his Throne platform; he stopped in front of Eleanor. He dropped to his knees, and cupped his large hand under her chin. He smiled in pleasure when he realize that her skin was silky soft. His thumb caressed her jawbone. He enjoyed watching her body trembled and shake under his touch. "Raise your eyes to your king." Eleanor swallowed nervously as the warmth from the king's hand invaded her senses. Timidly, Eleanor looked into the King's rich emerald eyes. She decided to ignore the feeling that his thumb created as he stroked her face ever so gently. "Is your father the miller?" "Yes, milord," Eleanor whispered. James liked that she demurred to him, instead of presenting like a hellcat. He wondered what it would take to enflame her passions. Too see Eleanor in her full glory. "Your father told a story, yesterday in the tavern. He claimed that you could spin hay into gold." James stared deeply into her eyes as his hand tightened on her chin. Eleanor felt her heart dropped into her stomach as fear spread through her. She could believe that her father told such an outrageous story to everyone in the village. Her blonde head shook furiously. "No, milord," she insisted calmly. "I cannot do such a thing. No one can do... such a thing." "So, your father lied to his king?" Eleanor smiled weakly. She knew her words could sentence her father to death or a harsh punishment from the king. Her brows knitted together as she attempted to think of an answer to satisfy the king. "Never, my liege, my father was an honest loyal subject. He would never lie to his king," Eleanor offered sadly. "So, you will spin straw into gold, or you will forfeit your life in the morning." "Of course, milord." King James' behavior mortified Rumplestiltskin; he couldn't believe his ears when James' harsh words floated to his ears. He was equally stunned to see the girl from the meadow trembling before the king. Fat tears streaming from her eyes as her chest heaved in exhaustion. He stood in the shadows as the guards dragged the young girl down to a large chamber filled with clean fresh straw. Rumplestiltskin realized that King James was caught in a difficult place. However, his behavior towards the girl was unacceptable. He ignored a wave of guilt; he did place James in this tenuous position. He attempted to force fate, in an effort to assist his sister. Rumplestiltskin watched the young king walk to his throne. His large body slumped in his chair. He hoped guilt ate at his soul. Carefully, Rumplesklitin emerged from the shadows. His footsteps fell softly on the marble floors as he walked to face the young king. He twisted his lips as he pondered over the correct words to approach the moody king. "King James." James' redhead lifted to view the wizard. He noticed censure in his deep dark eyes almost as dark as night. James stiffened in his throne, "To what do I owe the honor of your visit, Wizard?" Rumplestiltskin smiled at his young charge. "I come to offer you a break... a reprieve from King Robert's daughter." "How?" "She desires another man to be her lawfully wedded husband. Her father will send her dowry as a peace offering, a gesture of goodwill." James's handsome face illuminated with joy over the news. Her dowry would be enough to buy seed for the farms of his land. He could began to rebuild his barren land. "I'll accept." A wry smiled crossed Rumplestiltskin's face. "If the girl is able to spin the straw into gold, you must make her your queen." James stared at the wizard in amazement. Yes, the girl was quite lovely. His loins stirred in desire when he stared at her. He wanted to plunge deeply into her warm willing body. However, she was merely a peasant. His queen must come from an alliance to ensure the success of his kingdom. "Lord-" Rumplestiltskin gave the young king a hard look. "Come with me." He pointed towards the balcony. He walked evenly to the balcony overlooking James' lands. A strong arm pointed to the crowds of people standing, wondering about Eleanor's fate. "They love and care about the girl. Marry her and mend your people." James looked at his wizard with respect and awe as realized the wizard showed him the way. "As you command." Rumpelstiltskin Ch. 04 Eleanor sat on the cold floor trembling in fear as her eyes roamed over the piles and piles of clean straw dominating the room. Sniffling, she wiped the tears from her eyes. "I thought I would have a chance with a simple farm... have a few babies, and be happy," she wailed. Her blonde head dropped to her knees as she cried for her unfinished life. Rumplestiltskin stood outside of the door listening to the girl's wails. He couldn't understand why her plight touched his heart, or maybe her beauty touched something else in him. He couldn't resist the urge to help her complete such a daunting unrealistic, almost cruel task. The door creaked when Rumplestiltskin opened the door to view the girl surrounded by sweet smelling straw, tears streaming down her face. Her blonde hair damp from tears and perspiration clinging to her trembling neck. Softly, Rumplestiltskin walked towards Eleanor. His dark eyes stared scornfully around the massive chamber with a spinning wheel in the center. He swallowed a wave of disgust as hateful thoughts formed in his mind over King James' horrible behavior. Eleanor moved her arm to view a pair of shiny black leather boots, not harmed by the elements. Slowly, her eyes rose to see long legs and a strong chest encased in a dark tunic. The visitor wore a goatee with dark shiny hair around his shoulders. She shivered from the darkness of his eyes, never had she seen such a dark handsome man. "Are you here to execute me? The king... said I would have until morning. Or has he changed his mind, my beloved sovereign?" Eleanor spat angrily. The corners of his lips turned up in admiration; facing her death, the girl still maintained her fiery spirit. "No, my beauty. I would like to help." Eleanor kicked a pile of clean hay with her pale foot. Her head flung up; her eyes brimming with fire. "Can you spin straw into gold," she asked. He ignored the tightness in his pants. "Yes." Eleanor pushed her body from the stone ground with one hand, her blonde hair flying across her face. She stomped her feet until she stood before Rumplestiltskin. She crossed her arms under her full breasts, causing them to swell against her bosom. "Just kill me... and set me free from this daunting task." Rumplestiltskin moved closer until his warm breath fanned the hair on her neck. "I would never harm you. So, beautiful and delicate. Yet, so strong and resourceful." He caressed her chin; Eleanor swallowed nervously as heat flickered around her body. She could feel her nipples tightening in her bodice. "Don't touch," she muttered softly. "I would never do anything that you wouldn't want my dear." Eleanor turned her face to the window. Her eyes memorized the stars, "Tell my Father that my final thoughts were of him." "You can tell him yourself." "Stop teasing me." Rumplestiltskin pulled Eleanor into his strong embrace. His dark eyes searched hers. "I'll save you from this for just one little simple kiss. I will turn the straw into gold while you sleep." She was mesmerized by his seductive dark eyes. "For a kiss, just a kiss?" "Yes." Eleanor nodded. "One little kiss." Rumplestiltskin cupped her delicate face, titling her chin until she gazed deeply into her eyes. Lowering his head, Rumplestiltskin whispered, "Keep your eyes opened." Tenderly, he placed his lips on Eleanor's, his thumb stroked her cheek. He applied pressure until Eleanor's mouth opened slightly. He slid his tongue deep into the wet cavern of her mouth. His tongue stroked her as she moaned into his mouth. Her hands pressed against his chest. His large hands moved to cup throbbing breasts; his thumbs flicked her nipples. He broke the kiss suddenly as his control unraveled. "I must stop or I won't spin any straw tonight." Eleanor stood in the middle of the room, her face flushed red. "You said one simple kiss." "That was a simple kiss. Would you like to feel a complicated one?" "No." Eleanor traced her swollen hot lips as the wizard sat down and began to spin straw into gold. * Bright sunlight woke Eleanor from a deep sleep. Smiling, she clapped her hands to her face. A sparkling light bounced around the room. Sunlight gleamed off the piles and piles of golden straw. Closing her eyes, she thanked the kind man that provided her with such assistance in her hour of need. Her stomach growled. She pulled the blanket away from her body. Arching an eyebrow, she wondered how she fell asleep on such a soft pillow. Yawning, Eleanor brushed her heavy hair from her face. She noticed a clean bowl of warm water waiting on a table. A clean periwinkle dress hung on the wardrobe. Eleanor appreciated the king's kindness. She grabbed an apple and sank her teeth into the sweet flesh. She ate until her stomach was full. Singing to herself, Eleanor cleaned her body and dress as she prepared to meet her king. * Greed consumed his heart as King James held the delicate gold straws in his hands. He could not remember his promise to free Eleanor in the morning. Eleanor twisted her hands as she waited to go home to her simple mill with her father. "Are you pleased, my King?" she asked tentatively. "Yes, my dear. Tonight, you will fill a bigger room of straw and ensure the prosperity of the Kingdom." Eleanor's mouth dropped in shock as fear raced into her mind, chasing away happy thoughts. "You said that I could go free, Milord." King James shrugged. "I changed my mind. Spin more or die, lovely." "I thought that you gave me a dress as a reward." Her hand smoothed her new gown. "I did no such thing. Remove it and sleep until a guard arrives." Rumplestiltskin's nostrils flared in distaste. He could not believe his ears. "Why is the girl still in a cell?" King James sipped a cool goblet of wine. "I need the girl to fill my coffers. Have you seen it man?" Rumplestiltskin shook his dark head. "I fear for your soul." King James shrugged. "I'll offer her anything if she completes my task. I know that she will ask to be queen. She's comely with lovely breasts. I will consent. She will have a wonderful life as my queen." "Make sure you keep that promise," Rumplestiltskin warned darkly.