For the third morning in a row since Snow had returned to the Willows, she had risen to find her Prince gone to the hut to prepare the breakfast. “My, he surely does make the breakfast early these days, doesn’t he?” Snow said to herself. It wouldn’t have been such an issue, had it not been for the fact that he’d been falling asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow since her return. They had still not had a “proper” reunion yet. She passed it off as his rising too early to cook for the village…poor tired thing. Funny thing to her was, he still seemed to be just as in love with her as ever. He was as attentive like a little ‘lost puppy’ in fact. She just didn’t get it. What had happened while she was away? After breakfast, Snow spotted just the person to not ‘sugar-coat’ the truth in any given situation and headed toward her with a purpose.

“Good morning Mai!”

Mai looked up at Snow mid-punch at the punching bag and quickly held it to a stop, “Hey Snow. What’s up?”

Snow smiled half-heartedly and sat on the bench next to the bag in the training area.

Mai noticed her only partial existence on earth and cocked her head to one side, “Hey, what is it, kid? You’re usually the only cheery one in the village...you’re disappointing me here!”

Snow smiled sweetly, “Sorry.”

“That’s better. OK…now spill it, “ as she sat next to the distraught princess on the bench.

Snow gave a heavy sigh in thought before offering, “Well, it’s Mike. He’s very distant lately.”

Mai raised an eyebrow, “Really? I always thought he was right by your side lately…waiting on every word you say in fact.” Mai grinned.

Snow was serious over Mai’s playful tone, “No, it’s not that. It’s…well…”

Mai leaned into Snow’s pause with an obvious over-exaggeration…meaning she wasn’t letting this one slip, “Well…?????”

Again Snow sighed, “Well…Mike and I haven’t been together since I returned.”

Mai got her meaning immediately and pondered whether she should play dumb and ask, ‘But I see you two together all the time’ to drag the details out of her…then decided the decent thing to do would be to acknowledge Snow’s true meaning.

“So you’re telling me that you and ‘prince charming’ haven’t done diddly squat in the bedroom since you got back?!”

“That’s what I’m telling you.”

“Oh Christ Snow! So when I just asked you ‘what’s up’…what I should have asked was ‘what’s NOT up’!”

Snow sadly looked to the ground.

Realizing her quip was to such a ‘fragile’ creature as Snow, Mai hissed at herself in frustration...for a moment wishing Snow were more like her friend Rebecca long gone.

“Snow, look…I’m sorry. I know what you’re thinking though. And let me put your fears to rest right now sister. That man has it so bad for you, I can’t even tell ya! He has been mourning for you up till the day you came back…believe me! And even in between those times, we all thought he was totally losing his marbles! Like for instance…at Christmas. He thought you were still here…for real! He even made you a Christmas present!”

Snow was bewildered, “He did?”

“Yeah…ask him about it sometime! But in the meantime…honey…I can tell ya, that man is crazy about you! Hell, for the longest time, he thought Lily was YOU! Glad you came back when ya did too…it was starting to scare me!” Snow smiled as Mai chuckled.

Snow then looked at her thoughtfully, “I’m sensing a distance between you and Prasut too…am I right?”

Mai’s teasing mood suddenly turned inward, as she turned away from Snow and began to light a cigarette.

Snow quickly tried to ease her discomfort, “I just want to be sure everything is OK with you two…I still consider you a close friend.”

Mai took a deep needed drag, “OK…seems Prasut went to the good ‘ol library, and while he was there, he managed to catch up on some history…namely his family’s…and it wasn’t too pretty. So of course, I got the blame cause I didn’t tell him sooner…like I’m the avid reader type.”

“I’m sorry, “ was Snow’s only response.

“Well, I imagine he’ll get over it someday…lest he just wants it to fester in him forever...that’s his choice.”

Snow grinned suddenly, “So I guess Ville is happy about this?”

Mai blew the smoke in the opposite direction of Snow, “I guess he must... I haven't asked him.”

Snow giggled.

Mai then looked at Snow with all seriousness, “Look…you have nothing to worry about if you’re concerned about Mike being attractive to you still.”

Snow couldn’t help but blink at Mai’s ability to get her thoughts right on target.

Mai continued knowing she was dead on, “Because, let me tell you girl…princess…” she added a slight grin, “…that man is 100% in love with you.” She added the touch from one of her not-so-favorite movies that she knew Snow would never know about. “So don’t ya go worrying your pretty head…OK?”

Snow grinned sincerely. “Thank you for telling me Mai. I just miss his touch…his arms around me.”

This time Mai couldn’t resist…Snow or no Snow…”I’m sure that isn’t ALL you miss!”

Snow glanced at the ground with a grin of embarrassment, “Well, putting that aside…” she then looked up…”in general...I miss him.”

Mai nodded in understanding, silently feeling where she was coming from.

Once again, Snow awoke alone...a feeling she was reluctantly getting used to. In a melancholy mood she dressed and made her way to the hut. In place of her husband, she found Kahlua working diligently on breakfast. She saw Snow’s bewildered look, “I came in this morning and it looked as though he’d had things going for awhile. He just asked me to finish up and then he was gone.” Before Snow could ask, Kahlua answered, “But he just took off…then I have no idea where he went. So he didn’t tell you anyhing?”

Snow smiled and played it off gently, “I’m sure he is working on some kind of surprise for me, dare I say.”
Snow didn’t dare leave Kahlua with her own husband’s work as she helped her finished. Once the dishes were cleared and washed after breakfast, Snow quietly left the kitchen. She had to go in search of her distant husband.

Mike looked at the fog over the canyon…which looked like a low riding cloud to him. HE couldn’t see the bottom of the canyon, but he knew it was down below…WAY down below. He half thought if he could just get his wedding band back, his troubles would all go away…along with his guilt. He wanted desperately to be with his wife…his own wife. Snow was so precious to him. He would have given anything to have saved her somehow off that mountain from the witch…then they wouldn’t be going through this now. Then he chuckled in sarcasm, “No, Mike…you wouldn’t have had this problem if you hadn’t somehow slept with your sister-in-law!” As his sarcasm and bitterness got the best of his attitude, he grasped a loose-fitting rock, losing his grip and the desperately grasping at falling rocks slipping through his grasp as he too felt himself slipping in what felt like an eternity. Finally, his grip was on nothing but air and he found himself falling backwards…heading dangerously fast toward the fog-filled bottom…

Snow in WW: Chapter 182 -- “The One Ring…”

“Well why not?" Liz stood with hands on hips looking at her daughter.

"It's just not a good idea to throw me a "wedding shower" Mama...especially here," Lily rolled her eyes.

"Because of Thomas?"

Lily continued to dress without answering. Liz took the hint.

"Alright then…what about a "welcome home" party for Snow? There's no harm in that, right? Oh, I know! We could make it a "welcome home" for Snow and a "going away" for you!"

"No...it would look funny for you to give Snow or myself a party when you don't even live here in the Willows."

"Well, we could get some help maybe. Hey, I know! How about Mai? She is good friends with Snow, right?"

Lily shuddered, "No Mother. Somehow I doubt that Mai would want to have anything to do with hosting a party for ME...maybe Snow...but not me."

"Why? What's with you and Mai?"

"Never mind. Come on...let's just get to breakfast. We can talk about this later."

His quest for some kind of resolution to his sorrow had brought him to Willows mountain this day. Why had he done it? He regretted it now. Just before Snow's return, he'd tossed his wedding band over the ledge. It was the symbol of the precious bond he had with Snow...his soulmate. The symbol of their unbreakable union. He knew he had to find it...he had to get it back…which is what led him to his now life and death situation. He was plummeting down the side of Willows mountain…a fate of certain death…except for one—his beloved. She survived. ‘Thud!’ He stopped suddenly. He hadn’t expected to feel it when he hit the bottom…or at least he’d hoped he wouldn’t. Why was he still breathing…could he have survived this treacherous fall the same as his wife? And this was no canyon floor he’d landed upon…in fact, Mike could still feel the sensation of flying through the air…toward the bottom, but much slower than he had been on his own. Getting his wits about him, he felt a soft and warm surface below him, but not one very large, in that he could feel his legs hanging off the side of whatever it was. And then something touched him…caressed him, like the touch of a woman’s hand. The fog was thick, but he squinted, and he could barely make her out…but it was her. Snow was smiling at him. Was this heaven? Was she an angel after all?

“What are you doing climbing down the mountain? You could have been killed, my love!”

Her scolding was hardly that as she kissed him lightly. Ophelia then landed softly on the canyon floor.

He looked into her face, which waited for an answer to her question. He stammered,

“I—I came to look for my ring. I threw it over the edge a while back. I was so upset at losing you…I thought the ring should follow you…wherever you were, as it had come from you. I wasn’t thinking.”

Snow’s expression was that of understanding, “Well, the fog is too thick to find it today…but we can look another day…Ophelia can bring us down here next time.”

She patted her friend and Mike smiled and nodded, still a little shaken up.

Snow took his face in her hands and kissed his lips, then kissed his cheek and forehead. Mike then pulled Snow onto his lap and hugged her tightly. He kissed her neck and her ear, and her cheek…then her lips. Their kiss became a passionate one. He wanted her…he wanted her so badly. How many months had he been without his true love, his princess…his very wife! He leaned her against the soft creature’s silken mane and began to caress her. Not taking kindly to the two lovers ‘making out’ right atop her back, the winged Pegasus winnied and then snorted in disapproval. Mike pulled away quickly while Snow giggled.

He cleared his throat as he helped Snow to turn around in a more proper ‘riding’ position, “Sorry Ophelia. Just got a little carried away…you know how it is,” he laughed nervously. “Can you take us back to the Willows?”

Snow and Mike returned just in time for Mike to begin lunch. Snow was very discreet about their absence. She knew her hubby wouldn’t want the whole village to know he all but got himself killed. It was then that Liz sprung the surprise to Snow.

“A welcome home party for me? Really?”

Liz nodded as she beamed with joy, “I was going to surprise you…but you know how hard it is for me to keep a secret!”

Snow looked over at Lily who simply rolled her eyes. Snow then hugged her mother and they began chattering away about the party to come in just a few days.

Lunch was pretty easy that day…sandwiches and skin-on potato chips. Mike then found the time to approach a man whose talents interested him greatly.

“Hey there Prasut!”

The king had not been in the best of spirits lately, but greeted Mike with a sincere smile, “Hey there ‘cook’!”

Mike began with a purpose, “I understand that you are pretty fair with a spear?”

“Pretty fair? I never miss my intended target…if I do proclaim so myself. Or as one would say here…I can hold my own.”

Mai couldn’t help overhear the bold bragging of the king, as she got up from the dinner table to escape the overload of testosterone. Ville resisted the urge to follow her…deciding instead to amuse himself in his eavesdropping.

“Well,” Mike paused, “I was wondering if you would be willing to train me…you know, to throw a spear?”

Prasut’s chest puffed involuntarily as a huge grin swept over his face, “It would be my own personal pleasure to take, my good man. So tell me…what brings you interest in the art of the warrior?”

With the only words coming to mind being “because it’s cool”…Mike quickly thought of an alternative reason, “I appreciate the skill you have as a warrior. If I’m going to learn, why not learn from the best?”

“Sheesh Mike!” Ville had to rise at this, “His head will be too big to demonstrate the throw if ya keep that up!” He laughed as he left Mike and Prasut at the table, Prasut’s proud grin quickly turning to a look of annoyance at Ville.

Snow in WW: Chapter 183 -- “Memorial”

The next few days were hard for the Willows residents. With the death of Ville, came the brutal reminder that no one is safe from the evil forces that lurk in the forest. It was the work of the AllDev’s again…and Ville had been a strong man, Mike thought…much stronger than he…a thought that made Mike want to start his spear training with Prasut just that much sooner. Unfortunately, with Prasut injured, he would have to wait a while longer…and even then, the king would have to give most of his instruction and even demonstration sitting down…a limiting position for a skilled warrior.

From a distance, Snow watched Mai at the memorial service for Ville…she seemed distracted and uncomfortable. She knew Mai had been through this same ordeal with another dear friend of hers recently, Rebecca. Snow wanted to talk to Mai, but thought she should wait for a better time. It was disconcerting enough for her to be escorted to the service by Ritch, of all people. Was her relationship with Prasut that damaged?

The wake for Ville was quiet…much matching the mood of the villagers. That is until Yvonne found a certain set of divorce papers and began whispering it to all…not excluding her roommate, Lily who waved her off with a roll of her eyes. She was getting rather tired of staying with the woman and thought at least getting away from her would be a good thing…even if she wasn’t in a hurry to get away from one man in particular. Avoiding Thomas’ eyes, Lily approached her mother privately, “I think we should call off this party you’re planning for Snow, or at least postpone it.”

Liz gasped such that Lily looked around to be sure no one heard, “Why? In lieu of recent events, I think everyone here needs a break…a happy one to counteract all this doom and gloom!”

Lily hissed a sigh, “In case you haven’t noticed Mum, someone just DIED!”

“Exactly why we will need a positive experience come next weekened!”

“Don’t you think it’s a little anti-climactic, mother? After all, Snow has been back a week now.”

“Nonsense! Besides, we won’t make that big of a deal of it if you prefer. It will be more of a little get together to welcome her back…and also so we can say goodbye. That’s all…no harm in that, right?”

Lily sighed in surrender. She knew she was never going to change her mother’s mind. If it were up to her, however, she would just prefer to duck out quietly considering the circumstances…as she discreetly looked over at her sister…and her brother-in-law.

The news of Mai and Prasut’s mutual divorce baffled Snow. She’d only spoken to Mai for a moment when she hugged her, and she’d had no clue about this. Typical Mai, she hid her feelings well.

Snow in WW: Chapter 184 -- “A Confronting Pair…”

It was past two in the morning and Snow was just now returning from her visit to her winged friend, with Ophelia flying her home to safety. She hadn’t planned to be out so late, but only a little past midnight. Ophelia had insisted, however, that Snow wait until later so she could fly her home safely, with the AllDev’s running loose in the woods. She’d told Mike she was going home to get to bed early, expecting to be home well before Mike was done cleaning up after the wake. She got a sick feeling in the pit of her stomach in knowing that he was probably home now and was most likely worried sick about her. She wondered if they’d sent a search party? ‘Gosh I hope not,’ she thought.
“What were you doing out in the woods alone? At almost three in the morning no less!”
Snow grabbed her chest as though to slow her now racing heart as a scowling Mai stood in from of her tapping her foot on the ground.
“Mai! You scared me to death!” She then wished she could have taken that last part back considering what today had been for Mai.
“I hope so! Didn't you learn anything from Ville's fate? He’s dead himself!”
Aside from the anger Snow saw in Mai’s eyes, she also saw a kind of emptiness and she was quickly reminded of all Mai had suffered this day. “I know Mai…I’m sorry.” Snow looked ashamedly to the ground.
“Whatever…now answer my question. What were you doing in the woods alone at night?”
“I went to visit Ophelia.”
Mai dropped her folded arms in bewilderment, “You risked your life for a horse?
Snow sniffed in defense, “She's more than that...”
“OK...a horse with wings!”
“She's my friend, “ Snow pouted.
Mai’s voice was becoming louder at every reply to Snow’s ridiculous escapade, “SHE'S A HORSE!”
“It doesn’t matter. I know you won't understand anyway.”
“Understand what...what's there to understand? She's a horse...we could rope her in the barn with the others. Hey, maybe we could mate her with the stallions and get some more little horses with wings!”
Snow tried to keep in mind what this day had meant for Mai..Ville’s death…the divorce…and she tried to keep her tone civil, although the woman’s sarcasm toward Ophelia was insulting, “No! You don't understand and I didn't expect you to.”
Mai added dryly, “And in any case, I would expect any self-respecting creature to be ALSEEP at 2:30 in the morning!” She cleared her throat, “Which says a lot about the two of us, doesn’t it? I’m on patrol…what’s your excuse?”
Snow sighed, making an effort to keep her cool, “I’m really tired Mai. Let’s talk about this in the morning.”
Mai moved to block her path to her cabin, “No actually I’m quite awake myself and I would like to talk about this NOW!”
“Talk about what, Mai? I went to visit my friend THE HORSE “ she emphasized for Mai’s benefit, “and now I am back safe and sound.”
“Alright look...what is it? I know you're keeping something from me...something about her…the HORSE.” She added Snow’s previous emphasis.
Snow tried not to appear concerned about Mai’s curiosity, “It's nothing you would care about…I can tell you don’t like her anyway.”
“Try me.” Mai plastered on a fake smile.
“I'm leaving now.”
“Oh no you aren't!” This time, Mai grabbed her arm. “Friend or not, I'm part of Willows security and rules are rules...no one goes anywhere alone…ESPECIALLY at night!”
“I guess you're the exception then?”
“I'm security.” Mai quipped as she flung her hair back in an aire of almost arrogance.
Snow’s sympathy for Mai was slipping as she tried to defend the friend who saved her life. “Well I don't care for rules. I've had enough of them in my life. Besides, if anything happened, Ophelia would protect me.”
“Oh really? Well that’s enlightening, considering those AllDev bastards manage to tear horses to shreds quite efficeintly in the recent past.” Her eyes met Snow’s for a moment before she continued. Snow’s reluctance to answer was as she would expect. “So where does this…’thing’ live anyway?”
Snow shook her head and looked to the ground, eager to avoid Mai’s eyes on her next statement, “I'm sorry...I can't tell you that.”
Snow quickly began toward her house again, knowing Mai would stop her...she tried anyway. Mai grabbed her arm harder this time, in a military fashion, “Well, I'm sorry...but since you don't want me to know where she lives, then I'll just have to report this to Dinger. I doubt that he will allow you to make such visits to a creature no one knows anything about. I know I sure as HELL won’t!”
Snow pulled her arm free of Mai’s grip and rubbed at the red mark the woman left on her, “What do you have against Ophelia anyway? I don’t understand. You don’t know anything about her…true…but you’re acting like she’s your worst enemy. “
Mai narrowed her eyes as to not give anything away, “I don’t have to explain my intuitions about people. I just have some additional insight when it comes to judging people, places and things.”
Snow knew she’d probably regret saying it, but she was tired of being treated this way by someone she thought was her friend, “Yes indeed Mai…you’re a great judge of character. Seeing as how you would condemn a gentle life-saving creature like Ophelia, and yet ‘pal’ up all buddy-like with a wife-beater character like Ritch who almost TOOK a life!”
Fire shone in Mai’s eyes as she curbed the urge to grab Snow’s arm again and twist it this time, “Don’t you DARE turn this around! I’m asking YOU the questions here ! And you have no right to judge someone on something that you know nothing about!”
Snow hissed a sigh to curb her anger, “Look, I'm really sorry for what happened to Ville and you know I'm your friend, but this just isn't your business...so you'll have to trust me on this.”
Again, Mai blocked Snow’s path to her cabin, “Well, you know how I am on trust issues...ain't got much, and I'm not letting you run around the woods by yourself…and I’m certainly not gonna give you the ‘go-ahead’ to hang out with a creature we don’t know anything about.”
Snow raised her voice to an almost shrill screech, “She saved my life, you knucklehead!”
Mai had to bite her tongue to curb the smile that she forbid to form on her lips at Snow’s choice of name calling, as she concentrated on the ‘stone face’ she was so good at giving off.
Again, Snow sighed and lowered her pitch back to a normal tone, “I think you're just cranky...and I understand that today is a really bad day for you. But, truthfully, I don't think you're as concerned about my being out here as you're letting on because you know those AllDev things go after certain people...”
Mai's eyes locked on Snow's. That was a little piece of information security had kept very tight to its chest…it was doled out on a need to know basis. If the Alldev's were hunting you down...you tended to find that out far sooner than you ever actually wanted to know... something was telling ‘family secrets’, Mai thought. "Well I had it on good authority from those things’ last victim about who the AllDev’s tend to prey upon…and you, my dear, fit that criteria down to a tee!" She remembered being told clearly by Ville her own friends were targeted. "Though right here right now...your about the safest you've ever been!" Mai snapped
Snow was now baffled, “Why would they target ME? And what's more...why am I so safe now... because of YOU? You have some kind of AllDev repellant or something?”
“Let's just say I have some extra added intuition on these matters.” Mai was feeling coldly angry at Snow...at life...all its betrayals…”And so you think I'm 'cranky', eh?" Mai mocked "Try pissed off...well and truly pissed! Think I've not got a reason? Think you know this place? You don't...I do...I know its dark corners and its lies and delusions that it likes to spin. And here’s you believing hook line and sinker in its little fairy tale web its spinning you. Well I grew up here...I know how it likes to play. I know this place better than you little girl. Now you’ll just have to trust ME on that...and that I wont let this drop...and that includes your little mythical friend!”
Snow had enough. She forcefully shoved past Mai and all but sprinted to her cabin. At the front door she stopped and caught her composure. Trying to wipe from her mind the frustration and anger Mai has arisen in her, she remembered now that she must be calm in order to explain her absence to her husband. The flickering light from the main window told her that he was indeed home. Maybe she would be lucky and he would be asleep.

As she quietly closed the door behind her, her hopes for his slumber were dashed as she heard Mike purposefully clear his throat. She turned to see him sitting in their rocker, never taking his eyes from the fire to even look in her direction, “I guess it won’t be a shock to you for me to ask where you’ve been?”

Snow in WW: Chapter 185 -- “Deja Vu”

(MISSING IN PART)

Snow was hurt to the core, “Mike, I didn’t do this to hurt you. I had to see Ophelia…it was important.”
“You had to WHAT?” His anger was almost completely shadowed by his bafflement. “You went to visit a HORSE at two in the morning?”
‘Here we go again,’ she thought. “Yes…” Snow felt like she was having a déjà vu. “…And she is more than that…she is my friend. She saved my life!”
“And she might have had to save it again with those ‘things’ running around! What in the world, pray tell, was so all fire important that you couldn’t go and visit your ‘horse friend’ in the morning?”
“It’s…well, it’s hard to explain. I had to see her tonight…that’s all. You’ll just have to trust me.”

Snow in WW: Chapter 186 -- “Second Chance”

Snow felt horrible about the events of the night before. Once again, she awoke in an empty bed, knowing her husband was at the hut making the breakfast. Snow sighed…she always was a heavy sleeper…with or without a witch’s magic spell. She quickly dressed, hoping to possibly give her prince a hand in the kitchen. She also wanted to talk to Mai again…if Mai would even speak to her that is. Snow felt badly regarding her words with Mai on that particular day of all days. She knew how upset Mai must have been, although she would never show it…in fact, she was just so brutally cold to her, it was hard for Snow to be warm back to her. And this part is what Snow regretted, as she dashed off to the hut.

Mike was distracted as he made the breakfast that morning. Why would Snow of all people lie to him? This concerned him greatly. And also, it wasn’t like Snow to have words with Mai…and on yesterday of all days. ‘What is going on with this Ophelia?,’ Mike thought. ‘Is she magic? Does she have Snow under some kind of magic spell?’ He had been angry with her the night before, but he let the issue rest rather quickly…maybe too quickly. He’d been worried sick about her. He just couldn’t stay mad at his princess for very long…but more than that, the recent guilt that had been eroding away at him for the last month, wouldn’t dare allow him to condemn her. And like she said last night, had she ever given him a reason to doubt her? The answer was ‘no’.

Snow was about to head to the back door to the kitchen, when she spotted Mai leaving the hut. ‘Now’s my chance.’
“Good morning Mai!”
Mai turned and made no effort to mask her less than thrilled look, “Yeah, what's so good about it?”
Snow nervously fidgeted with her dress, “I wanted to apologize for last night. I was...”
The woman cut her off before she could finish her thought, “What's to apologize for? You chose to defend a horse over a friend on a really bad day. I don't see what's so horrible about that...well, to be more accurate you didn't see anything wrong with it last night. Did you?”
“Mai, I can explain my reasons...”
Again, she cut Snow off, “Hey, your reasons--your business. Nothing to do with me...are they? Well not anymore...”
Snow’s hurt was apparent in her voice as well as on her face, “But I don't want us to be on bad terms...we're friends.”
“No...the word your missing there is ‘were’”
“No! We ARE...I care about you a lot and I'm sorry. I want us to stay friends. I want to help you through this tough time.”
“You?? Help me? When did this kick in? I'll tell you when...just a little too late, that's when. Thanks, but I think I'd be happier accepting help from wife beaters…seeing as I am obviously not worthy of help from you Princess. Horses, hell farm yard animals in general come first right?? So forgive me if I don't wait in line for you to get around to me.”
“Mai...I wish you could understand. I'm sorry.”
Mai coated her words with heavy sarcasm, “Really! Wow I feel better already. The power of words eh... once said, they never leave you! Do they?”
Mai gave Snow a pointed and very angry look and walked away.

Snow was melancholy for the remainder of the day. She couldn’t even enjoy the party plans her mother and sister were making for that coming weekend. Mike could tell she was down. He came to her and kissed her atop the head, “What’s wrong Princess? One so beautiful should never suffer to look so sad.”
Snow grinned knowing he must have been talking to Prasut just a moment ago, no doubt about his plans to take ‘spear throwing’ lessons from the ancient king. She then sighed, “Mai is angry with me. She is all but proclaiming that she doesn’t even wish to be friends anymore. I’ve really messed things up.”
Mike had a million question himself, but instead simply smiled and kissed her hand. She looked up at him, and as if she could read it in his eyes she blinked,
“And I know you are just as curious as she is about Ophelia.”
Mike smiled and patted her hand, “I know that this is something private that you don’t feel like talking about. I’m not going to pressure you to tell me anything you aren’t ready to.”
“No, really, I want to tell you. It was never my intention to ever keep anything from you.”
Snow stood and took Mike by the hand as they headed outside and in the direction of the orchard, “But you must promise to keep this a secret…no matter who asks, OK?” Mike agreed.

Snow in WW: Chapter 187 -- A Memorable Send-off (part 1)”

Liz was beaming. It was a party and she was celebrating the presence of her two daughters…something she never got to do, with the two of them in different locations—different worlds even. She acted the perfect hostess, laughing and serving Mike’s famous cider and dark ale. She masked her displeasure as Yvonne took what was probably now her sixth one…to everyone else’s second or third, as she hung all over Jeff and Travis…laughing at their bad jokes. The night was still young, and at this rate their roommate would be sloshed by 10pm. Yvonne’s actions didn’t go unnoticed by Lily either. She gently and discreetly patted Yvonne on the arm, and said jokingly, “Slow down, sweets…you’ll be in the lew all night.”
“Shut up!” came her reply…followed by a haughty laugher, “I can hold my liquor better than you, girl!”
Lily hid her offence at Yvonne’s statement and rolled her eyes, as she instead went to talk to her sister, who seemed not as happy as she always was.
Lily plopped down in the chair next to Snow, who was nursing a liquor-free cider. “What’s wrong…you’re not yourself, sis?”
Snow smiled sweetly, “I’m alright.”
Lily wasn’t fooled, “I can tell you’re putting on an act. C’mon…it’s me! What is it?”
Snow lowered her head in sadness as she then lifted her eyes in Mai’s direction, “It’s Mai. We were such good friends…till just recently. She doesn’t understand my reasons for trusting and befriending Ophelia…she just thinks of it as my betraying her.”
Lily nodded in understanding. She then added gently, “Well, I guess you have to look at it from her point of view…she is going through a lot…and let’s face it...you were one of her only friends…that’s for sure, “ Lily said pointedly. “So now I guess she just kinda feels alone.”
Just then Ritch approached Mai and her face lit up. He then said something to her that made her chuckle and punch him playfully in the arm.
“Not as alone as you might think, “ Snow said as she watched the exchange.
Lily acknowledged her meaning as she looked at the pair then back at Snow. She brought her voice to almost a whisper, “Look Snow, you can’t control who people associate with. I don’t trust him either…you of all people know that…with my history…” Snow looked at her as her twin flipped back her dark hair, “…but remember Mai can take care of herself…” she then added a in gruff tone, “believe me on that!” Again Snow looked to the playful pair by the bar as Lily continued, “And if she’s acting this way towards you and not even willing to accept your apology, then she’s not worth your time, sweetie.” Again Snow looked at her as Lily touched her hair, “You’re such a dear and sweet spirit…more so than anyone here, I dare say…and it pains me to see you hurt. In fact, I just want to slug her for hurting you like this…” She looked coyly in Mai’s direction and cleared her throat, “Actually, I just want to slug her for general purposes!” Snow giggled and Lily was pleased to finally hear her sad sister laugh. “Look, I’m sure that if she’s worth her weight in salt and was truly as good of a friend you say she was, she will come around. And if she doesn’t, then she wasn’t worth it.”
Snow sighed, “She just doesn’t understand my relationship with Ophelia.”
“All things will work themselves out in time. Ophelia helped me too. And soon, you’ll be able to tell the others the truth…just not yet.”
Snow looked at her and spat quickly, “I told Mike…I had to.”
Lily nodded. “I understand. I’m sure that will be OK with her.”
Snow then wore a look of concern, “Mai said she will be watching…she won’t let me visit Ophelia after midnight anymore.”
Lily patted her hand in reassurance, “It’s OK…don’t worry. I’ll go for you. I’d like to see her try and stop me. I’m not afraid of losing any love with her…you can’t lose what you don’t have. In fact, I’d almost welcome a confrontation with her. I’d love to give her a piece of my mind for what she’s done to you.”
“Lily, don’t…don’t stir up trouble on my account. You’ll just make things worse.”
She paused, then sighed, “You really are a true Princess, Snow.” Kissing her sister on the forehead, she got up, “Well, I think I’ll go for one of those ciders you’ve got there.”
“There’s ale too, you know.”
Lily quickly glanced in Mike’s direction and then threw a half-felt smile back at Snow, “Nah…I think I’ll stay away from liquor tonight.”

Thomas met Lily at the bar, as he too got himself an ale to Lily’s choice of cider. “So it’s a going-away party for you and Liz, eh?…Oh, and for your wedding…”
Thomas’s words were spoken with sincerity, but Lily could hear the hurt in his voice. She tried to steer the conversation elsewhere, “And for Snow’s home-coming of course…resurrection almost!”
Thomas half-smiled and nodded. Then he leaned against the bar and watched the people laughing and talking at the party…Lily did the same. Jennifer was whispering sweetly to Ribold things only he could hear as she straightened his collar. By his face, one could tell the references in her words. In turn, Mike walked to Snow and surprised her by taking her in his arms and dipping her for a kiss…she squealed in protest, however did not protest his kiss. Lily looked away, pushing her feelings of guilt from her thoughts.
Thomas studied her sad face, and finally, he couldn’t hold back his tongue any longer, “Lily, I know you do not love this man…I know you are only doing this as a ‘royal duty’ of sorts. You’re taking Snow’s place and doing her duty for her.”
Lily turned to him painfully…she was afraid that he would bring this up again.
“Can you really marry a man you do not love? Lily, I know your past…you have been through a difficult childhood…too difficult to think you can give yourself completely to a man you do not love. Snow knows this man better than you do.”
Lily hissed a sigh, “And so what then are you suggesting? That I ask her to divorce her husband and marry this man?”
“No, of course not. That is not what I’m saying. Look, as much as I like Liz, I think it terribly wrong of her to force you to do this.”
Lily turned to him with purpose, “No one is forcing me to do this, Thomas. I am volunteering.”
Thomas turned to her and took her hands in his, his tone turned soft, “Why? Why not stay here with me? I love you Lily. I always have…you know that.”
Lily lowered her eyes. Looking into his eyes filled with love for her was like a dagger into her heart, “I cannot stay here Thomas.”
“Why?”
Lily paused and looked away…then seeing Mike and Snow out of the corner of her eye. Finally, Lily thought, Mike looked happy instead of guilty as he had over so many painful weeks. She then turned back to Thomas, “I just can’t, Thomas. I can’t explain.”
“You love me…I know you do. Why are running from it, Lily? We could be so happy…why won’t you let me make you happy? Would you really rather give yourself to a stranger?”
She couldn’t look at him. He was right…she did love him. She couldn’t look into his warm brown eyes. She felt her tears trying to come. NO! This was a party and she wasn’t going to cry! She sniffed and smiled as she took a large breath, “Let’s not be gloomy, Thomas. It’s a party! Here ya go.” She handed him his ale as she took up her cider and went to seek out a conversation to engage herself in…the safest of those being with Liz…no doubt she was talking about the wedding, HER wedding. She sucked up her grief and put on her ‘happy face’, as she strolled over to her Mum. Thomas watched in anguish as he saw the woman he loved slip right through his fingers…again.

Snow had seen Lily and Thomas talking. From the look in Thomas’ eyes, she could tell it hadn’t gone as Thomas would have liked. She shook her head to herself…she admired Lily for taking this responsibility upon herself, but yet she felt horribly guilty for it. It was after all Snow’s duty. Although Lily would object, as she was the first born by five minutes. Snow looked at her mother and sister talking to the newcomers, Grace and Linnet. Her Mum was ecstatic…and Lily appeared happy…but Snow knew better. She wished the two of them could stay here in the Willows with her and find love themselves. It was funny to see how Liz looked so much their own age….having been sleeping without aging all those many years. Snow remembered that it wasn’t so long ago when Liz and Raif had started something before she went back home to nurse her father before he passed away. Snow looked over at Raif, who was still noticeably mourning the loss of Rebecca. He was chatting sensibly with Nigel as they both puffed on their pipes, yet Nigel was visibly more joyful with Cliona and his new son just a few feet away. Snow looked at the gurgling baby longingly then glanced to Mike. They hadn’t been together since her return…why? Before their falling out, Mai had said how much Mike missed her and was practically out of his mind for her. And in the canyon days ago, his kissed her with the passion she longed for…like they used to share before she fell from the mountain. That stupid stepmother of hers. Snow might have started having uncharacteristically harmful thoughts had it not been for Hayden dropping his toy on the floor at her feet. She snapped from her thoughts and brought the trinket to the infant who instead looked into her eyes as she smiled at him…he grinned back at her as he lay in his mother’s arms.
Cliona smiled at Snow, “He loves all this attention. It’s a game to him…he just drops it so you will pick it up for him, you know!”
Snow leaned into the child and tickled him…Hayden gurgled and giggled at the same time.

Mike watched his wife from across the room playing with the baby. He missed her so badly…even though she was right there. He missed the intimacy…the trust they once had. And now she had entrusted him with her secret bond with Ophelia…why can’t he trust her enough to tell her the truth about what happened with Lily? They can never be reunited with this black cloud hanging over them. He had to tell her. He didn’t know how she would react…would she be angry--or worse…would she be so hurt, she would leave him? It didn’t matter…he couldn’t go on this way. He had to tell her…tonight.

Cliona excused herself to take Hayden for a “feeding break” as Snow looked around for her Mum. She then spotted Mai just leaving the hut. She tried to brush the urge to go after from her mind…but she couldn’t. She couldn’t just let a friendship like this die…she wouldn’t let it. She had to talk to Mai, in private…and now was a good a time as any, as she set down her glass and followed the woman out the door.

Snow in WW: Chapter 188 -- “A Memorable Send-off (part 2)”

Snow found Mai outside just lighting up a cigarette. Mai glanced over her shoulder, then rolled her eyes, as she blew the smoke out with a hiss, “Shit Snow! You’re like a pathetic little puppy I can’t shake! Look, I don’t have any more ‘treats’ for you! So shoo!”
Snow was unshaken by Mai’s sarcastic effort of a brush-off, focusing only on her mission at hand, “Mai, I want to talk to you…like the friends that we are.”
“You’ve chosen your REAL friend Snow. Why don’t you ride around on her for a while.” Mai then turned away.
“I’d hoped I could have more than one friend in life Mai…and besides, as you point out quite often…she’s a horse.”
At this, Mai whirled back around to Snow, “That’s right…and you trust this creature?...Well then everything is fine then,” she said with heavy sarcasm.
Snow swallowed hard as her mind told her, ‘Here we go again.’
Then Mai began, “You know there are insects that send little chemical messages to its prey…they trust what they are being told, go along with it…no questioning, no struggle…total trust...they still die.” She inhaled on her cigarette, a puff she desperately needed now, then continued, “So, you’re here…AGAIN…because you want to explain why you’re being so deceptive about this thing…this mythical winged…whatever…’Pegasus’ thing. Keeping secrets from everyone…Ophelia wants and expects this?…for everyone to just go along and trust blindly? And you do it...and you still claim this creature is good...that it’s to be trusted. So why do you expect us to give IT what it refuses to give US? You expect us to trust this Ophelia creature--why? It doesn't trust us! It has not told one of us, security or otherwise its little secret...its deception…just little old trusting you. So why should we trust it?”
Snow shook her head in bafflement, “I don’t get it Mai…what has Ophelia done that’s so horrible? Like you say, she’s a HORSE! She’s hardly an enemy here. What is it that has you so suspicious of her?”
“Why don’t you tell me Snow…you seem to know more about her than I do.”
Snow leaned against the hut’s wall, “OK…I’ll give you that. But I have absolutely no idea what you’re suspicious about regarding Ophelia.”
“Well, you always were the naïve one, Snow. I can see things in this place no one else can…and I can feel good and evil…and I don’t get the all warm fuzzy feelings about this thing that you get. I just know the truth is being kept from the majority of us here. But you, you go along with it. You side with it, keeping its secret from me…and on THAT day of all days. I died in agony protecting you last year, but do I get your loyalty or trust? NO! You keep the truth from me. So are you keeping it from Mike too?…the man you love, who you’re meant to be closest in the world to?”
“I told Mike.”
Mai was visibly annoyed, “Oh great! Well at least now I know Mike doesn’t trust me either.”
“Mai…it’s not about that. I WILL tell you…I just can’t right now.”
“Why not? What is this creature afraid of that it can’t trust us with its secret? Is it afraid we’ll ‘tattle’ or something? Or kill it? Is the secret so horrible?”
“The truth will be revealed soon Mai…it’s just not time yet.”
“So, you trust it... sense its good...Well, I'll tell you what I sense…The Mistress. Her smell is all over this. A creature that possesses people for its own games and amusement, and deceives others out of nothing but spite. Trust something like that? Something of hers? Why? Like I said I have trouble with trust. I'm funny that way. Things have to earn it. It hasn't and it doesn't want to be open…why?”
“You don’t know that Ophelia has anything to do with the Mistress.”
“Sure I do.”
“How?” Snow folded her arms.
“I just do.” Mai flicked her cigarette over Snow’s shoulder and also folded her arms in reply.
“Well, if you won’t tell me why, then how can you hold it against me that I don’t tell you Ophelia’s secret…after all, it isn’t mine to tell…it’s hers.”
“Ok...Little Miss Wise-Arse... how about I take you to meet the Mistress then?” Mai's eyes flashed the threat of this. “One on one...see what that thing is really all about. It'll be nothing if not educational. You ask how do I know her and what she's like? Hell Snow, she's in my veins and in my face half the time. I know her tricks and nature intimately...just as I know anything she makes. Ophelia has her mark on her, and as a result I'll trust that thing no more than the Bitch that made her. How do I know?…For fucks sake Snow!” Mai hissed a frustrated sigh, as she flipped her hair from her face and continued, “Besides like you say it’s a horse. You’re worried about keeping a secret for a horse?! Do you think that Nugget, or 24Carrots or little baby Rebecca has a secret to keep?” Mentioning the baby horse, named after Mai’s friend, made Mai even more agitated that a true friend of hers was gone. She took a deep breath and continued, “Has it told you why you had to deceive your husband?…Let him fret half the night for you?…Why you’re to turn on your former friends? I hope its one Hell of a reason Snow. It better be. But don't tell me...if you can't or won’t tell the truth to someone like me…someone who has always had your best interests at heart. That’s fine. I don't think I want to hear what someone like you has to say anyway...”
Pointedly, Mai turned and returned to the party in need of a drink a little stronger than what ‘ol queen Liz has been handing out on her party tray. Tears streamed down Snow’s cheeks as she collapsed to the ground crying. She desperately wanted to tell Mai the truth…to show her she did trust her. But she couldn’t, as she knew that Mai was the one person that couldn’t know Ophelia’s secret…not yet…not till she was ready to give it.

Snow had composed herself and returned to the party. There she found everyone waiting for her. Mike smiled and rushed to her side, “There you are Princess! I have been looking for you!”
Her Mum rushed towards her with a glass of champagne, “Yes, we all want to make a toast to you!”
Lily smiled, as she had just been toasted herself…’to a long and happy marriage’, Duncan had said as everyone raised their glasses. She couldn’t look at Thomas…not a chance, lest she start crying--something she vowed she would not do …especially at this party. Her thoughts were interrupted by Yvonne’s slurred demands.
“Isa toast! Wheres sa champagne?” She said with a horrible slur as she stumbled to the bar. Travis was not far behind, to make sure the woman didn’t fall on her face. Lily discreetly approached the bar, as she looked over at her family. Luckily, the outburst was not being noticed by the toasting party. Quietly, she handed her a different drink, “Here, have some cider instead. This is what I have been drinking—it’s really good.”
“Ha!” Yvonne spat as she seemed to sway to and fro in her spot, “Like you’re really one ta lay offn th’ booze, roomie!”
Again, Lily looked about them and lowered her voice even more, hoping Yvonne would do the same, “OK…you’re right…I’m no stranger to liquor, Yvonne. And I remember the horrible hangovers, too.”
Even at Lily’s quiet tone, Yvonne made hers loud and clear…partly out of spite, “I can handle it sweetheart!”
Lily sighed and decided the firm approach might be best in this situation. She sternly took the fresh glass of champagne from Yvonne’s hand, “C’mon Yvonne, you’re my friend…and I’ve been seeing you all but throw yourself at just about every man here. Why don’t you lay off this stuff a little bit, at least till next time…I don’t want to see you do something you’ll regret.”
Furious at being treated like a child and having her drink taken away from her, she gave Lily a drunk ‘how dare you’ look and spat out good and loud, “Oh yeah? Like what! Sleep with my sister’s husband?!”

Snow in WW: Chapter 189 -- “A Memorable Send-off (part 3)”

Lily looked about her, and to her horror, they now had the attention of every person in the room. Her eyes were wide with fear as the adrenaline pumped through her veins at lightning speed. She grabbed Yvonne’s arm…she meant to be gentle, but it just didn’t quite happen that way, “Yvonne…you’re talking foolishness. C’mon…why don’t you let me walk you home?”
Ignoring the brush off, Yvonne yanked her arm free, fully aware she had the attention of the entire party…a feeling she quite enjoyed, “No, no! I think it’d be good to get this out in the open right now! Somebody’s gotta force the issue…might as well be me!”
Lily was amazed and annoyed that suddenly Yvonne’s slur didn’t sound so bad…how unfortunate.
“So go on then, Lily! Deny it! I dare you! I was there when you came home from Mike’s that night…clothes on backwards and all!”
“Yvonne, stop it!” Lily screamed.
Also in a hurry to stop what was obviously about to happen, Mike clumsily slammed his glass back on the tray Liz was holding, causing it to crash to the floor. Seeing Mike approaching, Yvonne continued without reservation, “Of course…Prince Charming himself coming to the rescue! OK, why don’t you tell us about it Mike…tell us what happened with you and your sister-in-law?”
Mike kept his tone low as he spoke to her, “Yvonne, you don’t want to do this. Let’s just get you home.”
Yvonne smiled cheekily and threw her arms around him, “OK, prince! Then I guess it’s finally my turn! You’ve shagged the ‘princess twins’…so now I’m next!”
Mike threw her off of him, and hollered at her in a rage, “That’s enough Yvonne!”
Lily glanced over at Liz, who had stopped trying to clean the dropped drink tray and was now rising from the floor slowly.
“Oh, what’s wrong Mike?” Yvonne continued, “I couldn’t possibly be as ‘contaminated’ as Lily, as many times around the block as she’s been…not excluding her brother-in-law of course!”
Lily’s jaw had dropped to the floor…she was frozen…speechless.
Things had gone far enough, and Jeff was kind enough to step in, “OK, Yvonne…c’mon. Let’s get you home.” Jeff put Yvonne’s arm over his shoulders and he started towards the door. As they stumbled outside, their words could still be heard, “S’are ya gonna tuck me in, Jim?”
“My name is JEFF, Yvonne!”

Lily felt her heart beating in her throat. She couldn’t look at anyone, except Mike…a dead giveaway to the nearby ‘spectators’ to the event.
Snow’s eyes were wide as saucers as she stared down at the floor. What was she to make of this little ‘exhibition’?
Liz glanced at Snow, before marching over to her son-in-law, hands on hips, “Is this true Mike?” she asked quietly.
Mike swallowed hard and had to turn away, “It wasn’t supposed to happen…we thought Snow dead…it was a mistake.”
Liz tutted in disgust and then turned to her other daughter, “And what about you? What’s your story?” She whispered the question to Lily…but before she could answer, the main door of the hut suddenly slammed. Startled, everyone turned…Snow was gone. Immediately, Mike went out after her.
He passed by Linnet and Stevie as they returned from the barn after visiting the baby colt. Confused at the distraught Snow they had passed and the now hauntingly hushed room, Stevie blurted out, “What did we miss?”
Thomas slammed his glass down on the bar, shoved past Nigel and Raif and threw open the hut door, letting it close with a thunderous crash.
Then in an outburst, Lily suddenly collapsed to the floor sobbing loudly.
Travis said dryly, just before downing the remainder of his ale, “Well, it’s her party…she can cry if she wants to.”