Council Meeting
A/N: Aww, you guys! Thank-you for the your lovely reviews. The piano scene was one of the first snippets written.
Regina had been awake for the better part of an hour. The harsh morning light had assaulted her sensitive eyes long before her alarm sounded. Regina sluggishly outstretched her arm to silence the screeching electronic beeps. She gave credit to alcohol for lulling her into a dreamless sleep – an occurrence which had become a rarity of late. The consequences of her many nightcaps however, were made apparent when sitting upright caused her head throb painfully. She rubbed her temples, reflecting upon when it had become an internal battle to get out of bed.
Regina wanted nothing more than to rid herself of the clouds of gloom that shadowed her thoughts, but was simultaneously devoid any motivation to do so. She knew she need to move but every muscle ached with lethargy. The days that Henry stayed over were easier. The routine and responsibility that came with his presence did not allow for alcohol fuelled, self-pitying indulgences. She vaguely remembered Emma's meddlesome intrusion from the previous night. She more vividly recalled the blonde's expression of Henry's concern for her. Just thinking of Henry gave Regina the energy to haul her exhausted limbs out of her warm, blanket cocoon and on to the chilly, wooden floor beneath her.
It took longer than usual for Regina to get ready. If she were well, erasing the effects of a night of heavy drinking would be easy. Unfortunately for her, even small amounts of magic required a substantial amount of exertion in her post-inebriated condition. Both Regina's state of mind and physical health were at an all-time low, deteriorating incrementally each day. Regina was aware of the change, the slowness of mind affecting her decision making and the dramatic weight loss, most noticeable each time she slipped into one of her dresses.
Despite a lack of appetite, Regina knew she needed to eat something. She opened her refrigerator and scanned the predominantly barren glass shelves for breakfast options. Henry's pie stood out as the only edible food source among the expired produce. Regina forced herself to eat, smiling softy when she tasted the delicate balance of flavours contained in her first mouthful. Henry had improved upon her recipe.
While Regina drove to her office she formulated a plan. Firstly, she would need to arrange for the food to be re-stocked in preparation for Henry's impending stay. Secondly, when he arrived, she would talk to him about his concerns. The last thing she wanted was to upset him, especially when it was within her control to soothe his worry. Finally, she predicted that reassuring Henry would also reduce any future interactions with Emma. Last night was evidence that Henry could persuade Emma to bend to his wishes. Although avoiding the Sheriff in professional settings would prove to be a much harder task than social evasion, it would not be impossible.
With a rough strategy in place, Regina felt more in control as she parked in the reserved spot outside the Town Hall. Once inside, Regina walked confidently past her secretary and into the meeting room. She sat in her normal seat, at the head of a long, rectangular mahogany table. A steaming cup of black coffee and the meeting agenda lay waiting for her. Regina busied herself with reading as a steady flow of lively, talkative attendees trickled into the room. Regina finally looked up from reviewing the page when the growing chatter around her suddenly ceased.
The occupants in the room turned their attention towards the main door which closed with a soft mechanical click. Emma stood awkwardly at the entrance, her gaze locked onto Regina's from across the room. The spectators of the intense staring match collectively held their breaths, glancing quickly from one woman to the other, trying to gauge the level of tension between the two.
"Nice of you to join us Sheriff Swan," Regina said, cutting through the stiff silence, "Take a seat, I was just about to start."
Emma ignored Regina's teacher-like sarcasm and complied with the command, moving towards the large table as several sets of eyes tracked her path. Emma purposely choose to occupy the seat at opposing head of the table. Once she was seated, Regina immediately began, opening with a brief welcome before asking her secretary to recite the Minutes from the previous meeting.
During the course of the following hour, Emma made several attempts at engaging Regina's attention, all of which had failed. The Mayor's skills of evasion were remarkable. She was doing a spectacularly good job of avoiding eye contact, despite Emma being in the centre of her field of vision. Regina moved through the agenda swiftly, addressing and resolving each new item faster than its predecessor. Emma glanced down at her copy of the agenda, wondering how much longer she would have to endure Leroy's not-so-subtle rant about nuisance dogs while he eyed Archie angrily out of the corner of his eye. Emma slowly perused the page, mental checking off all the mundane issues they had already covered.
So far, issues about housing allocation for a few newer residents, Emma's suggestion for more police department resources, a presentation from the charity ball committee and a couple of petitions had been heard. Only one item remained. Reading the short dot point caused Emma's brow to furrow in confusion. She re-read it - Precautionary measures against magical intruders.
"Once again Leroy, your complaint will be noted. And once again, dog owners will be reminded of the acceptable amount of barking permitted," Regina concluded quickly, cutting the outraged man off mid-sentence, "Moving on now. In relation to our discussion last week, I've posted an emergency protocol for residents to follow in the event of a magical -"
"Hang on Regina, not everyone agreed on all of those protocols," David interjected.
"Yeah, I didn't agree!" Leroy spouted in support.
"Me too," called out a couple of voices.
To Regina's great displeasure, Charming had become a permanent fixture at meetings since the addition of the magical focus. What qualified the glorified Shepard to handout advice on magical warfare was beyond her. Regina looked around at the absurd ensemble of people, weighing her chances of success in convincing them of her plan which aimed to minimise injury and loss of life. In place of Snow's absence, several of her shorter, more tiresome companions were in attendance. Without Gold present to side with her, Regina concluded that talking rationally to Charming and his idiotic band of worshippers would be pointless.
"Alright Charming, why don't you and your panel of experts go ahead and discuss your points of contention," Regina said wearily.
Regina sighed to herself as Charming eagerly assumed the position of directing discussion. Realistically, the majority of residents would be helpless against an attack, even by the most mediocre of magical beings. Without someone possessing magic, like Gold or, dare she say it, Emma, to defend them, Storybrooke citizens would probably melt like delicate snowflakes under a scorching sun in the face of a formidable enemy.
"Regina, what do you think?" Emma's voice interrupted Regina's imagined daydream of Charming leading his blind, loyal groupies to their inevitable deaths.
"Well, I think Charming has said it all. Shall we conclude?" Regina said, politely addressing David and paying no attention to Emma.
"Umm, yes I think we're done for today," Charming agreed.
Regina was the first to stand, hastily exiting the room as chatter around her started to build. No doubt, Emma would be hot on her heels. She was halfway down the hallway when a low voice called her name.
"Regina"
Emma heard the name she intended to shout come from behind her. Both women turned to locate the source, only to find Robin half-walking, half-sprinting, towards them.