The Halcyon

by ArkhamBarbie

~SIX. In which he begins.

~The circus retired for the morning the day that followed. The townsfolk and other travelers were told to await their performance some time before the hour of 8 at night. Jefferson was up unusually early that day not quite sure why. On most days he visited the gypsy town, he would be found still in bed 'til noon and squandering about peddlers before twilight. But not today.

As a lofty businessman, he had a handful of street rats whispering in his ear about information on the cirque. He had never been challenged like this. He had to meet with the man behind the troupe in the very least. His hard to get status was only piquing his interest for he knew inside of him that only a man of great prestige and wealth could afford such anonymity.

Still, the thought of the masked girl couldn't escape his thoughts. He had never seen any girl quite like her. And her eyes…a soft hazel that mirrored a strange innocence and sadness kept his mind with fleeting images of her performance. He had only met her last night but it felt more than just the start of an acquaintance.

The innkeeper, Mrs. Potts, noticed Jefferson's early appearance that she couldn't help but muse him, "Early today are we son?"

Jefferson tucked in his scarf and cloak and grinned at the old lady, "Morning to you too."

"Are you sure you're feeling well today?" She raised a brow at him which he returned with a snicker.

"Oh I am splendid."

"Is it a girl at last?"

Jefferson backpedalled at her statement before his foot left the door mainly because what she said was partially true but then again his interest in her was only because she was the key to his deal, "Not quite,"

Mrs. Potts sighed, "Off with you then,"

Jefferson walked briskly into the now empty town square. He spotted Benno halfway towards the fountain and gestured at him, "Mr. Sommerstern!"

Benno excused himself from a number of ladies circled around him and met with the young businessman. Jefferson shook his hand, "I take it that you're making yourself at home here?"

Benno could only laugh, "It helps to inform the townsfolk that behind the painted face is a man. What can I help you with Jefferson?"

Jefferson couldn't help but feel comfortable talking business in such an early hour since he didn't even have to initiate the conversation. He took it as a cue that his proposition was at least being welcomed, "Well…I wish to meet with your master. For business," he said frankly.

The manager of the troupe nodded and let out a breath, "As I've said, it's not that simple,"

"I understand that, which is why," Jefferson took a moment to contest himself. He was uncertain if his sudden introduction to their muse was unwarranted but he took a chance anyway, "I spoke with her, Alice," her name left a smirk on his face.

Benno narrowed his eyes at him and crossed his arms, "Have you now? And what did she say?"

Jefferson scratched the side of his head, "She told me that she would pass on my message,"

"Huh," was all the count-esque associate said to him.

Sensing uncertainty and a tinge of doubt in his new found friend's tone, Jefferson couldn't help but recoil, "She will pass on the message won't she?"

Benno's face lit up as soon as he caught sight of Q, the ring master approach. He gave Jefferson a quick pat on the back and excused himself. This only lessened Jefferson's hope.

He called out to him, "Whatever do you mean by that?" Benno looked at him one more time and gave him a Cheshire's grin, "Find out for yourself!" He replied.

There was no disturbing the two head members of the troupe that Jefferson took the initiative to walk around the small town and match the faces of the colorful performers to the new faces circling about his territory.

It was around past noon that he found himself in the botanical area of the town. He didn't notice that he was still wearing the same puzzled expression as he walked alongside a number of people looking at the freshly picked flowers for sale. Alice seemed like the girl who would keep her word. She didn't look like anyone who would trick him but then why was Benno giving an impression that she didn't do as he had hoped.

In deep thought, Jefferson grazed his hand over the leaves and petals of the flowers displayed it was only the voice of the shopkeeper that intruded his contemplation.

"Hello there miss!" The shopkeeper was the older brother of Mrs. Potts. He had the same shiny silver hair and small spectacles that Mrs. Potts had. At the side of his vest was a pocket watch which looked like a family heirloom.

Besides his obsessive need to stay on schedule, he was a very cherry man. He was always good with people which is why most of the townsfolk say that he makes the flowers bloom on his own terms because he could supply happiness like sunshine. It wasn't far from impossible.

"Hello," He hears him and a number of customers converse but Jefferson can't seem to concentrate on what they were actually saying. Until, someone spoke louder this time.

"They are all beautiful sir," she spoke. Jefferson quickly turns hishead only to spot this pale, raven-haired girl in a blue dress. She was still very radiant outside her circus appeal. He didn't take another minute to waste.

"Mr. White," Jefferson gave him a salute which he mimics and then he turns to her and bows like a gentleman, "Ma'am,"

Before she curtsies back at the young gentleman, she gives him a look. She took gave it meaning. Seemingly trying play coy that he didn't recognize her, "Sir Jefferson," she says playfully and he pretends to narrow my eyes and try to recognize her. Jefferson places a hand to his chest and acts surprised, "Ah! Lady Alice! Forgive me, I didn't recognize you,"

Mr. White looks at his young friend curiously but turns to her, "You are the performer from last night?"

"Yes sir. I do hope, we were to your fancy?"

Mr. White beams at her and shakes her hand, "Delighted," he peers at the growing crowd, "Forgive me, I have much work to do,"

"Of course, I apologize for taking too much of your time," she says. Mr. White shakes his head.

"I must be going anyway, thank you again," Mr. White halts her which made Jefferson's face light up.

"Please pick a flower before you go,"

She looks at Jefferson momentarily and then back at the kind man, "Oh no, I couldn't,"

"Please! I insist,"

"At least allow me to pay you sir,"

Mr. White huffs, "Not necessary dear!"

Jefferson finally found a great time to intervene as a number of people called out to the shop keeper, "Mr. White, allow me to take care of this, go on, please,"

"Thank you sonny. I'm afraid there's just so much to do and so little time,"

As soon as Mr. White left, Alice let out a giggle, "Are always this accommodating?"

She begins to skim through the number of flowers laid out before her and walks alongside Jefferson.

Jefferson shrugs, "Well, not to everyone,"

She blinks, "I take it you're here to ask me about my master?"

He grins, "No, right now, I am here to help you pick up a flower," Jefferson picks up a tulip which she declines.

"From what I gather, you're here to guess what kind of flower I prefer."

Jefferson points at a daffodil. She shakes her head, "No? Then how about…" she moves towards the section of roses and pulls up a red rose. He slightly bends as he hands it to her, "This?" He thinks that its fool proof for any woman. For a moment he feels relieved as she takes the rose from his hand but she returns the flower from where he took it.

"Roses would be more interesting if they were anything but red or white," she says.

"You are quite a puzzle aren't you? Where do you suppose we could find a rose of a different color?"

She raises her brows and connects her eyes with his, "I'm not quite sure, maybe we could just paint the flowers the color we wish,"

"Oh really? We should just paint the roses,"

"In blue preferably,"

Jefferson puts his hands behind his back and assesses her, "Then again if I do that, it still wouldn't be the flower you want,"

She sighs, "Yes. But you see, the point is, I do not have much value for flowers without value."

"What do you mean by that?"

She points at the callalily, "See those? They represent death. The red roses represent passion, the white ones, purity."

"And…what sort of representation are you looking for?"

"I'm not quite sure actually," both of them stop at a section of wild flowers. Jefferson was having trouble getting through to her. But before he could even think of something clever to say, she picked up a flower and tucked it inside his coat pocket.

His hand went through the flower, "A stargazer?" he says, eyes fully fixated on hers.

She gives him a warm smile, "It represents a promise."

She turns and begins to walk away from him. Jefferson knew exactly what she had meant by it. She was a person of her word. That small gesture was enough for him to believe her.

But he didn't leave her just yet. There was still much convincing to do.

Jefferson prepared for the evening's performance. He was still drying the roses he had painted this afternoon. He thought that he was crazy for following such suggestion but, he needed to show Alice that he took her seriously by making an impression that he was interested in her. All of it wasn't a ploy. He really was interested in her. Other than her name and her dancing, he didn't know much about the circus muse. He didn't even really know why she was their muse. Who was she exactly? To be so-called as such? What was so special about her that she had to be the mediator between him and the owner of the cirque?

The young man tucked in his scarf and made his way down the inn.

"And what do you have there?" Mrs. Potts asks eyeing the bouquet of unusual roses.

Jefferson shrugs, "Something for the circus' little princess." She raises a brow, "Apparently, I have to impress her to close a deal,"

The old lady clicks her tongue, "At least it's a girl." Jefferson grins at her and bids farewell.

He walks towards the square, already filled with audience, old and new. He makes his way through the crowd and spots Benno Sommerstern beside the ringmaster, Q, who was wearing emerald and purple. They were introducing the fire dancer Ali and the animal tamer, Jia. The crowd was very much impressed by their tricks that even Jefferson was left in a trance at what he saw, still, Alice has yet to join the performance.

Applause roared across the square as the duo bowed and gestured for the next performers to take their place. Q had introduced a set of jugglers who mingled with the crowd as they performed and upon spotting Jefferson, he curtsied to acknowledge him. He didn't quite smile though; it was more of a gesture of courtesy than welcoming.

A few more moments passed until Alice had appeared. Ben threw a packet of dust which let out a colorful mist when she made her entrance. She danced a little then joined the juggling of the others. She was again wearing a mask, this time; it was made of sheer cloth. Behind it, Jefferson could still see her hazel eyes glisten. He was again mesmerized by the mysterious beauty that it was very evident that his applause was the loudest among others.

Jefferson stayed until the whole troupe finished performing. Others retreated because of the cold but he remained fairly planted and comfortable.

Q took of his hat and motioned for the troupe to bow and thank the crowd for watching. The money and tokens that Benno collected doubled since they first came. Most of it actually came from the new travelers and not just their new patron, Jefferson himself.

"Mi'lord!" Benno called out to the young businessman.

Jefferson nodded at him, "Mister Sommerstern," he greeted him but his eyes was fixated on Alice, who was bidding farewell to a little admirer who handed her a daisy.

Benno smiled at Jefferson as soon as he spotted the flowers, "Thank you for seeing our performance yet again,"

"Of course,"

Benno looks from Jefferson to Alice, "Perhaps, we could repay you for an audience with our own rose?"

Jefferson beamed, "I would appreciate it,"

Q was observing Jefferson watch Odette portray someone she was not just to please a patron. She was like a daughter to him and seeing her displayed like a doll for sale put him in unease. Benno had called for her and she excused herself towards Jefferson and the circus manager.

She curtsies at him like a ballerina and he bows back.

"For you, Lady Alice," he gives her the flowers which she takes, amused.

"They're blue," she simply states making Benno give the bouquet a number of looks.

"My, they are blue!" Benno exclaims.

Jefferson says nothing but merely remains to look pleased.

Q looks at Odette, their Alice, with worry but she in turn looks at the flowers in astonishment.

"Thank you Mi'lord," she curtsies again.

Jefferson puts a hand to his chest, "Jefferson, please,"

Q calls to Alice now. He always does this so as to not put much connection in their travels. In was mighty dangerous to do so. It was for her own good anyway. He didn't mean to sound rude to Jefferson. He gave each peddler a chance but, there was something different about him. Something…curious.

Benno places a hand to Alice's shoulder, "Forgive us but I must send her back to rest now. Alice?"

Alice takes something out of her pocket and hands it to Jefferson and leaves. Only the ringmaster could see the delight in her eyes as she hugs the bouquet and enjoys the sweet smell of them. But this worried him more. It was going far more unexpected than he had predicted. Still, he says nothing and follows after their muse.

Jefferson fiddles with the small piece of cardboard in his hands, "The Ace of Hearts?"

Benno puts his hands on his back and laughs, "That is a good sign sir."

"Is it?"

Benno motions for the both of them to stand near the light, "You see, that is a token from our master. It seems that he has received word of your intention,"

She kept her promise, he thought, grinning.

"Quite an unusual way to acknowledge it," he looks at the card again.

"Our master is quite popular in the world of business and as such, he has developed a way to keep his business tame. He is a man who doesn't like to waste his time arranging an audience not fit to his standards,"

Jefferson scoffs and holds up the cards, "So he sends out cards to the people who pass his screening?"

Benno shakes his head, "That is but the beginning of his approval. He has a specific rule as we have said. You have to impress our muse. For everytime you are able to, she will put in a good word for you to him directly and if you're lucky, you get another card. If you complete a suit, you're given an audience,"

Jefferson weaves his brows, "You're serious about this aren't you?"

Benno nods.

"I have to get all thirteen correct?"

Benno sighs, "Yes."

Twelve more cards. That shouldn't be so difficult.

"Very well. And just out of curiosity," he clears his throat, "Just how many people have been able to collect a complete suit?" he crosses his arms now.

Benno scratches hi neck, "Would you like the honest answer?" he smiles. Jefferson brows raise but he doesn't ask him to answer.

"I see,"

The manager pats the patron in the back twice and begins to walk away, "Don't worry sir, I have high hopes for you. You still have time,"

"How much time?" he calls from a distance.

Benno looks back at him amused. He was the first to take the test with much determination, "Until we leave,"

Jefferson takes three steps, "When are you leaving?"

Benno's laughter echoes, "I haven't the slightest idea! Makes you more curious now doesn't it?"

Then Jefferson simply watches Benno walk away with the answers he seeks and he is left all alone, clutching the thin card like it was made of gravel.

He felt the thrill of a challenge. He always loved that feeling. He never quite lost a bet but something inside of him stir, unusually grim. He didn't know why but he was sure he had to be cautious.

But still, he had time.

The task was simple, he just had to woo her. Besides, it wasn't even a chore for him.

She was interesting. And beautiful.

It was the best endeavor he had to go through yet.

He tucks the card inside his coat pocket and puts on his hat as he makes his way back to the inn.

He feels confident.

Everything was falling into place. He was off to a brilliant start.

The night sky was agreeing with him. It was illuminating the gypsy town beautifully that even the moon was smiling down at him, like a Cheshire.

Note. I know it has been quite a while since I have updated. I've been terribly busy. Besides school work, I have also been writing for my Glee story. I hope you all enjoy the chapter. I've tried my best to place some Alice in Wonderland parallelisms in this one again. Its quite short but, I'll make for it in the next update.

I plan on making a special post for the character analyses but for now, feel free to tell me your guesses and comments.

Thank you for reading! :)

Please forgive typos.

I do not own Once Upon A Time.

The characters I used which appeared on the series have a touch of my own imagination in terms of heritage and origin.

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