Emma tucked her long blond curls into a scraggly ponytail, leaving a few strands out of place. She then threw on a green tunic and a skirt over her breeches and a hooded cloak.

Sneaking down the stairways and edging along the sumptuous halls, she slipped into the kitchen and out the servants entrance. This had become a nightly occurrence as of late. No one seemed to notice the absence of their princess so Emma took the opportunity and visited the nearby villages. She enjoyed visiting the little taverns and bars with their cosy atmosphere. More often than not, she'd earn a few gold from playing liars dice and gambling. She could go there and forget her responsibilities at least for a few hours.
Tonight, Emma sat at a table, facing off against a few, rugged looking pirates. She had already amazed a large pile of chips, much to the chagrin of her opponent, a greasy pirate with a braided beard. He knashed his teeth furiously as he fumbled through the game. Emma gave a thin lipped smile and showed him her cards.
"Ahhhh! Ha har!" Another pirate yelled in his ear, his breath foul,"The lady wins again!"
Throwing his cards to the table, the losing pirate turned and slammed Emma into the wall behind them. She struggled in vain as he held her there.

"You've been cheating! There's no way ye could beat me!" He pulled a sword from his belt and held it up to her cheek, dragging it down to her neck and leaving a thin red scratch. How did Emma react? She spit in his eye. He bellowed in outrage and dug the point of his sword further into her neck. Suddenly a hook latched onto his shoulder, digging into the flesh and yanked him backwards. He was thrown off balance (too much ale) and landed on his rear on the cold stone floor. Seeing who the hook belonged too, he backed up nervously, knocking into tables and chairs.

"You alright, love?" A thick accented voice asked Emma. She looked up from wher she was still leaning on the wall and saw her saviour. It was another pirate. He look to be about twenty with short, dark hair, eyes that were impossibly blue and he was clad all in black leather. In total, he wasn't the worst person in the world to come to her rescue.

"I had that situation under control." Emma muttered, crossing her arms. The dashing pirate cocked an eyebrow. She returned to the bar counter and ordered some water and a slice of lemon. He sat down next to her and ordered a rum.

"Why are you following me?"she asked, not looking at him

"Well, we haven't been properly introduced yet." Emma rolled her eyes. "My name is Killian Jones. Or you could call me by my more popular moniker, Hook." He wiggled his hooked hand as if she hasn't noticed it before."And your name is?"

"Emma Swan."

"Emma." He said, rolling the name around in his mouth.

"Yes, Emma. Don't wear it out." She said, laying the sarcasm on thick. Hook smiled. This lass was a challenge.

"So, Swan?" He started. "Would you consider joining my crew?" Emma almost spit-taked her water across the bar.

"Your crew?!" She sputtered. "Why on earth would I join your crew?"

"Aye, we could use a lady of your kind." He confirmed. Emma just gave him a disgusted look. Did he really think she could be so easily coerced? Then, leaving him behind, she exited the tavern altogether.

As she walked down the dark path, making her way back to the castle, something heavy smashed into her skull. Emma's vision danced with blurry stars and then everything went black.