EVERYTHING THAT HAPPENS, HAPPENS BY DESIGN. AND THERE'S NOTHING WE CAN DO ABOUT IT.

Ever since talking with Hook on the Jolly Roger, Neal knew that he had to try and blend back into a familiar lifestyle that allowed him to remember who he was, and, where he actually belonged. But, that was easier said then done. Since he was still a kid when he was forced away from the Forest, and, the lifestyle he’d gotten so used to, and, grown up with.

Neal’s stay at his father’s place for those few days had led him to find something he hadn’t touched since Neverland. His bow and arrow, it had been the one thing used to defend himself from so much. Especially on the island.

He knew that he wanted to get back to the version of himself before he was lost, and, when he knew who he was, and, where he belonged. Which was sometimes a lot easier said then done. Neal didn’t want to question it though, or think about any of it.

Neal had somehow found his way to the Forest of this town, knowing that this was the closest thing he had to the Enchanted Forest and Neverland. It was also the best place to get privacy, because he was still a tad rusty with his archery practice. And this was the safest place to not hit anyone, or anything besides trees.

Placing his backpack down on the ground, Neal grabbed his bow out of it. “Hello there old friend. It’s been a really long time.” Neal stood up, before placing his quiver with the arrows over his shoulder, pulling one out and preparing to take fire.

Neal focused his gaze on the tree in front of him, suddenly flashing back to his 14 year old self. Taking aim with the arrow, he went for the tree, hitting it a bit lower then he’d planned. “Oh man.” Neal said, softly as he lowered the bow and arrow, and, just kicked the ground in front of him.

TAGGED

Robin Hood

NOTES

N/A

template by Margie @ Adoxography 2.0

Robin loved the forest. It was quiet and a great place to get away from the whole... living in Storybrooke thing. Maybe it was just because it reminded him of his home back in the woods. He really liked being out there, camping under the trees and remembering his life before the strange city. Of course, he wasn't unhappy there. With Regina, he absolutely loved the place and all the weird things it had to offer.

It was just difficult to completely forget one life in place of another.

He smiled to himself as he moved through the brush, heading to his training area. It was nestled within the forest, a little set up he had made with some targets and equipment for his archery. Even if this town had things called guns, that didn't mean he was willing to let go of his old skills. He wanted to keep them nice and sharp, just in case they ended up back in the forest as the product of yet another curse.

As he moved to his patch of land, he heard someone speaking off in the distance. It wasn't loud, and seemed the kind of thing meant for no one to hear. Arching an eyebrow, he moved to the source of the noise, coming across Neal, of all people. It looked like he was practicing a bit with his own bow and arrow, though he didn't look terribly happy.

"A little out of practice?" He offered with a smile, moving into the clearing to greet the man, "it's been a long time, Neal. Nice to see you again." He had heard, of course, that some of the people who had died were back among the living, but he hadn't run across anyone up until that moment. It was strange, seeing him again, but he wasn't unhappy. Compared to his father, Neal was a wonderful man. Brave and selfless- everything Rumple wasn't.

---

Neal Cassidy

EVERYTHING THAT HAPPENS, HAPPENS BY DESIGN. AND THERE'S NOTHING WE CAN DO ABOUT IT.

Hearing that voice behind him made him jump a little, he lowered the bow and arrow slightly as he turned around to see who it was. Seeing that it was Robin, made him lower it down by his side before looking at where he’d shot the arrow, and, nodding. “Yeah, I am” Neal said before watching him come completely into view.

“It has been a long time. Nice to see you again too.” Neal wondered how much Robin knew about the formerly dead people coming back to this town. He hadn’t meant any harm, he had just wanted to escape that place and be with his son again. Which he now was.

“I don’t suppose you could help me.” Neal said, holding up his bow and arrow. “I haven’t done this in a long time, so I’m not quite as good as I used to be.” Neal then paused before looking at him. “Besides I remember back in the Forest, you almost struck me in the head with one of these things.” Neal smirked softly before glancing at the arrows, before turning back to Robin.

TAGGED

Robin Hood

NOTES

N/A

template by Margie @ Adoxography 2.0

Robin smiled at his old friend. They hadn't know each other long, perhaps, but that didn't mean he wasn't happy to see the son of Rumplestiltskin. Baelfire had wanted to help them all- he had always put others ahead of himself. Hell, it was that kindness that had even prompted a change in Rumple. He had ended up sacrificing himself to save his loved ones, something Robin would have thought impossible.

Of course, Neal had exchanged his life for his father's, bringing him back to life. And from there, well, Rumple hadn't exactly lived up to the gift he had been given. But Robin didn't hold it against him- everyone struggled with grief, even Dark Ones.

He smiled when he was asked for help. "Actually, I have a nice little training area not far from here. You're welcome to train yourself with the targets there. It's always nice to have another archer in the ranks, and we should be able to defend ourselves somehow, right?" Though he wondered if their bows really mattered against all the magic users around them.

Still, he was ready to keep his skills up to snuff. If it came down to it, and Regina needed him, he wanted to be ready no matter what.

"This way, follow me!" He hummed, motioning for Neal to walk with him.

---

Neal Cassidy

- neal cassidy -

Neal was admittedly happy to see Robin here in Storybrooke. He hadn’t had a real guy friend since August back in New York, and, it felt kind of weird having one now. Neal had spent most of his life wanting to help people, and, he’d made a lot of sacrifices to do it, and, it had actually changed his papa, or had started to. He’d chosen to force himself to die in order to save him and Belle. Neal didn’t think that would ever be something his papa would do. Choose his family over the dagger.

But the sacrifice he’d made in return when he allowed his father to come back, had seemed to be proven to be for nothing. Since he’d gone straight back to the selfish man he’d seemed to be for a long time.

Neal returned Robin’s smile “You do? Well, I’d love to practice there at some point. I’m willing to join the ranks, it probably isn’t a small group though right? Yeah definitely, defend yourselves in any way you can.” Some of these weapons may be worthless with the amount of magic in this town, but, it didn’t hurt.

Neal had another knowledge of how to defend himself, but, sometimes it may not be available. Besides that wasn’t what all this was about. Yes, he’d defend Henry no matter what. But, he also needed to remind himself of where he belonged.

“Um, ok lead the way.” Neal said, as he followed Robin.

template by eliza @ tb & adoxography

---

Robin Hood

Robin chuckled. "No, I guess it's not that small a group, is it? There certainly are a lot of us who can use bows. Shame, I used to feel like I was quite talented. Now I have to wonder if I'm really the best in the land anymore." He certainly practiced enough to keep his skills sharp, but there were a lot of talented archers around. Snow being the one to come to mind immediately.

She was extremely skilled. It would be interesting to see who ended up the better of the two of them, should they ever have a contest somewhere down the line.

Of course, he loved a challenge- he would be up for it.

In the meantime, he was happy to show Neal the way to his training camp. It wasn't too far from where they had been, though it was a good ways into the forest. Still within the boundary around Storybrooke, of course, with plenty of space in all directions to move around without fear of accidentally crossing the town line.

The camp looked like something right out of the Enchanted Forest, with straw and stick dummies in crude human shapes propped up with targets on them. Other targets hung from trees and sat on sticks driven into the earth. They were varied in size, making them more and less of a challenge depending on what you shot at. There was also a few sparring rings drawn into the grass, where skills beyond archery could be practiced. There were also a few weapon racks set up, with a wide variety of bows and quivers full of arrows on display. A few merry men were there, and they smiled at Robin, offering him warm greetings before getting back to their practice.

"Here we are," hummed Robin proudly.

---

Neal Cassidy

Robin Hood

words

Neal smiled softly "No, but, it was once. I used to feel that way too. I knew I was never the best, but, I wonder how talented I actually am. Especially when I haven't touched it in years." Neal had once been quite skilled, but, more because he had to be back on Neverland, it was the only way to survive on it. In this town there were so many good archers, Robin Hood and Snow White came to mind.

He would've been kind of intrigued to see which one of them was actually better.

Neal appreciated that Robin didn't seem to mind showing him how to brush up on his skills. And also showing him a place to practice. He didn't know what exactly to expect from it, but, as long as he could get his privacy while he re-learnt skills he had once been an almost master at.

Looking around, it looked like back in the Enchanted Forest. Like outside of the cottage, he used to live in with his papa. Back then Bae had set himself up a small area for shooting practice. Targets that he'd made, or used from stuff his papa had left over. He didn't have much variety in choices for his bow and arrow, because they still couldn't afford much. But, back then he'd managed.

"Nice set-up you've got here" Neal said, smiling softly.

notes

♡

"Thanks!" Hummed Robin, clearly quite proud of himself, "we're pretty well situated here, though I suppose when you're used to living in the woods, it's not that difficult to get things rolling again. Plus the resources here are infinitely better here than back in the Enchanted Forest, so we can make things sturdier and more effective." He smiled as he moved to stand at a line in front of some targets.

"Would you like to have some practice?" He hummed lightly, taking his bow, "you could use your own or one of our bows if you'd like. It's completely up to you. Though I think you would like our bows- they're quite masterfully crafted."

He loaded an arrow onto his bow, pointing it at one of the farther back targets. It took him a moment to make sure his aim was right, but he let loose the arrow and watched as it sailed expertly through the air, striking its target right in the center.

"Nothing like a bullseye to get the blood flowing!" He hummed merrily.

---

Neal Cassidy

Robin Hood

words

"No problem" Neal said, smiling softly as he looked at Robin. "You're right, the woods is the closest thing we have to that place. Yeah, we do have an upgrade in choices for resources here in this town." Neal followed Robin towards the targets.

"Yeah, that would be great" Neal did want practice, it was the only way he'd get back the skill he'd once had for it. "I think one of your bows would be better. Mine's a bit old."

Neal stayed back for a moment while he watched Robin load up his bow with an arrow and take his aim. He examined the way he was standing, and, tried to see if he'd be able to do that. A new stance may be a good idea since he'd been 14 when he'd last held one of these things. Except for the time on Neverland, when he'd used it to fire Pan with squid ink.

"Nice work. I might not be that good straight away, but, I can give it a shot."

notes

♡

"Hey, we're not having a contest, so I wouldn't be too worried about whether or not you're good right now," he chuckled lightly. Really, he was just interested in seeing what the man could do- training and becoming good at something was one thing, but Neal had used his bow because he needed to. Because he had wanted to survive.

He had an entirely different take on archery, and Robin was eager to see it.

He offered Neal some space, stepping out of the way to let him take his own shot. "You know, it's interesting to see you here, learning archery, when your father... when he relies on magic instead of combat skills. I suppose you really don't want anything to do with magic, do you? No reason to learn it?" He smiled lightly, not meaning to bring up anything unsavory. He just thought it was interesting.

"Of course, Rumple isn't exactly untalented with a sword. I guess when you live two hundred something years, even someone like him can become a skillful fighter. It's a shame he doesn't train that more- I would love to see him in a duel."

---

Neal Cassidy

Everything that happens.

Happens by design.

Neal Cassidy

tag:Robin Hood

"Thanks. I guess that makes me feel better" Neal said with a small smile. Their ways of archery were somewhat different, Robin had just done it to become good at it. Neal had needed the skills in order to survive.

This will become obvious at some point, he hoped.

Neal grabbed a bow of Robin's, it was in better shape then his own. "Yeah, well my father and I are different. I never really wanted to learn it. It already ruined my life once, cost me everything." Neal sighed softly before looking down at the ground, before preparing his arrows with Robin's bow.

"Well, I have my own skills with a sword. So, that part we have in common. But, there's a difference, I used my archery and sword fighting skills in order to survive. Well, maybe he thinks magic is better and easier to get his way."

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Robin nodded. He could understand not wanted to get involved with something that had ruined his life. Then again, the queen hadn't exactly made things easy for him and his men, and yet he had ended up falling in love with her. Perhaps it was a case-by-case kind of thing. He couldn't imagine what it was like having the Dark One for a father.

Neal wasn't a lucky man. But, at the same time, maybe he was the luckiest, too. Robin knew Rumple wasn't a great guy, but he tried. You couldn't fault for someone for that.

"I'm sure he does," Robin agreed, "still, if you two happen to have a sparring match at some point, you better be sure to invite me to watch. I think it would be bloody brilliant." He chuckled lightly and watched as Neal readied himself to shoot. He had a good stance. Not exactly perfect, or at least what Robin considered perfect, but still very well honed for someone who had learned without any kind of training.

It was pretty impressive.

---

Neal Cassidy

Everything that happens.

Happens by design.

Neal Cassidy

tag: Robin Hood

When it came to magic that was something he didn't want to get involved in. He'd already lost everything because of it, and, he wasn't going to allow it to cause him lose anything else. But, he knew that magic wasn't something he could actually escape for good though. When the Dark One was his father.

Neal had been unlucky for most of his life. But, now maybe he was lucky again. He had his son, and, his father was trying to change this time.

"I am too" Neal said. "I promise you'll be the first call I make" Neal chuckled softly before preparing himself in his usual stance. Neal knew that his stance may be different to other peoples, but, it was a stance he'd chosen when he was 14.

Neal then fired the arrow hitting the target.

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Robin let out a cheer when the arrow hit the target- it definitely looked like a good hit, even if his stance was a little bit weird. How much better he would be once he started to learn the correct technique! He loved meeting someone with natural talent- there was nothing better than an archer. Then again, he might have been just a little bit biased.

He would have been teaching Henry how to use a bow right at that moment if he thought Regina would be alright with it. However, he was a little concerned she might actually be against him teaching him how to be an archer.

It wasn't really a relevant skill for the Land Without Magic, and perhaps she didn't want to think that he would ever need to shoot something with a bow. She could be a little protective.

"That was an excellent shot, mate," he chuckled lightly, "you've got some real skill there! I think I could help you be even better, too!"

---

Neal Cassidy

Everything that happens.

Happens by design.

Neal Cassidy

tag Robin Hood

Neal was secretly glad that he had actually hit the target. It helped him know that there was still a bit of his past as Baelfire still in there. He'd never had any actual training though, just learnt it through the art of survival practice.

Maybe one day he could teach Henry how to use a bow and arrow to defend himself. He was the parent, and, no matter what Emma or Regina said, he had some say in that stuff too.

Neal knew that it wasn't really a necessary skill in this land. He just wanted to help his son protect himself from danger when they weren't around.

"Thanks." Neal said, smiling softly. "I do like the sound of being taught. I'm usually used to moving targets though."

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