Ten Forward Social Lounge

Now that Regina's quarantine was over and she could explore, she had to learn more about the holodeck and what it was. If what Neal told her was true, if she could see Daniel, she needed to. With no clue how it worked, she did manage to understand that she needed to have an image of who she wanted to see. Clutching the brass saddle ring that had served as her impromptu engagement ring, it had a simple enchantment on it thanks to Rumplestiltskin. He hadn't done it for her, but she'd learned, and now whenever she wanted, she could look at her love's face. It was all she had of him, his promise to her that he would take her far away from Cora, that she would never have to marry the king.

When she learned enough about magic, Regina was determined to bring Daniel back somehow, to reverse his death and spend their lives together happily. But for now, just to see him again would be enough. She only needed to learn how. Science, and especially science of this magnitude was so very beyond her, and her time, but she was willing to learn. If it meant she could replace her last memory of him gasping in pain and holding him in her arms as he died, then she would learn. For now, she looked for any instructions as she stood just outside of the doors, hoping it would be mostly self-explanatory.

[ooc: help Regina see her dead boyfriend, everyone. :3 Alternatively, find her inside once she has a program loaded.]

There's a rhythm to Regina's breathing as she lets the pixie dust take her far, far away from the castle that stifles her. It's the first time in her life that magic has been used on her and she isn't terrified because it may hurt, because she isn't sure what to expect. Pixie dust is warmth and happy thoughts, and she smiles, her cheeks hurting with it as her eyes take in the land beneath her. She doesn't care much about the destination now, it's only a lingering thought as she flies through the dark that she's on her way to meet her soulmate. If she can keep flying, if she can be where no one can touch her; not the king, not the Dark One, then she never wants to come down.

It's too much to hope for, really, and the controlled breaths turn into heavy exhales as soon as she's on the ground, weighted again by more uncertainty. She doesn't hate the idea of meeting this person, her supposed happy ending, but she's already telling herself that it can't work. She's the queen. If she tries to run away Leopold will stop at nothing to find her. And if she runs with another man they'll both become prisoners. But still she walks forward, her heart pounding now as she and Tinkerbell walk to a tavern in a small little village that's otherwise dark. Laughter filters to her ears where jovial spirits are no doubt enjoying flagons of ale, and Regina's lips press together.

There he is. Your soulmate. The guy with the lion tattoo.

She peers in, tilting her head to the side and blinking quickly. She can see it, dark ink on a forearm as he lifts his cup for more to drink, and she squints a little, trying to discern anything else from him. His hair is light and short and she thinks she catches a glimpse of lines on his face as he smiles.

"I could be happy," she tells Tinkerbell, her stomach clenching, even as she smiles and keeps peering into the window. But the security of her newfound friend is suddenly gone, and now it's up to Regina. Her breathing is quick now and she swallows heavily, hand moving to the door handle. She can be happy. All she has to do is walk inside and say hello to change her life. But the king. The king is kind to the people but he is not willing to let his prized young wife go, she knows this. And then there's Rumplestiltskin who she knows can always find her. She is trapped even when she isn't, she is a prisoner even miles from home. And then she freezes, smile making its way into a panicked frown.

The darkness has had a taste of you and it likes you, dearie.

She can't control the heavy gasp that makes her turn from the door before she can take another step in, and she has to leave, she has to go back because it's isolation and lonely and nothing makes her happy, but at least it's consistent. She knows what to expect. She knows what nights to brace herself for the king, she knows when she'll have to look after Snow White. But this, running to a man who may or may not believe in soulmates and trusting he'll run with her is unknown. She can't. She can't do it to him she tells herself.

Regina spins quickly, but when she does the village behind her is gone. Turning again, so is the tavern though there is a bar behind her. Stumbling backward, the lights are bright and obviously not fire as her back presses into a another person. She doesn't know what this is, her eyes are wide and panicked, and now her breathing catches in her chest, frightened and unable to find her words.

[ooc: Very much open, very much the definition of 'deer caught in the headlights.' She's in the bar proper so, you know, nice and embarrassing intro.]