Gerard was panting, slowly making his way through the trees. What sort of creature had he just bargained his daughter to?! Surely, as soon as it got Belle in its claws, it would tear her to shreds! Just the thought of it made the man lean over and dry heave once, twice. As he wiped the spit from his mouth, he heard a familiar voice. "B-belle!" he shouted, scrambling through the snow to find her. If only he had known he was being followed the whole way.<br/><br/>He embraced his daughter tight, panting hard. "Oh Belle, I've done something terrible... Please, forgive me. Please!" He relinquished his grip on her to stare with sad sad eyes. "A creature, a horrible monster tried to kill me, but it said it would let me live if I give you to him. Forgive me!" He hugged her again, feeling tears start to freeze on his lashes.