Ruth

The farm Ruth and her husband call home is about to fail, and Ruth has just given birth to twin boys. In order to save their home, the couple makes a deal with Rumplestiltskin. They give up one of their boys, James, to be raised by King George as his own son. About 25 years later, Rumplestiltskin returns with a deal for more prosperity in exchange for the other son. All the son has to do is pose as his late twin and kill a dragon, then he may return. He and Ruth agree to the deal, but there's a snag in the plan. When she next sees her son it is not for his return home, but for his farewell. King George has threatened to kill his mother and burn their farm if he doesn't continue to pose as his son. Before he leaves her for good, Ruth gives him a ring that she says will always bring True Love.

Charming refuses the marriage to Abigail and goes to find Snow, but soon realizes the danger to his mother. He gets to the farm just as King George's soldiers do. During the fight, Ruth is shot with an arrow. While comforting Ruth, Snow White is forced to reveal to her that she's been cursed to be never bear a child. Charming, Snow, and Lancelot take Ruth to Lake Nostos to heal her, but she tricks Charming saving the last of the water for Snow. Lancelot marries Snow and Charming, having Snow drink the enchanted water, so that Ruth can see them married before she dies. Snow figures out her curse is broken when Charming insists on using his mother's necklace to find out what the gender of their first child will be (a girl). By the time Snow goes to thank her, Ruth has died.