Did Snow have the bow or just the arrow? I cannot remember but I guess Rumple got everyone’s objects back when the curse hit anyway either in his castle or shop.
I agree the idea of an arrow finding its target could use the same type of magic as the compass that always finds what it seeks.
I do see appeal in the idea that an object of sentimental value must direct the arrow, but what if the wrinkle is that Neal doesn’t have anything?
That might lead him to her nursery or back to SB even, perhaps using something that ties to Belle. Her little pillow? I guess it depends on how long the writers want to drag out Neal’s journey to NL.
“If I had a world of my own, everything would be nonsense. Nothing would be what it is, because everything would be what it isn't. And contrary wise, what is, it wouldn't be. And what it wouldn't be, it would. You see?” -- Lewis Carroll, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland & Through the Looking-Glass