Summary: Archie Hopper continues to make Emma come to terms with her feelings. Regina helps Emma with a spot of DIY. And Marian has a proposition for Killian.
Doctor Hopper's Surgery
It had been another difficult hour for Emma. But at least she now knew how this worked! Archie Hopper, that shy, twinkly, smiling man, was an absolute demon when it came to dragging information out of people. Even her! But nonetheless, he started again. This time, as he'd promised in her last consultation, he went over her relationships with her parents, particularly her mother, her son and daughter. Before finally, Killian. And Regina.
So this time, instead of avoidance, she finally let it all out. Telling him of how she and Regina's had, starting as mortal enemies, gone on to build a relationship, with Henry at its core, on something more than friendship. Trust. After relentless prompting, she finally revealed everything that had happened over the last two days. Including Regina, and their confessions to one another.
"Thank you for that, Emma. I know that was difficult for you to talk about, but I think you found it just a little bit easier this time?"
"Not much! I may understand Regina, but I've still lost my husband!"
"Perhaps, perhaps not. You said Killian told your mother he would come back after a few days?"
"Yeah. Regina thinks I should go after him. So I'm going to tell him everything…"
"Well that's certainly one option. How do you think he's likely to react? Knowing that you and Regina, despite accepting you cannot be together, are still in love with each other?"
"But we've agreed just to be friends! I've got Killian, and she's got...well, that's for her to say."
"But have you? Never mind what you and Regina think, what do you imagine he thinks?"
"That he can't trust me," her voice dipped, now a little more unsure of herself. "That I might want to be with her, one day?"
"Can you blame him? Knowing he has a potential love rival. Someone with powerful magic, like you. Knowing you want to share evenings out with her, or go back to her place? Knowing, as Henry's co-parents, that you'll share confidences he'll have no part of? Not the best basis for trust in a marriage, is it?"
"So what do I do? Move away? Stop seeing Regina?"
"Let's come back to that. Tell me, what is it that you see in Killian Jones? Do you love him more than you love Regina?"
"Yes!" she felt almost insulted by the question. "Of course I do!"
"Why? Can you tell me why you love your husband, Killian Jones, more than the woman you yesterday confessed you were in love with?"
Oh boy! This was going to be another very long session!
The Diner
"So they've really had Robin feathers raining down from the ceiling? Here, and at your place?"
"I actually saw four of them fall with my own two eyes! The last three when they asked him direct questions..." said Belle. Well no one asked her not to say anything! "That's when Marian asked him whether he approved of something. We're guessing she meant her and Regina. Being…together."
"Together, as in 'together'? Like me and Dot? They're in a relationship?"
"They seem very compatible. I thought they were quite touching together!"
"Two gorgeous, brown eyed, hot- assed brunettes? Looks like Dot and me aren't the only sexy gay-gal combo in town. Maybe we should ask them out on a share date?"
"I think considering what you put Dorothy through this week, probably not a good idea! How's Rumple's potion working?"
"Well it certainly killed off my libido last night. I went to bed at ten! If you'd have walked in three nights ago wearing that blouse, I would have jumped your bones, even if you are straight! Then your old man would have burnt me alive!"
Belle blushed. "Good job all that lupine lust is going to be directed at your lady-love next time you come on heat, isn't it? How is Dorothy now?"
"Still pissed off, even though she knows I couldn't help it. I was going to take her out this weekend, by way of an apology. How about buying her some lingerie? Something sexy?"
"Don't go to Kathryn's for a couple of days! She said Regina and Marian spent an absolute fortune in there. Clothes, boots, undies, everything! She's got new stock in Saturday. Apparently, stockings were particularly popular this week…"
"But they're so bloody uncomfortable! Why would anyone want to wear them? Mind you, I could imagine those two in them, or in a decent Basque? Mmm!"
Belle winced. "Would you stop that? As you said yourself, I am very, very, boringly straight, and don't need to hear that stuff! Though at this rate, I'm going to be in a minority around here!"
Mifflin Street
Regina hadn't said much about Emma since she'd got home yesterday evening, and Marian didn't want to pry. However, the fact she'd been much quieter when she returned, hardly spoke over dinner, and went to bed separately, did concern her. They'd finally sat in bed together, just reading, before retiring. The former queen rolling away from her as she settled, leaving Marian to ponder how to handle it.
The next morning, she'd woken to find Regina had already risen, dressed and was now downstairs in the kitchen making coffee.
"Good morning, dear. Sleep well?"
"Not really. I must have something on my mind. Are you going to tell me what happened when you went over to Emma's yesterday, or just leave me guessing?"
There was a questioning, suspicious look about her that Regina hadn't seen before. "Well…It's nothing, really. Emma's having treatment for depression. They think it's related to her pregnancy last year. They're just going through a bit of a hard time at the moment. They'll be fine."
"So her husband often bursts in here, yelling that she's always been in love with you, does he?"
"Of course not! They're just going through some marriage difficulties. It'll sort itself out."
"Are you in love with her?"
That surprised her! "What? Where on earth did that come from?"
"It's a simple question, Gina. Are you in love with Emma?"
"She's my best friend, Marian! And Henry's mother!"
"Still didn't answer the question, but your expression tells me all I need to know. Still, it's none of my business who you're with, or what you're doing. I've known you less than a week, so I have no right to ask. Are you going over to see her?"
"I'm going back to the town hall to collect some documents, then I may call in on her. We'll see."
"Well I hope you have a nice day too. I'm going to be out all day. As I don't expect to have a key, what time will you be back?"
"Where are you going to be all day?"
"Oh, out and about. I need to explore the town properly before I decide whether, provided the rescue goes to plan, Roland and I should settle here."
"But…" That got Regina worried, "I thought you'd already decided?"
"Nothing's set in stone. He and the men may be somewhere safe."
"But you said you wanted him to have friends! That it's safe here. What about you and me?"
"Well what about you and me, Gina? Judging by what's happened since yesterday, you need to make some decisions yourself. You've closed off from me since you got back from Emma's. Now you may be in denial, but even I can tell you've got feelings for her! You need to figure out what you're to do about it."
"Marian..." she sighed, "It's not like that. You really don't understand!"
"Then explain it to me? Regina, I'm a big girl. I've had to look after myself for a long time now, and I can take it. But if you can't open up to me, and tell me what's going on in that head of yours, it doesn't give me confidence that we can ever have something together."
"Is this your way of saying you're leaving me? That you don't want this?"
"No. But I need to know what 'this' is! I'd like to build a relationship with you, but it can't be built on shifting sands. It's my belief that you're still in love with a married mother. That's fine, but you need to figure out what you want. I can wait for your decision, but I won't put my life on hold forever. So if you need me to back away, I'll do so and give you time!
"But…where will you go? What are you going to do? You have no funds!"
"Yes, I'm aware of that. It's one of the reasons I was unhappy with you lending me money to buy all those clothes. 'Never a lender nor a borrower be', remember?
"It wasn't a loan, it was a gift! You still need money to live. That's why I asked you to live with me…"
"And I'm grateful. Far more than you know. But I'm a resourceful woman, and I'll find a means. Now, I'm planning to meet Mrs. Gold this morning. She's going to lend me one of those talking devices you have here and show me how to use it. Merlin will be there, and he told me he has a way of educating me in the modern world including, I think he used the word 'tek-lo-gy', by magic. Apparently, he can do some sort of mind-link to teach me in minutes what would normally take years. Then…well, we'll see!"
"Technology? Looks like you've been planning. Are you planning to come back here tonight?"
"Yes, if you'll have me? Regina, I wasn't lying when I said I have growing feelings for you. Until last night, I was beginning to feel I might be falling in love with you. However, what you said to Belle and Mayor Philip, and your attitude towards me since you came home, has led me to have doubts. Despite whatever you may say, it's clear that you're conflicted. I'm giving you the space to think things through, and tell me what you want. Is that fair?"
Regina looked at her expression. Resolved. So sure. So certain! Slowly, her worried expression broke into a sad smile as she realised she had indeed been distant since yesterday. "More than fair. Thank you. I've never been good at putting my feelings out there for all to see. It's rare for anyone to break through, even more so since Robin. But you, you started to get in! You seem much more…organized…than I imagined. Thinking everything through…"
"Out of the two of us, Robin was always the dreamer, the one with the big plans! He was the natural leader of the group, though he always denied it because he was so humble. I tended to be the one to make things 'happen' behind him."
"I'm beginning to see that."
"So, go! Sort out your own mind. Find out what you want! And if you want me to be part of it, then we'll talk..." She reached over, placing a light kiss on her cheek. As she did so, yet another pale-grey feather floating down onto the worktop, next to her cup!
"Robin," said Marian looking up. "That bloody bird's going to be bald by the time you're finished!"
Gold's Antiques – two hours later
"Is this going to hurt?" Marian sat nervously, as Merlin took her hands.
"Not hurt, exactly. But you may feel quite dizzy after. You'll see many images flash before your eyes. Millions of them! It'll feel like days and weeks, but it'll be minutes, I assure you. I've tried to sort out all the relevant bits in my own mind beforehand, but you may also see some things that aren't relevant. So, shall we proceed?"
"Yes. I have so much to learn about this realm!"
Merlin placed his hands either side of her brow. Watched closely by Belle and Rumple, the mind-link began…
The Swan-Jones House
"Regina, come on through..." said Snow, opening the front door, "Emma's painting Hope's bedroom. She's up there now."
"Oh. Well, I don't want to disturb-"
"No, come on in. Killian had intended finishing it this week, but after everything happened, I guess it got left. She's just finishing off."
"Does she seem better?"
"A bit. From what I understand, Archie put her through the mill a bit, like he does. Also, I think the anti-depressants may be starting to kick in. Come on through…"
She walked up the stairs, cautiously entering the baby's nursery. "Good morning?"
The blonde was sitting on the floor, brush in hand, carefully painting the skirting board. She looked up. "Hi! How're you doing?"
She seemed brighter, her skin a little more pink, hair now washed. Slightly more like her old self. Even though it was early December, she was wearing a simple, white cropped and sleeveless T-shirt, and shorts, all of which showed off her still toned arms and abs, and her long, not over developed legs, magnificently. For Regina, it was a lovely sight.
"Fancy giving me a hand?"
"You could use magic? You've done it before."
"Nah, I want to do it the proper way, with no cheating. Killian had to, and he's only got one hand! Besides, Archie said things like this is are more therapeutic. Come on, it's probably ages since you've done some decent physical work!" she grinned.
"How dare you? I'll have you know I still work out twice a week! And my house is immaculate!"
"Yeah, but that's magic. Cheating. Come on, come join me?"
She looked down at the Saviour. In truth, the morning visit to the town hall to get plans for the stables wasn't necessary. She had nothing in particular to do today, but she had felt the need to get out of the house for a while. Away from Marian?
"Oh, very well. But these jeans are new on! I'm not getting paint on them. So I-"
She never noticed Emma flick her fingers, but certainly felt the magic! A familiar warm breeze spun around her, and the next moment she found her coat, cotton jumper and jeans, and even her tights, draped over the chair nearby, and now wearing a pale sleeveless T-shirt and blue shorts, identical to the ones Emma wore!
"Hey, stop that! You didn't know what I would have been wearing underneath!"
The blonde smirked. "Well I can't imagine you'd ever go commando!"
She glared. "You think you know me? Actually, I have done, on occasion. And not just in jeans and trousers!"
"Really? Wow, Miss Mills, I'm starting to see you in a new light!" Emma's wide grin was infectious, and Regina couldn't help but mirror it.
"As for you, I notice someone forgot their bra this morning?"
Emma looked down, now noticing that the outline of her nipples were visible through the fabric. She sniggered. "Well, it's only us here…"
As it became obvious to them both that their banter, and their shared glances, had somehow turned into flirting, an uncomfortable thought came to the brunette. She's a married mother. Stop!
Unfortunately, their little moment had been overheard. Someone standing outside the slightly open door carrying a coffee tray and biscuits. Seeing the exchange between her daughter and her step-mother, she frowned.
Leaving the tray outside the door, she went downstairs, quietly, reaching her phone before sending a text:
Snow: Killian, if you want to save your marriage, I suggest you come home. Now!
Storybrooke Docks – early afternoon
"Hard astern, Mr. Thomas, if you please?" yelled Captain Killian Jones. "And lower the sails on the mizzen mast, Mr. Smee? We don't want to ram the old girl into the side of the quay now, do we?"
The faithful boatswain grinned back at his old master. "Yes Captain! Wonderful to be back doing this again, isn't it? I never realised how much I've missed her!"
"Well Mr. Smee, if you stopped your good lady getting pregnant every nine months, I'm sure you'd have more time on the water!"
"We've only got seven, Captain! Can I help it if I'm so fertile?" he grinned his gap-toothed grin.
Captain Jones had taken his old pirate ship, originally called the Jewel of The Realm, out for its first overnight outing in just over a year. Just before Emma had fallen pregnant with Hope. It was more than a ship to him. It was part of his family, the pride of the British Navy in its time and once captained by his much-missed older brother, Liam. When he'd renounced the navy and took to the life of piracy, it became the feared and infamous Jolly Roger, captained by the notorious rogue, Captain Hook! But that was centuries ago. A distant memory. Now, it served as only a graceful reminder of a very different world. In this world, he was now Killian Jones, or Killian Swan-Jones, as Emma often reminded him.
As his faithful old vessel was gently eased into the dockside, he looked back into the harbour. Looking further back, he saw, up the hills in the distance, the houses on the very edge of Storybrooke. And one house in particular, its turreted roof just visible on the skyline. The house he'd shared with Emma for three years, and the last year with the little babbling girl now sitting in his arms.
"Wa-ma!" said Hope, looking at the people gathered around the quayside.
"Yes indeed, my little one. Wa-ma! Now, we need to get you fed and watered! Much like your old dad."
"Beggin' your pardon, Captain, but me an' the boys were wonderin' how long we were goin' to me moored up? Only we were thinking of having a spot of lunch at the alehouse! Fancy joinin' us?"
"We sail at seven, Mr. Thomas, to catch the tide again. Go easy on the ales, if you please? Sadly, I can't join you. I'm carrying precious cargo here, and I don't want any mishaps due to inebriation. Go and enjoy yourselves!"
My, the buggers changed! thought Mr. Thomas, though seeing the way he looked at his little girl he understood why. "Aye, aye Captain! Your little lady there's a chip off the block, if you don't mind me saying? A fine mix between you and your beautiful wife!"
"Thank you, Mr. Thomas. Now be off with you and try to keep the rest of those men in good order?" he smiled as the sadly depleted, but trusty crew, went on their way to the little pub at the end of the dock. His mind turned to Emma, as it had throughout the last twenty-four hours. What was she going to do? What was he going to do? It was obvious she was still in love with him. Or was it? He'd seen often enough the looks between her and the queen. It clearly wasn't one-sided either. Could he live with it? Could he ever give himself fully to someone who's heart may lay elsewhere?
"Permission to come aboard, Captain?" called a voice from over the side. He looked down from the fo'c'sle, to a woman standing close to the side of the ship. A tall, slim brunette, wearing a light sweater, scarf and the very tightest of jeans. Plus leather boots, similar to Emma's. She certainly made an attractive figure and it took him more than a moment to recognise her.
"Permission granted, Lady Marian!"
The elegant woman nimbly climbed up the gangplank used by the men, rather than use the temporary bridge. She climbed up the steps to the fo'c'sle, before stopping in front of them, spotting Hope.
"Captain Jones, we meet again! And who might this young beauty be?" she wrinkled her nose and smiled at the one-year-old, who returned a gummy grin.
"This is my beloved daughter, Hope Alice Swan-Jones!"
"Well she's gorgeous! May I hold her?"
Although he hardly knew the woman, and the last time he'd seen her, in Regina's house, she'd been wearing a very sheer, short silk nightie of some sort (didn't Emma call them 'teddies'?) under a robe. But something about her oozed calm, and motherhood.
"Certainly, if she's willing." As she reached out her arms, Hope giggled and raised her chubby arms as Marian gathered her into her arms. Hope immediately dropped her nose into her neck and shoulder.
"I love that smell of babies, don't you? Takes me right back to Roland…"
"Ah, yes, forgive me. I temporarily forgot just who you were. Robin's wife and Roland's mother! Your departed husband was a friend. A much-missed friend and drinking companion, as it happens. I could have done with Robin's advice and friendship over the last few days…" Jeez, did he really need to say that last bit? "I forget my manners. I'm truly sorry for your loss. It may not be as great as yours, but I can assure you, it was shared by many. He was a great man!"
Even now his mention could make her eyes water! "He was. I think of him daily…"
"Well, what can I do for you, Lady Marian, or should I say, Mrs. Locksley."
"Just Marian, please. Like Robin, I hate titles."
"Then call me Killian. So what can I do for you?"
"If I manage to get Roland back next week, I'm considering settling in Storybrooke. Though if I do, I need to secure an income. I'm asking no favours but, after seeing your magnificent vessel arrive in port, I have a proposition, a business venture, which I think you may be interested in. One which involves this wonderful ship!" she smiled up at him.
God, she's bloody attractive! What a shame it's wasted on the queen. "Well, I'm always open to a business proposition. You say you may settle here? Would that be with Regina?" Then he realised what he'd said! "Sorry, forgive me, that was rude and no business of mine! It's just, what with Emma…"
"It's fine, Killian. After your outburst yesterday, I suspect your concerns mirror mine! I'm really not sure what Regina means to me right now. Or me to her. This is all very new for both of us. But frankly, I share your concerns. That's why I need to plan for my own life, and Roland's. Holding this little wonder here..." she kissed her cheek, "...makes me realise just how much I've missed him! From what I'm told, he'd be about eight years old now!"
"I can quite understand. I gather you have Merlin and even the Dark One to help you on this mission? The Jolly has also crossed realms many times on many a hazardous journey. As it's a worthy cause, it can be put her at your disposal, should you wish?"
Marian looked up at him. This kindly, surprisingly erudite and, she had to admit, bloody handsome man! He was willing to risk his ship for her son? "You'd do that? For Roland?"
"Not just for him, but his father too. As I said, Robin was my friend."
She felt a tear well up. "I can see why! I'm touched, Killian. I'll talk to Merlin, and see what he thinks. Now, about this venture?"
"I'm going to take my little lady here down to my quarters for her lunch. She gets rather angry if I'm late and she's hungry, a trait she shares with her mother! Would you care to join me?"
They both stood in her kitchen, coffees in hand, looking out the window, towards the sea. An anxious Snow had finally left to go home an hour earlier. She'd hung on as long as she could, but the needs of a mother to a six-year-old, called. Once she'd seen the looks between her daughter and Regina, she became worried, dropping little hints that perhaps it was time for Regina to go home? Finally, she'd given up, and decided to leave. Not before she pulled the woman aside to angrily whisper:
"She's a married woman, Regina! She has a husband and a daughter. Do you think you're helping?" It had been a chastening experience, not having seen the woman that angry for so long.
"Has he tried to call you?"
"No! That's what worries me. Normally, he at least messages me after a fight, even when its my fault! Which let's face it, it usually is. I texted him. Three times. But he said he'd be gone for at least a couple of days."
"If he's offshore, he may not have received them, or been able to send any himself."
"True. I guess I need to wait. Why was mum being so shitty to you?"
"She was trying to get me to leave. I believe she thinks the moment she's gone, I'm going to try and ravish you!"
Emma's eyes widened. "Do you want to?" Shit, did I really say that?
"No, definitely not. But seeing your nipples through that T-shirt doesn't help!"
That made the blonde chuckle. 'You could show me yours? We could compare?" she lifted her hand, pretending she was about to do magic. Regina raised hers, ready to defend.
"Don't you dare! The way I've been feeling recently, the two of us going topless could lead somewhere neither of us want to go…"
Emma nodded "True. Mind you, because of the way I've been treating Killian recently, you've probably been getting more action than me! So, what's it like?"
"I'm sorry?"
"Having sex with another woman. What's it like? I mean, I've kissed and made out with a couple of girls before. You should know! But I've never actually gone all the way. Just wondered what it was like?"
"Emma, you and I may be very close, but even after what we said to each other yesterday, I still feel very uncomfortable talking about something like that!"
"Don't know why. I don't want the exact details about what you did, I was just wondering what it was like? It's supposed to be more intense than with a guy. And a lot more orgasms, at least according to Ruby!"
"Emma, please! It was…nice."
"Nice? Not earth-shatteringly, bone-crunchingly nice? Not "Oh god, Marian, enough already!" nice?"
"We didn't actually…go all the way." God, this is embarrassing!
"Not all the way? So you haven't actually fucked her yet?"
"EMMA!"
"Why not? I mean, even I can see she's stunning! In that outfit at the diner, she looked like a ruddy supermodel! Hell, I thought I was straight till I met you, but I'd do her!"
"Stop now, or I'm leaving! I feel uncomfortable enough about this. Yes, it was rather…lovely, but we haven't fully committed to each other yet, and I'm not the sort to do that after I've only known someone a few days!"
Emma's superpower could tell she was lying when she said the last bit, but now wasn't the time to push it! "Fair enough. But do you think you like girls more than boys now?"
"I don't know. There's several men in the town I still find very attractive in that way but, apart from Marian, no women. Present company excepted of course! Plus, I think I'm not properly over Robin."
"It's been three years, Gina! He'd want you to move on."
"True, but it hasn't been easy. Having Marian here has only reminded me of what I've missed, because she misses him too. And the robin feathers, of course."
"Robin feathers? What are you talking about?" she looked out the window, towards the bay, which just about took in the docks. That's when she spotted the familiar three masts! "That's the Jolly! He's in port! They're back!"
Regina looked closer towards the horizon. "So it seems. Are you going to go down there?"
"Damn right! He's always apologizing, even when I'm the one in the wrong. I need to step up!"
"Well I suggest you wear something a little more conservative, Mrs Jones? A decent bra, perhaps?"
Emma giggles, pushing her chest out. "See something you like, Miss Mills?"
"Oh do shut up, Swan. I think I can control my urges. Besides, I'd best get home. Can I drop you off near the docks?"
"That's be great. I'll change, then you can tell me about these feathers; then you can tell me how to get my marriage back on track!"
Back on the Jolly Roger...
"So you really think it would work?"
"Don't see why not, love. From what the Sorcerer here tells me, if we replaced the Saucy Sal with an identical enchanted figurehead, we can break through, in and out of the World Without Magic, without need of magic beans or portals. Have I got that right, Merlin?"
"Yes Captain," said Merlin, sitting opposite at the table. "The 'magical Saucy Sal' figurehead, effectively becomes a portal of its own. So after we get it back from the Enchanted Forest, you could start your business!"
"And run Jolly Roger trips right down the Eastern Seaboard! Killian, that's brilliant!" Marian almost jumped up and down with excitement.
"Aye love. Once outside the Storybrooke shield, we can go down as far as New York and Boston. Though Merlin may have to help us with legal documents and so on."
"That can be done. But you'll have to be careful when you sail between here and there. Seeing a ship magically appear and disappear may alert the wrong people!"
"Oh, this is so exciting! Gentlemen, thank you!"
"It could even bring some much-needed work to the docks here," said Killian. "Apart from the canneries and the pub, it's dead. Some decent investment is long overdue for these people! Merlin, you said you can raise funds?"
"Don't worry about that, Mr. Jones! Magic allows me more than one way to raise money for worthy projects. Now with your sailing and navigational expertise, combined with this lady's renowned entrepreneurial skills," she looked at him, intrigued. A look he spotted. "Yes, Marian, I'm more than aware how you and your husband used to purloin and distribute the assets of the rich and greedy!" He winked at her as she blushed, "you'll make a superb business partnership, I'm sure."
"Sounds like a toast is in order! Marian?"
"Another glass of that excellent rum you have there?"
He sniggered. "I do so love a lady who appreciates the finer things!" he poured her a generous measure, before filling Merlin's glass. The Sorcerer rose.
"So, let me make a toast. To the Locksley-Jones Sailing Group! May it prove to be an unrivalled, and profitable, success!"
"I'll drink to that!" said Marian, as the three clinked glasses. "Erm, Killian. I think I heard Hope wake up."
"No problem, I'll go get her out. She won't be hungry get, probably just a cuddle."
"Let me? I've missed having a little one around. She's so lovely…"
If only her own mother could appreciate her like that! he thought.
As she left to walk into the captain's quarters, Merlin looked over the old ship's galley. On a top corner shelf, he spotted a large, unusual, dark red heart-shaped bottle, containing what looked like water. But he felt a form of familiar magic coming from it!
"Killian, that bottle on the top shelf? Is it what I think it is?"
The pirate looked up. "That one? I can't honestly remember. I've had it a very long time. Centuries, in fact."
Merlin walked to the shelf to look closer. "May I?" Killian nodded. He carefully gathered it, waving his hand over the top to confirm what he'd thought it was. Sensing something deeply familiar now, he gently eased the tinted heavy glass stopper from it. "Good lord! Well I never!"
"Something you recognise?"
"This is water from Lake Nostos! It's long dried out now. It had enormous power to return to life things that were lost! Infertile and cursed women used to bathe in its water. It was even claimed it could bring the souls of the dead back to life! Killian, I think you have here the very last of a very special magic indeed! And you have a large bottle of it. It's priceless. I would guard it well!"
"So you're really saying Robin sent you feathers from beyond the grave? But that's impossible, he's dead!" she moment Emma said it, she saw the pained expression on Regina's face, as they continued the drive down to the docks. "Sorry – just saying."
"The problem is, we don't know if he really has passed on! When Hades killed him with the crystal, he said he was going to 'end' him. Like he'd never even existed! But when Marian and I are together, we receive feathers. We already have nine, and Belle says they're European, not indigenous to this land!"
"That's incredible. And you say when you ask him questions, he sends them?"
"Two nights ago, Marian asked him if he could see us, then whether he approved of us being together. Both times a single feather floated down…"
"You're sure he doesn't want to just see you two in the sack? A bit of lezzie action? Most guys do!"
The angry scowl she gave her, answered that. "You may be my friend, Emma, but there are limits to that friendship!"
"Sorry."
After that, they stayed silent until the Mercedes slowed near to the canneries, from where they could see the quays, the proud Jolly Roger now closest. "I'll let you out just here…"
"Look, it's Killian! Up near the front. And…wait…is that?"
Regina looked over, to see three people standing on the front raised deck of the ship, near a mast. Two men and a woman. A woman holding a blonde child in a yellow top. Emma's child.
"Marian?"