Summary: David needs to break the news of their separation to Emma and Neal. About to go back to her teaching role at the school, Snow takes one look in the mirror and decides she's let herself go and definitely needs some help. That's when she bumps in to Marian.

At the only nightclub in town, Maleficent meets an old friend, while discovering someone she thought long perished is still very much alive!

Friday. Five days Later…

The following Thursday, Henry had met his girlfriend at Boston Logan airport, after her long flight, and stayed with her at a downtown hotel, his Cambridge apartment currently being rented out. Although only being away from her for a couple of weeks, during which time they'd found out she was unexpectantly pregnant (despite precautions), their reunion had been tearful, to say the least. They'd reconnected passionately last night, and now, with the reassurance that this was what they both wanted, Ella felt a burden lift from her.

And now, having just driven two hours, with one hour still to go till they reached the Storybrooke town line, Henry pulled the car into a service station and café.

"Why are we stopping? Gas?"

"Pee break. And I need to get something out of the trunk I need when I drive over the town line with you. How're you feeling?"

"Just really tired. But of jet lag still, I guess? And…you were surprisingly energetic last night, Mr. Mills! Not that I'm complaining…"

"What can I say?" he sniggered mischievously. "I missed you!"

"I missed too, babe," she pecked him on the lips. "I'll get out too. I could do with a stretch, freshen up and a coffee before I meet your folks. I must look like a wreck! And I hate to think what I'll look like when this little thing starts to show." She rubbed her stomach.

"You'll be perfect, just like you are now." He returned the kiss before opening the door.

"What would you like most? A boy, or a girl?"

"I honestly don't mind. I've more experience around baby sisters, I guess. Roland was already nearly nine when our mums married. You?"

"I don't mind either way. But…I could really imagine you with a baby girl. She'd have you wrapped around her little finger, no problem."

"You're probably right." He opened her door for her. "Are you ready to face my seriously complicated family?"

"I guess so. You told me enough about them already. One mum's in a three-way marriage with Robin Hood and Maid Marian, the other is married to Captain Hook, who doesn't have a hook anymore. Most of them have got magic, and your little sisters heal things? Oh…and your grandparents are Snow White and Prince Charming, while your other grandpa's Rumpelstiltskin, as well as the Dark One? Doesn't sound weird at all!" she laughed, before gripping his hand. "And if you haven't guessed by now, I'm lying, and I'm actually scared shitless!"

"Don't be," he wrapped his arm around her back. "It'll be fine, and they'll love you, you'll see."

She looked him in the eyes, her expression changing. "Have you told them…about me? Being pregnant?" She stroked her stomach.

"No. Only Robin knows. He caught me just after you told me, and I must have looked shell shocked. But no one else. He'll be fine. He won't say a word, I promise."

"Okay. But I'm still a bit nervous about meeting your mums. I just hope they like me."

"They will, I'm sure, even if they are a bit overprotective. Once they see what you mean to me." He opened the door for her to walk into the café. "Anyway, you won't be seeing them till tomorrow night. We're staying at Grandpa Gold's place tonight. He's left us their main house to use while we're here, so I'll introduce you to him and Belle this afternoon."

"Belle – as in 'Beauty and the Beast' Belle?"

"Yeah. But she's not a timid little bookworm. She's got the sharpest brain in town, and manages the library, knows dozens of languages, and helped bring Robin back to life by translating ancient ruined texts. You'll like her. But we're not going there first. We're going to go to the florists…"

"To get something to thank her for letting us use their place?"

"Nice idea, I might do that anyway. But, I've actually already ordered up a large spray. I want to show you off to someone else, first."

Snow's Flat – four days earlier…

Snow had truly believed, in her heart of hearts, that he would forgive her over time, overlook past issues, and move on, giving them time to repair their marriage. But yesterday, when Charming had told her her he wanted a trial separation, a 'break', as he put it, from the most successful marriage in all the realms, she was left flabbergasted; even though she was expecting something worse. He'd also suggested it be for three months to start, where after they should both reassess where their relationship lay. But meanwhile, for Neal's sake, he thought they should both continue to live at the farm, as usual.

She didn't argue. How could she? She'd brought this on herself, after all. But the missing adoration in his eyes told her things would never quite be the same ever again. That evening, she'd gone back to the flat, to consider things before reaching her own decision. To the flat that was her first family home in Storybrooke. But when she walked into the little apartment that held so many memories, the tears came once again.

But as she considered her options, she decided it was time to stop crying once and for all. She'd done too much of that over the last two weeks. She had to move on. Once upon a time, Snow White had been a beacon of hope to everyone. A usurped rightful queen. Someone who led a battle against tyranny and injustice. But that was long ago. Now she had a different battle. A battle to reclaim her son's love and her daughter's respect, even if she'd never earn her husband's ever again. And a battle to recover what was left of her dignity.

But first, she needed to occupy herself. She had plenty of funds, even though a lot was tied up in the farm. But she needed money to operate day-to-day. She needed to get back to work, as much for her mind as her pocket. Still a teacher at the local school, albeit now on a part-time basis, two weeks ago she'd told the current head, Mr. Frank, that she needed some time off for personal issues. Now, she'd rung him again, and said she was ready to go back, full-time if he needed it. He'd said yes without question, saying her long experience would be very welcome. That seemed to make her feel appreciated. As far as Frank was concerned, she didn't need to know that having three part-time teachers was a hell of a lot more expensive than one full-time one!

Having dressed, she looked at herself in the mirror, and frowned. The last two weeks had taken one hell of a lot out of her. There were bags under her eyes. Her hair looked lifeless, her skin had lost its glow, and the clothes she wore seemed to be a little too…dowdy. Too matronly. Too…predictable. And she hated to admit it, but she looked too…Mary Margaret. Her shoulders sagged at the realisation of what she'd let herself become. She needed help!

She picked up a phone and found her in the contact list. "Clara? Hi Clara, it's Snow! Yes, Snow. Hi. Sorry I haven't been in touch but…well, I'm going to work next Thursday, and I need you! When's the earliest you can fit me in?" However, she was disappointed when the beautician checked her diary. "Not until the following Saturday? Nothing earlier? Oh well, can I book that? Ten o' clock? Fine. Okay, I'll see you then. Bye."

Shit. Another week of looking twenty years older. Clara's salon, Dreams, was the best in town, and used by nearly every affluent woman in town. They needed to be affluent because she certainly didn't come cheap! Even Regina, Marian and Kathryn went to her. But as she looked in the mirror once again, Snow felt her hair needed more urgent attention. Perhaps old Gwen Butler at the other end of Main Street could do something temporarily? She didn't take phone bookings and people came in on a first-come-first-served basis. Perhaps that would do for a few days?

After showering and dressing, she thought about having a quick breakfast at Granny's. But realizing that meeting up with Ruby or, god forbid, Dorothy, could be awkward right now, she looked in the cupboard for something to eat. Seeing only crispbreads and a jar of instant coffee, she decided that if she was going to live here, she needed to shop.

The Nolan Farm

David had woken early. After two weeks of regular insomnia, he'd managed a good eight hours of solid sleep. But once again, it was hard to wake up and discover the warm and comforting body of his once true love was no longer sleeping soundly beside him. But he'd made his decision, and a stunned Snow had said that she needed to reach her own decision, as to whether or not she would move back into their family home as a result.

As he put on his dressing gown, he picked up his phone to discover a message from Emma:

Emma: Can Lizzy and I join you for breakfast? K's taking Hope to school then he's off to the Jolly. If you don't mind? xx

He smiled. It was always lovely to know his daughter wanted to spend any time with him, even though he guessed she probably wanted to find out what he and her mother had decided. He knew she was aware of their meeting yesterday. And bearing in mind her brother was currently asleep upstairs, it could be timely if he just told them both together, rather than delay the news.

Dad: You're always welcome. Neal's not up yet, but we leave at 8. Come over. xx

An hour later, Emma and Elizabeth arrived, to find Neal sitting at the breakfast table and her father making pancakes.

"Hi guys!" The Saviour's stomach rumpled at the mound of food on her brother's plate. "I hope you've left some of those for us?"

"Hi, my love. Plenty more where that came from. Go sit, I'll bring some over." Elizabeth separated from her mother, moving over to him, and wrapping her arms around his leg as he stood by the stove. "Careful Lizzy, there's hot pans here! You want cold milk?"

"Please, Bampa!" said the little blonde six-year-old, using her nickname for him. "And pancakes with choccy bits?"

Ten minutes later, as the four of them ploughed hungrily through their breakfast, David sensed his two children waiting to know what had happened during his talk with their mother. They knew just about almost everything leading up to it, anyway. So he took a swig of his coffee and decided now was the time.

"I know you're both anxious to know about last night; so I'm going to tell you almost everything. But I really need you both to keep this to yourselves for the moment?" His son and daughter exchanged a look, before nodding. "Well…your mother and I talked. We've cleared the air, and…I've asked her to move back home."

Neal's concerned expression slowly turned to a cautious smile. "That's…great, dad. Isn't it?"

Unlike her brother's, Emma's expression never changed. She knew there was more.

"You need both of us here, Neal. Under one roof."

"She didn't stay last night, though, did she, dad? When's she coming back?"

"I don't know. That's down to her. She needs time. To think."

It was Emma's turn. "To think about what? What aren't you telling us?"

"We're going to…have a break from each other. For a little while, while we think about what we want to do."

"You mean you're separating?"

"Well, we'll see. We just need some time apart."

Emma's brow arched. "You mean you need some time apart?"

"Yes. I need some time. It's best to think things through."

Neal may have only been ten, nearly eleven, but he wasn't stupid. "You mean you're going to divorce mum?"

"It's much too early to say, Neal. That conversation can only be between your mother and I, and nobody else! We'll see. However, you need to know that she and I both love you, and we'll be here for you. Both of you, Emma, whatever happens."

The siblings gave each other a deflated look and, seeing her little brother's eyes start to water, Emma wrapped a comforting arm around his shoulder, pulling him in to her, as he tried to stifle a sob. "It's alright bro. This sort of thing happens all the time to other families! We'll be okay, I'm-" But as she leaned over to kiss the top of his head, she felt the cold swirl of white magical mist engulf him. And less than a second later, he'd disappeared from them completely!

Father and daughter were shocked. "Emma, any idea where he went?"

"No. Could you keep an eye on Lizzy?" The moment he nodded back, she disapparated completely, leaving only her own magical swirl of mist.

Unbeknown to her father, Emma apparated in her brother's bedroom first, just to check. Seeing he wasn't there, she momentarily panicked, wondering where a young relatively untrained wizard would run. Then, spotting one of his jumpers on the bed, she remembered what he himself had done to track her some years ago. He said she had a magical 'smell'. As she brought the wool to her nose, she sniffed hard, trying to picture him. As she did, an image came into her mind, and somehow, she knew! A second later, she disapparated from the room.

Less than three seconds later, she reapparated just behind a wooden bench near the cliffs overlooking the harbour, relieved to find her younger brother sitting in the middle of it, looking out over the horizon.

"You're getting too good at that, Neal!" she tried to sound calm as she walked around to sit next to him. "May I?"

"How'd you find me?" his faltering voice shook with emotion.

"I learned from you, bro! Remember when I first found out about Ruby's baby? You said you could 'smell' me?" As he turned to look up at her, she saw the tears streaming down his face. "Oh, Neal…" she even felt herself starting to weep. "It'll be okay, honest."

The siblings wrapped their arms around each other, and just let the tears fall. Emma had never felt closer to her little brother.

Storybrooke town centre

It was the first time Snow had been out in a public area since David had fled the town. She felt anxious, awkward, and very self-conscious as she stepped out of the car in Main Street. It was a breezy May morning, chilly for the time of year, so she used the cold wind as an excuse to wrap the hoodie of her jacket even tighter over her head, to avoid being recognised. As she'd passed Granny's Diner, she turned her head to face away, heading straight for Gwen Barber's beauty parlour down one of the side roads. Unfortunately, she didn't quite make it without being spotted, as a voice called out to her.

"Snow? Is that you?"

She sighed, turning slowly, to see who the voice belonged to. "Marian? How…how are you?" But she kept her hoodie up.

"I'm good. You?" Though as Marian Locksley moved closer, she saw the worn expression. "I heard…Emma said you hadn't been well. How are you feeling?"

"Oh, I mustn't grumble," Snow realised there was a fair chance that she knew about her current difficulties, no doubt courtesy of her wife. "Bearing up. Sorry Marian, I must dash. I need to get to Gwen Butler's. I need, well, I need to go. I'll be seeing you…"

"Gwen's? Haven't you heard? Her husband, Derek's, ill. It's serious apparently, poor thing. She's been closed all week. I was just popping in to Dreams myself. Why not come and see if she can fit you in along with me?"

"Oh no. I tried Clara this morning. She said she was booked right through till Friday next week, so I'll be seeing her then. Never mind, I just needed a touch up, so I guess I'll just have to leave it…"

"No, wait! Come with me? Let's see if I can help get you sorted sooner. Come on, she's a friend!" Marian pulled her arm into hers. "I'm sure we can persuade her." The tall brunette insisted, winking at her. "Besides, she owes me a favour!"

Snow had never spent much time with Marian Locksley. Although, with the tall, striking brunette's arrival in their magical town over seven years ago, so much had changed. Regina, her stepmother, former Evil Queen, and nemesis, had fallen in love with the other woman almost from the start, to the astonishment of the whole town. Within months the two women had married and shortly after that, Robin Hood, the former lover to both of them, returned from the dead. A second wedding had followed and the three of them lived together in, everyone assumed, wedded bliss while both women went on to have children by him. Marian had become quite the celebrity in their little town. She made friends easily, was kind and courteous (and fierce when she needed to be), and flirtatious too. She was also extremely persuasive when she wanted to be, and now Snow was facing the full force of this remarkably charismatic woman. So it was that Snow was persuaded, against her better judgment, to join her as they walked into Dreams, the top beauty salon in the area.

"Marian!" The proprietor called out as she walked in. "Lovely to see you again!" Then she spotted the second woman under the hoodie. "And, er…"

"Hi Clara," she pecked her on the cheek. "Listen, I just spotted Snow here, outside. She's been feeling rather poorly of late, but she's back on her feet now, thank goodness! Could you be a darling and see her alongside me? I've booked you for a full session but I'm more than happy to share it; or she can take my place and I can come back another day? You'd be doing me an enormous favour!" she batted her eyes at the woman for good measure.

But Snow was having none of it! "Marian, no. You can't possibly do that! I can always come back…"

"No trouble Snow, I insist! Clara?"

As she looked back at the beautician, Clara had already taken a closer look at Snow White, as her hoodie fell back. She looked dreadful! Tired eyes, dark patches underneath, split ends. Bloody hell! This used to be 'the fairest of them all'? She remembered how she saw her last year, and realizing she desperately needed her help, could see why Marian Locksley had so easily volunteered to give up her booking!

"Nonsense my dears! Of course you can do that! Snow, I'm sorry to hear you've been ill. Come, let me take care of you. Marian, why don't you take a seat over here while I do Snow first? Right…hair first, I think?"

Without any more ado, she set to work, Marian giving her a wink I gratitude. Unknown to Snow, Marian had a reasonably good idea of what had been happening between the Charming couple over the last two weeks and knew their marriage was going through some tough times, even if she didn't know all the details. The awful appearance of the rightful queen of Misthhaven had genuinely shocked her. So much so, that she decided she was going to help, whether Snow wanted it or not!

Back at the farm…

When he'd watched his son poof into thin air, followed almost immediately by Emma, David hadn't wasted time in moving closer to sit next to his granddaughter Elizabeth, who was just as surprised as he was!

"Neal gone?" she seemed almost upset.

"He'll be back soon, Lizzy, I'm sure. Your mama's gone to find him. Look, they've both left their phones on the table?"

"Neal's sad, Bumpa! Mama gone to make him better?"

"I hope so, my darling, I hope so. Here, let me fetch you another pancake…"

As he cut one in half on her plate, pouring a dash of syrup on the top, David tried to smile, knowing that what he'd just told them had been the reason he'd disappeared. He could tell by his son's red eyes he was about to break, and now felt truly dreadful for telling him about his decision to break from his mother, for a while. It must have hurt. Even Emma looked stunned. But Charming was never good at avoiding difficult issues, yet he realized his bluntness had probably only made things worse.

"Honny and me can make him better too?"

Can they fix my broken heart while they're at it? It seemed unlikely. "Maybe, my love. Now, as I've got you here with me, how about we go down to the fields and see the new lambs? We had two more born yesterday, and I need some names for them."

Storybrooke Cemetery

As he laid the flowers directly over the grave, he stood back to join her, taking his arm.

"Headstone's a bit basic, isn't it? No dates. No saying he was a father. Or anything?"

"Yeah well, ma said that's how he preferred it; said he preferred no fuss. But I'm not so sure. She didn't even use his original name. She didn't even tell me the truth about him, till I was eleven! Then he came back, and a curse took us off and I didn't know who he was; then he got killed by Zelena. Truth is, I didn't get much time with him before he was killed, and I'll always regret that. If anyone got the short straw around here, it was my dad!"

She gave him a sad smile, rubbing his arm, in sympathy. "Well I'm certainly glad Neal Cassidy existed, otherwise I wouldn't have you! I'm sorry, Henry."

"Thanks. I guess what helped me get through it, was knowing I'll definitely meet him again one day."

"I'd never put you down as religious? Still, it must be nice to believe in an afterlife. I'm more of an atheist these days. Well, an agnostic, at least."

"Oh, I'm more than just a believer. I've been there!" He saw the disbelieving look on Ella's face change, morphing into someone who looked like she was facing a lunatic! "No, I'm serious! I went to the underworld with both my mums and grandparents, to rescue Killian. And I can see you don't believe me? You just wait and see when you meet my family!"

"If you say so…" she shook her head in bewilderment, still not quite believing. "But I'm way still way too tired to meet anyone tonight. Just a hot bath and an early night, please?"

"Fair enough. I'll message Belle, tell her you're jetlagged, and ask if they could pop over in the morning? Then I'll leave you to get some sleep. I might even join you again?"

"Like you did last night?" she grinned, kissing his cheek. "I didn't get much sleep then, either!"

"I didn't hear any complaints?" He clutched his heart, feigning a wounded pride. "All right, I'll leave you in peace. Maybe I'll sleep in another room tonight?"

"No chance - I'm never that tired!"

Back at the salon…

With the warm water cascading over her head as it lay tilted back in the basin, Clara slowly massaged the shampoo through her hair, Snow finally started to relax, even moaning in bliss at the feeling.

"Are you enjoying that?" said the beautician as she worked. "You know Mrs. Nolan; I've always admired your hair. It's so black and shiny, almost like coal! Most women would have had gray showing in it by now, but yours is so rich and full. Have you ever thought about growing it out?"

"Mm, that feels good! My hair? I've had it short for a long time now. I never thought of going long again, as I was worried about the condition of it. And I guess cropped was just…easy to manage."

"I think you should consider it, Snow!" said Marian's voice from nearby. "Clara's right, it's lovely. You're very lucky. I think you would suit letting it grow. I saw that painting of you in the town hall, and you look gorgeous. Very sexy! If I had your hair, I'd never shorten it again."

"You honestly think I should?"

"Of course. Every woman needs a makeover from time to time, doesn't she Clara? And while you're sitting there, why not let her give you a full makeover while you're at it? You've still got that gorgeous face, and figure, so why not? Show off the assets god gave you, girl! It'll sure David will appreciate it too..." As Marian inadvertently mentioned her husband, she saw the grin disappear, wincing when she realized what she'd said. "And…anyone else you're out to impress. Go for it…"

"Oh no Marian, I couldn't. I've already taken over your booking as it is!"

"Don't you worry about that! I'm sure Clara can sort me out later, can't you?"

"Yeah. I owe this one a favour anyway, after Robin gave my Ginny that lesson at the weekend. That thing with the 'live targets' him and Henry did was hilarious! She was still laughing her head off half the evening."

Snow finally opened her eyes as the rinsing stopped the moisturizer went on. "Live targets? Henry? What are you talking about?"

And so, for the next hour and a half, as Clara finished her hair and started working on Snow's skin and beauty treatments, she and Marian filled her in on all the recent events and gossip in the town and Sherwood, that she'd missed due to her absence. As they chatted, Snow began to realize just how much she'd missed this, the simple companionship of other women. While Clara worked her magic, she forgot about her recent woes and felt pampered. Spoilt. And it was wonderful! Marian finally filled her in on the recent comings and goings of Merlin, the new summer school for magical children, and the fact she, Regina, and even Emma were also going to accompany their own girls there over the first summer.

"I met one of the teachers this week, unfortunately! Cocky, tall woman. I walked in on her teaching Neal tricks, and I specifically banned him from using any magic inside! David had already let them, unfortunately. I don't feel comfortable about this!"

"You must mean Morgana? I met her on Tuesday. Regina got a bit annoyed because she started flirting with me, right in front of her! Mind you, I caught her doing the same thing, flirting with Robin yesterday, but I just think it's in her nature. She's really nice though, when you get to talk to her. Strikingly beautiful, too!"

"Humph," Snow grunted. "David would certainly agree with you!"

"Oooh - tried it on with our handsome prince too, did she?" said Clara, applying some home-made concealer on the gray rings under her eyes. "Well you don't have to worry about him now, do you? He may be one of the best-looking and fanciable hunks in town, but we all know he's only got eyes for you…Snow? Snow!" Tears had just started running down her freshly-cleansed face. "Snow, what's wrong? What have I said?"

"It's okay…" Within moments the tears had turned to open sobs, her head plunging into her hands. "Sorry, I'm just…"

Marian was already up and out of her chair, by her side as she broke down, wrapping an arm around her. "Snow – what on earth's wrong?"

"I've screwed up everything!" she wept, as Clara thrust some tissues into her hands. "David's left me…" As she wailed, Clara quickly moved across to the shop door, locking it and turning around the 'Open' sign to 'Closed', before dropping to her knees in front of her.

"Who - David? I don't believe it …not for this teacher woman, surely?"

"No," she shook her head, again burying her face in her hands in embarrassment, trying to stand. "I did something stupid and…and…he can't accept it. I'm so sorry. I'd better go. What do I owe you-" her voice sounded panicky. Marian and Clara shared a concerned look.

"Nonsense. You're in no fit state to leave just like that! I've locked the door, so nobody's coming in. Now then, you, me and Marian are going to have an early lunch till you're ready, I insist! I'll go make tea and get out the chocolate biscuits out. Bugger my diet – there's always tomorrow! Now, you wait here..."

As they watched her leave for the tiny kitchen at the back, Marian pulled her chair closer. "Snow, you don't have to worry about Clara; I know her well enough to know she won't say anything outside here, and my lips are sealed. Come on now, tell us what's happened? We might be able to help, or at the very least make you feel better."

Meanwhile...

Emma and Neal apparated back to the farm, just outside the porch, about an hour after they left. He already knew he was going to be late for school, so decided he'd stay off for the day, claiming he was unwell when he got there tomorrow. Without his mum working there, he knew he could probably get away with it for once.

As she opened the door, she let him in first. "Okay kid, you go fetch your stuff. I'll half a quick word with dad while you're…" then she noticed the cleared breakfast plates and cups on the kitchen worktop. "Okay, not sure where they are. I'll check outside…"

"Probably down by the lambing sheds. We had a couple born last night! And please don't call me 'kid' anymore Em? I don't mind 'bro', or just plain Neal, but I really don't like 'kid' anymore…"

"Er, okay, fair enough. Sorry, I didn't realize it bothered you? Henry said much the same thing to me seven years ago, so okay no problem. You know dad even calls me 'kiddo' from time to time? And I'm in my fifties!"

"Yeah, but he's dad, not your brother! And anyway, this place is really screwed up. Dad looks your age but he' supposed to be over seventy!"

"Fair point. Look, he's left our phones over there." She pulled her brother into a quick hug. "So, are you okay now?"

"Yeah, I guess. I just…I'm not sure what I'll do when we see mum. I kinda blanked her last week, you know?"

"I didn't give her an easy time either. I've been avoided her, to tell the truth. Perhaps we should face her together?"

"It'll be easier if you're there too. How about we go over there tonight?"

Marian Locksley had always been one of the most persuasive people you could ever meet. It was one of the many reasons Robin used to rely on her to fence what he and his men had stolen from the wealthy and the aristocracy. That, and the fact she was a great flirt, who could play on large and small egos like a fiddle. But also, because she had a naturally warm, kind manner, who could make you feel better just by talking, and without too much unconvincing flattery. And now, her attention was focused purely on Snow White, as the, minutes-ago inconsolable woman, had opened up to her, as so many had before. Although she didn't tell Marian about what had triggered the initial split between her and Charming, she'd told her only about the last few weeks. And that the fault had been hers, and only hers (she never mentioned Ruby once). She also told her how David had proposed a trial separation, for three months, while the dust settled. And how she'd just moved to her old flat.

Clara had merely been a listening bystander, until the taller woman had persuaded her to finish her face and beauty treatments. Finally, women stood back to admire her efforts.

"Snow, you look magnificent!" Marian sat watching from the next chair, as the beautician turned Snow's own chair to face the large mirror. "Clara Miller, you are a miracle worker. Now, if you can do anything like that for me, I'll be a very happy woman."

"Oh, pish! I'm just glad we could make her feel a little better. What do you think, Snow?"

The princess's jaw dropped in astonishment as she looked at her reflection in the mirror. She looked ten yours younger, the crows' feet and gray under her eyes was no more, and her hair was restored to its shiny raven-black, all traces of dullness and split ends gone. "Clara, that's…that's…"

"Bloody gorgeous!" said Marian. "The fairest of them all, just as you should be."

"I…I don't know how to thank you?"

"Oh, we're not finished with you yet, your highness! While Clara's been doing her stuff, I texted Kathryn. She's not usually open Fridays, but she's going to be waiting for us at her shop! We're going to get you kitted out in some new gear! Call it retail therapy! It always works for me and Regina…"

"Oh Marian, I shouldn't. You've both been lovely, but I really don't think…"

"No buts, Snow! Seriously, I'm going to make you feel so much better. Even if the two of you are apart for a little while, when he next sees you, he'll be reminded of the beauty he married and make him think twice! And at the very least, you'll feel good about yourself."

Snow had to admit, as she looked closer in the mirror, she did look nothing like the old haggard, middle-aged woman staring back from the mirror this morning. And as she thought about it, she realized it had been a while since she'd spent any time shopping for herself. Perhaps Marian was right. Perhaps 'retail therapy' would help?

"She's right you know?" Clara agreed. "A couple of decent outfits always perks me up! Plus some new lingerie to keep the old man interested, of course!"

Guido's Nightclub – Friday Night

Merlin arrived with his two guests just after eight in the evening, to be greeted by the owner.

"Professor Sage? Nice to see you again. I was told you were in town." He looked over at Merlin's companions. "And your friends? Madame, monsieur, welcome to Guido's. I have a table reserved for you. Can I get you all a drink?"

"Thank you, Guy, it's good to see you too. Yes, perhaps we can-"

"GOOD GOD!" gasped the older of his colleagues. "It can't be! Cadmus?"

The owner looked back at him, astonished. "I haven't been called that in over three hundred years! Do I know you, sir?"

"More like four hundred and fifty! You may not remember me, but I certainly remember you…" The other man, tall and slim, with grey hair, and looking to be around sixty, stepped closer, a grin on his face. "I've met so few dragons over the centuries, that I'd never forget your face!"

"Four hundred…Nicholas?" He could scarcely believe it. "Nicholas Flamel? It can't be – you're human!"

That prompted laughter from Merlin. "He is. You're looking at the two oldest humans in existence, Guy! Or should we be calling you Guido these days?"

Standing silently beside the Sorcerer as she watched the two old friends reunite and come together in one of those weird, awkward hugs men give each other, Morgan le Fey's eyes scanned the room. They stopped when she found a pair of blue eyes staring right back at her, from someone sitting on a stool at the bar, less than six feet away. Someone who gave a predatory grin the moment she was recognised!

"I, on the other hand, unlike Guy, never forget a face! And I know you recognised me this afternoon, at Regina's house, even though you pretended not to! Hello again, Morgana."

"Hello Maleficent. Yes, I'm sorry about that. But it came as a surprise. The last time I saw you, I witnessed your death! Oddly enough, at the hands of the man standing next to you! I thought it prudent to wait and see what had happened to make you two…accomplices, in your current endeavour?"

"Looks can be deceiving, my dear." She climbed from the barstool, walking over to her. The Mistress of All Evil was wearing an elegant deep blue sheath evening dress that accentuated her figure perfectly, her long blonde hair up in a chignon, revealing the nape of her neck. She looked ravishing. "I've been killed off so many times, that I'm beginning to love count! You look divine, darling!" Like the men, they gave each other an awkward hug, with an additional kiss on the cheek.

"Thank you, I was thinking much the same thing about you. Lovely dress. Quite perfect. I have to confess, I've never been in a room with two dragons before! What on earth are you doing in this little backwater?"

"It has its charm. Also, discovering Guy had moved here a short while ago, it inclined me to stay. Until him I was certain all my kind and been hunted down or perished, so I'm delighted to find otherwise. Do you normally live in this realm?"

"No, but another magical one, nonetheless. It's where Merlin's new school of magic is based. I have a son, Cassius, and two grandchildren, living with me. You?"

"I have a daughter, Lilith. She lives a few hours away, in a land without magic, but she visits me regularly. She can leave the magical realms, but I can't."

"A daughter?" Morgana looked over at the bar owner, "Guy's?"

"No. I only met him recently. As I said I thought I was the last dragon alive. Although we're not usually monogamous, we derive comfort from each other."

"That I can believe…" she gave her a devilish smirk. "He is rather handsome, too. So you had Lilith with a human?"

"No, she's pure dragon. Though she can take human form, courtesy of a grandparent. Her father was killed by the Dark One, at the request of a rather vile king. I incinerated the man before he could repay his debt."

"Quite right too. I'll be staying here with the Sorcerer for another week, so it'll be nice for us to spend a little time together. If you're…agreeable?" her voice lowered, adopting a sultry tone. "After all, I seem to recall once being seduced by a beautiful dragon, once upon a time?"

"I seem to recall it was you seducing me, my dear! And as I said, we're hardly monogamous are we. Besides, a kindness should always be repaid. Have you ever been seduced by two dragons working together?"

"Now you're talking my language! And just for the record, the pair of you aren't the only dragons left. Actually, we have one in our own little backwater. A rather handsome specimen, too. Perhaps I should introduce you, when you come to teach? Magnus, or I should say 'Zorro', has a family of his own, by a human. But, as you say, when it comes to certain enjoyable 'activities', he is quite accommodating. Much like you!" she quipped.

"Zorro?" Maleficent's aloof, sultry demeanour changed in an instant! "Have you ever seen him in dragon form?"

"Why yes. He's rather distinctive, actually. Large, very dark black all over, and he even has a sharp, arrow shaped tail. But it's his eyes! Even when he's in his human form, when they're most distinctive. They're-"

"Purple? Purple, with unusually long eyelashes?"

"Why yes! I think he once told me he was a 'Hebridean'?"

"Hebridean Black. You said backwater? So…he lives in your realm?"

"He does. Why, do you know him?"

"I should do. If it's the same dragon, he's Lilith's father!"