Summary: After saying farewell to their visitors, Marian and Regina decide to make amends for Robin's treatment, in the best way possible. After arriving and settling in to the little medieval castellated-walled town where the new magical school will be based, Killian reunites with an old friend he hasn't seen for a very long time, and gets one of the biggest shocks of his life!

A small group had gathered at the dockside, by the side of the Jolly Roger, to say farewell to the departing guests, who were also taking several familiar faces with them. With only ten minutes till high tide, Killian Jones waited patiently on board, while they said their goodbyes, before boarding for their voyage to Scotland.

Robin stood before the man partially responsible for restoring his soul to his body, and returning him to his family.

"So, Merlin. It's been a pleasure having you stay, as always. I hope you'll be back soon?" He shook the Sorcerer's hand.

"Well, seeing as one of your wives is still my business partner, you can count on it." He winked at Marian. "Perhaps in a year or so. But in the meantime, I'm sure we'll be keeping in touch, Robin."

"I look forward to it. Morgana, Professor Flamel, it's been a delight meeting you both. And very informative!" Robin shook the old wizard's hand and kissed the back of Morgana's.

Morgana replied with a warm kiss on both cheek, and a hug, unperturbed she was doing so in full view of the man's two wives. "I'm sorry to hear you won't be joining us when your children come to stay over the summer?"

"I'd love to have come, but I also have another daughter living elsewhere, Margot, who I haven't seen yet this year. I'm intending to bring her back here for the rest of the year, after a break together. I'll still miss the rest of my children terribly though, while I'm away. Please take good care of them?"

"Like they were my own. Although, as your queens will also be joining them, they'll be in good hands. It should be quite an interesting six weeks."

As they chatted, Regina and Marian were also talking with two other women nearby, who were leaving for the school along with them.

"Mal, I'm surprised you're even able to travel across realms? I thought you told me you wouldn't survive?"

"That's true, Kitten, but only if I leave a magical realm. I'm assured by both Merlin and Morgana that where we're heading is magical too, and the route there has sufficient strength to protect me. Fortunately, Lilith here has no such issue, seeing she was born in a land without magic."

"Are you looking forward to meeting your father, Lilith?" asked Marian, giving the younger of the women a sympathetic smile.

"Dreading it, quite honestly. He doesn't even know I exist! And Morgana told me he's got a wife and two kids. Don't know what she's going to make of us showing up!"

Her mother gave her shoulder a comforting rub. "I've already told her that anyone who marries a dragon must know what they're getting into. We're hardly monogamous, after all! Plus, I'm told she's a witch herself, so she should have some idea."

"I'm sure it'll be okay, Lily. So where is this place you're heading?"

"It's called Dunnottar Castle, or something like that, in the north of Scotland. I looked it up and it's right bang on the coast. Bit windy and isolated!"

"Don't oversell it!" Marian sniggered. "All of us are going there in a month's time! No wonder Robin chose San Francisco. We're going to be bloody freezing!"

"It's not going to be that bad, Marian." said a chuckling Merlin, having overheard them. "It should be warm enough. Besides, the manor has central heating, and all mod cons, too. We're also in a little magical town within the castle walls, with shops and an entire community. We even have a swimming pool! And a lake for the hardier types. Wouldn't get that at 'Hogwarts' now, would you?"

"I guess not. You still haven't told me the name of this school we're bringing our children too?"

"We thought of a few. The non-magic village is called Dunnottar; but for the school, we decided on the 'Unseen University of Witchcraft & Wizardry'. Sort of sums it up, don't you think?"

Regina's brow creased as she thought back. "Unseen University? I've heard that name somewhere before, but I can't think where. A book? A film?"

"Ask your son, Regina. I think young Roland may know. It seemed the obvious name." He turned to the little group. "Are we all ready?"

"As ready as we'll ever be," said Lily, now feeling more anxious. "How does this 'portal' thing work, anyway? It's like, two-and-a-half-thousand miles away, with a bloody great ocean in between! How long's it going to take us to get there? I don't even have a passport!"

"Less than three hours, Miss Page," said Reul Ghorm, who'd been standing nearby, waiting to leave along with the rest of them. "And I can assure you, you won't need a passport."

"Why are you going with them, Blue?" Marian asked. "Are you teaching, like Morgana and Mal?"

"Not quite. I'm assessing whether some of my sisters would benefit from new training. They've all been a little cloistered recently, so a new perspective could help. Plus, I've been invited to attend a convocation. It's been centuries since my last one."

"A convo…a what?"

"It's a large gathering of fairies," Morgana explained. "And many different types. Pixies, elves, dryads, gnomes, nymphs. All sorts of different types of fae. We may even have some banshees and merfolk joining us from the Nordic clans. It's enormous fun, especially the after parties. We all learn more about each other's magic, our experiences, all sorts of new things…"

"So, it's like a huge magical fairy conference, with a bar, just for you girls, yeah? Sounds great!"

"Girls? Hardly - we're fairies! And plenty of fairies are male, Marian…" Morgana and Blue shared a knowing look, used to this sort of ignorance of their kind. But what Marian said next threw them!

"Sorry, I forgot. Besides, all you fairies can all change sex anyway, can't you? Or at least…change to give yourselves all the bits you need? I should have remembered that from Brighid's diary! Still, it must make for a fun night…"

The flippant way Marian said it made Blue suddenly look up, eyes wide. "I'm sorry, who did you say?"

"Brighid. A fairy from the dark ages…"

"Brighid?" said a deeper voice, Merlin having overheard. "Now that's a name I haven't heard for a very long time!" As he spoke, Blue's jaw still hung open, her mind going back to happier times. "I knew her, myself. So did you Reul, as I recall? A diary, you say?"

"More like an autobiography, really! It was written like a novel. Belle Gold translated it. Oddly enough, some of you are in it!" As Marian explained, she now realised she probably shouldn't have brought it up. Belle hadn't asked for the book to be kept secret, but, now she considered the book's contents, she knew she shouldn't have spoken. Maleficent knew. After all, the dragon was a former lover of the long-dead fairy, who'd taught her the spells for sexual transmogrification. The spells which she and Regina used and perfected. But the book also detailed how the Blue Fairy had once been in a polyamorous relationship with a queen called Aoife, and her flamboyant king. And Marian had even once teased the dragon, in the nightclub.

But, unfortunately for her, Mal was always totally unshockable!

"You'd all be surprised just how much Lady Marian here, knows about all of us, Reul Ghorm! She has many secrets within that pretty head of hers. For instance, she already knew about you and the King and Queen of Lir! And as for the transmogrification spells…"

Regina, who'd been standing silently beside Marian, enjoying the fairy's squirming discomfort, a welcome change from her usual holier-than-thou attitude, was very disappointed when Merlin interrupted them. "Ladies, I see Captain Jones has signalled it's time to board the ship. If you'd follow me?"

Twenty minutes later, and the graceful galleon had edged from the quay, moving slowly towards the open sea, as the travellers stood on the raised fo'c'sle, watching, as the vessel gained speed. Less than a few hundred yards from the dock, Captain Jones, at the wheel, roared instructions to the rest of the crew. Within seconds, as two of the larger sails started to rise, a fierce bolt of lightning streaked from the heavens into the waters, immediately in front of the galleon. This opened up the magical portal, a bright octarine light surrounding it. Two minutes later, and the ancient ship disappeared from sight, witnessed by the three people who remained on the quayside.

"I thought that was rather mean of you, Marian," Robin admonished his wife. "Whatever you may think of her, Blue didn't deserve that."

"What on earth do you mean by that? I only said she was in Brighid's book. It was Mal who mentioned I knew about her threesome and the magic cock spell!"

"Which you prompted, and you know it!"

"Robin, you weren't here when Marian and I got together. That blue moth used to look down on us like she'd swallowed vinegar! Then, when you came back here and moved in, she treated me like I was the village hooker! So no, I think it was entirely justified…"

"I can see I'm wasting my time," He looked at them with weary resignation. "I'd best be off, we've got a stock take this morning and I don't want Will short-changing the barrels again. Miladies, I'll see you later…"

But as he raised his hand, to use his magic and disapparate, Marian grabbed it "Hold on, hold on! Wait - don't go yet! You're still pissed off with us, aren't you? About Saturday night?"

"Of course not, don't be silly."

"You are! I can tell. You're still annoyed that we teased you, admit it? That's why you're still sulking."

"I am neither annoyed, nor 'pissed off', as you put it. I'm used to being teased by both of you, on occasion; but that time, you went beyond the pale! It wasn't funny, and I was in pain. Besides, that wasn't what bothered me."

"It was Henry's secret, wasn't it?" Regina guessed.

"Yes. You used sex, not as an inducement, but as a weapon, to try to get me to break a promise I made to a young man. You may both think that's trivial, but I don't! It was unworthy. Of both of you."

Regina stood silently as their behaviour was upbraided, now starting to feel like a naughty child being admonished. It reminded her of her father who, unlike her mother, rarely scolded. But because it was so rare, it seemed to hurt more. Sometimes she could understand why some, like Emma, felt Robin could be pompous on occasion. But it was a part of his character. Honour. One of the many qualities, and flaws, that made him what he is. The man she fell in love with over a decade ago.

"You're right, we shouldn't have done that. And I'm sorry."

"Robin, it wasn't Regina's fault, it was mine. My idea. It was mean, and I apologise too. I won't do it again." He closed his eyes, nodding. "So...can we put it behind us? You can even punish me, if you like?"

The way she said it, with that salacious grin she kept for the bedroom, told him exactly where she was going with this! And how Regina followed it up, left him in no doubt:

"Roland and the girls are at school; and I don't need to be at the riding centre till twelve?"

"And Regina was very bad too!" Marian threw in, for good measure, pouting.

"Well…it was very painful..." He rubbed his chin as he considered his options. Just like Regina, Marian was never submissive. Except those occasions when she wanted to be! "I think a good spanking might be justified, under the circumstances?"

"I suppose so. Well, what are you waiting for?"

The three of them disapparated momentarily.

Just off the Scottish coast – two hours later

After another thunderbolt of lighting struck the open sea, several thousand miles away from the first, another octarine-lit portal opened, out of which the Jolly Roger started to appear, in full view of whatever fish were around. But in this realm, it was just after six in the evening, and a cloud filled sky added to the gloom. Once again, the travellers walked up the ladders to join their captain at the wheel.

"I saw the flash - was that it?" Lily seemed confused. "Where's land? Where are we?"

"Aye lass, we've left Merlin's portal. We're about fifteen nautical miles from port, straight ahead."

"How can you tell? It's cloudy and I don't see any stars. How did you navigate here?"

"I'm a hell of a captain, Miss Page. And...I had a little help from my trusty compass." Plus, the out-of-sight, and rather expensive electronic digital chart plotter he'd invested in last year. But now didn't seem the time to mention his new-found love of modern technology!

"Why are we so far from the shore? Couldn't Merlin have put the end of the portal nearer?"

"I'm sure you're familiar with modern technology such as satellites? Radar?" Not to mention rather protective navies?" She nodded. "Even that phone in your pocket is being tracked in this realm. If an known ship, especially one as grand and beautiful as my lady here, is suddenly seen appearing from nowhere, many questions get asked and before you know it a whole fleet is in pursuit, assuming we're hostile. So it's easier we stay over the horizon until we're ready."

"They're going to see us anyway when we closer, aren't they?"

"Not necessarily," said Merlin, who'd appeared from nowhere. "Watch closely, Miss Page." As he spoke, he slowly raised his arms in the air above him, before fanning them out wide. As he did so, a strange yellowish light she'd seen around the portal, now seemed to emanate from his fingers. It travelled wide, all around them before dropping down to rest over the sea surrounding them. Some of the isolated clouds in the sky now seemed to be wobbling. Almost shivering. "There. All done."

"What's all done? Sorry, I don't understand."

"He's put a magical invisibility cloak' over the entire ship. I remember he did it when we sailed to rescue the young Locksley boy from the Black Knight in the Enchanted Forest. It allowed us to rain cannon all over the place without fear of an adequate response. He tells me it also blocks radar and that sort of thing."

"Regina told me about that," Maleficent joined them. "How long till we get there?"

"Just under an hour, love. You have to admit, several thousand miles in just over three hours is pretty impressive, even for me, don't you think?"

"With the assistance of a magical portal?" she smirked back. "Are you staying or heading back tonight, Jones?"

"Tomorrow. There used to be a fine inn not too far from this school of yours, which I visited well over a century ago. I plan to see if it's still standing!"

Lilly grinned up at him. "Don't tell me – one of those places with low beams, dark corners, serving wenches with big boobs, and swashbuckling, one-eyed, one-armed pirates soaked in rum and cheating at cards?"

"You've met my mother already?" he chuckled. "Yes, I've known a few places like that over the years. But I never cheat at cards. And as for the wenches…"

"Mind if I tag along then?" said Lily. "Might be more fun than a dusty old wind-swept castle! Besides, you Jones, seem to have a knack of winding up in places that do a half-decent drink. I'll need some before I face the guy who's supposed to be my dad!"

"If the place still even exists, you're welcome to join me. You too, Maleficent, if you wish?"

An hour later, as the sky started to darken, the now shrouded ship slowed to within several hundred feet of the jetty. The Sorcerer pointed up at a large rock jutting out from the mainland, and a number of roofless buildings on the top, next to the sheer cliff.

"That, ladies and gentlemen, is Dunnottar Castle. Beautiful, isn't she?"

"Beautiful?" Lily wasn't impressed. "It's a ruin! What are we doing, camping under the stars? And where's this village you mentioned?"

"All in good time, Miss Page, all in good time. But I must disagree with you regarding the castle. You're looking at the remains of what was originally a rare 3rd century Pictish fort. The castle came later. That place has been a part of living history here. Druid worship, Christian settlements, Viking raids, civil wars. Kings and Queens have lived there, battles won and lost. It's history is quite extraordinary…"

"If you say so. Personally I'd prefer to stay at a Holiday Inn!"

He ignored the jibe. "Now, I have something important I need to tell everyone. The Jolly Roger is currently cloaked, invisible. But we are not. And we'll be exposed the moment we step off this ship, and right up till we get up to the castle. Like the rest of you, my magic's suppressed till we get there. So, let's not attract too much attention?"

Maleficent gave him a hard stare. "With magic gone, do you seriously expect us to trudge heavy luggage up there? Because if so, I'm staying on this damn ship!"

"My dear Mal, of course not. If you look over there, to the left of the quay, you'll see that transport has been provided."

Looking where he pointed, the senior dragon saw what looked like an old bus. Like something from one of those odd movies Regina liked to watch so much. Unbeknown to her, it was a vintage fifties school bus, in gleaming red and cream. And she could see a burly man standing next to it. "The driver's name's Fraser, and he's working for us. Treat him well, and I'm sure he'll organize the luggage for everyone."

"Why's he wearing that skirt?" asked Lily, hiding a smirk.

"I suspect you know, full well, it's called a kilt, love!" Killian tried to avoid laughing. "Take it from me, Scotsmen do get a bit worked up when you call it that! So go ahead, try it anyway!"

Half an hour later, after loading the luggage and passengers, the old bus made its way up a steep, windy road, before finally pulling up at the old rusty gates of the windswept fortified ruins.

"Sorry Merlin, this place may be ancient, but it's a complete shithole! I got google, and it says Aberdeen's only an hour away. I'll ask Fraser if her can-"

"Patience, my love!" Maleficent rested a hand on her daughter's shoulder. "Just…watch."

As the old iron gates slowly opened of their own accord, the bus crawled along, entering the grounds. But as it did so, a totally new image began to emerge! The ruins were suddenly replaced with taller buildings, freshly painted, with roofs and glass, flags and drapes hanging down the walls. The bus seemed to be moving into a winding cobbled street, with small shops and market stalls on either side. Behind them, there were larger shops, cafés and restaurants; and people now sat inside them.

"Wow! Definitely didn't expect that!"

"Welcome to Dunnottar!" boomed Fraser, his accent deep and rich, as he drove the bus slowly through the narrow streets. "This wee town of ours has been here for nearly eight hundred years! And in all that time, with all the wars an' conflict a-ragin' outside, all the comin's and goin's, we havnae had anythin' but peace here! No kings an' queens ruinin' things. An we intend tae keep it that way!"

Apart from Morgana le Fey, who lived here, and Merlin, who'd been a number of times, all visitors' eyes were glued to the colourful sights surrounding them. People were busy going about their evening in the still-open markets. A group of older men and women sitting outside a very old pub, playing what looked like chess. Brightly coloured, well-lit shop interiors seemed to be bustling with activity. It looked like a prosperous old Mediterranean village.

"It's gorgeous!" said Lily, amazed at the dramatic change from the ruin she'd seen from the sea. "I'd like to shop sometime, but I can't see them taking charge cards here! What do they use?"

Merlin had a little twinkle in his eye. "British Pounds, just like the non-magical world outside. Don't worry, I'll help you with all that sort of thing. But first, young Fraser here will take us to our rooms, so we can all settle in and freshen up, should you wish."

"Young?" said Fraser, looking across at him from the wheel. "It's nae often people call me young! I'm a hundred and twenty seven, man!"

"Almost a baby compared to myself, then? You've people in this bus many, many centuries old than you, Mr. Campbell!" he chuckled. "Even our young Captain here is just shy of his three hundredth year!"

"Aye," Killian agreed, from the back seat. "We're truly in the company of old dinosaurs, mate! Tell me, do you know if The Black Dog's still an alehouse here?"

"I should do, it's ma own boozer! Have ye been doon here before, Captain?"

"Many years ago. I sold many an ill-begotten jewel or piece here. I used to know the lady who ran it. Quite the five-card player! Peggy?"

"Peggy Long! She's still here, though her bairns are grown-up and runnin' the pub for her now. I'll be there, tonight. Who shall I say was askin'?

"Killian Jones. Though she'll better remember me as Captain Hook. If you see her, tell her I'll be in later…"

"Hook, you say? Even I've heard of ye! But I don't see no hook on ye, just two hands!"

"It's a long story, mate. If you want to hear it, you'll be buying me and the ladies here a drink."

Back in Storybrooke

With three growing children at home, and busy roles, it was becoming increasingly rare these days for the Locksley thruple to enjoy the sort of late morning they'd just spent. And the last two hours had been spent making the sort of love they used to indulge in when Robin first returned, nearly eight years ago. After their altercation two nights ago, Marian and Regina had decided that, by way of an apology, they would make sure that this time, Robin would be the centre of attention. The sex had been frenetic and wonderful between all of them, rarely stopping until all were fully sated. Now, with Robin in the middle and his lovers either side of him, their breathing finally calmed as he yawned loudly, their heads on either side of his chest.

"Do I take it that we're now forgiven completely, o' masterful one?" said Marian, the sarcasm obvious in her voice. "Because I'm way too tired to do that all over again!"

"Most certainly, Mrs. Locksley. Forgiven and forgotten, until the next time you two…misbehave."

"Not sure I'll be consenting to the spanking again next time, thief!" But Regina still snuggled even tighter against him. "It may have been fun, but I'm a little sore. If there's any bruises on my backside, I swear, I will exact revenge!"

"Bruises?" Robin suddenly looked horrified. "But you never used the safe word! Oh my god, I'm so sorry! Let me take a look?"

"Haven't you had enough time looking at Gina's bum!" Marian sniggered. "Ignore her, she's just playing with you."

He calmed, instantly adopting a more mischievous mood. "All the same, I think I should just take a look?" His warm hand roamed down her back, cupping her left cheek as he turned. "I do have magic too, you know? I could even perhaps…kiss it better?"

Regina gave that giggle that always aroused him. "You just stop that! You've already made me late for work. Now I need another shower."

'You're not that late, Gina. You could always poof yourself over there. Into our cupboard." Knowing how much horses were spooked by any magical fields around them, whenever see needed to get to the riding school in a hurry, she would often teleport them into a small tack cupboard beside the little arena. It also stopped any small children being terrified by her sudden appearance. The hidden cupboard was also very convenient for the occasional romantic moment with Marian!

"Perhaps not. Last time I discovered we're not the only ones that use it! Two weeks ago, I apparated into there, only to discover I wasn't alone, and another couple were using it for…well, let's just say, not exactly storage purposes!"

"No way!" Robin started to chuckle. Who?"

"Mulan and our young mayor! Not quite the standard one expects from someone in public office!"

That set Marian off. "That's hilarious! Why didn't you say anything before?"

"Because she'd previously seen you and I coming out of there, after something similar, and she guessed. Annoyingly, we might have given her the idea!"

Meanwhile, in Scotland…

Lilith Page had moaned throughout the voyage, even though it was only three hours long, thanks to Merlin. And she also whinged when she first encountered the isolated, ruined castle, from the ship. But from the moment their little bus passed through the magical barrier, and into the town that lay within the magical castle's walls, she'd been utterly captivated. From the busy evening market, to the little shops, the church and main square, it reminded her of the pictures she'd seen of medieval and former Roman towns in France and Italy. Charming, quaint and beautiful. But as the bus continued through another huge arch, a very different picture emerged. This time, it was of a wide valley with a lake at its centre, and a huge manor house on the opposite shore. Merlin pointed out that the manor was in fact the summer school and hotel where they would be staying, and she assumed, from the look of it, that it had recently been created, or improved, with magic.

"It's beautiful, Merlin. Like a very swish hotel! I was expecting something like a-"

"Please don't say Hogwarts, miss!" Nicolas Flamel interrupted. "Anything but that. It's a centre for witchcraft and wizardy, not a children's boarding school."

Merlin nodded. "I must agree with Nicolas. We wanted a place for adults and children alike. Usually only children with their family. So we've designed it as a hotel first, with all the creature comforts. I hope you'll like it."

And she did. They all liked it. Although designed for at least a hundred residents when fully operational, there were less than ten residents currently, plus staff. The high-ceiling bedrooms were decorated in some sort of Georgian style, with plush drapes and furniture. The beds were large and luxurious and Lily Page had never experienced anything like it.

"This is fantastic! I might sign up for magic lessons here myself!"

A knock on the door interrupted her bliss, as she yawned. "Come in."

As she kicked her shoes off and lay on the bed with her eyes closed, her mother entered from the adjoining bedroom. "Sorry to interrupt before you change dear, but I just thought I'd let you know that Morgana's going to find out where Zorro, or should I say your father, is going to be tomorrow. She suggested she be the one to tell him that I'm here; then I'll try and meet him and tell him about your existence. Might be best he's prepared."

"Makes sense. I'm a bit tired so I'll freshen up. It's getting towards eight here, but only midday back home, so I'm not ready for an early night. I think I'll join Killian at the pub. You never know, I might find out something about my dad."

"I might join you, if you don't mind? I could teleport us there but I'm hardly sleepy, so the walk there might do me good."

And so, forgoing the hotel dining room, mother, daughter and former pirate walked the mile or so up the gently hill path and back into the centre of the town. It didn't take Killian long to locate the old inn, built into the long castle wall, facing out to sea. And as they walked inside, he was struck by how little it had changed over more than a century. But as the noisy hubbub of conversations all around the room suddenly died down, at the presence of new arrivals, he realized some things never change!

"This is gorgeous!" said Lily. "Like something out Pirates of the Caribbean?"

"Aye, love." Killian surveyed the room, as they walked through the tables and up to the bar. "Same spit-and-sawdust floor, as I remember.."

"No! Ye have tae bring yer own sawdust!" said a tall, bald, red-faced barman with a genial smile. "But we provide all the spit for free! Ah guess from those accents, ye'll be the new arrivals at the magical manor?" As he spoke, several more faces turned to face them.

"Aye mate," he replied cautiously, not sure whether he was being friendly. Or not.

"Grand. Fraser over there told us ye'd be comin'. Any friend o' Merlin's welcome in here. I'm Hamish. Ladies, what can I get ye?"

And with that, the background hubbub of drinkers instantly resumed. Drinks were ordered and the barman pointed to a table in the corner. "Seems friendly enough?" said Lily.

"Friendlier than I used to remember it. I witnessed a knife fight in here once. Unfortunately, one of them was a member of my crew, the stupid bastard. We got him out before he got us all involved!"

"So it's well over a hundred years since you were last here? I'm surprised you remember anything?"

"Some things, and people, you never forget. Especially the landlady of this place! She was-" he paused as a waitress appeared with a tray of drinks.

"Ladies, which of ye's the whisky, an' which one's the beer?"

Maleficent looked up into the deep blue eyes of a seriously attractive woman, probably in her mid-thirties, wearing a white blouse and black skirt just above the knee. She had wild, wavy, shiny black hair which draped around her shoulders, giving her a gypsy-look. "The whisky's for me dear, and the beer's for my daughter. Thank you." The waitress placed a coaster down in front of them, and the respective whisky glass on top.

"And the beer for ye beautiful daughter," she added, looking at Lily with a beaming smile that revealed perfect, white teeth. The look almost made Lily blush.

"Well thank you! You're pretty hot yourself," she said, without thinking. Did this woman even like girls? She wondered whether she'd overstepped the mark, but Lily had thought she saw a look of interest.

The waitress winked back at her, before putting down the third coaster. "And finally, the large rum for the handsome gentleman! Are ye all here long?"

"Thanks love. Sadly, I need to sail tomorrow. But the ladies may be here a little while longer." As he looked up at her, Killian noticed something surprisingly familiar about her, which he couldn't place. Although he'd never usually ask a woman her age, he felt sure the barmaid was older than she looked. In a magical village, where time played tricks, it wasn't uncommon.

"Well I'm sorry yer going to be leaving us so soon! Here's some menus if yer eating with us? I'm Isla, by the way. I'll be back in a minute tae take yer order." With that, she gave them all another megawatt smile, with perhaps a little more focus on Lily, before leaving them.

"She seems nice," said Lily, her eyes on the long, shapely legs as she walked away. "Reminds me of Esmerelda from the Hunchback of Notre Dame."

"Aye. Quite interested in you, I noticed!" Killian gave her a sly smirk. "Seems You've made a friend."

"Nonsense. She was just being friendly." Lily's cheeks pinked, seen even in the low light.

"No my love, I think Jones is right. She did seem quite flirtatious." Her mother agreed.

"You're imagining things! She may not even like girls that way."

"Well, you won't know, until you-"

"KILLIAN FUCKIN' JONES!" yelled a voice, interrupting her completely. "AS I LIVE AN' BREATHE! WIT THE DEVIL ARE YOU DOIN' IN THESE PARTS?"

All three of them looked up, to see a tall brunette woman staring back at them, her hands on her hips. Like the waitress who served them, she had the same wild brunette hair, though perhaps a little less black. A fuller figure, though nonetheless a beautiful Romani look about her, her cheeks were more pink, though it was obvious she was either Isla's mother, or her older sister. Mal thought she looked like she was in her early fifties. She was stunning.

"Hello Peggy. It's been a while. What's it been now, a hundred years?" He tried not to sound surprised. Instead he gave her a rakish smile. "You're looking well on it!"

"'Lookin well', he says?" she said to the other women, laughing. "Try a hundred and forty human years since I last saw ye, thirty five down doon here! I'm a hundred and seventy-five years old!"

"Well you don't look a day over forty!" he gave her a smile as he rose from the table. "The years have truly been kind to you. I see nothing much has changed around here?"

"Ye'd be surprised. I'm a merry widow with four kids now. I-" She moved closer, intending to hug him, but stopped when she noticed something. "Where's the hook?"

He lifted his left hand, waving the fingers. "Merlin's doing. He fixed me about eight years ago. But I gave up the piracy business decades ago. I'm legitimate now. I'm even a sheriff."

"You – a sheriff?" Her jaw dropped in astonishment. "I canna believe it! My old pirate, Captain Hook's a sheriff?"

A loud metal crash rang out from behind the bar, making all of them turn. Isla seemed to have dropped a silver tray, broken glass now lying on the stone. But instead of picking it up, she just fled out of the back door, like she'd been burnt!

"Aye lass. A deputy sheriff, actually. And a father. I've got a wife and children now. Two girls."

"Two girls, you say?" Peggy frowned when she looked behind her, to see Hamish now stooping, dustpan and brush in hand, to collect the broken glass. "Better make that three!"

"I'm sorry?"

"I've never been one to couch things, as ye may remember? Ye've got three daughters, Killian Jones, not two! I see you've already met my Isla?"