At Chateau Blanchefort:

Portsmith *suddenly frowns*  Wilson.  Stop for a moment.  And just where did she hear about Bitterfeld?  Do you have a fancy to go back there?

Wilson *his face the mask of a perfect butler*  No, Commander. I don't wish to go back.  And I am sorry, I have no idea where she got the name from.  She must have been snooping around, Commander.

Portsmith *looks very suspiciously after him, then she goes to change her uniform and walks to the surveillance room to locate Crick... er Netta.  At least that was a real human name.  She can't have left the premises, because all the castle doors and windows are locked as usual.  Jack's kid ... He's not very much into brats ... Mustn't tell him if he shows up ... *

In the meadow:

Catharine *as the Goddess has faded away*  She is within you, but if you ever need advise from her, come to this place and offer a silver coin to the spring.  Now you have to go home before you catch a cold.  You are still a mortal.  Rise up on your wings and fly ... You can be at my son's house for a while.  Don't worry about him, he is alive and well, but let him mend his broken heart.  There is someone waiting for you, Ava.  A man who loves you and who needs you.  *and she starts slowly to swirl, rising up, fading, becoming invisible, but still for a while Ava can hear her voice humming*

Ava *listening to Catharine's voice fade away she finally arrives back at Ichy's and decides to put every thing way back into the chest.  Ava starts to think who is the man that is waiting for her if it isn't Ichy then who.  No way on this earth is it Don she wont return to him now that she is free. There is no other man she can think off unless he is in her  future waiting for her. Ava sighs and starts to decide what she is going to do with her life after a while she starts to shiver so Ava puts on her gown that the Goddess gave to her it is white and gold it fits perfectly her cape looks perfect with it. Ava immediately warms up she feels pretty damn good for once.*

At Chateau Blanchefort:

Netta *having run from the small dining room after yelling at Portsmith, keeps running blindly through the house – past suits of armour, statues, busts, rooms filled with books and maps, antique globes, one room with a billiard table – sometimes springing across deep plush Persian carpets, sometimes sliding a little on gleaming parquet floors.  She keeps going until she’s satisfied that she’s at an exact opposite end of the castle from Portsmith, and she stumbles into a room with a huge window that runs nearly the length of a wall, with a beautiful view of the castle’s grounds.  She finally stops running, leaning against the large oak desk near the window, breathing heavily.  Once she catches her breath, she looks around the room with interest – she’s never seen so many books in one place.  She removes her hand from the desk where she’d been leaning, wipes it on her jacket as she sees that the desk is covered with a thick layer of dust.  She feels tears stinging her eyes, and she forces them back stubbornly.  She wanders slowly around the room, gazing at the books, a handsome globe, another bookcase with glass doors on it that contains some very old books and a few odd figurines, some of stone, some of a ceramic or porcelain.  She jumps slightly as she hears a tapping at the large window; she turns, and her eyes widen in amazement*  M-Manouche!  *she runs to the window, leans down, pushes it up*

Manouche *smiling*  Jus’ wanted t’ check on ye, luv.  *she glances past Netta, looking in the room*  So, ye've discovered Corso's old office!  Where’s th’ Commander, then?

Netta *looks a little embarrassed*  Sh-she’s in one o’ them little dining rooms.  Not the big one with all th’ tapestries, but a smaller one.  *she swallows*  I – I lost my temper with her …

Manouche *waves a hand*  No worries, it’s easy t’ do with ‘er!  Goes with th’ territory, as it were.  *pauses*  Y’know, ye don’t ‘ave t’ stay ‘ere if ye’ve had enough.  Yer prob’ly wonderin’ why I sent ye ‘ere.  *shrugs*  It’s ‘cause I thought it’d be a good challenge fer both o’ ye, savvy?  *looks at her carefully*  Vice Mayor Lisa wanted one o' th' children sent 'ere, an' I were afraid th' Commander would break th' spirit o' one of th' others.  Also ... I needed t’ do somethin’ to shake ye outta yer ennui.  I were worried ‘bout ye, th’ way ye kept t’ yerself, not mixin’ with th’ other children.  I know yer not one fer a lotta fussin’, so I thought … *her voice trails off as she watches Netta’s face; she shakes her head regretfully*  Apologies, luv, per’aps I thought wrong.  Ye look so unhappy.  Would ye like t’ come back to th’ house with me?

Netta *turns back toward the doorway of the office, looks back at Manouche*  No.  I wanna stay.  *her answer seems to surprise even her, and she gets a funny expression on her face*

Manouche *raises her eyebrows, laughs*  Ye do!  Are ye sure?  Why, if ye don’t mind me askin’?

Netta:  I … I dunno.  I … I guess I’m not unhappy 'cause I'm here, I'm unhappy ‘cause I feel like she beat me.  I shouldn’t a got mad the way I did.  *looks down sheepishly*  I even broke a plate … Wedgewood …

Manouche *laughs again*  Blimey, th’ Commander’s got dishes t’ spare.  I wouldn’t fret over that’un.  I’m sure she’d never use somethin’ irreplaceable with a child about.

Netta:  Well, anyway, I … I don’t wanna leave just ‘cause she won this round.  *looks up at Manouche, grins*  I’ll get her next time.  I wanna make her … respect me.  I wanna stay, unless she sends me back.

Manouche *studies her, finally nods*  As ye wish, luv.  I’m right proud o’ ye, y’know that?  *she holds her arms out, Netta comes closer, they embrace*  If ye change yer mind, get word t’ us, an’ we’ll take care o’ everythin’, no questions asked.  *looks at her admiringly, then remembers something*  Blast, I almost fergot … I ‘ave somethin’ fer ye.  *she reaches in a pocket, pulls out a necklace with a stone on the end*  This is a black Obsidian, savvy?  In crystal language, it’s used fer groundin’.  It were given t’ me a long time ago by a mate, an’ I want ye to ‘ave it now.  It ain’t priceless, but it’s a nice lil’ reminder when ye feel yer at yer wit’s end.  *she unclasps it, Netta leans closer, she clasps it around the girl’s neck*  That looks grand on ye.

Netta *looks at it, her eyes shining*  It’s lovely … are you sure y’ want me to have it?

Manouche *nods, looking at it approvingly*  Aye.  It’s where it belongs, I’d say.  *she smiles as Netta impulsively throws her arms around her neck and hugs her again; she clears her throat*  Right, well, ye’d best get back into th’ fray, in a manner o’ speakin’.  *she pushes a lock of hair back from the girl’s face*  An’ I’d best make meself scarce.  I don’t know if ye’ve learned this yet or not, but th’ Commander ain’t too fond o’ me.

Netta *scoffs*  Her loss.  *she looks at the stone again before tucking it inside her shirt*  Thank you, Manouche.  *she grins at her, turns quickly, runs out of the room*

Manouche *watches her go, smiles, murmurs quietly*  Steady on, Netta Sparrow.  *she slides the window back down, turns, leaves the castle grounds*

At the meadow:

The Goddess behind Ava *speaks*  Never be again embarrassed about your body, Ava.  You can turn around and come to me now.  *When Ava turns around, she can see a tall woman clad in a shimmering white gown.  Her skin is pale, her lips are red and her hair is golden.  She has a white silken gown alike her own that she offers to Ava.*  You are free from your old life, and as a symbol foe the rebirth you have experienced, take this gown.  Build yourself a new life and build yourself a new home.  Take my blessing with you.  Don't worship me but give me what is due to me.  I will bestow my gift of healing and rebirth to you.  Use it wisely.  I have the gift of life and death and I hold all mankind on my palm.  It is I who cut the strings of life when the time is due.  I am the White Goddess, and I have gone by many names.  I am the inconstant ever-changing moon.  And now, when you are child of the moon, I will bestow a new name for you.  From now on you will be Ava Maria Le Fay.  Bear your name with pride.

Ava *in awe of the Goddess she takes the gown and makes her way out of the spring*  Thank you Goddess thank you so very much. I will build myself a new home I shall help people in any way that I can.  *looks at Catharine and smiles at her she turns around again to look at the Goddess* Thank you again. *Ava feels so free she is no longer bothered about being naked she quite enjoys it now. She begins to think at her name Ava Le Fay it has a certain ring to it she likes it. Ava thinks for one last time about her past life she no longer feels the pain from it she can only see the pictures. She thinks of the future she does not know what it holds but she has a good feeling about it. Ava is very proud of herself that she has finally let go this is all she ever wanted to be free.*

At the Shark’s Tooth:

Sands *sits by the bar with a drink in front of him and a frown on his face; everything has gone wrong.  Why does everything always go wrong?  Women!  That’s the answer.  Stay away from women and life might actually work out for a change.  He finishes his drink and waves over Spinky*  Let me get a refill …

Spinky *takes the tequila bottle and refills the glass, places it in front of Sands.  Being a bit bored as the place is empty this time of day takes the chance*  Somethin’ troubling you, mate?

Sands *coldly*  I’m here to drink, not strike up a conversation.  In fact, just leave the bottle.  *Spinky decides it’s wise not to argue and places the bottle on the counter.*

At Chateau Blanchefort:

Donnie *decides to go talk to Portsmith about returning to Security while Grace is resting.  He’s not particularly looking forward to the conversation as he is certain Portsmith will automatically assume that he’s doing it because he’s tired of life with a pirate.  And she will without a doubt gloat.  He makes his way to the Chateau and knocks on the door.*

Wilson *opens the door, again with a ferret hanging in his hand, the animal trying to snap at him with small sharp teeth, and a towel in his other, but otherwise he is immaculate as ever*  Nice to see you, Mr. Brasco.  The Commander will be seeing you in a minute.  Please wait for her at in the Grecian Room.  *And he leads Donnie through the Great Hall to a room looking like a Greek Temple, complete with the famous Elgin Marbles and an atrium, a shallow pool filled with water.  Then he leaves to report to the Commander of the guest*

Donnie *wanders around the room while waiting; the commander definitely goes all the way when she's set her mind on a decorating theme.  While waiting he also contemplates what to say hoping that she won't be too difficult.  He's not quite sure if she'll agree to it straight away or if she'll be stubborn about it.  He reminds himself that this is a job-interview of sorts and that insulting the Commander at her own home could very well lead to some time in the dungeon.*

Portsmith *in a new uniform of the leather type she's taken a fancy to lately, with lots of cleavage, a very short miniskirt, fishnet stockings and high-heeled sharp-nosed boots*  What a surprise, Donnie.  And what brings you here?  *she looks at him sharply straight into his eyes*  Trouble with pirates?  *pleased with herself, she sits down on a white leather sofa and motions him to do the same.*  Did you know that Lord Elgin brought these marbles from Greece to England?  And now they are here.  They are invaluable, Donnie.

Donnie *glances at the invaluable marbles; nods*  Very impressive.  *Looks at the Commander ignoring the uniform; resists the temptation to roll his eyes*  No, no trouble with pirates.  *Forces a friendly smile*  I am here to ask for a job ... at Security.  *Clears his throat*  After all, Abberline hardly works and Hanson is still very inexperienced.  *Holds up a hand*  It's not a criticism, just an observation.  I thought you might be in need of someone more experienced to take some of the load off Sergeant Godley.

Portsmith *slowly*  Ah, you are wanting to join the Security again?  Funny that you managed to mention Inspector Abberline ... Yes, we do need able officers, and in fact *she lifts her legs on the marble table and admires her boots for a while, with a smug smile*  Hanson is taking care of an investigation that may prove to be too much for him.  But how it is with your loyalty, Donnie?  And what is the real reason for wanting to join?

Donnie *frowns* Why is it funny that I mentioned Abberline?  The rumours are all over town.  Personally, I don't believe that he would ever take a bribe, but I know that such things require proper investigation. And I also know that he is very involved with his family.  *Searches for the words*  My loyalties ... well, I intend to serve Deppville to the best of my abilities.  As I did before.  *Hesitates*  Obviously, it'll be a conflict of interest if you at some point want me to investigate Grace as she's my wife, but I won't be the only officer on the staff.  And at the moment, she certainly won't do anything to rise your suspicions.  She's at the hospital.  You've probably already heard of the shooting outside Chez Roux.  My reasons for wanting to come back are simple.  While helping a friend, I realized that I miss investigating.  It's what I was trained to do, after all.

Portsmith:  So you have heard about the rumours too?  One thing that I have learned during my long and illustrious career, that there rarely is smoke without a fire.  And you will see that there's plenty of other things that he has been occupied with besides his family ... Anyway, you won't have a conflict with your allegiances, Grace is not on my list - now.  But you have to keep in mind that she is a pirate, and it means that she will stir up trouble some day.  But, as my principles are all for equality, we are investigating the case of her shooting *she adds in her mind: and why the bloody shooter was such a poor shot and missed the bloody pirate wench ...*  Sergeant Godley is in charge. And you, you can brush up your skills with the case assigned to Hanson.  All the files are at the Office.  Well, Donnie, it is nice to have you back, but remember, I am keeping an eye on you.

Donnie *decides to ignore the comment about Grace being bound to stir up at trouble at some point, instead smiles politely and stands up.  He shakes hands with Portsmith*  Thank you.  I will check in at the office tomorrow morning.  *Turns to leave.*

At the park:

*It has been a day since Ava spoke to the Goddess Ava feels good inside although some things still bother her greatly.  She contemplates whether to take Catharine's advice and go to the meadow.  While everyone walks on by she stares at the ground, sits on the park bench watching the feet go by. She thinks silently to herself; she can hear the Goddess voice going around her head all the words which where spoken to her. She tries her hardest to think of the man who is waiting for her but with no prevail she finally gives up.  However a familiar voice from behind the bench begins to talk to her*
 
George: Hello Ava. You know I remember a lifetime ago, when we were together I was on the run and you were free from trouble you were a free spirit. I remember those days when we spent the mornings watching the sunrise and the night watching the sun set together. I remember how much we where in love we talked for hours about what we were going to do once I was free no longer on the run. I thought you were the only woman in the world for me. And remember those nights we spent together alone only me and you the times you just wore my t-shirt you looked so beautiful you still do. And when you left for dinner only to come home telling me you were in love with some else. That was a good one Ava you remember that. And remember that time when you told me that you were pregnant and that it was his I knew it wasn’t. Well Ava, I still love you and I know you do to. *Ava has tears in her eyes and she is about to turn around to speak when George interrupts her* Please let me finish. I never stopped loving you and you know that. I know that you hurt but if you wish maybe I could help you ease the pain, maybe we could start again *she finally breaks down*. I know they both have hurt you so much I know you gave them both so much and they didn’t return any of it back. I’m not like them I want to give you so much love. Remember all those times we had together can you remember that smile you had we laughed so hard I miss those days. I finally realize what you were trying to tell me, so many years ago. I finally understand. You’re the best, Ava; I just wish I could have done more for you to make you see that you where making a mistake with him he had you under his spell. I just wish you would come back to me be with me. You know I miss you so much.

Ava: *stuttering* you…you still love me George don’t go please I don’t want to get hurt again.

George: Everything's gonna be okay, Ava. Don't be upset. I aint going any where with out you. That’s if you wanna let me in. *Georges moves from being behind the bench to sitting next to Ava. George holds Ava in his arms*

Ava: I do George I really do you know why I married him I was scared George I wasn’t thinking straight maybe it was the lies he told me. I was young, naïve and stupid George in my heart I knew I still loved you but when I found that out it was too late. You had gotten married and I was married, pregnant and scared Don offered me some sort of security. However that went out the window he tired to kill me.

George: Ava shh I know you don’t need to explain we all make mistakes that’s part of life. We both made some mistakes we paid for them but from those mistakes they brought us together. Ava can you remember what I used to call you.

Ava: *smiles* Yes I do George you used to call me…

George:  Babe

Ava: *Ava and George get closer her puts her hands on her face and deeply kisses her of course Ava returns the kiss. From that kiss something happens that Ava has never felt before it was like the light had lifted she knew from that moment on George was the one she was meant to be with* do you mean what you say

George: I really do Ava I truly love you I haven’t stopped loving you.

Ava: *looks into Georges eyes* I love you too *Ava kisses George again* George I am frightened

George: You don’t have to be any more im here I will protect you. Ava where are you living

Ava: I live at Ichy’s while he is away after he returns I have no where to go I will be homeless

George: *looks in Ava’s eyes* no you will not be homeless your home is with me by the beach just like we both have wanted. *Scratches his head* I mean we would need to decorate it but if it was the two of us it would be much better *George moves his long blonde hair out of his face and gives Ava a cheeky little grin. * And it would much more fun 

Ava: *throws her arms around George and holds him. Through her tears she pulls Georges face close* How could I be so blind to have let you go George you must forgive me I was a fool to leave you.

George: And I was a fool to let you go we can be fools together. *George jumps up from the bench*

Ava: Yes let’s be fools together we can laugh at the people who disagree with us.

George: well it’s settled then your coming home with me. *George proceeds to scoop Ava off the bench*

Ava: *laughs* George lets go home *she kisses George again and he starts walking but he stops*.  What’s wrong? Am I to heavy because I can walk?

George: *Laughs* No your not heavy your perfect I realised this is the first time I have seen you smile you have the most beautiful smile Ava has anyone told you that.

Ava: No George no one has ever told me that is it now *thinks for a moment* oh this is like that film where that captain of the ship scoops his girl up. *Ava thinks for a moment* I remember now George an officer and a gentle man. *She takes off his sunglasses and puts them on and she kisses him again* she had a hat I have your sunglasses baby.

George: *kisses Ava back* I could get used to this Ava

Ava: You best, because there is plenty where that came from *she puts her head on his chest to hear his heart beating. George’s arms feel so safe Ava finally knows what love feels like* George I love you.

George: I love you too.