At Bournemouth House:

Abberline *forgets Isabella for awhile when he opens the door to Bournemouth House*  Raven?  Where are you?

Raven *up in his room, brightens when he hears Abberline’s voice.  He looks at Sydney, smiles*  He’s here!  *the owl looks at him, blinks; Raven jumps up, leaves the room, runs down the stairs*  Father, you were gone a long time.  *he approaches him, smiling*  Mother’s here, she’s upstairs in the bedroom.  She was feedin’ Chiana, an’ they both fell asleep.  She’ll be awake again in a little while … she said she wanted to talk to you.  *he looks at him*  Are you tired, can I get you somethin’ to eat?

Abberline:  Kat is really here?  Did she come back, or is she just waiting for me with a shovel?  *he takes off his jacket, finds his cigarette case and goes to the living room, lighting a smoke.*  If they are asleep, we won't bother them.  I had a long day at work, but I am not hungry, just tired.  *he reaches after his bottle, cautiously glances at Raven*  Did she tell you what she wanted to talk about?

Raven *tries to recall what Kat said*  She said somethin’ about … she wants to convince you to do the right thing.  I don’t know what she meant by that.  But she didn’t seem mad at all, truly.  *smiles slightly*  An’ she didn’t bring a shovel.  She was real calm, she just wants to talk to you.  She said she was gonna at least stay long enough to do that.  *pauses, adds casually*  She sure was havin’ fun with Chiana, and Chiana was so happy to see her.  W-wouldn’t it be nice if she was really comin’ back home?  *he steals a look at Abberline; he knows he shouldn’t get his hopes up, but he’s just enough of a regular human child to want to see his parents together and loving each other.  Adds quickly*  I mean, if that’s something you both want, of course.  *he abruptly changes the subject before Abberline can respond, as if he’s afraid that the response won’t be what he wants to hear*  Where were you, Father?  Were you working on a case, what’s it about?

Abberline:  Calm?  Why is it that I feel more nervous about that?  *he gets even more nervous when Raven talks about Kat getting back to him, and he is grateful for not having to answer him* Yes, I was working one a case, and it was a real tiresome day.  For some reason the great Chief decided that I should be the babysitter at the office and assigned a young nosy girl to be my partner. It was downright impossible to work with her, and ... *he recalls the electrifying kiss, and the powerful draw he felt towards her, and quickly tries to hide his thoughts from Raven*  Maybe I should just get some sleep on the sofa.

Raven *blinks as he sees a confusing mix of images, he’s not sure of what he’s sensing, but he thinks perhaps his father is interested in this young woman he’s talking about.  Raven shakes his head slightly, glances toward the stairs, looks at Abberline, a little sternly*  I think I heard Mother … I’ll be right back.  *he turns, dashes up the stairs, enters the master bedroom, sees Kat awake, lying on the bed with a soundly sleeping Chiana*  Mother, Father’s home.  He says c’mon down.  Go ahead, I’ll take care of Chiana.

Abberline *swears, follows the stairs to the bedroom, sternly to Raven*  Don't judge about things you know nothing about!  I know what you want, but you must understand it just can't be!  *then he glances at Kat, and Chiana, cuddled against her mother and they both looks so beautiful and peaceful together, that he feels a lump in his throat and chokes on the harsh words he was going to say to her.  His wife and his daughter ... how came it to pass that he messed it all, and for what?  Quietly, he sits down on the bedside and lifts Chiana who still is yawning, into his arms, and she coos and she presses her warm head against his chest, and for a while he forgets everything else, then he turns to Kat*  What was it you wanted to talk about?  I thought we were clear through with everything.

Kat *Stares at him for a moment, knowing it's a waste of time.  Abby wants a divorce.  He no longer cares for her and doesn't want to see her.  There's nothing she can do for Metrea's child.  She has nothing to offer it not even a roof over its head.  Metrea has taken all from her.  Everything about Metrea raising the child is true but also there was an element of selfishness as well.  It's Abby's child, a part of him that she could hold on to.  Having faced that, she'd wakened earlier and penned a note, intending to slip away leaving the note for him.  Then Raven and Abby had suddenly appeared.  She glances at the note she'd placed propped up against the dresser mirror.  Stammers*  Yes of course, crystal clear.  I shouldna 'ave come.  *Turns and rushes downstairs and away from the house, not stopping until she's out of breath.  She wants only to be alone and heads off to the only place she can think of.*

Dear Abby,

You deserve more in a wife than a pirate.  You deserve a true lady who would do and say all the proper things.  The same holds true for Raven and Chiana needing a good mother.  I've done nothing right until now.  You can have your divorce, I know you want it.  I won't cross you.  As for Metrea's child, what will be will be, and naught to be done about it.  I'll try to stay out of your way.  There's one more thing, though I know it doesn't matter anymore.  I'll always love you, Abby.  Apologies, I can't seem to help it.  Goodbye my love,

Kat

At From Hell Court:

*The second day comes around and Sweeney makes his way back to Elisa place. He plucks a wild rose from the river bank and takes it to Elisa he finds himself back in the deeps of despair that is From Hell court. Sweeney walks to Elisa’s door and knocks on it. Elisa answers the door and with a sweet smile she smiles and Sweeney and Sweeney looks at Elisa again she was more beautiful than any woman he’d seen.*  Hello Elisa.

Elisa: *Smiles* Hello Todd come on in.

Sweeney: Elisa Do you know where the wild roses grow so sweet and scarlet and free.

Elisa: No I don’t Todd I only have ever seen roses in the shops in Deppville never have I seen them in from hell court.

Sweeney: Oh lay on the bed Elisa *Elisa lays on the bed and Sweeney runs the single rose over her body*  Will you give me you loss and your sorrow? *Elisa nods her head* If I show you the roses will you follow.

Elisa: *nods her head again* Yes Todd I would I would love to see wild roses grow. *She pulls Sweeney in again and then they have their fun. * Why do you keep coming back?

Sweeney: Because you’re the most beautiful woman that I have ever seen.

Elisa: Oh I see I bet you say that to all the girls.

Sweeney: No only you *smiles* Now Elisa I most go now

Elisa: The same time tomorrow Todd maybe you could show me the wild roses *she smells the wild rose that he picked her*

Sweeney: Yes Elisa the same time I will show you the wild roses.

At Luc’s stables:

Ava *without knowing it starts to whisper a Spanish song into Jake’s ear* Ya llegan las monjas, Caminito de Peronja, No pueden pasar, Por el río de la mar, Pase una, pasen dos, Pase la madre de Dios, En su caballito blanco, Alumbrando todo el campo, Campo mayor de San Salvador, Ya llega Perico, Tocando el pitico, Si no lo toca bien, ¡Que le den, que le den, Con el culo de la sartén!

Jake *gazes at her and moves a lock of hair away from her face*  It's beautiful ... what does it mean?

Ava *smiles* I don’t know something about nuns and them coming to collect someone *smiles* it sounds better if you don’t know what it means *laughs and kisses him again and she smiles* Now Jake this will be the greatest experience you will ever know  *smiles and takes the lead*

At Rartigillichal:

Manouche *in the kitchen in the morning, making croissants.  She puts them in the oven, then starts a pot of coffee.  She looks out the window at the beautiful morning; the sun hasn’t been up for long, everything is bathed in the soft light of summer dawn.  She’s been up for awhile.  She woke early, came downstairs, found Chírilo in the kitchen, rubbing her eyes sleepily and drinking a cup of orange juice.  They had sat in the kitchen together for a few minutes, then went to tend the horses.  Returning to the house, Manouche sent Chírilo to the guest house, telling her to bring Alifi over in a couple of hours, and on the way stop by the mill house and see if Elliott and Dawn would care to join them; by that time, Blake would be up and they could all have some breakfast together.  They parted, and Manouche went to the kitchen and started baking, trying to keep her mind on other things than the baby growing inside her.  As she waits for the coffee to finish brewing, she wraps her shawl tighter around her shoulders; she’s wearing several of her favorite traditional Romani clothing items today, finding them comforting somehow, with the pretty colors and spangles … *

Hey honey …

Manouche *jumps*  GAAHH!!  *she spins around, sighs*  Blimey, love, ye scared me!

Blake *grins, comes up to her, kisses her cheek*  I’m sorry.  *sniffs the air appreciatively*  Croissants a la chocolat?  Is Godley comin’?

Manouche *smiles*  These usually did bring ‘im callin’, didn’t they?  He don’t seem to pop in so much now that we’re farther from town.  I rather miss that.  *she turns, reaches for cups, pours coffee for them both*  ‘Ere ye are, love.

Blake:  C’mon, let’s go in the breakfast room.  *he brings her to the room with its long table, they sit down.  He looks her over admiringly*  Your pirate gear suits you well, but I love to see you in your Gypsy clothes.  You look prettier than ever this morning.  *Manouche, sipping her coffee, looks at him, starts to say something; she lowers her head, tears fill her eyes.  Blake’s smile fades, he moves his chair closer to hers*  Honey, what’s wrong?  I’ve had a feeling something's been botherin’ you.  Please tell me …

Manouche *sobs, wipes at her eyes, turns to him.  He looks so understanding, his dark eyes filled with love and concern.  She simply can’t keep it from him any longer*  M-Mr. Blake, love … I ‘ave some very strange news t’ tell ye.  Ye remember how it were not long ago, when yer former fiancée contacted ye, an’ ye felt a bit torn?  Remember how, at that time, all th’ weirdness in ol’ Manouche’s wake seemed t’ be overwhelmin’ ye somewhat?

Blake *winces, mumbles*  I don’t like to remember that.  Wasn’t one of my better moments.

Manouche *puts a hand on his arm*  Ye did nothin’ wrong, love.  It were perfectly understandable.  I get a bit tired of it all meself sometimes.  I can only imagine what it must be like fer those around me.  ‘Specially those not necessarily of a supernatural bent.

Blake *brings his arms around her*  I truly don’t care, honey, you believe that, don’t you?  I knew all along I want no one else beside me but you.  *thinks of Nobody, smiles a little self-mockingly*  Sometimes the ‘stupid white man’ needs a subtle reminder, like a kick in the pants.

Manouche:  Well … I’m glad t’ hear ye say that, love, ‘cause … I’m about t’ tell ye somethin’ that’ll test yer mettle all over again.

Blake *looks at her worriedly*  I … I don’t know what could be much more of a test than the snakebite …

Manouche:  Funny ye should bring that up.  *twisting her napkin*  Th-this is different, although that may ‘ave somethin’ to do with it … *she stands up, starts pacing*  Mr. Blake, I went to a doctor yesterday with Alifi … he’s very good, he’s a Rom doctor.  An’ he’s also experienced with people of … of unique abilities an’ such.  As it turns out … I’m in a condition I thought were impossible.  I … I’m carryin’ a surrogate child.

Blake *stares at her, uncomprehending*  A … a surrogate … *eyes wide*  D-do you mean to say that … you’re …

Manouche *nods, watching him carefully*  I’m pregnant, love.  But … th’ baby ain’t yers nor mine.  It’s as if I acquiesced to be a surrogate mother fer another couple, an’ it took.  I ‘ave no idea how it could’ve ‘appened.  Alifi, an’ this doctor an’ me, we’re all of a mind that per’aps th’ snakebite has somethin’ to do with it.  Since there’s so little documented about th’ effects of its venom, it’s possible that this is how I’m reactin’ to it.  It may ‘ave counteracted th’ curse that were put upon me so many years ago.  But at th’ same time, it seems to ‘ave put another embryo in me ... from unknown sources, as it were.

Blake *continues staring, his mouth open; finally he shakes his head*  I … I don’t know what to say.  *he sits quietly, trying to absorb it all, not even sure what to ask next.  He finds a cigarette, lights it, takes a drink of coffee; finally looks up again, sees Manouche standing at the corner of the room, watching him anxiously*  Are … h-how are you feelin’?

Manouche *swallows*  I – I’m sound, love.  Th’ doctor says me health is fine, as is that of th’ baby.  He also said he could jus’ barely detect th’ results of th’ snakebite in me system, an’ that were only ‘cause he were aware of it an’ lookin’ fer it.  He says it’s so undetectable, it could be a long time before I start feelin’ any significant effects from it.

Blake *nods slightly, takes a deep breath*  But … well … who are the parents?  *he glances down to her midsection a little uncomfortably*

Manouche *shrugs*  W-we don’t know yet.  Th’ doctor’s runnin’ tests, he says he’ll be able t’ tell in a coupla days or so.

Blake:  So if you concentrate … you can’t figure it out?  And you don’t remember anything happening where this could’ve … where it …

Manouche *shakes her head*  I don’t.  I don’t remember anythin’ of th' sort.  I never would’ve offered t’ do somethin’ like this fer anyone, seein’ as how I didn’t think I were capable o’ childbearin’.  An’ I’ve tried to sense somethin’ from it, but … I sense nothin’.  We ‘ave no choice but t’ wait.  *pauses*  There’s somethin’ else ye should know.  Th’ doctor told me that, under these mysterious circumstances, an’ due to th’ fact that I’ve ‘ad curses, an’ by virtue o’ bein’ a dreamer an’ such … he said there’s a possibility that th’ child is a result of somethin’ … otherworldly.  That is t’ say, its parentage could be of an evil-spirit nature, savvy?

Blake:  So … like another curse …

Manouche *nods*  Aye.  However, if th’ results show human DNA, then we’ll know that at least part o’ what’s ‘appenin’ ‘ere is … is …

Blake *laughs shortly, finishes for her*  Normal.  *he finishes his cigarette, puts it out in the ashtray on the table, is quiet for a few minutes; then he sighs*  I won’t question it, because I’ve come to terms with the fact that my life with you is gonna offer all sorts of fantastic scenarios, good an’ bad.  *he looks up at her, sees tears in her eyes.  He stands up, holds his arms out to her*  Honey, c’mere …  *Manouche sobs again, runs to him; he takes her in his arms, holds her tight, sits back down at the table, holding her in his lap*  Shhh, honey, easy … *he strokes her hair, murmuring softly to her until her tears subside a little, then continues*  So … you’re carrying a surrogate baby.  We don’t know whose it is.  It may be the result of a curse …  *he thinks for a moment, then another idea occurs to him; adds*  … or … it may be the result of a blessing.

Manouche *pulls away from him slightly, looking at him, her eyes moist*  Wh-what’cha mean, a blessin’?  Blimey, that’s what I prayed fer.  I were so hopin’ I could come home an’ tell ye that yer goin’ to be a dad—

Blake:  What I mean is … if the baby could result from a curse, couldn’t it also result from a good spell?  *smiles slightly*  Where is it written that anything from the other world is immediately evil?  Maybe it’s good.  Maybe it’s not a demon … maybe it’s an angel.

Manouche *stares at him in wonder*  By th’ powers … do ye know, none of us even entertained that possibility … but yer right.  It stands t’ reason, if one’s possible, the other must be.

Blake:  There you are.  *he strokes her hair*

Manouche:  B-but … what if we find out who th’ parents are, an’ … an’ let’s say it’s jus’ a regular human couple.  Who knows what would ‘appen after that …

Blake *takes a long strand of her dark hair, twirls it around his finger*  Given your track record … *grins* … my money’s on the supernatural.

Manouche *laughs a little, brings her arms around his neck*  Mr. Blake … can I truly take all this t’ mean that … that ye believe me?

Blake:  Believing you is the easiest part of all.  I know you’re telling me everything you know about all this.  If you weren’t, I know I would feel it.  And besides that, the tests would show that you’re lying.  But I don’t need to see the tests … I believe you.  *he looks down at her middle, more comfortably this time*  As for the little one … time will tell, won’t it?  Find out the results, and we’ll go from there.  If it’s something harmful, then … then we’ll have to rid you of it.  *frowns, looks down for a moment, pauses.  Then he looks up at her again*  But as far as I’m concerned … if it’s a healthy child, and its parents are nowhere to be found, an’ you want it, it’ll be ours.  Even if it’s not our chromosomes, you’ll be nourishing it, you’ll be carrying it.  If it comes into this world an’ has no parents waiting for it … then it’ll be up to us.  And we’ll be mother an’ father to the child as sure as if it had resulted directly from our union.

Manouche *gazes at him, eyes shining*  Oh, m’ love … *she throws her arms around him, hugs him tight*  B-but what if it truly belongs to a deservin’ couple an’ they come t’ claim it?

Blake *thinks a moment*  It would be hard to give up … hardest on you, my beautiful girl.  *he squeezes her*  But we would know we were doin’ the right thing.  In some ways, we wouldn’t be worse off than before.  An’ we’ll still have our daughter Chírilo.  *smiles, still playing with her hair*  And maybe … just maybe … maybe this all means that once it’s over, you’ll be able to become pregnant with a child of our own.  *grins, arches a brow*  Call me a cockeyed optimist.

Manouche *half-laughs, half-sobs, throws her arms around him again, covering him with kisses*  I love ye with all me heart, William Blake …

Blake *holds her tight*  I love you, honey.  *something occurs to him, and he adds in a serious tone*  However, there’s something very important you still haven’t told me …

Manouche *looks at him, concerned*  Wh-what’s that, love?

Blake *frowning, looks at her sternly*  When will those damn croissants be done?  I’m starving.

Manouche *reaches to the table, grabs a folded napkin; Blake ducks his head slightly as she swats him with it*  Keep talkin’ like that, love, an’ yer liable t’ receive yers with a layer o’ pepper on top!  *Blake grabs her wrist, pulls her arm down, she laughs, struggles to free herself from his grip; he pulls her close, kisses her passionately; she drops the napkin, brings her arms around his neck, returns his kiss with fervor.  She pulls away slightly, gazing into his eyes, murmurs*  That’s more like it.  Deux coeurs, une âme …

Blake *caressing her belly gently, finishes softly* … notre monde.  *they kiss again, Manouche stands up, goes to the kitchen to fetch the croissants.  Blake watches her go, his expression a mixture of contentment, concern and love.  He looks at their empty cups on the table; he stands up, picks them up, joins her in the kitchen to pour more coffee*