A walk in the woods:

Grace *after returning from Tortuga and having solved the Father Connolly issue – at least for the time being – staying alone at Arwen when Donnie leaves for the office is starting to bore her.  It was one thing when he was around, but now that he goes off to work every day, it looks more and more like she’s become a housewife … and a rather desperate one!  Even the word “housewife” makes her skin crawl; she’s a pirate and a witch … and a shaman.  Not a housewife!  For a while she past the time by practising her witchcraft and her telekinetic powers, but even that has become a bit boring.  She has gained a lot of control over her telekinetic power and unless she’s extremely edgy and someone startles her; she doesn’t use it unintentionally.  And using witchcraft just for the sake of using it seems rather redundant.  Donnie has only just left for the office and she’s already wondering how she’ll spend the day and has counted the hours till he comes back again and tells her of his day.  The very thought of her – Grace O’Malley, captain of the Brave – sitting in her house just waiting for her husband to return is appalling!  Something must be done!  Finally she decides to go for a walk; she can collect herbs along the way and who knows, maybe something interesting and exciting will happen.  After all, it is Deppville.*

*She leaves Arwen with the bag she uses for collecting herbs over her shoulder.  She walks through the forest enjoying the fresh smell of the trees and undergrowth; she stops to remove her boots and continues barefoot along the path.  When she reaches the river, she steps into it and walks in the shallow water near the brink not caring one bit that her dress is getting wet.  She smiles a little; pirate she may be, but there’s no denying her wiccan heritage … or her Irish heritage.  She loves the forest and the river just as much as the sea.  As she walks she occasionally stops to collect herbs; ever since Malachi helped her gunshot wound heal faster, she’s taken a more keen interest in the more everyday use of herbs instead of only concentrating on potions for magical use.  Suddenly she spots a flowerbed of beautiful wild roses and wonders if they’ll grow by Arwen if she replants a few.  She steps out of the river and walks towards the flowerbed in the soft grass; as she reaches them she puts down the bag and her boots and bends down to examine how easy it’ll be to pick a few with the roots.  But suddenly she jumps back*  Bloody ‘ell!  *She cautiously moves closer again and stares wide-eyed at the woman lying in the tall grass by the roses … the woman’s throat has been slashed and the ground around has been colored in a deep red; almost similar to the color of the roses.  Grace swallows hard; as a pirate she really should have a stronger stomach!  Mutters as she digs out her cell phone and dials Donnie’s number*  that’s what ye get fer wantin’ excitement!  *The phone connects and she hears Donnie answer*  Donnie, luv, ye might want te get out te the river … why?  ‘Cause I found a dead woman … throat slashed jus’ like that pirate ye told me about.  *she hangs up after explaining to Donnie exactly where by the river she is … she glances at the body again; despite the horrific sight it’s somehow difficult not to look.  Kind of like when people slow down as they drive by a car accident, even though they know that if they should see something, it won’t be pretty.  She shudders a little as she wonders about the last moments of this beautiful woman’s life … was she forced out here by the river or were she lured by promises or perhaps the roses were the bait.  Her thoughts are interrupted as she hears a melancholy woman’s voice singing softly … at first it sounds as if far away and it’s difficult to make out the words, but it sounds as if the woman singing is coming closer.  Grace looks around her searching for the woman, but sees no one … there’s just the song*

Lift your razor high!
Sweeney!
Hear it singing!
Yes!
Stick it in the rosy skin of righteousness!
His voice was soft, his manner mild.
He seldom laughed but he often smiled.

*A cold wind comes in from the river.  Grace turns her gaze towards the river and for a moment she’s convinced that her eyes are deceiving her … a woman appears from thin air and seems to be floating a few inches above the water.  Suddenly the woman is right in front of Grace, staring at her with tears in her eyes as she sings*

He'd seen how civilized men behaved.
He never forgot
and he never forgave.
Not Sweeney...
Not Sweeney Todd...
The Demon barber of Fleet Street

Grace *stares back at the woman, then slowly turns and looks at the dead woman lying in the grass, then back at the woman singing … Grace swallows hard*  So ye be a ghost then … that’s interesting … that’ s very interesting.  *The woman smiles and turns towards the river again; she starts singing her song as she floats across the river and disappears*

Lift your razor high!
Sweeney!
Hear it singing!
Yes!
Stick it in the rosy skin of righteousness!
His voice was soft, his manner mild.
He seldom laughed but he often smiled.

He'd seen how civilized men behaved.
He never forgot
and he never forgave.
Not Sweeney...
Not Sweeney Todd...
The Demon barber of Fleet Street

At Stratford Castle:

Sweeney *hearing the door knock he is most annoyed at the disturbance he closes his razor and heads down stairs with razor in tow. He is now in a further fowl mood than he all ready was. Sweeney pulls the door open he half expects one of the imbeciles at the security office to be there.  However it is not, it is a women he looks at checking every detaill about her he notices he uneasyness about being here. He smells the air she smells of dirt with the faint odour of the Commander and her cheap knockoff perfume. He is fascinated by her, she is a woman who seems not to care for herself quite like the men he deals with and with a snarl and then half a smile*  What do you have an appointment you disturbed me *turning into the gentleman that he is with women* now miss what can I do for you?  

Jeanne *smiling brightly*  Hello, I am Jeanne Missoni, and I have something very important for Mistress Fiore.  Is she in?  Sorry for disturbing you, but I just could not know that you were occupied.  *she glances at his countenance and there is something creepy in him she can't define.  Definitely a man you wouldn't want to meet in a dark alley.  But at the same time, he is rather fascinating*  But now I am here anyway, so can I come in?

Sweeney *looks at her again and forces a smile* Hello Miss Missoni well I was but now I am not *snarls* Elizabeth *stepping away from the door* Please follow me. *shouts again* Elizabeth *stops dead in his tracks* you must call her Mistress Fiore I only call her Elizabeth before I proceed any further Miss Missoni please tell me why you smell of mud.

Jeanne *nods gravely*  I understand.  Mistress Fiore it is.  *just like Commander Portsmith, it seems.  Is the small town of Deppville really big enough for two bullies, and how do people manage to live with them?*  Mud?  Oh, sorry.  I am an archaeologist and I didn't have the time to change.  You will get it when you see my find.

Sweeny *with half a smile* old things you say have you seen Portsmith *laughs* judging by your smell *he goes up to her neck and smells it* ah odour de Portsmith you have. *backing away* don’t try to double cross Elisabeth. *they carrying on walking and Sweeney stops at Mistress Fiore door he knocks and enters leaving Jeanne waiting outside*

Mistress: What is it Sweeney get that blonde woman out of your head you have had two now.

Sweeney: You have a visitor Elisabeth 

Mistress: I don’t have visitors Sweeney I have appointments you know the rules

Sweeney: she has something for you

Mistress: Does she now *snarls with intrigue*

Sweeney: A word of warning she's been to Portsmith I could smell her cheap purfume on her and mud *shrugs*

Mistress: Ah Commander lets play cat and mouse shall we *grins at Sweeney* you can tell her to wait

Sweeney: I am going out Elisabeth I need to get her out of my head. Ok Elisabeth *he walks to door and leaves the office* Miss Missoni she will see you in a moment you will have to wait.

Mistress: *shouts with a snarl* You may enter.  *Sweeney brushes past Jeanne and grabs his coat and he disappears in to the night.*

At la Maison de Paradis:

Don Juan *follows Malachi to the den, casting a glance after Miranda*  She is really something, isn't she?  A wonderful woman ... *he sighs, blushes a little*  Have you ever ... I mean, she being such gorgeous .. and full of life ... how should I put it ... *he lowers his voice*  Has it ever stopped singing for you?

Malachi *hands Don Juan one of the two cups of coffee Miranda gave him.  He shuts the door to the den, turns to him, eyebrows raised*  Stopped ‘singing’?  Ah ... no, I can’t say I’ve ever had that happen to me.  And now, I have to admit, being with Miranda … *he looks toward the door, thinks of her in the kitchen, smiles dreamily*  … I’ve never felt this way about someone … it’s like it intensifies everything.  *he glances at Don Juan, grins a little self-mockingly*  If we’re talking ‘singing,’ you might say Miranda brings out the Hallelujah Chorus in me.  *sets his coffee cup down on a table, finds a cigarette, lights it, offers one to Don Juan*  So you’re having a little trouble in that area, eh?  *smirks*  Better not let word get out, mate, your fans will be crushed and your reputation will be ruined.

Don Juan *takes the cigarette in one hand and the coffee cup in another.*  Ah, a chorus ... what I would not give for a little ditty ...   It's more than about fans and reputation, it's my whole life crushed!  *he sniffs, then sips the coffee*  The divine light gone.  It's never before happened with me, not even in the hands of the Sultana and her maids.  Ah, that was times.  Love is the essence of my life, and now, if it is gone, there is nothing but cold ashes left.  *he leans closer to Malachi*  This is all strictly confidential.  I know that you are an adept with drugs and all kind of stuff ...  You don't happen to have ...  You have to help me before Ava discovers anything!  She is after me like a shark, and I can't avoid her for much longer.  You must save my life!

Malachi *rolls his eyes at Don’s dramatics and prattle about divine light and ashes.  He takes a drink of coffee, looks at him*  I see, so that’s why you’re here.  Okay, I think I can help you.  Wait here.  *he leaves the den, goes to a small door near the staircase, digging in his pocket for a set of keys.  He finds a key, unlocks the door, opens it, enters a small room that he’s set up as a makeshift lab.  He looks around on the shelves, takes down a few small bottles and vials, mixes some elements together, then looks at the bottle studiously; he thinks of something, goes to a bookcase against the wall, finds an old volume, brings it out, flips through the pages, nods as he finds the entry he was looking for.  He puts the book away, crouches down under the counter, opens a drawer, finds a container with the herbs he’s looking for; straightens up, opens the container, sprinkles a small amount of the herb into the bottle.  He puts the herbs away, secures the stopper in the bottle, shakes it vigorously; holds it up to the light, eyes narrowed as he examines it, then nods, satisfied.  He puts it in his shirt pocket, leaves the lab, locks the door, returns to the den*  All set.  *closes the door behind him, brings the bottle out of his pocket, holds it out to Don Juan*  This should help you.  Now you want to be careful with it, it’s harmless, but you don’t want to overdo it.  There are exactly three doses in this bottle, to be taken once a day for the next three days.  I realize you’re impatient and that sounds like a long time, but whatever you do, don’t try to rush the process by taking it all at once, savvy?  *he eyes him sternly*  I won’t be responsible for the consequences if you don’t follow instructions.  Take it as prescribed, and then, when you see Ava on that third day … *he grins*  well, you may not wind up with a chorus, but I think you can at least count on a night of karaoke.

Don Juan:  Is it that easy?  My manhood in a small bottle ... My whole life in a few drops and herbs.  That feels so - so degrading, no offense meant.  *he strokes his chin with a thoughtful expression*  Maybe it is Ava's fault, running away with a petty thief and smuggler I believed to be my friend ...  *nevertheless, he keeps his eyes on the bottle*  Can I take the first dose immediately?  Can I already see the first effects?

Malachi *shrugs*  No offense taken.  You can use it or throw it away for all I care.  I can tell you that I’ve helped other blokes with the same problem, using this same formula, and I’ve had nothing but satisfied customers … *winks* … and gratitude expressed by their equally satisfied girlfriends.  To be honest, I don’t know if you’ll notice a difference right away.  In the past, I’ve always given the stuff to the, er, patients, and I didn’t hear back from them till later, after the fact.  And the news was always good.  Give it a try, you’ve got nothing to lose.  If it doesn’t work for you, then go to a good doctor, advisably one in another town who can be counted on for confidentiality.  *glances at the bottle, nods toward it, grins*  It’s no matter that the bottle’s small, mate … it’s what’s inside that counts.

Don Juan *hastily*  Oh no, I couldn't go to any doctor!  Someone would surely see it and they have to put all on record, now, I put my trust in you and this little bottle!  *he hides it in his cloak.*  You have my life in your hands.  I am very thankful, but if I start to hear rumours ...  *he touches the hilt of his sword at the door.*  My regards to your chorus leader!  *and he slinks out, not really knowing where to go.  Some women walk by him, not even casting a glance at him, o despair!  They can't feel his charisma!  The bottle is his only chance … *

Malachi *watches him go, shakes his head, mumbles*  Poor bastard, mad as a March hare.  *he leaves the den, goes to the kitchen, where Miranda is busily preparing breakfast*  Looks like it’s just the two of us, bright eyes … His Capeship has taken his leave of us.  *snickers as he approaches the counter, sets the two coffee cups down, refills his own*

Miranda *looking astonished at him with eyes wide*  Just the two of us and you are thinking of drinking coffee?  What kind of problems did he have?

Malachi *comes over to her, brings an arm around her waist*  Nothing serious.  He wanted a little advice on, oh, some ways he can make Ava happy.  He was just a little shy about discussing it in front of you.  *grins*  He also wanted some advice on someone he could talk to about singing lessons.  I suggested he try the School of Music at the Community College.  *kisses her cheek*  No worries, he’ll be fine.  *he glances at the stove*  What's cookin', beautiful?

Miranda *not understanding anything, but not very interested in the matters of Don Juan either*  Oh ...  Is it the same thing as with that nice Alphonse, he started behaving oddly when he saw me.  *she adds thoughtfully*  But I was wearing bikinis then.  I didn't know that such a small piece of cloth can make men act weird.  That's funny, when you think about it, isn't it.  *she resolutely puts on the lid on the pan*  The stew will now simmer for some hours.  *she fans herself*  Don't you think it's too hot here?  *and she reaches up to put her arms around his neck and nibble his ear*  I could do with lesser clothing ...

Malachi:  Ah, yes, poor ol’ Alphonse.  *runs a hand through his hair*  Well, you’ll learn more and more that men tend to, ahh, sweat the small stuff sometimes, especially when it comes to women's fashions.  *he watches her fan herself, gazes at her as she wraps her arms around his neck, his dark eyes sweeping over her*  Yeah, lesser clothing … sometimes less is more … *he leans in to kiss her … *

Dylan *dashes into the kitchen noisily, closely followed by Robbie and Erin*  Malachi, we wanna go to the movies …

Robbie *irritably*  Make the dumb girls quit followin’ us!

Erin *glares at him*  It’s a free country, I can go anywhere I want!!

Robbie *scowls*  Nuh-UHH!!  *sticks his tongue out at her; Erin purses her lips, shoves him hard*

Malachi *sighs; quietly to Miranda*  Hold that thought ..  *he releases her, turns to the children*  Okay, enough!  Erin, Robbie, knock it off.  *looks at Dylan*  So you want to go to the movies … *Dylan nods*  Tell you what … I’ll call a cab, and I'll pay for the whole thing, you won’t have to touch your allowance … but you have to take the other kids with you.

Dylan *looks very disappointed*  Awww, c’mon, Malachi …

Malachi *holds up a hand*  I know, it’s some responsibility.  I wouldn’t assign it to just anybody, but you’re so grown up, I know I can count on you.  *he looks at him approvingly; Dylan colors slightly, pleased.  Malachi looks at Robbie, raises an eyebrow*  Robbie, there’ll come a day when you’ll love having the dumb girls follow you.  *turns to Erin*  Erin, a certain toughness is admirable in a lady … *glances at Miranda, smiles* … but you have to temper it.  Choose your battles, so to speak.  *he looks them over again, nods*  Right, I’m putting the three of you in charge of this operation.  Dylan, you’re the oldest, so you’ll head up the group.  Robbie and Erin, you follow Dylan’s lead.  That leaves Bonnie, Cyndi, Len, Ray and Brian to be looked after.  Erin, you keep the girls in line *looks at Dylan and Robbie* you blokes oversee the boys.  You’ll all go to the movies together, you can stop and have a snack at Chez Roux if you want, and then you’ll all come home.  I don’t want anyone getting lost or straying from the group, savvy?  I’ll give Dylan one of the cell phones just in case.  *he looks at them carefully*  Do we have an accord?  *the three of them nod vigorously*  Good.  *he digs in a pocket, brings out some money, gives it to Dylan; he smothers a grin as the boy takes it, wide-eyed*  That should be plenty of money.  Now, shall I call the taxi, or would one of you like to do it?

Erin *pipes up*  I’ll do it!  *she smiles proudly, flips her hair*  I’ve been told I have a nice phone voice.  *Robbie rolls his eyes, Erin frowns and clenches a fist to punch him in the arm; then she feels Malachi’s eyes on her, and she stops herself*

Malachi:  Good.  Erin, you call the taxi, Robbie, you go get the rest of the kids together and take ‘em out front.  Dylan, let’s get that cell phone for you, I think it’s in the den.  *Erin and Robbie scramble to take care of their tasks, Malachi leads Dylan out of the kitchen; stops at the doorway, looks over his shoulder at Miranda*  As for you, sweetheart, put that stew on very, very slow simmer.  Savvy?  *he grins, puts a hand on Dylan’s shoulder, leads him toward the den*