Tiger Lily had never seen so many different groups of peoples in one place. The mermaids hovered near the shoreline; the fairies all glowed brightly in one spot in the air. The unicorns and centaurs pawed the ground nervously; Mr. Smee and several of the pirates who had declared their allegiance to Peter were talking animatedly to several of the Indians. Tiger Lily looked around and smiled for she had never seen such peaceful times on the island. There was murmuring all around her and she caught a glimpse of a dark shape that had appeared in the sky. The royal family of Neverland descended and everyone gasped and stared in awe. Never have you seen such a regal family. The King of Neverland was splendidly dressed and wore his crown of nobility; his queen was radiant and she looked every inch the Mother of Neverland and in her arms lay a sleeping babe clad in the threads of Neverland, a small tuft of blonde curls forming over his tiny head. Everyone sank to their knees as Peter gestured to his people, one of his arms still around his wife. The Chief of the Picanny tribe bowed low before the family.
"Your Majesties, the people of Neverland welcome you to this place. We are so thankful for you all."
"Neverland, I am thankful for you," Peter's voice rang out clear as bells.
"Queen Wendy, Mother of Neverland, we thank you for providing life to the island. We thank the Second Star that you have come to us."
"Neverland, I am honored and grateful for you all," she said, inclining her head.
"Son of Peter Pan, Prince of Neverland, we declare our undying loyalty and allegiance to you. We honor your presence here tonight." Wyatt had woken up and was staring wide eyed at the proceedings. Peter grinned and rubbed his son's head.
"On behalf of my son, I thank you for your declaration. I present to you, Wyatt Asher Pan, firstborn of Peter and Wendy Pan and the next leader of Neverland." Peter held his son in the air and there came a deafening cry of applause and cheering. Wendy's eyes filled with tears as she watched her husband take her son around to everyone and allow their people to see their new prince.
"He will be strong and brave like his father," Bear Claw said, bowing his head.
"But he will have his mother's wisdom and compassion," Tiger Lily said with a smile, which Wendy returned. People started to come up to Wendy to kiss her hand and she felt overwhelmed with their gratitude and recognition. Wyatt seemed to be enjoying the attention, giggling and gurgling as he was passed around and admired. The Chief invited everyone around the fire to eat and dance and be merry. Peter lingered around the shoreline with the mermaids for a moment before they blew him kisses and swam away. Reyna smiled at Wyatt and stroked his cheek.
"I have no doubts that the new Pan will be as adventurous and troublesome as his father was."
"Wendy finally tamed me. She shall do the same with our son." The mermaid smiled and glanced back at Wendy.
"She is truly lucky to have caught the attentions of Peter Pan."
"I'm the lucky one, Reyna. Look at what all she has given me. These adventures could never be had by a mere boy." With a smile and a sigh, Reyna disappeared under the waves.
Wendy sat by the fire watching the flames with round eyes.
"The Queen sits here troubled while all of Neverland celebrates," came a voice from behind her. She relaxed immediately and smiled as Mr. Smee quickly kissed her hand before sitting beside her.
"What makes you think I'm troubled?"
"Because your eyes don't dance as they should. What's in your head, Highness?"
"Oh Mr. Smee, enough with the pleasantries, please. You've seen me at my very worst."
"Aye but you overcame every obstacle thrown at you, you both did. Your love is what keeps him strong and alive. Now that wee babe is the miracle of this island. Neverland is immensely grateful to you." Wendy continued to stare at the dancing flames.
"But why? Peter once told me to be King and to be Pan forever, he needed to bring someone to Neverland to be loyal to him and provide him an heir. Am I really more than a mere mortal girl to the people of Neverland? What makes me so different, besides my ability to give birth?"
"Wendy, you didn't just have a baby. You gave birth to a new prince of Neverland, so that we may always have someone to protect us. Forgive me, my dear, but you can't possibly understand what that means. Peter has been the Prince of Neverland for many years but there were power struggles and wars and no one to unite the peoples of Neverland. Why? Because the Prince was just a lad and all he cared about was having fun. Oh he would watch out for his mates, make sure they didn't get into too much trouble and if the Indians needed any assistance, he was always there. But when he fell in love with you, that little boy grew up and it's your love that has turned him into a king. Now he cares about the island, does his best to ensure peace, those meetings he attends with the other leaders to make sure everyone is content, he's doing it all because he cares. You didn't just give us a prince, Wendy. You gave us a king too." Wendy stared at Mr. Smee with wide eyes, her mouth opened slightly as if she wanted to say something but she couldn't find the words. Mr. Smee smiled knowingly and patted her hand before he walked away. Her eyes found her husband and her heart raced as she watched him move around the campfire, still proudly showing off his son. Mr. Smee's words had caused a balloon of pride and adoration start to swell in her chest. Peter sensed someone watching him and his eyes met his wife's. He grinned broadly and made his way over to her. Clutching Wyatt against his chest, he held Wendy's cheek and kissed her deeply.
"And what are you doing over here all alone, queen of my heart?"
"Watching my miracles," she replied with a smile. His heart hammering with love for the woman before him, he kissed her again and they remained locked at the lips until Wyatt let out a shrill cry to remind them he was still there.
The party lasted for hours and everyone kept coming up to see Wyatt, who was now screaming in his mother's arms. Wendy's breast felt heavy against her dress and she knew she needed to feed him soon. Standing up, she muttered to Peter that it was time to go as she shifted Wyatt over her shoulder. Peter nodded and went to inform the chief of their departure. Everyone bowed a final time to the family before Peter gathered his wife and son into his arms and disappeared into the dark sky.
Alrightie, there's another one but I'm going to wait for a review or two before I continue posting, so I can know if anyone is reading this or not. Where are all my fans from the first one? :-) Anyway, thanks for your support and enjoy!
