Breakfast is such a chatty time. You haven't been anywheres in half a day, and you should be busily shoveling food into your mouth, but everybody wants to chat!
While they passed a loaf of Tootles' bread around, Nibs posed a question for the newcomers. "You must tell us how you prefer to be called here."
Ladies first, of course. "Well, my name is Melicent, like Millicent but with an e and only one l, although my parents always call... well, my father always calls me Milly, which is okay. My brother calls me Mel, which is okay sort of, and sometimes just Sis, but that's beside the point. My teacher calls us by our last names, so I'm Darling, and everybody laughs at how its sounds, but I don't mind. So, I'd prefer you call me Melicent."
Her brother was more terse. "I'm Michael. Any kid calls me the wrong way, I'll punch him in the nose."
Melicent, seated alongside him, couldn't resist. "Unless he's over four feet tall, then you'll punch him in the knee. Oo, Michael Darling! What a cute name for a boy. Hello, you little darling, you!" A sidewards jab with a bony little elbow made her stop pinching his cheek and cooing.
Wendy smiled. "So I've been using the right names. Good! And don't worry about that last name. Darling is no worse than many others."
Melicent nodded. "Michael says he'll be off on the hunt again. What should I do while I'm here?"
"There's a few more light jobs here in the kitchen. It's your first trip, so enjoy yourself looking around and meeting folks. If you have some stories for the newer boys, you might tell some."
"Okay, when they're back from hunting. Speaking of meeting, where's Peter?"
"He's here. Did you like his bedtime concert for you last night?"
"Oh! I thought it was just a dream. I must have been half asleep. I hope I applauded."
"No. And you snored though the best parts," chuckled a voice at the door. Melicent looked up.
It was Peter Pan, unmistakably. He appeared to be about eight -- and dressed in leaves, naturally. He was fresh-faced, with a cocky grin. Confirming previous reports, he had all his teeth and a big ego.
Really cute, thought Melicent, but cheeky.
"When I started playing my very best song, you turned over on your tummy and ignored me."
"I'm sorry; what I heard of it was beautiful, thank you, but you keep showing up at the wrong time, when I'm either not home or sound asleep. Aside from that, I'm pleased to meet you too. I'm Melicent Darling, and this is my brother Michael."
While the others exchanged snickers, Peter sat down opposite Melicent, munching on bread, silently staring at this noisy little intruder in his life. "You are a girl, aren't you? You talk like a boy."
"Yes, I'm a girl, and I know you're just playing. I came all this way to see you, and sweep and chat, or I guess I can tell stories, or whatever we do for you. I'm glad to be here; it's a gorgeous little island. And I'd love to hear your concert again, if you wouldn't mind -- just not at bedtime."
"I might play it again... if you promise not to nod off and snore."
"Don't play lullabies and I'll give it my best."
"I guess you're a mother. I'll find something for you to do while you're here. I'm captain, y'know. I'm captain of the whole island!"
"Oh? I was wondering about that. The only coins I've seen so far seem to have a picture of Slightleigh, not you."
"I've seen his coins. If I ever get some gold, I'll have Smithy make some coins, too, and my picture will make it worth twice as much, at least."
"Slightleigh doesn't seem too concerned who's captain, if he's leading his own army around your island, and doing what he pleases."
"Oh, let him. I'm still captain here."
"I shouldn't be talking like this, anyway. This is your house, and I'm just a guest. I apologise if I've been rude."
"That's alright. You're just new here."
"So is Melicent going to be your girlfriend?" asked Michael, earning a kick under the table from his sister, and more snickers.
"Ask her. She didn't come here for that," laughed Peter. "You're Michael?"
"Yeah, and I'm already a hunter. Gonna be the bestest one. Already caught a tiger and two hares myself. Do you hunt?"
"Sure. I'll go hunting with you lot today, if you're going."
"Cool beans!"
"Pardon?"
"He means he likes it," sighed Melicent, already tired of translating Michael's superlatives.
"Well, let's find the other hunters and be off, then." Peter and Michael scrambled from their chairs and headed out.
"Good to see they get along. Happy little fellow, that Peter, eh?" said Nibs.
"Yes," agreed Melicent. "Happy as any other peacock."
