Chapter Eleven
After the ceremony, everyone gathered at the Darling house for refreshments. The boys became little waiters as they served lemonade and finger sandwiches to the guests. Wendy walked about the room, introducing Peter to family and friends. Everyone was anxious to meet the young man who had come out of nowhere and captured Wendy's heart. They were all curious to find out who Peter was.
Peter and Wendy both knew that the truth would sound absolutely mad to those who didn't believe in magic. So, they fabricated a story about who Peter was, weaving bits of truth into it. They told how Peter was kidnapped by pirates and taken to a remote island. He managed to escape and was found by an Indians who raised him as a member of their tribe. Missionaries eventually came to the island and they brought Peter back to England with them. That's when he met Wendy and they fell in love.
The party continued into the early evening hours. When the last guest had left, Peter and Wendy prepared to head back to Neverland. The family gathered around to say their goodbyes.
"Can't we come with you?" Michael asked.
The others boys started to beg to go to Neverland.
"Another time," Mr. Darling said.
"Yes," Mrs. Darling agreed. "Let the newlyweds have some time alone."
"We will keep in touch," Wendy said.
"That's a promise," Peter added.
Then Wendy and Peter left the house. They walked down the street and ducked into a side alley.
"Are you ready to go home?" Peter asked. Wendy nodded. "And you're not tired?"
"Not at all."
Peter grinned. "Excellent."
Wendy sprinkled herself with pixie dust. Then she and Peter flew off to Neverland.
When they arrived in Neverland, the Indians were standing on the shore of the Lagoon as the mermaids did flips in the water. When Wendy and Peter landed, they saw that the Indians were wearing war paint and feathered headdresses. The chief came forward, followed closely by Tiger Lilly. He turned to Wendy and said something in his language, which Tiger Lilly translated.
"As the wife of Peter Pan," she said. "You, Wendy, are now a welcomed member of our tribe. You shall be called Morning Star."
Wendy looked at Peter, who smiled at her brightly. She looked back at the Indians and let out a war cry. Peter and the tribe join her. A moment later, the chief held up his hands to silence them. He motioned for Wendy and Peter to follow them.
"We are going to celebrate your union," Tiger Lilly explained. "Come follow us to the encampment."
Peter took Wendy's hand and followed the Indians to the encampment. They were given a spot next to the chief and Tiger Lilly. Trays of food were passed around. Drums and pipes were played as the tribe members danced around the fires, the swirling smoke rising up to the heavens. After they ate, Peter stood and took Wendy's hand. He brought her over by the fire and they danced together. They skipped and twirled about, laughing the whole time.
As it grew later and the fires began to die out, the chief once again silenced the tribe. He motioned Tiger Lilly over. She presented Wendy with a small package. Wendy opened it to reveal a necklace made of turquoise beads and animal teeth.
"This is beautiful," Wendy said. "Thank you."
Peter took the trinket and fastened it around her neck. The chief said a few more words which Tiger Lilly translated.
"Depart from us now, Little Flying Eagle and Morning Star, to begin your life together."
The tribe cheered as Wendy and Peter left the encampment, waving goodbye.
