Luke did his usual job at the Blue Mountain Quarry, except Mighty Mac took over his duties as the afternoon drew near, so that he could hurry back to the Skarloey Railway and prepare for his afternoon train. He got a quick washdown, and then he collected the coaches needed for the birthday excursion.

Lexi had sneakily told the passengers it was Luke's birthday, so many of them sang or wished him happy birthday as he backed down, ready to collect his passengers.

Once they had all boarded, Luke blew his whistle and set off for Ulfstead Castle, excited to see Millie and Stephen and Glynn and Sir Robert again.

…

When he arrived at the castle with Duke's passengers, he was given yet more well wishes by Sir Robert and his engines.

"A grand age, 97!" Remarked Sir Robert gleefully.

"Hm, not bad, youngster, but you've a long way to go before you reach my age," Stephen joked. He and Glynn chuckled.

"Happy birthday, Luke. Do you feel any older?" asked Glynn curiously.

"Not really," Luke replied, breezily. "Quite the opposite, in fact. And why wouldn't I, with good friends by my side and smooth rails to run on?" He asked sweetly.

"Hear, hear!" Whooped Stephen, and the others laughed.

"I do enjoy coming here," Luke sighed happily. "I always enjoy your company, all of you." He smiled as the engines, even the boisterous Stephen, grew bashful and touched at his kind words.

"So, any plans for the rest of the day, Luke, mon ami?" Millie asked him kindly.

"Mr. Percival told me to expect a surprise when I return to the Skarloey Railway," Luke replied, and he told them about Skarloey's song, and about working with Owen at the quarry, and the birthday wishes he had already received from his friends on the SKR and the Blue Mountain Quarry (plus his passengers)

"Sounds like you've had a good day, then." Glynn observed with a smile. "We're very glad to hear it, Luke. Hope you enjoy your surprise… whatever it is."

"Yes, do!" Added Stephen.

"Thank you all," Luke replied with a wide grin.

Soon, after a very energetic song, led by the Earl and Stephen, and Millie wishing Luke happy birthday in French, Luke had to return to the Skarloey Railway for his surprise; so, he said goodbye to his Ulfstead friends, promising he'll be back soon and will tell them all about it; and he set off back to the Skarloey Railway.

….

When the little engine reached the Depot, however, a surprise awaited him. There was an engine there, the same class as him. Luke had never seen him before, but a jolt of familiarity flared up in him excitedly.

He had heard of him before. Could it be…?

"Peter Pan?" He asked excitedly, a broad smile lighting up his face.

"It is him indeed, Luke," Smiled Mr. Percival. "Peter Pan will be here for a few days to celebrate your birthdays together. It was Rheneas and Skarloey that cooked up this enterprise," he explained. "I managed to get in touch with Leighton and Buzzard Railway, who agreed to let him come here."

"Oh, thank you sir!" Bubbled Luke excitedly. He couldn't wait to talk to his brother o' iron, learn about him and form a friendship with him.

"Hello, brother," Luke peeped cheerfully, "I'm Luke, and"-

"Don't call me that, I hardly know you!" Snapped Peter Pan, rudely. Luke faltered, uncertain of what to say. The other engines, Geoffrey, Richard, and Lexi were all taken aback at the newcomer's blatant rudeness; The Thin Controller merely raised an eyebrow with disapproval.

"Peter, enough!" a woman huffed, climbing out of the cab. "Excuse him, he hates travelling," she said. "I'm Maddie Thomas, his driver." She introduced herself.

She was short, and sturdily built; pale in complexion, with coal dust-smudged cheeks. Blonde hair poked out untidily underneath her hat, and her smile was warm and friendly. "And this is my fireman, Ronald Webb," she added, turning back to where her fireman, a black-haired male with freckles on his cheeks and the bridge of his nose. On his left cheek was a large, wine coloured mark, which surprised the engines.

"Hello, Maddie," Greeted Skarloey, "Peter. Ronald"-

"I prefer Ron," Ron interrupted, as politely as he could. He caught Peter Sam looking at his face curiously. "I see you guys maybe aren't familiar with these," he gestured to his face. "It's just a birthmark, it's harmless, not contagious."

Peter Sam realised too late Ron had noticed and blushed furiously.

"It's fine, I've had worse," Assured Ron. The others were confused, until Sir Handel and Lexi caught Peter Sam sheepishly looking at his buffers.

"As I was saying," Continued Skarloey. "We welcome you all to the Skarloey Railway, and hope you'll enjoy your stay with us." He then proceeded to introduce himself and allowed the others to do the same.

It did not escape Ronald's notice that Peter Pan rolled his eyes throughout these introductions; unfortunately, it didn't escape Skarloey's, either.

"Thank you Skarloey," Said Maddie graciously, once the engines all introduced themselves. "It's an honour to be here. I've read much about your railway."

"Yeah, bookworm she is," chuckled Ron. He then turned to his engine whilst Maddie talked to Mr. Percival. "Geez, dude, will you lighten up? Your twin's really nice!"

"I didn't ask to come here, Ron," Hissed Peter Pan in reply. "I'd much rather go home to England!"

"We just got here, and you're being rude to our hosts and to your brother, so stop it!" Ron retorted angrily.

Peter Pan quieted, but continued to simmer angrily, wishing he was still at home in England, not here with a bunch of Welsh oldies.