Title: Necromancer
Author: Squeezynz
Chapter: Six - The Big Chill
ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
The next morning found Peter and Wendy's privacy invaded by a couple of scamps who gleefully pulled the curtain back and jumped on the two people still curled under the furs.
Wendy giggled and Peter growled at the unrepentant children who tried to pull the covers off only to have Peter grab them both by their shirt collars and throw them off the bed. The noise woke up everyone else and in the general hubbub Wendy muffled her laughter against Peter's shoulder as they lay for a moment before attempting to face the day.
"We are getting a door put on that room......when it's finished." Peter muttered, heaving a sigh as one of the boys started to complain loudly about someone else stealing his clothes. "With a very strong padlock."
They cuddled for a few precious minutes before they broke apart, Wendy rummaging for her dress while Peter fished for his trousers beside the bed. Together they dressed in silence, their eyes meeting and clinging for long seconds before they resumed dressing, Peter helping Wendy once more with her buttons, his lips kissing the nape of her neck as she held her hair out of the way.
At last they were finished and Peter stepped out into the room, holding the curtain for Wendy, who smoothed the wrinkles in her dress as she self consciously entered the room. Everyone was up and about their morning rituals, the smell of something tasty wafting from the kitchen. Twig was coaxing the fire into life, a large black kettle waiting to be hoisted onto a hook over the flames. Pip was attempting to straighten his bed, the covers skewed all over the place. Pebble was already sitting at the table, his thumb in the corner of his mouth, his sooty curls mussed and hanging over his eyes. Bane entered from the kitchen, wiping her forehead with the back of her hand as she plopped down on a stool.
"The porridge is ready......" Bane announced to the room, Pebble banging his spoon on the table and grinning at her.
"Pip, Pebble, come and help me fetch the breakfast bowls please....then Bane can serve." Wendy held out her hand for the two younger boys to take, while Bane rose to her feet and led the way back into the kitchen. Between them they filled five bowls, not sure when Briggs and Topper would return from their hunting trip. Wendy found a tray and used it to carry the food to the table, the boys scampering ahead and fighting over their places while Bane followed with a jug and beakers.
Breakfast was only slightly more civilised than supper, the boys supping the thick porridge with lightning fast movements of their spoons, as if their lives depended of finishing as fast as possible. Wendy took her time, cradling the bowl in her hands, absorbing the warmth as a chill nipped at her fingers.
"Peter...is it winter here in Neverland?"
"No...Neverland doesn't really have seasons.....not in the way I think you mean."
"Oh......well, its just.....haven't you noticed how cold it is?"
"I suppose," Peter shrugged, digging another spoonful out of his bowl.
"Well....isn't that a little strange?"
"I don't know.....I guess it has been colder....at night anyway. But as soon as the sun rises it's as warm as it ever was."
"Oh.....I see. Well, nevermind.....what are we going to do today?"
The table erupted into a medley of voices, each vying to out shout the other, the jumble of ideas becoming incoherent until Wendy clapped her hands over her ears to avoid being deafened. Eventually they stopped, staring at her in surprise.
"Thank you.....I couldn't hear myself think." Said Wendy, lowering her hands. "Now Twig, what do you usually do in the morning?"
"After breakfast we decide what we're going to have and go get it."
"Going to have?"
"To eat."
"Oh....well, what are we going to have to eat today?"
Again the table erupted, Wendy quickly covering her ears as a variety of foods were shouted her way. Peter was sitting at the other end of the table with his hand over his eyes, the slight shake of his shoulders the only indication of the laughter he was trying to hold back.
When it quietened down, Wendy held up her hand and the table fell silent.
"I can see this is going to take time.......Pip," she addressed the youngest. "What is your favourite food?"
"Merapples," said Pip decisively.
"Okay, Merapples. Do you know where to get them?"
"'Course."
"Good.....then I think you and Pebble and Twig should spend the morning collecting as many as you can."
"Why?" Asked Pebble.
"Because I am going to try and cook a Merapple pie." The children eyed her somewhat sceptically.
"You can cook?" Twig queried.
"Very well, actually. My mother is......was an excellent cook and I know my way around a kitchen. Do we have any flour?"
"Corn flour and some bran flour." Bane chimed in. "We also have some honey and syrup for sweetening."
"What about butter? Or milk.......how about eggs?"
"Eggs.... we have eggs from the blackbirds nest." Said Pebble, looking proud.
"Oh...I would think they'd be little small.....are there chickens in Neverland?" Wendy looked up at Peter, who shrugged. Twig tugged at her sleeve and she turned to the boy.
"There's a bird called a Raucous because of its cry, it looks a little like a chicken and they lay really big eggs."
"Do you think you could find me some of its eggs?"
"Sure.....they nest near the Merapple trees."
"Then that can be your task for the morning Twig, while Pip and Pebble pick the Merapples, you can gather the eggs."
With a whoop the three younger boys clambered down from the table and dashed around, throwing off the over-large clothes and pulling on their now dry clothes before grabbing various sacks and baskets and running out of the room.
Wendy calmly finished her breakfast while the mayhem continued around her, only putting her spoon down when the last boy disappeared out of the underground.
"What are your orders for me, Captain Wendy?"
Wendy blushed and started to gather the bowls around the table. "I don't have any orders for you Peter....Bane and I will be getting this place in order this morning, if that's okay with you Bane?"
Receiving a nod from the girl, Wendy continued. "Then I was hoping, if you're not too busy, you might show me around.....I'm sure there are a hundred things I missed on my first visit."
"I'd be happy to....I have to go check on the Mermaids and on the Jolly Roger, so I'll see you back here at midday?"
"Midday." Wendy repeated, nervously fiddling with the bowls. Peter brought his around to her side of the table and placed it on the pile, then stood in front of her, his hand finding hers and drawing it towards him. Bane smirked and picked up the stack of bowls from her side of the table, the couple never noticing when she left for the kitchen.
"Are you alright......I mean, after last night....?"
Wendy blushed, her eyes centred on his hand holding hers, his thumb stroking across hers. "I'm fine Peter.......and....and you?"
"I'm fine too.....Wendy?"
Her face still feeling hot, Wendy raised her eyes to his, instantly captured and held by his blue-green gaze. "Yes Peter?"
Smiling, Peter lowered his head and captured her lips with his in a kiss that left her wanting more. "I'll be back soon....."
"Oh......I'll see you......later.....then." Reaching up, Wendy threaded her hand around the back of his head, her fingers burrowing into the thick curls at the nape of his neck, pulling his face back to hers, their lips meeting and holding, the kiss deepening as the seconds passed.
The clatter of dishes from the kitchen drew them reluctantly apart, both grinning as they disentangled themselves. Peter walking around the table, glancing back at Wendy every few steps before reaching the archway leading from the underground. With a half wave he ducked out of sight, Wendy staring after him, her hand reaching up to touch her kiss swollen lips in wonderment. Blinking, she returned to the present and cleared the rest of the breakfast from the table, carrying it to the kitchen to join Bane. The rest of her morning was spent sorting out the ingredients she needed for the pie, Twig and the littlies returning later in the morning with a basket of fruit and a clutch of large speckled eggs. Wendy set the boys to peel the fruit, the boys happy to use their assorted knives, showing off to Wendy how proficient they were at getting the skins off in one piece like long corkscrews. There was much laughter and fruit peelings flying in all directions but at the end Wendy had a bowl of skinned Merapples ready to go into her pies. Given the voracious appetites of her new family, Wendy had put together enough pastry for several pies, using every flat dish available, Bane keeping the fire burning hot in the oven as Wendy sliced the fruit and layered it in the pies. As she worked she had a small audience, soon swelled from three to five when Briggs and Topper returned from their fishing trip, laden once more with strings of glistening fish. Soon the smell of baking filled the underground, the boys hopping from one foot to the other as they smacked their lips in anticipation of a sweet feast. Dusting her hands on a makeshift apron, Wendy took the fish and shooed the boys away, extolling them to wash their hands or they'd have nothing.
With much grumbling about forever washing, the boys scampered away, almost knocking Peter over in their haste to get to the stream and wash up. Bane almost bumped into Peter as she walked out of the kitchen, her arms full of plates as she prepared to set the table.
"Oh hi......'scuse me......gotta get this lot on the table before the ravening hordes return...." Not waiting for an answer, Bane brushed past and Peter watched her go with an amused glint. Peering around the archway, he watched as Wendy bent down and lifted another pie from the stone oven, setting it on the stone bench at the side. Without alerting her, he snuck up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist, making her start in alarm before she melted against him, her flushed face dotted with perspiration from the oven.
"Oh Peter.....you scared me!" Relaxing against him, she tilted her head as he turned his to press kisses against her neck, working his way up to her cheek.
"You've been busy....its smells wonderful."
"Well its not exactly to the recipe....I didn't have any butter or milk, or any of the spices.....but I think they came out well."
Behind them they heard the boys return, their voices lifted in argument, the older boys deeper voices only slightly louder than the younger piping ones of Twig and the littlies. They heard Bane ordering them to settle down and show her their hands, amid much good natured teasing and some off colour remarks from the older boys before Bane had them all seated at the table in anticipation.
"Your children await Mother..." Peter teased her, pressing a kiss to her cheek before letting her go.
"Then you can take this out to them Father....I'll bring the syrup...careful, they're still very hot."
The meal was a huge success, the boys stuffing themselves sideways on Wendy's Merapple pies, their faces ending up smeared all over with juice and crumbs and syrup until even the boys decided that they would need a bath to get all the stickiness off. Bane once more kept a close eye on how Wendy conducted herself, the girl copying each mannerism much to Peter's amusement and Wendy's immense satisfaction. When the last plate had been cleared and they all sat groaning around the table, Peter rose and told them that he and Wendy were going to be away for the rest of the afternoon and probably into the evening and for them to clear up the mess they'd made and take care of their own supper. Ignoring the anticipated chorus of complaints, Peter took Wendy's hand and drew her with him to the doorway, their eyes only on each other, the hubbub fading to a distant roar behind them.
Before they left Peter held up his hand, the room quieting instantly. Looking sternly at the boys, Peter addressed the room.
"I expect to find this place a neat as it was this morning.....so don't disappoint me.....and look out for Hook.....the Mermaids think he'll be back this way possibly tonight, so no fire's after the sun goes down. Keep a lamp burning, but don't wait up, " He glanced back at Wendy before turning back to the room. "We don't know when we'll be back."
Ignoring the flurry of queries and rude suggestions that followed them, Peter and Wendy left the underground and stepped out into the sunshine, Wendy tilting her head to absorb the suns rays, her chest heaving as she sucked in a huge breath of fresh air. Grabbing her hand, Peter launched them both into the air and drew her up until they were above the canopy of trees, Wendy squinting in the bright light as Peter flew them slowly over the forest towards the coast.
"Where are we going first Peter?"
"To a cove, after being cooped up you need some sand, sea and sunshine,"
Laughing, Wendy agreed and Peter sped up, only slowing as they descended towards a small cove, its water crystal clear and the finest sapphire blue, the beach unmarked, the sand as soft as powder under their toes. She could feel the heat from the sun-warmed sand soaking into her feet, the sound of the waves lapping at the shore soothing and relaxing. Running down to the water she paddled, splashing and jumping over the waves, giggling when the occasional larger waves splashed up her legs, soaking her skirts. A blur shot past her and a large splash drowned her when Peter dove into the water, his naked body cutting through the waves like a seal. Laughing, Wendy made to run out of the shallow waves, but she found herself tackled and falling to the wet sand, Peter's arms locked around her as they wrestled in the shallows. Panting, she giggled up at him as he pinned her down, the sea rolling over her feet and legs, her wet dress clinging to her body as the waves sloshed over them both.
"You don't escape me that easily......" Peter growled, digging his fingers into her sides and tickling her, making her scream as she writhed away from him. Standing up he hoisted her to her feet but just as quickly bent and hooked his shoulder under her so she found herself draped over him as he carried her back into the water, Wendy pounding his back in mock protest.
"Put me down you beast....this is so undignified!"
"You want to be put down?" Peter asked, hefting her slightly and making her scream again. He was up to his waist in the water, Wendy's long hair already dipping into the water as she hung head down.
"Don't you dare drop me Peter Pan......I'll....." Before she could continue, Peter did just that, Wendy disappearing under the surface only to rise, spluttering and coughing as he laughed.
"Oh you beast......I'm soaked....." She spluttered in mock indignation, pushing her hair out of her face and glaring at him.
"And it suits you....." Peter teased, eyeing her now transparent dress with approval. Wendy was also inspecting him, her gaze roaming over the large expanse of golden brown skin in open admiration, the very skin she'd lavished so much attention on during the dark hours of the night. In wonderment she reached out and brushed her hand over his rounded shoulder, her fingers trailing down his chest, her eyes following, marvelling at the texture of his skin.
"I want to see you...." Peter whispered, bringing her eyes up to meet his. Nodding her head, Wendy turned and Peter undid the buttons, his fingers fumbling with the wet fabric in his haste to undress her.
With her back still turned, Wendy peeled the wet dress off her shoulders and down to her waist, the material swirling around her hips as the waves swept by them, tugging the dress down her legs until she was able to step out of it and the undertow carried it away to the shore. Slowly Peter turned her around, her face stained pink with shyness as he gazed at her with rapt admiration.
"You're beautiful.....so beautiful...."
Raising her eyes, Wendy found herself shocked at the intensity in Peter's eyes, the sun dazzling her as he bent to claim her lips, drawing her forward to be wrapped in his arms, their bodies pressed together as the sea washed around them.
Making love on the beach was as natural as breathing, Peter carrying her to a soft bank of sweet grass just above the high tide line, then covering her with kisses, licking the salty water from her body, Wendy squirming as he tickled and aroused her. In revenge she pushed him onto his back and lavished his golden body with the same tender care, Peter the one to squirm as she kissed her way down his body. After an exhaustive foreplay they came together feverishly, their mouths devouring each other while their bodies fused and became one, Wendy's cries carrying Peter to his peak, sweat replacing the sea water and sand painting their skin with glittering specks.
Afterwards they lay entwined, listening to the waves crashing on the sand, echoing their pounding hearts, the sun's warmth bathing their limbs as they nestled in the slight hollow, the smell of crushed grass scenting the air.
Wendy's dress hung fluttering over a branch, alongside Peter's shirt and trousers, in the slight breeze that brushed over their heated bodies like a caress. Wendy rolled over to face Peter, her blue eyes rivalling the sky for brilliance.
"I'm almost afraid that this will all disappear and I'll wake up to find myself back in my bed.....dying all over again."
"You won't....this is your heaven.....your dreams come true."
"I see your lips form the words.....and I'm just so happy, I don't ever want this to end."
"Nothing can take this away from you........nothing." Peter murmered into her hair.
"I wish I could freeze this moment......preserve it forever...."
"Well we could do the next best thing..." Peter suggested, his lips parted in a wickedly smug smirk. "We could do this every afternoon, at this very cove....that would be sort of the same......and alot more fun."
"Silly boy....but I think I agree with you.....this could become a very pleasant way to spend an afternoon."
As they lay dallying, exchanging kisses and sweet nothings, Wendy felt something touch her back, something cold. Ignoring it, more interested in what Peter's mouth was doing with hers, she didn't pay attention until another cold thing touched her back and she pulled away to investigate.
"What is it?" Peter asked, rising up onto his elbows as Wendy twisted around to touch the skin on her back.
"I don't know...something cold......I....." Sitting up she looked skyward and her mouth fell open in surprise. Peter also looked up to see tiny white flakes slowly spiralling down from the blue sky, each one a tiny ice crystal that melted the second it touched the ground or his skin. Holding out his hand he captured one only to have it disappear the instant it touched his finger.
"Peter.......it's.....I can't believe it......it's snowing!"
As they sat in wonder, the flakes started to fall more rapidly, where minutes before it had been only a few, there were now many, the feel of them on her bare skin making Wendy shiver. Scrambling to their feet they hurriedly pulled on their clothes, the snow starting to stick to their hair as the temperature dropped several degrees even as they fumbled their buttons and ties. Wendy moved to stand beneath the overhang of a branch, her hands on her arms as she felt her teeth start to chatter. Peter stood behind her and wrapped his arms around her, as stupefied as her, watching the rapid fall of white crystals start to coat the grass they'd been lying on. The sky was quickly darkening, snow laden grey clouds clotting the sky, blocking the sun from Neverland and making the air feel heavy with foreboding.
Wendy was shivering in earnest now, her light dress not adequate for the quick change in weather, her lips trembling as her teeth chattered. "W-e-e...n-e-e-d..d...t-o-o..g-e-e-t...h-o-o-m-m-e..." She managed to get out, turning around and pressing herself against Peter, hugging him to keep warm. Peter was also shaking with cold, his eyes disbelieving as he stared out at the curtain of white now blocking his view of the horizon.
"I don't think we can fly through this.....we need to find shelter...I think....no I know there's an old hideout near here....come on!"
As quickly as possible they stumbled their way through the trees bordering the cove, the snow not yet able to penetrate the thick canopy and only lightly coating the ground as they hurried away from the beach. A few minutes later they reached a clearing with a huge tree at it's heart. Peter took them right up to the gnarled trunk and ran his hand over the bark. Finding a knot of wood, he pressed and a door creaked open slowly. He led Wendy inside and they stood for a minute to let their eyes adjust to the gloom. Leading her forward, Peter used his arm to brush many years worth of cobwebs out of the way until they entered a round room, similar to what the underground used to look like only smaller. Wendy was still shaking with the cold, her lips turning blue. Peter led her over to a wide ledge and sat her down, his hands chafing hers as she shook helplessly.
"I just need to get something....don't move." Finding his way over to one of the corners, he heaved at a pile of furs and shook them out. Carrying them back, he draped them over Wendy's back and arms, then over her knees. Tugging them together he looked into her face, her eyes popping open when he quickly pressed his cold lips to hers.
"I have to get a fire going......keep covered up."
Wendy barely nodded, her eyes closing again as she clutched the furs around her. Peter went to the small fire pit and cleared out the ashes, a pile of twigs already beside it ready to be laid for the next fire. As quickly as he could he arranged the kindling and stuffed dry grass underneath. With shaking hands he struck sparks off the flint and blew on the small flame rising from the straw, the fire quickly catching the tinder dry wood, Peter able to add bigger pieces, feeding the flames until they blazed merrily.
Wendy watched it all from the couch, her face pale among the thick furs. With the fire well alight and the smoke rising to disappear out through a hidden flue, Peter came over and pulled Wendy over to the fire, arranging the furs to form an impromptu bed for her to sit on. She stuck her feet out to the heat, feeling quickly returning to her cold limbs. Peter sat behind her, his legs either side of hers, his arms around her as he held his hands out to the flames.
"H-a-s this e-ever happened before?" Wendy asked, turning her head slightly.
"Usually it gets cold when I leave Neverland......like when I visited you in London.....or there was that time, when TinkerBell drank the poison....."
"I remember...we thought you were dead..."
"It snowed until I brought Tink back.......but that only lasted a short time......"
"Oh Peter.....what's happening?"
"I don't know....I really don't know."
They were silent for a moment, watching the flames licking around the logs.
"Peter.....do you think it has anything to do with that weapon Hook has......what did you call it?"
"The Necromancer.....I don't know.....you saw what it did to the other side of the island.....maybe it can effect the weather as well."
"I thought only you could affect the weather.....Oh Peter...what if Hook has found a way to affect the weather as well?"
"We'll have to find out." Peter hugged her tighter. "Are you warm enough now?"
"Hmmmm thank you....what is this place?"
"It's one of my old homes.....I have quite a few scattered over Neverland....usually in trees, but sometimes in caves or other secret places. This was one of the first places I made my home...it was before the first Lost Boy arrived, which is why it's so small.....there was only me here then."
"Do you know how long you've been here.....in Neverland?"
"No.....I've just always been here...I imagine it's been along time."
They sat silent for awhile, just watching the flames and listening to the crackle of the embers. Wendy started to feel drowsy, wrapped in the furs and snuggled against Peter. Before long her eyes had shut and she slept.
When she awoke some hours later, the hideout was in darkness, the fire having died down while she slept. Looking around the gloomy room, Wendy became aware that it was very quiet, the air chill and that she was quite alone.
oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
(oooooooh the thot plickens........ur....the plot thickens.....what has that dastardly Hook been up to? Or is it someone-or something else causing trouble in paradise?)
Author: Squeezynz
Chapter: Six - The Big Chill
ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
The next morning found Peter and Wendy's privacy invaded by a couple of scamps who gleefully pulled the curtain back and jumped on the two people still curled under the furs.
Wendy giggled and Peter growled at the unrepentant children who tried to pull the covers off only to have Peter grab them both by their shirt collars and throw them off the bed. The noise woke up everyone else and in the general hubbub Wendy muffled her laughter against Peter's shoulder as they lay for a moment before attempting to face the day.
"We are getting a door put on that room......when it's finished." Peter muttered, heaving a sigh as one of the boys started to complain loudly about someone else stealing his clothes. "With a very strong padlock."
They cuddled for a few precious minutes before they broke apart, Wendy rummaging for her dress while Peter fished for his trousers beside the bed. Together they dressed in silence, their eyes meeting and clinging for long seconds before they resumed dressing, Peter helping Wendy once more with her buttons, his lips kissing the nape of her neck as she held her hair out of the way.
At last they were finished and Peter stepped out into the room, holding the curtain for Wendy, who smoothed the wrinkles in her dress as she self consciously entered the room. Everyone was up and about their morning rituals, the smell of something tasty wafting from the kitchen. Twig was coaxing the fire into life, a large black kettle waiting to be hoisted onto a hook over the flames. Pip was attempting to straighten his bed, the covers skewed all over the place. Pebble was already sitting at the table, his thumb in the corner of his mouth, his sooty curls mussed and hanging over his eyes. Bane entered from the kitchen, wiping her forehead with the back of her hand as she plopped down on a stool.
"The porridge is ready......" Bane announced to the room, Pebble banging his spoon on the table and grinning at her.
"Pip, Pebble, come and help me fetch the breakfast bowls please....then Bane can serve." Wendy held out her hand for the two younger boys to take, while Bane rose to her feet and led the way back into the kitchen. Between them they filled five bowls, not sure when Briggs and Topper would return from their hunting trip. Wendy found a tray and used it to carry the food to the table, the boys scampering ahead and fighting over their places while Bane followed with a jug and beakers.
Breakfast was only slightly more civilised than supper, the boys supping the thick porridge with lightning fast movements of their spoons, as if their lives depended of finishing as fast as possible. Wendy took her time, cradling the bowl in her hands, absorbing the warmth as a chill nipped at her fingers.
"Peter...is it winter here in Neverland?"
"No...Neverland doesn't really have seasons.....not in the way I think you mean."
"Oh......well, its just.....haven't you noticed how cold it is?"
"I suppose," Peter shrugged, digging another spoonful out of his bowl.
"Well....isn't that a little strange?"
"I don't know.....I guess it has been colder....at night anyway. But as soon as the sun rises it's as warm as it ever was."
"Oh.....I see. Well, nevermind.....what are we going to do today?"
The table erupted into a medley of voices, each vying to out shout the other, the jumble of ideas becoming incoherent until Wendy clapped her hands over her ears to avoid being deafened. Eventually they stopped, staring at her in surprise.
"Thank you.....I couldn't hear myself think." Said Wendy, lowering her hands. "Now Twig, what do you usually do in the morning?"
"After breakfast we decide what we're going to have and go get it."
"Going to have?"
"To eat."
"Oh....well, what are we going to have to eat today?"
Again the table erupted, Wendy quickly covering her ears as a variety of foods were shouted her way. Peter was sitting at the other end of the table with his hand over his eyes, the slight shake of his shoulders the only indication of the laughter he was trying to hold back.
When it quietened down, Wendy held up her hand and the table fell silent.
"I can see this is going to take time.......Pip," she addressed the youngest. "What is your favourite food?"
"Merapples," said Pip decisively.
"Okay, Merapples. Do you know where to get them?"
"'Course."
"Good.....then I think you and Pebble and Twig should spend the morning collecting as many as you can."
"Why?" Asked Pebble.
"Because I am going to try and cook a Merapple pie." The children eyed her somewhat sceptically.
"You can cook?" Twig queried.
"Very well, actually. My mother is......was an excellent cook and I know my way around a kitchen. Do we have any flour?"
"Corn flour and some bran flour." Bane chimed in. "We also have some honey and syrup for sweetening."
"What about butter? Or milk.......how about eggs?"
"Eggs.... we have eggs from the blackbirds nest." Said Pebble, looking proud.
"Oh...I would think they'd be little small.....are there chickens in Neverland?" Wendy looked up at Peter, who shrugged. Twig tugged at her sleeve and she turned to the boy.
"There's a bird called a Raucous because of its cry, it looks a little like a chicken and they lay really big eggs."
"Do you think you could find me some of its eggs?"
"Sure.....they nest near the Merapple trees."
"Then that can be your task for the morning Twig, while Pip and Pebble pick the Merapples, you can gather the eggs."
With a whoop the three younger boys clambered down from the table and dashed around, throwing off the over-large clothes and pulling on their now dry clothes before grabbing various sacks and baskets and running out of the room.
Wendy calmly finished her breakfast while the mayhem continued around her, only putting her spoon down when the last boy disappeared out of the underground.
"What are your orders for me, Captain Wendy?"
Wendy blushed and started to gather the bowls around the table. "I don't have any orders for you Peter....Bane and I will be getting this place in order this morning, if that's okay with you Bane?"
Receiving a nod from the girl, Wendy continued. "Then I was hoping, if you're not too busy, you might show me around.....I'm sure there are a hundred things I missed on my first visit."
"I'd be happy to....I have to go check on the Mermaids and on the Jolly Roger, so I'll see you back here at midday?"
"Midday." Wendy repeated, nervously fiddling with the bowls. Peter brought his around to her side of the table and placed it on the pile, then stood in front of her, his hand finding hers and drawing it towards him. Bane smirked and picked up the stack of bowls from her side of the table, the couple never noticing when she left for the kitchen.
"Are you alright......I mean, after last night....?"
Wendy blushed, her eyes centred on his hand holding hers, his thumb stroking across hers. "I'm fine Peter.......and....and you?"
"I'm fine too.....Wendy?"
Her face still feeling hot, Wendy raised her eyes to his, instantly captured and held by his blue-green gaze. "Yes Peter?"
Smiling, Peter lowered his head and captured her lips with his in a kiss that left her wanting more. "I'll be back soon....."
"Oh......I'll see you......later.....then." Reaching up, Wendy threaded her hand around the back of his head, her fingers burrowing into the thick curls at the nape of his neck, pulling his face back to hers, their lips meeting and holding, the kiss deepening as the seconds passed.
The clatter of dishes from the kitchen drew them reluctantly apart, both grinning as they disentangled themselves. Peter walking around the table, glancing back at Wendy every few steps before reaching the archway leading from the underground. With a half wave he ducked out of sight, Wendy staring after him, her hand reaching up to touch her kiss swollen lips in wonderment. Blinking, she returned to the present and cleared the rest of the breakfast from the table, carrying it to the kitchen to join Bane. The rest of her morning was spent sorting out the ingredients she needed for the pie, Twig and the littlies returning later in the morning with a basket of fruit and a clutch of large speckled eggs. Wendy set the boys to peel the fruit, the boys happy to use their assorted knives, showing off to Wendy how proficient they were at getting the skins off in one piece like long corkscrews. There was much laughter and fruit peelings flying in all directions but at the end Wendy had a bowl of skinned Merapples ready to go into her pies. Given the voracious appetites of her new family, Wendy had put together enough pastry for several pies, using every flat dish available, Bane keeping the fire burning hot in the oven as Wendy sliced the fruit and layered it in the pies. As she worked she had a small audience, soon swelled from three to five when Briggs and Topper returned from their fishing trip, laden once more with strings of glistening fish. Soon the smell of baking filled the underground, the boys hopping from one foot to the other as they smacked their lips in anticipation of a sweet feast. Dusting her hands on a makeshift apron, Wendy took the fish and shooed the boys away, extolling them to wash their hands or they'd have nothing.
With much grumbling about forever washing, the boys scampered away, almost knocking Peter over in their haste to get to the stream and wash up. Bane almost bumped into Peter as she walked out of the kitchen, her arms full of plates as she prepared to set the table.
"Oh hi......'scuse me......gotta get this lot on the table before the ravening hordes return...." Not waiting for an answer, Bane brushed past and Peter watched her go with an amused glint. Peering around the archway, he watched as Wendy bent down and lifted another pie from the stone oven, setting it on the stone bench at the side. Without alerting her, he snuck up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist, making her start in alarm before she melted against him, her flushed face dotted with perspiration from the oven.
"Oh Peter.....you scared me!" Relaxing against him, she tilted her head as he turned his to press kisses against her neck, working his way up to her cheek.
"You've been busy....its smells wonderful."
"Well its not exactly to the recipe....I didn't have any butter or milk, or any of the spices.....but I think they came out well."
Behind them they heard the boys return, their voices lifted in argument, the older boys deeper voices only slightly louder than the younger piping ones of Twig and the littlies. They heard Bane ordering them to settle down and show her their hands, amid much good natured teasing and some off colour remarks from the older boys before Bane had them all seated at the table in anticipation.
"Your children await Mother..." Peter teased her, pressing a kiss to her cheek before letting her go.
"Then you can take this out to them Father....I'll bring the syrup...careful, they're still very hot."
The meal was a huge success, the boys stuffing themselves sideways on Wendy's Merapple pies, their faces ending up smeared all over with juice and crumbs and syrup until even the boys decided that they would need a bath to get all the stickiness off. Bane once more kept a close eye on how Wendy conducted herself, the girl copying each mannerism much to Peter's amusement and Wendy's immense satisfaction. When the last plate had been cleared and they all sat groaning around the table, Peter rose and told them that he and Wendy were going to be away for the rest of the afternoon and probably into the evening and for them to clear up the mess they'd made and take care of their own supper. Ignoring the anticipated chorus of complaints, Peter took Wendy's hand and drew her with him to the doorway, their eyes only on each other, the hubbub fading to a distant roar behind them.
Before they left Peter held up his hand, the room quieting instantly. Looking sternly at the boys, Peter addressed the room.
"I expect to find this place a neat as it was this morning.....so don't disappoint me.....and look out for Hook.....the Mermaids think he'll be back this way possibly tonight, so no fire's after the sun goes down. Keep a lamp burning, but don't wait up, " He glanced back at Wendy before turning back to the room. "We don't know when we'll be back."
Ignoring the flurry of queries and rude suggestions that followed them, Peter and Wendy left the underground and stepped out into the sunshine, Wendy tilting her head to absorb the suns rays, her chest heaving as she sucked in a huge breath of fresh air. Grabbing her hand, Peter launched them both into the air and drew her up until they were above the canopy of trees, Wendy squinting in the bright light as Peter flew them slowly over the forest towards the coast.
"Where are we going first Peter?"
"To a cove, after being cooped up you need some sand, sea and sunshine,"
Laughing, Wendy agreed and Peter sped up, only slowing as they descended towards a small cove, its water crystal clear and the finest sapphire blue, the beach unmarked, the sand as soft as powder under their toes. She could feel the heat from the sun-warmed sand soaking into her feet, the sound of the waves lapping at the shore soothing and relaxing. Running down to the water she paddled, splashing and jumping over the waves, giggling when the occasional larger waves splashed up her legs, soaking her skirts. A blur shot past her and a large splash drowned her when Peter dove into the water, his naked body cutting through the waves like a seal. Laughing, Wendy made to run out of the shallow waves, but she found herself tackled and falling to the wet sand, Peter's arms locked around her as they wrestled in the shallows. Panting, she giggled up at him as he pinned her down, the sea rolling over her feet and legs, her wet dress clinging to her body as the waves sloshed over them both.
"You don't escape me that easily......" Peter growled, digging his fingers into her sides and tickling her, making her scream as she writhed away from him. Standing up he hoisted her to her feet but just as quickly bent and hooked his shoulder under her so she found herself draped over him as he carried her back into the water, Wendy pounding his back in mock protest.
"Put me down you beast....this is so undignified!"
"You want to be put down?" Peter asked, hefting her slightly and making her scream again. He was up to his waist in the water, Wendy's long hair already dipping into the water as she hung head down.
"Don't you dare drop me Peter Pan......I'll....." Before she could continue, Peter did just that, Wendy disappearing under the surface only to rise, spluttering and coughing as he laughed.
"Oh you beast......I'm soaked....." She spluttered in mock indignation, pushing her hair out of her face and glaring at him.
"And it suits you....." Peter teased, eyeing her now transparent dress with approval. Wendy was also inspecting him, her gaze roaming over the large expanse of golden brown skin in open admiration, the very skin she'd lavished so much attention on during the dark hours of the night. In wonderment she reached out and brushed her hand over his rounded shoulder, her fingers trailing down his chest, her eyes following, marvelling at the texture of his skin.
"I want to see you...." Peter whispered, bringing her eyes up to meet his. Nodding her head, Wendy turned and Peter undid the buttons, his fingers fumbling with the wet fabric in his haste to undress her.
With her back still turned, Wendy peeled the wet dress off her shoulders and down to her waist, the material swirling around her hips as the waves swept by them, tugging the dress down her legs until she was able to step out of it and the undertow carried it away to the shore. Slowly Peter turned her around, her face stained pink with shyness as he gazed at her with rapt admiration.
"You're beautiful.....so beautiful...."
Raising her eyes, Wendy found herself shocked at the intensity in Peter's eyes, the sun dazzling her as he bent to claim her lips, drawing her forward to be wrapped in his arms, their bodies pressed together as the sea washed around them.
Making love on the beach was as natural as breathing, Peter carrying her to a soft bank of sweet grass just above the high tide line, then covering her with kisses, licking the salty water from her body, Wendy squirming as he tickled and aroused her. In revenge she pushed him onto his back and lavished his golden body with the same tender care, Peter the one to squirm as she kissed her way down his body. After an exhaustive foreplay they came together feverishly, their mouths devouring each other while their bodies fused and became one, Wendy's cries carrying Peter to his peak, sweat replacing the sea water and sand painting their skin with glittering specks.
Afterwards they lay entwined, listening to the waves crashing on the sand, echoing their pounding hearts, the sun's warmth bathing their limbs as they nestled in the slight hollow, the smell of crushed grass scenting the air.
Wendy's dress hung fluttering over a branch, alongside Peter's shirt and trousers, in the slight breeze that brushed over their heated bodies like a caress. Wendy rolled over to face Peter, her blue eyes rivalling the sky for brilliance.
"I'm almost afraid that this will all disappear and I'll wake up to find myself back in my bed.....dying all over again."
"You won't....this is your heaven.....your dreams come true."
"I see your lips form the words.....and I'm just so happy, I don't ever want this to end."
"Nothing can take this away from you........nothing." Peter murmered into her hair.
"I wish I could freeze this moment......preserve it forever...."
"Well we could do the next best thing..." Peter suggested, his lips parted in a wickedly smug smirk. "We could do this every afternoon, at this very cove....that would be sort of the same......and alot more fun."
"Silly boy....but I think I agree with you.....this could become a very pleasant way to spend an afternoon."
As they lay dallying, exchanging kisses and sweet nothings, Wendy felt something touch her back, something cold. Ignoring it, more interested in what Peter's mouth was doing with hers, she didn't pay attention until another cold thing touched her back and she pulled away to investigate.
"What is it?" Peter asked, rising up onto his elbows as Wendy twisted around to touch the skin on her back.
"I don't know...something cold......I....." Sitting up she looked skyward and her mouth fell open in surprise. Peter also looked up to see tiny white flakes slowly spiralling down from the blue sky, each one a tiny ice crystal that melted the second it touched the ground or his skin. Holding out his hand he captured one only to have it disappear the instant it touched his finger.
"Peter.......it's.....I can't believe it......it's snowing!"
As they sat in wonder, the flakes started to fall more rapidly, where minutes before it had been only a few, there were now many, the feel of them on her bare skin making Wendy shiver. Scrambling to their feet they hurriedly pulled on their clothes, the snow starting to stick to their hair as the temperature dropped several degrees even as they fumbled their buttons and ties. Wendy moved to stand beneath the overhang of a branch, her hands on her arms as she felt her teeth start to chatter. Peter stood behind her and wrapped his arms around her, as stupefied as her, watching the rapid fall of white crystals start to coat the grass they'd been lying on. The sky was quickly darkening, snow laden grey clouds clotting the sky, blocking the sun from Neverland and making the air feel heavy with foreboding.
Wendy was shivering in earnest now, her light dress not adequate for the quick change in weather, her lips trembling as her teeth chattered. "W-e-e...n-e-e-d..d...t-o-o..g-e-e-t...h-o-o-m-m-e..." She managed to get out, turning around and pressing herself against Peter, hugging him to keep warm. Peter was also shaking with cold, his eyes disbelieving as he stared out at the curtain of white now blocking his view of the horizon.
"I don't think we can fly through this.....we need to find shelter...I think....no I know there's an old hideout near here....come on!"
As quickly as possible they stumbled their way through the trees bordering the cove, the snow not yet able to penetrate the thick canopy and only lightly coating the ground as they hurried away from the beach. A few minutes later they reached a clearing with a huge tree at it's heart. Peter took them right up to the gnarled trunk and ran his hand over the bark. Finding a knot of wood, he pressed and a door creaked open slowly. He led Wendy inside and they stood for a minute to let their eyes adjust to the gloom. Leading her forward, Peter used his arm to brush many years worth of cobwebs out of the way until they entered a round room, similar to what the underground used to look like only smaller. Wendy was still shaking with the cold, her lips turning blue. Peter led her over to a wide ledge and sat her down, his hands chafing hers as she shook helplessly.
"I just need to get something....don't move." Finding his way over to one of the corners, he heaved at a pile of furs and shook them out. Carrying them back, he draped them over Wendy's back and arms, then over her knees. Tugging them together he looked into her face, her eyes popping open when he quickly pressed his cold lips to hers.
"I have to get a fire going......keep covered up."
Wendy barely nodded, her eyes closing again as she clutched the furs around her. Peter went to the small fire pit and cleared out the ashes, a pile of twigs already beside it ready to be laid for the next fire. As quickly as he could he arranged the kindling and stuffed dry grass underneath. With shaking hands he struck sparks off the flint and blew on the small flame rising from the straw, the fire quickly catching the tinder dry wood, Peter able to add bigger pieces, feeding the flames until they blazed merrily.
Wendy watched it all from the couch, her face pale among the thick furs. With the fire well alight and the smoke rising to disappear out through a hidden flue, Peter came over and pulled Wendy over to the fire, arranging the furs to form an impromptu bed for her to sit on. She stuck her feet out to the heat, feeling quickly returning to her cold limbs. Peter sat behind her, his legs either side of hers, his arms around her as he held his hands out to the flames.
"H-a-s this e-ever happened before?" Wendy asked, turning her head slightly.
"Usually it gets cold when I leave Neverland......like when I visited you in London.....or there was that time, when TinkerBell drank the poison....."
"I remember...we thought you were dead..."
"It snowed until I brought Tink back.......but that only lasted a short time......"
"Oh Peter.....what's happening?"
"I don't know....I really don't know."
They were silent for a moment, watching the flames licking around the logs.
"Peter.....do you think it has anything to do with that weapon Hook has......what did you call it?"
"The Necromancer.....I don't know.....you saw what it did to the other side of the island.....maybe it can effect the weather as well."
"I thought only you could affect the weather.....Oh Peter...what if Hook has found a way to affect the weather as well?"
"We'll have to find out." Peter hugged her tighter. "Are you warm enough now?"
"Hmmmm thank you....what is this place?"
"It's one of my old homes.....I have quite a few scattered over Neverland....usually in trees, but sometimes in caves or other secret places. This was one of the first places I made my home...it was before the first Lost Boy arrived, which is why it's so small.....there was only me here then."
"Do you know how long you've been here.....in Neverland?"
"No.....I've just always been here...I imagine it's been along time."
They sat silent for awhile, just watching the flames and listening to the crackle of the embers. Wendy started to feel drowsy, wrapped in the furs and snuggled against Peter. Before long her eyes had shut and she slept.
When she awoke some hours later, the hideout was in darkness, the fire having died down while she slept. Looking around the gloomy room, Wendy became aware that it was very quiet, the air chill and that she was quite alone.
oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
(oooooooh the thot plickens........ur....the plot thickens.....what has that dastardly Hook been up to? Or is it someone-or something else causing trouble in paradise?)