A Year and a half later…

December on Montressor had come once again to the planet's upper hemisphere. And with it had come heaping amounts of snow; it layered the houses, weighted down roofs, filled the canyons floors and iced over all bodies of water. Every tree, including the evergreens, had each received a generous portion of the massed-yet-miniscule ice crystals. And every morning, the residents and homeowners took up the task of clearing pathways through the 2—5 foot banks.

Fortunately, it was also time for Christmas preparations for the celebration. Firs and other evergreens were lovingly decked with multi-colored candles, wreaths of holly & mistletoe, paper stars, pictures and even some fruit. Houses sat in their blazing finery of solar lights in all colors, shapes and formations to the delight of all viewers out in the Etherium and on the ground. Shops, taverns and inns were overflowing with profit and customers. And visitors along with citizens donned their finest gay Older English for very happy apparel in many layers and festive shades of red, green and white in honor of the season.

And on the 14th of the month, the Benbow Inn was stirring with activity and motion in preparation for a very special arrival. King Stefan had sent word in the autumn that the Royal Families of Avalon and Beulah would travel to and pass a under the roof of the Inn. Everyone was in high expectation and spirit for the arrival of the Family…and for Jim's return as well. For Jim had, with Admiral Creed's and his parent's blessing, taken residence in the land of Avalon with his just-wed bride and new family. Sarah and Leland were so excited and could barely keep themselves still enough to work and prepare.

Then, that very evening, a herald opened the main door and sounded in a clear, high voice: "Their Royal Highnesses…King Stefan, Queen Leah, King Hubert, Prince Philip, Princess Aurora and Princess Bethany!" And with that, their Majesties, well-dressed in furs, thick velvet, wool and leather, entered in two-by-two as Leland, Sarah, Delbert, Amelia, B.E.N., Silver, Chloe, Olivia, Andrea, Adam and the Grump Family ceased their doings and gathered to meet their Royal Highnesses.

"Welcome Your Majesties," Sarah spoke very warmly as she curtsied and Leland bowed from the waist. "We're so glad that you could come!" "And we are equally blessed and honored to meet once again with you, Sarah," exclaimed Leah as she embraced her friend. She did likewise to Leland as Stefan and Sarah exchanged respectful bows. And so, the round of friendly-greetings began as Princess Aurora and Prince Philip each hugged and spoke with the three kittens and puppy. Delbert even assumed his best-albeit-stammering persona which his overjoyed wife chose to ignore this time as she spoke to the King and Queen. Well, at least the King as Queen Leah's attention was distracted by Morph swooping in, giggling and nuzzling her as she smiled and rubbed his back with her soft finger. King Hubert, meanwhile, launched in a loud, hearty discourse with Silver that was laced with guffaws and back-slapping.

The other guests, including Silver's old crew and several Naval officers, stayed in the background and watched the scene of love and good-will unfold before them.

Suddenly, Sarah realized something and looked around with wide-eyes. "Bethany," she called as Stefan's and Leah's youngest daughter looked her way. "Where is Jim? Did he even come with you?" Bethany stood puzzled before realization dawned on her rosy-cheeks. "Oh yes, he did…why…he must still be outside." She stepped over to the door, opened it and looked out. "Jim dear," she called through the steady frosty wind, "Please do hurry! Everyone is expecting you in here." A call muffled by the wind returned to her ears.

A minute later, Bethany opened the door wider as her now-19-years-old husband tramped in with several packs strapped to his back and a large, fur-covered basket in his arms.

"Jim, Welcome Home!!" exclaimed his parents as they and Morph descended on him. Jim smiled sheepishly as the pink shape-shifter plastered him with licks and returned his mom's kisses. "So glad to see you again, Son," Leland stated proudly as he half-hugged his son due to Jim's burdens, "Here, let me take these bags for you." And Jim let his dad unbuckled the straps. "And here, let me take the basket," Sarah said likewise reaching out her hands.

"No wait," Jim spoke as his dad and mom stopped and stared at him. Jim smiled broadly before saying: "Dad, Mom…I, uh…well, I've got something's here…they're a gift…for you to share with me and Beth. You look first Mom."

Sarah looked at Jim quizzically, then at her husband as he set the bundles behind the lobby desk and then back to the fur-covered basket. She gathered her thoughts, put out her hand and lifted a corner of the furs.

Her eyes first squinted …and then, went wide as the opening of a 6-pounder cannon. She gasped slightly, looked up at her son and then back at the woven-reed container. "Leland!" He looked up startled at her call. "Come here, quick…look!" Sarah rasped excitedly as she pulled back all the fur coverings. Leland came over quickly, as did the Dopplers, Silver and B.E.N.

Author's Note: I know what some of you are thinking: "Another Surprise!?!?!?!?! When is it all going to end???" And I say, "Very soon, my dears, very soon."

Actually, It shouldn't be to hard to figure out and for those who do know what the surprises are, M&M's and Skittles to you and a whole lot more!