So I just wrote the last chapter last night and have to say although I am very happy with how it ended, I am sad to see it come to an end. Few more chapters to go before I post that one though so if I get reviews tonight, I'll post more after work! :) Thank you everyone SO much!
Wendy had fallen asleep in a tent with her husband but when she awoke, she didn't see him anywhere. She found a dress on the stool and quickly pulled it on. Running her fingers through her hair, she hurried out of the tent and nearly ran into Tiger Lily.
"Wendy-bird is finally awake! We did not want to wake you but we have something for you." Wendy looked around for Peter but Tiger Lily pulled the young woman's hand and lead her through the Village. They came to a large tent and the princess pushed her inside. Several of the Indian women were gathered around and they all rose from their seats and bowed low to Wendy. Wendy glanced at Tiger Lily, confused.
"Peter announced this morning that you two are leaving Neverland. The island was shocked to see him as a man! It has proven that you are the true Princess we have waited for, a mate to the Prince of Neverland."
"I don't understand," Wendy replied, still baffled.
"And you probably will never understand. Still, we wanted to thank you for loving our Prince enough and we have made some things for your journey." One of the women passed Tiger Lily a basket full of vials and cloths.
"A new dress, so you may not forget us or our ways. Bath oils and fragrances, some healing water for you to use in emergencies, and we also brought you this," she held up several delicate petals from what had once surely been a beautiful flower, "petals from the Everblossom. It only blooms once every fifteen years and its petals have healing powers. Ground them up and spread them on your pelvis. You will feel much better," she flicked her eyes downwards and Wendy gasped.
"Peter told you-?"
"Wendy, Peter told us nothing. The blood on your skin and the sadness in your eyes told me what happened. I cannot apologize enough for allowing this to happen to you." The Indian princess pulled her friend into her arms and held her tightly, her tears dripping onto the young woman's curls. Wendy shook her head and squeezed Tiger Lily's hands.
"As I said last night, I don't blame you. Will this…will this fix everything?" She looked at Tiger Lily hopefully and her heart fell when the girl shook her head.
"Your innocence was stolen by monsters. But this will make the pain go away and as long as you remember how much Peter loves you, you will soon be ready to give yourself to him completely. I do not expect you to forget completely but I trust Peter to attempt to wipe those memories from your heart. You both have such happiness in your paths. I truly hope you find a way to put all of this behind you and see what you now have in front of you." Wendy nodded and took the basket, her eyes scanning the tent.
"Thank you. All of you. I will never forget you."
"Make sure the children of Pan know who their father used to be and where they come from. Make sure they know of Neverland."
"Of course they will," she assured them. Tiger Lily smiled.
"Come. Let us eat and wait for your husband to return." Still not used to that word, Wendy followed the women out of the tent and settled around a gigantic fire and waited for Peter.
Peter leaned over the rocks and played his pipes until he saw dark eyes right underneath the water. He leaned back just a bit as Sedna emerged, shaking her hair back.
"I will miss hearing those pipes," she said, leaning toward him. His eyes widened.
"You've heard?"
"Your decision is flying around Neverland faster than any fairy. Many do not believe but I have seen firsthand how much the girl means to you. Tell me you have not changed."
"I'm still me, there's just…more of me," he finished lamely, spreading his arms. Sedna smiled.
"You'll always be our Boy Prince, Peter. No amount of fairy magic can change that."
"Well I couldn't leave without bringing you this," he brought from behind his back the most beautiful harp anyone had ever seen. Its strings looked to be made from gold, the harp itself was shiny mahogany with stars etched into the wood. Peter's finger brushed against one of the strings and it still made the loveliest music. Sedna's face broke into a wide smie.
"Calypso's harp…you found it!"
"The pirates are gone. You've done so much for me, Sedna, I don't see how a little harp is going to pay you back but since I have nothing else, I give this to you and your sisters, along with my deepest gratitude."
"Both mean more to me than you'll ever know," the mermaid said softly. She reached up and caressed his cheek with her webbed hand. Peter gazed into her eyes and wondered briefly if she would try to pull him under.
"I have something else for you," she said suddenly and dove beneath the water, leaving Peter staring blankly. When she resurfaced, Tethys and Oceane were with her, as well as many other mermaids. Many of them looked sad. They started to sing in a sad tone and Peter glanced around.
"What is this girls? A lament? Be happy for me. I've found the love of my life. I get to spend the rest of my life with her."
"A short mortal life," one of them replied through her tears. Peter shrugged.
"I know you won't understand this but….the thought of an immortal life without Wendy breaks my heart. Even if we die tomorrow, I'll die happily because I get to spend today with her. So I had better get going," he jumped to his feet and ignored the wailing coming from many of the girls. Sedna scowled around at her sisters and moved closer to the rock.
"Peter, do me this honor and give this to your Wendy." She opened her palm and Peter gasped, dropping to his knees. It was a delicate gold ring with tiny diamonds on both sides and in the middle, a large white stone shimmered in the sunlight. It was stunning and Peter immediately pictured it on Wendy's slender finger. But he swallowed and shook his head.
"I can't accept this, Sedna, I—"
"You will present it to your wife," the mermaid said firmly. "That ring belonged to a princess of the Sea and she said it possessed great power. The wife of Peter Pan should own such a trinket. And now you will never forget us." Peter's hand closed around the precious jewel and sighed.
"I could never forget any of you. Neverland will always be my home. If I could stay here I would….but…" he trailed off, looking sad. He wished there was some way. Some way they could make it work. But the fairies had explained that now that he had chosen to grow up, he was banished along with his wife. He sighed and ran his fingers through his curls, which only seemed to stand on end even more now that he was a man. Sedna flipped her tail, bringing him out of his daze.
"Neverland will always be in your heart, Peter, but Wendy will make a new home for you." Peter was astounded to hear a mermaid speak like this. It was like hearing Tink speak like this, who by the way was completely supportive of his decision. She and Sedna both saw into Peter's heart and knew if he were to stay a boy and away from Wendy, he would be forever miserable. He held a hand up to wave goodbye and blew the mermaids a kiss. With a smile and a wink, he leaped into the air and let out an almighty crow before he disappeared into the clouds.
When he landed, the Indians bowed low and lead him to the fire, where Wendy and Tiger Lily waited. His heart raced at the mere sight of her and he knew he had made the right choice. She turned and smiled at him and he pulled her in for a kiss. Some of the younger girls glared at Wendy with jealous eyes but Tiger Lily smiled and crossed her arms.
"You have said goodbye to the island?"
"Almost. There's still a few places I didn't get to see but if we're in a hurry—"
"You leave tomorrow. We feast tonight." Peter looked surprised but Wendy smiled and gripped his wrist.
"They're throwing us a grand farewell feast. Our last night in Neverland." His face broke into a broad grin and he nodded.
"Sounds perfect."
While Peter and Tink disappeared to see more of the island, Tiger Lily insisted on beautifying Wendy. She was determined to make Peter go weak in the knees at the sight of his wife and she gossiped happily as she worked. Wendy smiled as the princess did her hair, almost wishing that she could stay in Neverland; Tiger Lily would definitely be her best friend. Her face fell as she remembered that Peter was giving everything up to be with her. It wasn't that she didn't appreciate it; but as Tiger Lily had told her, no one had ever imagined that Peter Pan would grow up. The princess noticed her friend's expression and frowned.
"A smile would make this entire thing come together."
"I'm sorry Tiger Lily, I was just thinking. I feel terrible for tearing Peter away from his home."
"Neverland may be where he lives, Wendy, but he has found a home in your arms. And it was his decision, no one else's. He chose to be with you. That speaks very highly for you, for no one else could have made Peter Pan's eyes sparkle so." Smiling a little at her friend's words, Wendy relaxed and allowed her to continue. She opened up a basket and pulled out strands of beads and pearls and decorated her with them. When she was finally finished, she held up a bucket of water so that she could see herself and Wendy nearly dropped the bucket. She had never thought herself pretty but she hardly recognized her reflection, thinking it had to be a trick of the light. Tiger Lily watched her for a reaction.
"Everyone in Neverland can see why Peter Pan fell in love with you. Now you finally see it too." Smiling, she kissed Wendy's cheek before she exited the tent.
Tink had taken it upon herself to dress her best friend on his last night as prince. He always hated to dress up but he had to admire Tink's choices and he found himself getting excited for the feast. Tiger Lily knocked on the tent and Peter whirled around to see her entering. Her eyes widened as they fixed on the handsome man before her. Her jaw dropped but she immediately closed it and shook herself.
"You and Wendy look made for each other tonight," she said with a sly smile. Peter's heart raced. He couldn't wait to see his beautiful wife. Tink zoomed around his head and straightened the feathers around his cape.
I think you're ready. You look incredible, Peter! Like a true Prince!
"And I can't wait to see my princess," he responded with a smile. Tink clapped her hands together. She too, was excited to see how the Indians had dressed Wendy. When they heard loud music and drums, Tiger Lily glanced at Peter and smiled.
"That's your cue, my prince. Enjoy yourself tonight." She bowed as he passed and when he opened the flap of the tent, the Indians all gasped and dropped to their knees. They had never seen Peter look so regal and so fearless. He wore trousers made of green and brown leaves, his chest was bare with war-paint and markings and a cape made of leaves and feathers wrapped around his shoulders. His cheeks bore paint as well and his blonde curls were wild with a single feather stuck in the back. He walked barefoot and around his neck, he wore his thimble that rested against his chest. He walked proudly to the middle of the Village, where there was a huge fire and the Indians danced around it. He clapped a hand to his mouth and let out a loud crow, to which the Indians cheered. He joined in their dance while many of the girls looked on longingly. Tink flew above the fire, her eyes scanning the Village for a glimpse of blonde hair.
Wendy peered out and spotted her husband immediately. She felt weak at the sight of him, how handsome he looked. She swallowed and straightened up, walking proudly toward him.
Tink spotted her and gasped, her eyes widening and Peter turned and felt his breath leave him. The most majestic and beautiful of creatures was walking toward him and he was frozen in place. She wore a white dress with fringe and blue trimming, a thin piece of leather decorated with beads accentuating her slim waist. Her long blonde hair blew freely in the wind and was adorned with feathers and beads. She walked barefoot as well, and had beads and jewels sparkling at her ankles, wrist, and neck. She wore a sword in her belt and pearls gleamed at her throat. Her lovely face was decorated with paint; blue above her eyes, making them seem wider and even more beautiful with something dark on her thick lashes. Her lips were plump and pink, and Tiger Lily had painted tiny white dots around her eyes and jawline. She too wore a cape made of feathers and she stood straight-backed and proud before her husband. He snapped out of his daze and his hand went to her waist. Without a word, he pulled her in and kissed her passionately while all of the Indian village let out cheers. When he pulled away, her eyes met his and she smiled shyly.
"You look so handsome, Peter."
"You've caused all my words and thoughts to leave me but I don't think I can find a word to match your beauty," he said against her cheek and she shivered slightly. He leaned back and pulled something out from his pocket. Holding his kiss in front of her, she gasped and her hand flew to her throat.
"You found my kiss!" Smiling, he fastened it around her neck and stared at the acorn that rested between her full breasts. He leaned in and kissed her neck before he whispered, "I love you so much." She shivered again, feeling herself grow weak in his arms.
"I love you too."
His hand slid into hers and he pulled her into the circle to dance, both of them forgetting about everything save for the way their hearts raced for one another. The Indians fixed crowns of flowers in their hair, effectively naming them as Prince and Princess of Neverland.