In the eternal summer of the Lost World, nestled in Avalon, Veronica and Ned Malone celebrated Christmas with their little family. Their one-year-old daughter, Annika, and baby Tommy were the centers of their world.
In the lush gardens, the family enjoyed their unique Christmas celebration. Veronica, cradling Tommy in her arms, watched fondly as Ned played with Annika. He lifted her into the air, imitating an airplane, while Annika's laughter filled the garden.
As Ned swooped Annika through the air, he called out playfully, "Ready for takeoff, Captain Annika?"
Annika, giggling with delight, responded, "Dadda!"
Veronica, holding Tommy, watched them with a warm smile. "Looks like we have a little aviator in the making," she said while Tommy gurgled happily in response.
Ned, landing Annika gently on the ground, looked over at Veronica and Tommy. "Our first Christmas with both of our little explorers," he said, his voice filled with happiness. "This place may not have winter, but it's still full of Christmas magic, isn't it?"
Veronica nodded, her heart full. "Absolutely, every day with you and our children is magical, no matter where we are."
Around them, the other Avalonians were bustling about, bringing sweets, wine and fresh juice to add to the celebration. Their contributions created a festive atmosphere, blending the traditions of two worlds.
In the background, an Avalonian girl began to play the harp, her fingers gracefully moving over the strings. The melody was soothing and familiar. Then, she started playing Christmas carols as thought by Veronica, Abigail and Ned who had introduced these melodies from the outside world.
At some point Ned briefly stepped away from the scene only to return with presents in hand. There was a doll for Annika, a teddy bear for Tommy, and a beautiful dress for Veronica. There was also a set of children's books, filled with colorful illustrations and stories to fuel their young minds, a music box, a collection of art supplies, for family creative time, including paints, brushes, and canvas, a handmade wooden puzzle, challenging yet fun and assortment of chocolates and candies from the outside world, a rare treat in the Lost World.
"Where did you get all of this?" Veronica asked, surprised.
Ned replied, "Abigail let me take a day trip to the outside world to collect these items. I know it's not wise to open the portal for short travels, but I wanted to give you something special for Christmas."
"Thank you so much, Ned. It's wonderful," Veronica replied, touched. "And despite what my mother says, maybe the rules are too strict. Why not travel more often, even if it is just for short visits?"
Ned chuckled, "Well, you know, the usual reasons. Messing with the space-time continuum, creating a black hole..."
Veronica responded, "I also have something for you." She reached behind her and handed Ned a pack of fresh, empty journals. The covers of these journals were hand-made by Veronica herself, each adorned with a lot of careful detail and craftsmanship. The personal touch and effort put into these journals made them a special and thoughtful gift, reflecting the deep bond and mutual understanding that existed between them.
Ned expressed his gratitude with genuine affection. "These are wonderful, Veronica. Thank you," he said, holding the journals appreciatively.
Veronica, with a gentle smile, replied, "Fill them with beautiful stories."
Ned nodded, his eyes gleaming with the promise of future adventures. "I will," he assured her, "with our stories."
As Ned and Veronica continued to revel in their Christmas cheer, Abigail watched them from the balcony of her chambers. Her heart swelled with love and joy seeing her daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren together. She observed how very sweet, kind and gentle they were as parents.
Abigail thought about how they were raising their children much differently than she had raised Veronica. Unlike her choice to leave Veronica alone in the jungle, to grow up unaware of her destiny, Ned and Veronica were building a life in Avalon as a family, preparing to teach their children about their unique roles and destiny from a young age.
"Perhaps, it's better this way." She whispered to herself.
Summerlee joined Abigail on the balcony, taking in the festive scene below.
"Quite a beautiful sight, isn't it?" he remarked.
Abigail responded, a hint of longing in her voice, "Yes. They're giving their children the kind of upbringing I wish I could have given Veronica."
Summerlee, understanding her unspoken regret, reassured her, "You made the best decisions you could, given the circumstances. And look at Veronica now – a wonderful mother, thanks to the strength and resilience you instilled in her."
Noticing the deep reflection in Abigail's eyes, he added, "Every generation learns from the one before, Abigail. You gave Veronica the tools to survive and thrive. Now, she and Ned are building on that in their own way."
Abigail sighed, "I just wish I had been there for her more."
"You were there in the ways you could be," Summerlee said kindly. "And now, Veronica is making her own path, just as you did. You both have shown remarkable strength in different ways."
"Thank you, Arthur. You always have the right words to make me feel better," Abigail said, her voice filled with gratitude.
Summerlee smiled warmly, "Shall we go down and join the festivities? I'm rather craving a piece of cake."
"Let's," Abigail agreed, her spirits lifted.
Together, they descended to join the celebration, immersing themselves in the joy and unity of Christmas in the Lost World. The laughter, music, and warmth of the gathering echoed through Avalon, a reminder of the enduring spirit of family and the magic that this unique place brought to their lives.