When explorers returned, they recounted their findings during dinner.
Arthur Summerlee commented. "Marvelous observation. It seems the Plateau has a change of season as well, although it obviously lasts a lot longer, for centuries even."
Veronica turned to her mother. "Do you know anything about this?"
Abigail shook her head, looking curious but also concerned. "I'm afraid I don't. For as long as we know, it has always been summer. I must consult the old texts."
Veronica nodded. "I'll ask Assai if her people have any old tales about the changing of seasons."
John sighed, a thoughtful look crossing his face. "Too bad Challenger is not here to see it. He would probably have a few theories of his own."
Marguerite said. "I'm sure he'll come at the first opportunity he gets."
John turned to William. "What do you think, son?"
William barely looked up from his plate. "Does it matter? It's just leaves changing color."
John sought to correct William's comment. "It's hardly just leaves changing color. It's a sign of something much larger at play."
"Yeah, but who cares if we're safe and sound here at Avalon?"
The table fell into a brief silence, recognizing the undercurrents of William's response.
"William, is something the matter?" Marguerite asked.
"No. Everything is fine. Why do you ask?"
"Because you're answering your father back in such a sullen tone." Marguerite replied.
Isabelle chimed."He's just sulking because they took the wild girl on the adventure and left him behind." Her voice was light but pointed.
"We talked about this." John said. "I thought the reason behind this decision was quite clear."
With a note of mild reproof, Veronica said "And let's not call Thalia 'wild.' She's Annie and Tommy's half-sister and very much part of our family."
"I know, I meant it as a compliment," Isabelle clarified with a grin.
Marguerite then attempted to shift the mood. "In a day or two you're all going to the treehouse and it will be every bit as much an adventure. It's hardly a consolation prize. I'm sure you'll all have a great time."
John asked, "Aren't you joining us?"
Marguerite leaned back. "I don't think so. I'm quite fine here. More than fine, in fact. Unlike some, I happen to adore Avalon."
Juliette protested. "Mother, that wasn't the plan. We wanted to explore together!"
"Honestly, you'll have much more fun without me." Marguerite responded with a reassuring smile, seeking to ease her daughter's concern.
Isabelle's voice held a note of disappointment as she addressed her mother. "Then what's the point? We wanted to hear your stories about the treehouse, how Daddy used to court you, and everything else."
John gave Marguerite an affectionate look "She has a point, love. The treehouse holds some stories only you can tell. It won't be the same without you."
Juliette wrapped her arms around her mother's arm in a heartfelt plea, her eyes wide with eagerness. "You have to! You just have to!"
Marguerite sighed in a soft surrender. "Alright. You've persuaded me. How can I say no to these angelic faces?" She replied, hugging her daughter close.
After dinner, sensing the lingering tension, John sought out William for a private conversation. He found him sitting alone on a bench outside, his attention seemingly lost in the distance.
"William," John began, his voice gentle yet firm, "I can tell you're upset about not joining us today."
William, still harboring his feelings of exclusion, didn't immediately respond. He continued to stare ahead, the flicker of unresolved emotions in his eyes.
John continued, trying to bridge the gap between them. "I understand why you're disappointed, but there are reasons for these decisions. It's not about doubting your abilities or your courage."
William finally turned to face his father, his expression a mix of frustration and the need to be understood.
John, recognizing this as a moment for honesty and connection, sat down beside him. "Talk to me, son."
William, after a moment's hesitation, let out a deep sigh. "I just feel ready for more, Dad. I want to be part of the real adventure, not just the ones you think are safe for me."
John nodded, acknowledging his son's feelings. "I hear you, William. But part of being ready is also understanding the risks involved. We're not trying to keep you from adventure, we're trying to ensure you're prepared for it."
"I am prepared and I want a chance to prove it."
John replied, "You don't have to prove anything. We know you're capable. You have already had incredible success in Scotland and you are doing an amazing job at school. It's just that the jungle can be unpredictable, and your safety is our top priority."
William looked down. "I constantly feel like I'm missing out on something."
John placed a reassuring hand on William's shoulder. "You aren't. There's a time for everything, and your time will come. Trust me, the jungle isn't going anywhere."
William paused, absorbing his father's words, but the sense of missing out lingered. Finally, he stood up, a resolve in his posture.
"I'm going in to read a book." He said, his tone indicating the end of the conversation.
After William left, Veronica approached John, finding him alone and deep in thought.
"I have an idea about how you can fix things with Will," Veronica said as she sat beside him.
"Let's hear it." John replied.
Veronica leaned in. "Let him go to the Zanga village by himself. Well, not completely by himself - Thalia will go with him. But no adults. It'll make him feel grown-up, mature, and capable."
John contemplated the proposal. "Why would I do that? I wouldn't agree to it and Marguerite definitely wouldn't even entertain the idea."
Veronica's eyes gleamed with a cunning plan. "Because there's a catch. An Avatar warrior will follow them discreetly, unseen. If anything goes wrong, he will step in and bring them back immediately. But if all goes well, they won't even know they were being followed."
John paused and thought for a while, considering the implications. "It does sound intriguing, but why do you think they won't notice they're being followed? Remember, William isn't just any kid. Nor is Thalia."
"Nobody notices an Avatar warrior if he chooses to remain unseen."
John nodded slowly, a smile beginning to form. "You might be right. This might not be a bad idea."
Veronica elaborated further. "Here's the whole plan: We go to the treehouse, spend a night, and then in the morning, we send them off on their adventure. The rest of us can either stay in the treehouse, or I can bring the other children back to Avalon."
"I like how you're thinking Veronica. That is quite a plan. Convincing Marguerite might be a challenge, though, but I'll give it a try."
John approached Marguerite the next day, who was sunbathing on her usual spot. The Avalonians attended to her as if she were royalty. Her effortless sensuality both amazed and slightly irked him. One hand rested by her side, the other lifted to support her head.
"Marguerite, may I have a word with you?" John asked, approaching her.
Marguerite placed a hand on her forehead to see him better against the sun's glare. "Of course. What is it?" she responded, her voice smooth and relaxed.
"If you would sit up and remove the sunglasses. I want to talk to you about something."
Reluctantly, she complied, John sat beside her, momentarily struck by her allure, especially now in her swimming suit, the light perspiration glistening on her skin. But he quickly refocused on the matter at hand.
"I'm thinking of letting William go to the Zanga village alone…" John said, watching her reaction closely. "With Thalia." He remembered to add.
Marguerite looked at him, an ironic smile playing on her lips. "You're either gone mad, or you're making a really bad joke. Which one is it?"
"An Avatar will follow them discreetly without their knowledge. Veronica has arranged everything."
"My point still stands." Marguerite said, unmoved.
"Please, Marguerite, try to understand. I want to show him I trust him and that I think he's capable enough."
Marguerite raised an eyebrow. "By tricking him?"
"It's not about trickery. It's about giving him a sense of independence while ensuring his safety."
"Well, if you wanted my opinion, I think it's a bad idea." Marguerite expressed her concerns clearly.
"Why?" John asked, keen to understand her perspective.
"First of all, I don't like him spending time with that wild girl. Second of all, it's the Plateau. We both know that if anything can go wrong here, it will go wrong."
"Thalia's not wild. She's Malone's daughter."
Marguerite's skepticism remained. "I don't care, she's still half an Amazon. That's not the kind of influence I want for our son."
John countered, "She's the first child his age that he's shown real interest in. Considering he's mostly surrounded by adults back home, this could be a good thing for him."
"A girl, the first girl, who's going to grow up and become an Amazon woman. That's hardly comforting."
"Aren't you the one who's always saying he should face more challenges?" John reminded her.
"Academic challenges, yes. Not gallivanting into the jungle with an Amazon."
John sighed, seeking to defuse the tension. "Well, I haven't come here to argue with you, Marguerite. I simply came to inform you… "
"Alright." Marguerite said, not letting him finish and stood up, starting to move away.
John looked up, surprised. "Where are you going?"
"It seems to me that you've already made up your mind. I disapprove of this entire scheme, but it appears you're not going to change your mind, whatever I say."
The argument between John and Marguerite continued late into the night, reaching their bedroom. What started as a disupte over their son transitioned into more mundane topics.
"John, must you leave your gear in the middle of the floor every evening?" Marguerite asked.
"Well, must you always take up every inch of our space with your belongings?" He asked back.
Marguerite, who was meticulously brushing her hair, did not bother to glance up. "If you hadn't brought along every gun in your arsenal, perhaps we'd have a bit more room to maneuver. Besides, my belongings are essential."
"Essential?" He picked up the small, ornately carved box from the dresser, holding it up as evidence. "And pray tell, what survival situation calls for this?"
"That," Marguerite replied with a touch of smugness, "is for storing medicinal herbs. And if you paid any attention, you'd know that. Unlike your third rifle, which I'm sure the local wildlife now recognizes by sight."
"My third rifle is essential." He said in a mock tone, mimicking her words. "And maybe if you didn't treat every outing like a social gala, we'd have more room for other essentials. This isn't London, Marguerite, it's the jungle!"
Marguerite stood up, her stance mirroring her defiance. "My gala supplies, as you so disdainfully call them, have saved us on more than one occasion. Remember the diplomatic dinner with the local chieftain in India?"
John scoffed, unamused by the reminder. "Oh, so now a single dinner justifies bringing half your wardrobe? What about the practicality of survival, Marguerite?"
Marguerite, undeterred, advanced. "Let's talk about practicality when you decide which of your beloved rifles is your favorite. Because, clearly, choosing seems beyond you."
John took a step closer. "Every piece of equipment I brought serves a purpose, unlike your arsenal of cosmetics and... what is this, even?" He picked up a delicate bottle from the dresser, waving it mockingly.
"That is lavender oil, for your information," Marguerite snatched the bottle from his grasp, her voice icy. "It's for relaxation and antiseptic use. But I wouldn't expect you to understand the nuances of anything that doesn't fire bullets."
Their voices filled the room, a storm of words fueled by wounded pride, neither willing to back down. The argument escalated and the air between them crackled with tension. Their heated exchange echoed off the walls. It was a vivid display of conflict and passion that defined their relationship.
From their room, the children could hear their parents' banter.
"I hate when Mummy and Daddy are arguing." Juliette said in concern.
"Seriously? I love everything about it." Isabelle replied casually.
Juliette, puzzled, asked, "How can you say that?"
Isabelle, with a knowing smile, explained, "I think it adds some zest to their marriage."
William, sensing her sister's unease, replied, "They're not really fighting, Jules. They're just... playing."
Juliette, still not entirely convinced by this reassurance, nodded slowly.
Isabelle rolled her eyes affectionately at her younger sister's innocence. "You've got so much to learn, Jules. By the way, If they got divorced, who would you live with?"
"William just said their fight meant nothing." Juliette protested.
"I know, I know, but if?" Isabelle persisted, curious about their hypothetical choices.
Juliette, uncomfortable with the direction of the conversation, turned away and closed her eyes, choosing not to engage further. She wanted to escape into the peace of sleep, away from such unsettling thoughts.
Isabelle turned her attention to her brother. "Willy?"
William, slightly irritated by his sister's probing, replied, "I don't know. That's such a weird question. What about you?"
"Well, I love them equally, but Daddy is a bit more permissive, so I guess I'd pick him."
William smirked at her choice of words. He didn't entirely agree. "I would go and live with the Challengers if something like that ever occurred. Or I would come here."
"Hey, how come I didn't think of that?" Isabelle asked herself.
Soon the room grew quiet as each child settled into their own thoughts. Isabelle, satisfied with stirring the conversation, lay back, her mind wandering through the what-ifs. William, though a bit irritated, closed his eyes and settled down, his mind still on the upcoming day's adventures. Juliette, already drifting into sleep, found comfort in the familiar sounds of her family around her. In the safety of their room, the children found peace, each in their own way, as the night deepened in Avalon.