Eleven years had passed since Marguerite and Roxton left the Lost World. Now they were back with the whole family. The Lost World was just as they remembered it – wild, beautiful, and full of untold stories to tell. They were delighted to find their dear Professor Summerlee, now in his 80s, alive and well. He was doing quite well in fact, all thanks to Avalon's rejuvenating energy. This time, Professor Challenger wasn't with them, although he had visited The Lost World regularly over the years.
Avalon had been a key ingredient in persuading Marguerite to venture back. The idea of a secure paradise, where children could roam free and where she could enjoy all the earthly pleasures that Avalon so generously offered was more than enough to spark her interest.
Nestled in a serene nook of this lush paradise, John, Marguerite, Veronica, and Ned found a moment of tranquility to unwind and catch up. They were surrounded by nature, yet sheltered under fabric canopies that blended seamlessly with the vibrant greenery. The group was enjoying a leisurely time, savoring fresh fruits, sipping on rich coffee, and engaging in the kind of easy conversation that comes with years of long-standing friendship.
Veronica brought up an interesting subject. "The jungle has changed. New species, odd patterns in migration, changes in the landscape. It's almost unrecognizable in some parts."
"It's fascinating." Ned said. "We want to investigate further in the next couple of days. It's a whole new world out there."
While John seemed intrigued, Marguerite was less than enthusiastic.
"I hope I won't be invited on that little excursion." She said honestly.
"Aren't you at least a bit intrigued?" John asked.
"No. The Plateau has a tendency to change. We already know that."
However, their discussion was pleasantly interrupted by Isabelle Roxton who appeared before them. She was proudly clasping Annie's hand who was dressed in a fluffy light blue dress, adorned with a sparkling tiara, and her face was covered with a rather enthusiastic application of makeup.
Marguerite raised an eyebrow at the sight. "Isabelle… Annie is not a doll."
"Mummy, you are silly. Of course she's not a doll. She's a princess." Isabelle replied.
Veronica, trying to suppress a chuckle, said, "And a beautiful one at that. But maybe this makeup is a bit too much."
"She'll take it off." Marguerite said, looking at her daughter. "Won't you, Isabelle?"
Isabelle, ignoring her mother and looking at Veronica, added, "Look, I taught her how to curtsy. Do it, Annie."
Annie, happy and unbothered by being told what to do, obliged with a graceful little curtsy, causing the adults to exchange amused glances.
Marguerite and John were both a bit uncomfortable with their daughter's dominant playtime demeanor.
"She's a princess and I'm her trustworthy advisor." Isabelle clarified with a serious tone and the girls scampered off.
Once they were out of earshot, John joked, "Like mother, like daughter."
Marguerite playfully pinched him, "She's half yours."
"Juliette's mine and this one's yours." John retorted.
Marguerite, glanced over at Veronica and Ned, who were trying not to laugh.
"Actually, that's true. Isabelle's mine, Juliette's John's, and William… He's a strange mix of both of us."
It wasn't long before Juliette Roxton darted past the group. She was engaged in a lively mock battle with a young Avalonian boy, both wielding wooden swords with great enthusiasm. What stood out was Juliette's appearance - her comfortable linen dress was already stained with the marks of play, and she was barefoot, her feet lightly touching the soft grass of Avalon.
"Juliette!" Marguerite called out.
Juliette glanced back, momentarily distracted, which gave the boy an opportunity to gently strike her with his wooden sword. "Ouch!" she exclaimed, more in surprise than pain.
Veronica intervened and addressed the boy, "Let's pause for a moment, Taino."
Marguerite's concern was evident as she asked, "Come here, Juliette. Where are your shoes?"
Looking down at her bare feet, Juliette seemed unfazed by their absence. "I don't know. They're around here somewhere," she replied nonchalantly.
"What sort of wild game are you two playing?" Marguerite inquired, with a tone of clear disapproval.
Juliette, her eyes sparkling with the thrill of the game, answered proudly, "Taino is going to be an Avatar warrior one day. I'm practicing with him."
"That's too aggressive. Why don't you go and play with Isabelle and Annie instead?" Marguerite suggested.
Juliette rolled her eyes and turned to her father, seeking his support.
John, with a smile of understanding, nodded in approval of her continuing the game.
"Keep your elbow up, like this," John instructed, demonstrating the proper way to hold the wooden sword. "And remember, balance is key in a duel."
Juliette, absorbing his advice with eager attention, adjusted her posture accordingly. Her face lit up with gratitude and excitement as John added, "Go on, you're doing great."
Marguerite, conceding but still cautious, added, "Alright… But do find your shoes. You can't run around barefoot like this. You might step on something and hurt yourself."
With a quick nod, Juliette dashed off, resuming her playful battle with the boy Taino. The sounds of their wooden swords clicking in the air echoed through the serene environment.
Another young member of the group made his presence known. Tommy, the six-year-old son of Ned and Veronica, approached the adults with a shy demeanor. In his small hands, he held a bouquet of a colorful assortment of wildflowers, each bloom carefully picked from the lush gardens of Avalon.
He stepped forward, his eyes wide with nervousness and excitement, and presented the bouquet to Marguerite.
"This is for you," he said in the sweetest, most earnest voice.
Marguerite's face softened into a warm smile as she accepted the flowers. "Thank you, Tommy. You are too sweet."
Tommy, pleased with the response, then settled himself next to Ned and Veronica. His sweet and adorable nature was a stark contrast to the more adventurous spirits of the Roxton children.
Marguerite, observing the serene boy, commented, "Your children are adorable. As you can see, ours are a bit wild."
Ned, looking fondly at Tommy and then at the Roxtons, said, "We're considering sending Tommy to you next year. We'd like him to have the kind of proper education your kids are getting."
John responded warmly, "That's an excellent idea. We would be delighted to have him."
Marguerite said, "The Dragon School has been excellent for William. It's only an hour away from Avebury, so it's quite convenient. What about Annie? Headington School for girls in Oxford is also very good."
"Well, Annie isn't as excited about the prospect as Tommy is. She's pretty shy and introverted." Ned explained.
Veronica clarified, "But Ned's been working with her, teaching her. Whatever she decides in the end, we'll support her choice."
In another part of Avalon, Abigail took William for a stroll. They walked along a pathway lined with vibrant flora. Even before he was born Abigail had foreseen that he would be a very special child. However, she also knew that such individuals often faced the challenge of being pulled by the darker forces. She wanted to test his character and wisdom, making sure he was being guided in the right direction.
"What do you think of Avalon?" she inquired gently.
William glanced around, his eyes reflecting the awe he felt. "It's rather picturesque. But I'm more interested in seeing what's beyond the walls."
Abigail nodded, understanding his curiosity. "You'll see soon enough. You will go to the treehouse. That's where your parents spent three years of their life and fell in love."
William replied. "Do I look like I'm interested in romance? I want to see the wild side of the Plateau: lizard people, apemen..."
"You're not afraid of danger?" Abigail asked, peering into his eyes, searching for glimpses of his inner world.
William hesitated for a moment before admitting. "Even if I am a little afraid… The thrill of discovery is so much more compelling."
Abigail studied his gaze for a few long seconds before changing the topic.
"Tell me about the school and education you're getting. Is it challenging enough?"
"Yes, it's challenging. I've been focusing a lot on mathematics. I love things that are abstract and exact. You don't have to second-guess them, like you do with people." William explained.
"The human heart is like a labyrinth, far more complex than the most intricate mathematical equation." Abigail replied in her usual profound manner.
"Exactly." William agreed.
"What about your peers at Oxford?" Abigail continued her gentle probe.
"What about them?" William asked back.
"Is it difficult to make friendships, considering your schedule?"
"Not really. The problem is, I don't find children my age interesting enough and older children can be mean sometimes. Challenger is the only one who truly understands me." William confessed.
"Challenger is indeed very fond of you. He spoke highly of you during his many visits to the Plateau. But I want to know, how do you handle conflicts with older children?"
William looked deep into Abigail's eyes. "I can make things difficult for those who are mean to me… if I choose to. I can make them suffer." William said seriously before he realized what he was saying, then he managed to pun on a smile. "Why all these questions, anyway?"
Abigail smiled warmly, "I just want to get to know you, William."
"Why, particularly?" he pressed.
"I'm fascinated by your perspective on things. You have a unique way of seeing the world." Abigail offered a smile, though her response didn't entirely match the depth of her inquiries.
"That's a tactful response, I must say." He said with a hint of playful snark. "But I know what you're doing, Abigail. You're dissecting me."
"You certainly have an attitude, young man." She lifted his chin gently so she could study him more closely. "In you, see Marguerite's sharp wit and I also see John's daring spirit."
"Do you mind if I ask you a few questions?" He asked her.
"Not at all." Abigail replied, her expression curious. "Go ahead."
"I wonder, who's to say that Protectors are inherently good while the line of Mordren is inherently evil? Who gets to decide that one family is the hero while the other one is the villain?"
"That's a profound point," she acknowledged. "The truth is, no one is good or evil by default, not even the Protectors. We all have the capacity for both within us. It's our choices that tilt the balance one way or the other. As Protectors, we're guided by a set of principles, but we're still human. We can make wrong decisions. The key is to be mindful, to constantly question our motives and the consequences of our actions."
William, absorbing her words, launched into a thoughtful argument. "But don't you see? In a way, the Protectors are all about control. Controlling the Plateau's power, controlling their own by making them obey silly rules and principles. How are you different from, let's say, the communist regime? You, too, are imposing your rules without second-guessing them and deciding what's best for everyone."
Abigail regarded William thoughtfully for a few long moments before replying.
"The comparison you draw is indeed stark. However, there's a fundamental difference. The Protectors, unlike a government regime, don't seek to control for power or political gain. Our purpose has always been to safeguard the balance. Our control, as you call it, is more about stewardship than dominion. We're guardians, not rulers. Yes, we have rules, but they are in place to protect, not to suppress. It's a fine line, I admit, and one we must always be mindful of."
Later, when Abigail reflected on her conversation with William, she found herself deeply impressed by his remarkable intelligence and incisive questioning. He undoubtedly embodied the adventurous spirit of the Roxton family, yet there was more to him than just youthful curiosity. His insights and the way he questioned the very foundations of power and morality showed a maturity beyond his age. However, Abigail also recognized in William a potential complexity beneath his bright exterior. His ability to critically analyze and challenge established norms also suggested he might face difficult moral choices in the future. This potential, she mused, if not nurtured with careful guidance, could lead him into a world where the line between right and wrong can become increasingly blurred.
In the Roxton family's quarters within Avalon, the atmosphere was winding down to a calm evening. William and the girls were seated at the table. He was reading to them from a book about mythical creatures and legends while the girls were coloring in a coloring book that had been crafted by Veronica and Ned, especially for them. It was adorned with images of the Lost World's landscapes and scenes from their past adventures. Beside them, John was poring over old and new maps of the Plateau, noting the changes that had unfolded over the years.
Marguerite entered the room, and her face lit up at the sight of her family engaging so harmoniously. She smiled, took a moment to admire the children's artistic efforts and settled onto a nearby sofa. Clad in a comfortable nightgown and a cardigan, she gently tucked her legs beneath her, relaxing into the soft cushions with a cozy sigh.
"How I love seeing you all so sweet and well-behaved," she said, her voice soft yet filled with pride. Turning to William, she added, "You're such a good brother. I love when you read to your sisters."
Isabelle said, "Me, too. I love to hear a good story without having to put in the effort to read it myself."
John replied. "Well, there's certainly an art in listening to stories. But diving into a book on your own could open up a whole new world."
"We read more than enough at School." Isabelle replied, her eyes focused on the colours and the paper in front of her.
Juliette, holding a green pencil and colouring in a particular tree, added, "And don't forget about the nanny."
"Oh, yes, she loves to smother us with reading, doesn't she?" Isabelle asked.
Marguerite turned her attention to William, "What were you and Abigail discussing today? You seemed deeply engrossed in your conversation."
William looked up from his book, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "She was testing me, trying to see if I have tendencies to become an evil genius."
Marguerite laughed, amused yet intrigued. "You're not serious."
"I am." William replied earnestly. "I think it all comes down to having Morrighan's blood in me and I being conceived..."
"Don't finish that sentence." Marguerite raised her hand slightly, signaling him to stop, a slight blush coloring her cheeks. "Your sisters are in the room."
Isabelle rolled her eyes. "Please, we know what conception is."
"And how's that?" Marguerite asked, slightly apprehensive while John laughed, amused by his daughter's candidness.
"Aunt Emily filled us in," Isabelle revealed.
"What are you doing? We pinky swore!" Juliette promptly reminded her, with a hint of annoyance in her voice.
"Oh, yeah," Isabelle backtracked. "Ignore me. I don't know what I'm saying."
Marguerite, bemused yet determined to address the issue, stated, "I'll need to have a word with Aunt Emily."
"Don't blame her," Isabelle quickly defended. "She only gave in after my relentless questioning."
William added with a grin, "And we all know Belle's relentless questioning can break down any defense."
"Still, I think such topics are a bit mature for now. We'll delve into everything when you're older and when it's more appropriate." Marguerite stated.
Juliette turned to her brother with expectation. "Then I think we can go back to the story, Willy."
"That would be a good idea," Marguerite affirmed.
William, accepting the mantle of storyteller with a slight nod, said, "Alright, we're up to the Amazons."
But before he could continue, Isabelle interjected. "Oh, Uncle Ned's daughter Thalia is coming tomorrow! She's an Amazon!"
Juliette said, "I'm hearing she's quite fierce. Taino told me she could beat Avalonian boys in combat without breaking a sweat. He said she even killed a man."
John chimed in to provide some context. "Thalia's mother is an Amazon, so she's been raised with their ways, strong and skilled in combat. But remember, she's still Malone's daughter. Ned and Veronica treat her no differently than they do Annie and Tommy. She's part of the family."
Isabelle, always eager to push boundaries, dropped a comment. "I heard Uncle Ned was in bed with two Amazon women."
"Isabelle Grace Roxton!" Marguerite was shocked and more than a little embarrassed by the bold remark.
William and Juliette couldn't contain their giggles and Isabelle, hearing her full name spoken like that, immediately realized she was in for a scolding.
Marguerite looked at John for support. John, seeking a light-hearted escape from the moment, said, "Don't look at me. She's your kid," effectively trying to deflect the situation back to Marguerite.
Marguerite, striving to impart a lesson, addressed Isabelle directly, "We don't speak of people in such a manner, Isabelle. It's important to maintain a certain level of propriety, even here."
Isabelle countered, "I thought you said we didn't have to be proper here."
"What I meant is that we don't have to be as strict as we were in England, but that doesn't mean we forget manners altogether. There's a difference between being free-spirited and being outright inappropriate."
"Alright, I'm sorry." Isabelle conceded reluctantly.
Marguerite, seizing the moment to restore some order, glanced at the clock. "What time is it, anyway? I believe it's well past your bedtime."
"Nice one, Belle." Juliette scolded her sister. "Thanks to your big mouth, now we're both in trouble."
Isabelle unfazed retorted, "It's not my fault you people don't appreciate my sense of humor."
Marguerite directed them, "Off you go then. Start with a bath and call me if you need help."
The girls reluctantly complied, dragging their feet a little. As Juliette passed her mother, she asked, "Will you come in later for some cuddles?"
"Of course." Marguerite promised, a soft smile playing on her lips. A round of cuddles and bedtime stories was their long-established nightly routine which all three enjoyed equally.
With the girls on their way, William closed his book. "Well, this story is ruined for me. The part with the Amazons, at least."