." After my talk with

David I made the decision that I was not going to leave. The Lost Boys were thrilled with this

news and decided to throw a party the next evening in my honor. We invited the whole Indian

village to the party. I spent all day preparing for the occasion, scrubbing dirty tables, finding

makeshift seats, and raking up leaves to spruce up the place.  

Late in the day I had an unexpected surprise. Rags and Pip came running up to me dragging a

very long and heavy object. "Look what we found!" cried Rags. The article was covered in some

sort of wrapping that was mildewed, sandy, appearing to have spent some time at the bottom

of the ocean. Upon closer inspection I realized that the binding was oilcloth wrapped tightly

around the item. I slowly unwrapped the oilcloth and gasped when I revealed its' contents. The

strange object was a mighty broadsword encased in a fine scabbard. What made it special was

that I recognized it. It was my father's two handed broadsword. "Thank you" I told the boys

"This belonged to my father. I can't believe it survived the ocean. It means a great deal to me."

My heart swelled with memories of my father as I cradled the sword and brought it up to my

room. I gently laid it on the bed and slowly unsheathed it. The sword had amazingly remained

unscathed from the effects of the ocean and I carefully polished away any small defects that

remained. Not long after this Tiger Lily arrived to help me fix my hair and choose the right dress

for the occasion (up till that time I had been wearing mostly pants and tops). We finally decided  

on a long dark green dress that flowed softly about me with gold stitching that matched the

gold of my sword belt and scabbard. It was the nicest dress that I owned and I was excited to

have an opportunity to wear it. Tiger Lily combed, curled, and partially braided my hair, sewing

in small flowers and green and yellow hair ribbons that were a gift from Sam. I had never felt so

special or so beautiful before. It was as if Tiger Lily had magically given me some of her own

distinction and turned me into a princess just like her. The drums started signaling the start of

the party and also were my cue to make an entrance. I threw my arms around Tiger Lily in a

grateful hug and after thanking her I put on my fathers' sword slipping it across my back so that

it was hidden beneath the cape I was wearing to protect my dress. Then we walked arm in arm

to the top of the staircase leading to the lower level. Together we slowly made our way down

the stairs and were greeted with cheering and applause. I could not help smiling as I walked to

the center of the clearing. "Could I have everyone's attention?" I said "First, thank you all for

coming! I am so glad that you could be here with me to celebrate. Second, I have a gift that I

would like to give. David, would you come over here?" David walked up to me and stood

waiting expectantly. I took off my father's sword and sheath and held them in my hands. "This

was my father's sword." I said speaking loudly so everyone could hear me. "It is the last object

of his that I have to remember him by. However, I would like to present it to David and the Lost

Boys as a gift in thanks for all that they have done for me." I handed the sword to David and as I

did so the clearing was again filled with loud cheers. David reverently turned the sword over,

admiring the superior craftsmanship. David then turned and smiled at me and said, "The Lost

Boys also have a gift for you." He gestured to someone behind me and two of the Lost Boys

came forwards carrying something very large between the two of them. It was long and

rectangular with a heavy cloth over it. They set the object down in front of me and with

beaming smiles pulled the sheet off. I caught my breath when I saw what was underneath. It

was a huge and beautiful wooden chest with incredible carvings on the top and sides. I could

not believe it! The carvings were pictures of the adventures that the Lost Boys and I had had

together. Each scene was highly detailed and carefully carved into the wood. The chest itself

was about two feet tall and five feet long and along with being intricately carved was also

stained a gorgeous deep mahogany color. I could not imagine how long it had taken to create

this and I was dually impressed with it. "It's so.....oh...it's wonderful!!!" was all that I could

stammer out. David had a giant grin on his face and replied, "We all helped with it. I did the

carvings and Sam stained it but all the other boys either helped pick out the wood or sand it or

had some part in creating it. I'm glad that you like it so much." "Like it!" I cried "I will treasure it

forever and I plan to pass it on to my family and I hope that it goes on to see many generations.

Oh thank you!! It's amazing." Everyone wanted to look at our respective gifts but after

everyone had finished marveling over the trunk I had the boys take it up to my room.

Grandchildren the party we had that night was one I will always remember. We had mounds of

food, not only from our own stores but the Indians also brought food. I tried strange and spicy

dishes and desserts that would melt in your mouth. And there was music and dancing along

with a great deal of storytelling! I danced with David and Sam and practically all of the Lost Boys

and some of the Indian braves and we had a glorious time that lasted late into the night. It was

very late I think that I must have fallen asleep since the next thing that I remember was Pip

waking me and taking me by the arm and leading me up to my room. The party was still going

strong at that point but as soon as my head touched the pillow I was fast asleep again.

The next few weeks after the party flew by for me. It was like I was in this crazy but amazing

dream and I kept wondering when I would wake up from it. My wake up did come eventually

though and it led to my first big adventure with the Lost Boys.