It was gingerbread

There were nine passengers aboard the Suburban Carriage that Christmas morning. The seams of story were unzipped to allow common boundaries and generations to meet, revisit, and gather the momentum on the Full Moon in Cancer. Mothering was getting a boost, and the slipstream and illusion of Time consented ... to what you wonder? Well, to loosen any regulation for a start.

The guests were prompt, and in the merriest of spirits. Each was blessed with the gift of wonderfully keen olfactory sense. Without exception it was gingerbread all nine smelled.

Once the bass guitar safely encased was stowed and anchored with a seat belt of her own, Stan Costa finally reached his arms across the last row and embraced Jacob. "Oh it has been too long. Buff." Jacob the Surveyor could not remember the last person who called him by that nickname. A name from times when he was a young man and brother to twins who only ever called him Buff. Rabbit was sharp to the encounter that was just one of several conversations going at the same time in the large carriage. "I cannot remember when we last spoke," Jacob shook his head. Rabbit saw water drop from the surveyors eyes. Oh my, oh my. 

Dumpling Woman filled in the seat next to Stan. Her hair was now as white as a winter moon. Her still round face beamed as she listened to the words and the laughter. "Just because I can't see doesn't mean I get no kisses." Dumpling pursed her lips and waited for a peck from Jacob.

"Dear merry riders, I do apologize for the interruption but we must be off." Driver checked his pocket watch and hit a key on the dash-installed cellphone, and put it on speaker. When she answered he simply said, "We are present, and jolly well ready for the journey south. May, have you any words for your company?"

"Welcome sweet friends. I know from the sound of your voices you are all there. Driver has prepared treats for the ride. Reach under her seats, and unwrap your surprises. We are making the finishing touches to our weekend of festivities. See you soon!" The chatter and giggling escalated as each guest in turn bent forward. Their seat belts held them back.

"No fair!" Larkin chimed.

"Right you are," Driver turned the ignition off and gave them all the green light before starting the engine back up. From under each seat was a beautifully wrapped bunting of colorful cloth. Still warm and definitely fragrant, the smell of gingerbread exploded in earnest. "Now then, is it time to get this show on the road?"

Along with the bunting filled with freshly baked gingerbread, thermos of hot cocoa, boiling hot water and assorted tea bags, tiny bottles of cream and peppermint schnapps filled wicker baskets. Cloth napkins and pats of butter and cream cheese added to the breakfast treat. Yes, thought Rabbit this is going to be a very delightful time.

Beautiful Shine and the silver-hair of an aging but no less handsome Raven enjoyed the bird's attempt to bend forward in a seat that was nearly large enough to hold his formidable size.  Transformed from his feathered self, the man was a full seven feet tall. "Let me," Shine offered. The being who had served and toasted cinnamon breads a thousand times ten smiled at the smell of the spicy gingerbread. His thoughts went to another morning like this. A morning only ducks could love. He thought of a woman dressed in sensible black boots and a paisley shawl. The image of her was so sharp Shine could hear the boots splash in puddles. "You are missing her this morning, Raven." It was not a question. The woman handed a bundle of paisley to the silver-haired man. "She would have enjoyed this carriage ride."

"Yes, I am sure she would have." Though her eyes were milk cloudy, her hearing was trebled in facility. Dumpling whispered, "I'm sure she will."