New year, New adventures

 Louis picked up the noisemaker. It was red, just like him! He gave a cautious blow into the plastic mouthpiece and the paper tube let out a pweeet noise. 

"This is fun!" said the giant stuffed lobster. "We used to celebrate the incoming year when we were a little spawn. Of course, it sounded a lot different underwater! Do you have any new years' resolutions, Scratch?"

Scratch thought a moment. "Usually I make the same one every year. To not make any resolutions!" Mort gave a dragon-belly laugh from his basket in the corner. "That's a good one, and easy to keep," said the little green dragon. "Mine is to collect more shiny things! This should be easy to do too, since you got me a larger basket!" 

Indigo looked up from the book she was reading. "My resolution is to travel more! With a little help, of course!" she blushed a purplish pink as Scratch nodded. "I hope to replace my little bag, and then I can take you with me when I go places! Maybe not to work, though. You'd be sneezing at all the dirt!" Indigo giggled. "I doubt your boss would like you bringing me, anyway." 

Dakota the porcupine shuffled in from the kitchen.  "So when are we going to sail again? The King here has been regaling my little ears with your many adventures! It sounds exciting." 

Scratch looked out the window at the snow falling outside. "It will be soon, certainly. But maybe not when the ground has snow on it. But soon! Reese is supervising the repairs to my little ship. It should be returned to me soon."

Louis looked smug. "We have just remembered a couple of things! Scratch, our scholar, has completed her training! Also, her birthday is in a few days! "

The other mates cheered. "This calls for a celebration!" said Mort.