Phyler had been sending regular security updates to the fairies’ home world detailing our successes in dealing with ongoing threats to Zelen. It turned out that Queen Sintilla, leader of the fairies, was reading all of these reports. She was very pleased by our cleverness and quick actions.

The Queen decided to honor us with an award for working so well together in keeping Zelen trouble-free. Rau’u and Ondoe and a few other gnomes occasionally coordinated with the fairies on security matters in their areas, so they were invited to attend, too. They were just as excited as I was.

I think the Queen really just wanted to point out that gnomes and fairies could and should work together on every planet. We would all get better results by synchronizing our efforts instead of handling situations separately.

Phyler could have gone to the fairies’ home world to receive the honor. However, our group of gnomes of course couldn’t go to the fairies’ home planet, which is off limits to outsiders, and especially to males, and even more especially to gnomes. I appreciated the fairy queen Sintilla coming here so we could participate in the ceremony.

We were excited to meet with the royal court on our planet Zelen, in our main meadow in the Round Woods. Very excited, yes, but it meant that we had to get to work preparing our meeting place for this upcoming royal event. We made lists of chores and set to work.

I made the animals and fairies stay out of the meadow before Queen Sintilla’s visit. The only magical beings allowed were junior fairies, who were put to work picking up fallen twigs and leaves. The only four-legged creatures allowed were rabbits, who helped trim the grass evenly. I myself took care of some light trimming of shrubbery and trees. We were all happy with the result.

Queen Sintilla’s spaceship arrived in orbit around Zelen. She and her courtiers took a large runabout to the planet surface and disembarked onto our now perfectly manicured meadow.

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Upon introduction, I felt Queen Sintilla was very much a mind reader and excellent at quickly evaluating someone. I felt her riffling through my mind even as I completed a quick bow. Queen Sintilla could sense that there was no malice in my heart, and, though no mind reader, I could sense the same in her.

Queen Sintilla thanked the gnomes for maintaining such a good relationship with Phyler and the local community of fairies. We all bowed low and expressed to her that we felt honored to work with such a special group of magical beings. The fairies worked hard and were quite effective in their role of protecting Zelen. And frankly, they were a joy to have around, with their sparkling personalities and lovely silvery wings in flight.

I added that we must not forget to give credit to the wild animals of Zelen, who often volunteered to work as sentries during security incidents. Although they were not created as magical beings, years of being in contact with local magic has given them an enchanted spark. They are wise and can telepathically communicate with the gnomes or fairies when they have need.

Queen Sintilla gifted Phyler and all of the beings on Zelen with a special rosebush. I was quite pleased at this lovely gesture, and equally pleased at the loveliness of the rosebush. The flower buds were a delicate yellow color tipped with lavender.

Not only was the rose beautiful and unique, but it had a purpose. Phyler explained to me that the name of this rosebush was the Guardian Rose. When danger is coming the rose will change to a bright purple color and its fragrance will become strong and metallic. The plant also sets off a series of strong breezes, so that its windswept flowers can be noticed by whoever is walking by. Anyone in the area will be warned of trouble.

Phyler and I were quite pleased with this thoughtful gift and its presentation. The fairies have such a vibrant energy that listening to them speak is always a pleasure. I enjoyed both their remarks and the small reception afterward, which allowed us to interact with the visiting fairies for a bit and enjoy their company. I was sorry when they left that day.

I checked the rosebush to make sure it was still thriving. I noticed that the rose seemed a bit lonely, having only my statue and the huge old trees for company. That gave Phyler and me an idea on how to give the Guardian Rose a setting worthy of its rarity and uniqueness.