by DP Scott
Coming into Saturna’s chambers later that evening, Gondee placed the gold box and its contents on the desk. “Your Majesty, it is indeed a Farilight. Yuko and I monitored the box and the creature, and spoke with the Eros dignitary to find out how he came upon such a treasure. Apparently he bought it from a Galaxy trader in anticipation of your coronation. We do not believe this however, as none of the planets should have had knowledge of the King’s illness and therefore no knowledge of the coronation. When the creature speaks we will find out the real story of how she came to Zard.”
“She? It’s a female?” asked Saturna while she carefully opened the box. Curled up in the corner and fast asleep was the tiny Farilight. It had delicate cherub like features with slightly pointed ears, a red tuff of hair on the top of its head and a small round abdomen. It looked extremely fragile. The pictures Saturna had seen had shown the Farilights dressed in elaborate multicolored costumes, yet this Farilight had nothing but a white satin sheet wrapped about it as a makeshift dress. Saturna knew Farilights were more like pixies than animals and that according to legend they were extremely intelligent beings. Looking at its teeny feet and hands made Saturna feel a bit nervous; she was now responsible for this small, small elf.
“What a beautiful little creature you are,” whispered Saturna as she listened to the short peeping sounds the Farilight made as it slept.
Opening its eyes the Farilight watched Saturna for a few minutes and then sat up.
“Oh dear, I didn’t mean to wake you little Farilight,” said Saturna.
The Farilight rubbed its eyes and stared.
“What’s your name my new friend?” asked Saturna kindly.
The Farilight made no reply and gave no indication it understood the question.
“Do you understand what I am saying?” asked Saturna softly, switching her language to Erosian.
When there was no reply Saturna switched to Veectoreze, Turnti, Untiian and Zorrti.
“My goodness, I wonder what language you communicate in?” she questioned.
Suddenly the Farilight stood and held up its arms. Saturna reached out to it and the Farilight jumped onto her hand, ran up her arm and plopped into the wide pocket on the front of her blue night-dress. Saturna could feel the shivering Farilight, who she knew was trying to hide in her pocket, and patted it reassuringly.
“What language do Farilights speak Gondee?” she asked feeling concerned.
“Farilights speak every language, My Queen. They were known as the “interpreters” of the universe many, many years ago. What is of interest is that we thought they were extinct. Farilights have not been seen in our Solar System for over one hundred years.”
Saturna glanced from Gondee to where the Farilight hid. “Don’t worry little creature, you’re safe with me.”
Every few seconds a squeaky peeping sound erupted from the pocket.
“Is that your name or just a sound you make?” laughed Saturna. When there was no answer, Saturna sighed and added, “I hope you’ll be able to communicate with me soon. I imagine your life has been frightful, taken from your family and planet, and given to me as a gift. I do apologize for the Eros inhabitants and whatever has happened to frighten you so.”
Yawning, Saturna looked up at Gondee. “I think I’ll retire from another busy day. Will I ever have the fun part of my old life back, Gondee?” she asked.
“These are busy times but yes, your kingdom can be what you want it to be and more,” replied Gondee through his auri as he took his leave.
