JOY IN FAIRYLAND AGAIN

The Blue Fairy had informed the kids vaguely about the decorum at the inauguration ceremony of the Fairy Land. They were to dress appropriately, bring a thoughtful gift for the king, and were expected to make a speech as the guests of honour. It seemed too much to handle, and Joy was tempted to decline the invitation. Sid was, however, very excited, and the protocol was just a small inconvenience for him.

The whole week went in preparations. They could convince their mothers to get them a prince’s dress for a school fancy dress competition. Of course, it was a different ball game to prepare a speech. Should it start with “Respected Fairy King and my dear fairies?” Or “My Majesty and the distinguished Fairies.”

Sid was relaxed. After all, it was Joy who would be asked to speak. And they had already arranged the dresses and gift. They were to present the Fairy King a beautiful Coral- A magnificent memoir of Earth’s life, to the Fairy Land.

When the Fairy came to pick them up, Sid was ready in his royal garb, looking much like a little prince. But Joy was still in his night dress, a nervous wreck, and completely unwilling to go. He was worried about messing up his speech, his questionable dress (it was for a fancy dress, after all) and about the gift being inadequate. The Blue Fairy and Sid tried to convince him, but he wouldn’t budge. It was only when the Blue Fairy explained that it would seem very odd if the Guests of Honour didn’t attend a function themselves, and would cost the King and her their reputation, that Joy agreed to come, but on one strict condition : He will not follow any protocol, and shouldn’t be bothered about it.

It was a difficult decision for the Fairy, but Sid came to the rescue. He said he’ll be happy to take care of all the formalities, and so the kids were flying on their way to the beautiful Fairy Land. They flew over the crescent moon and the twinkling stars into the huge white cloud of Fairy Land. The seven rainbows were visible from far away- they were glittering and shining for the function!! Every single tree was decorated. The river shone like diamonds, and the grass twinkled like emeralds. As they landed, a huge group of fairies came forward to welcome them.

Sid, dressed as a royal prince, was holding the gift. Joy, in his night suit was trudging behind. The Fairies took notice of Sid immediately. A group of angels came and lifted him. They showered him with flowers and took him to the Palace, where the King was waiting.

Sid bowed low to the king, and handed him the coral. The King was immensely pleased. “What an art!” He said, “No magic can produce a life so lovingly preserved. I shall use it to adorn my throne.” He took Sid’s hand, and levitated to a stage. There, He introduced Sid as the Fairy Rescuer. Sid gave a small speech, thanking the King and the Fairies. He was having the time of his life!! Where was Joy?

Joy was sitting quietly in the audience. The Blue Fairy reached over to him and asked, “Are you feeling jealous of Sid, Joy?”

“No!!” Joy replied, “I’m happy for him. I’ll also be as confident as him the next time.”

The Fairy King announced that Joy and Sid will be allowed to come to Fairy Land any time they wish. He gave them both a pair of detachable wings too. Now the kids won’t need the blue fairy; all they’ll need is a flight of imagination!