The Nesting Authority
Thistlewyn and Arthur rendezvoused at the base of the Old Sweetgum Tree, Sugar, where they initially met to visit the T-Bone’s Place Nesting Authority to apply for a new abode for Thistlewyn. As they arrived at the TBPNA, Arthur took a little time to get Thistlewyn to relax, for this was all new to her. Or so he thought.
As they approached the office, there was a sign that read, “Every Creature Deserves a Place to Belong.” Arthur showed the sign to her, assuming it would calm her down, but it had no effect on her. She just looked confused.
As they entered the TBPNA, a large Barred Owl rose from his desk and welcomed them with an open wing. He greeted them with a great big, “Hello, and welcome to the Nesting Authority.” She realized then that Arthur had already been here earlier to try to make her experience a little more palatable. Cran introduced himself with an extended wing and an air of intelligence and kind understanding. She calmed down a bit and introduced herself.
When the paperwork began, she became all uptight again. Arthur asked if she was okay. She tried to play it cool, but Arthur wasn’t buying it. “Be straight with me, Thistlewyn. What has got you flustered?”
He kept pushing until she lost her composure and exclaimed, “The stuff on those sheets is confusing to me!” Arthur spoke of this no more and went back inside for a short while, where he helped complete the application for her and talked to Cran on her behalf.
When he came back out, Arthur and Cran were ready to take her to two places to take a look. One was the Cedar Tree Duplex, and the other was the Gate Lamp Post Studio Apartment. Thistlewyn wasn’t too fond of the Cedar Tree, for she could already hear a Mockingbird singing there all night, so she picked the Lamp Post.
Upon hearing this, Cran replied, “I am so happy to hear that. The Lamp has been dark for years, and looking at your application, you might be the one to breathe life back into it again.” They thanked Cran for his help and they went inside the lamp and began planning.
While she and Arthur were discussing the new digs, Thistlewyn broke down crying. Arthur pulled her close and comforted her. Thistlewyn, through tears and snot, thanked Arthur for helping her. He wasn’t sure he understood. He asked her if she would care to discuss what was troubling her.
She replied, “All of my days before I came here, none of my family wanted me around unless I was getting them out of a bind. As soon as the problem was resolved, I was asked to leave. You and the creatures at T-Bone’s Place have been so kind to me. I don’t feel I deserve it.”
Arthur held her close as he wiped the tears from her face.
She then went on to elaborate on her arrival to T-Bone’s Place. “I was so hurt by my family; I just wanted to go far away. I was standing at the veil between our two worlds when the veil tore and I was sucked through.”
Arthur continued to comfort her and reminded her that she could remain at T-Bone’s Place for as long as she liked. They agreed she would move into her new place the following day.