The Fairy Diary Day 674 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

Gibley invited us out of the repository to the place just outside of the gates. There he planned the fitting of igniter stones in the young dragons. The goblin had examined the pair quite minutely the night before and pronounced them both ready – their teeth are all in, and the prequisite space is available for their installation.

Merlin had the red stone for Clemjil, and for Torjil, he brought forth an exquisite purple one. A minute’s observation confirmed that each gem chose their dragon.

Gibley’s work on Clemjil was a quick and easy matter. Afterwards he assigned him to Rayjil and together the two dragons cleared some brush from around the front area. Noralei and I kept ourselves available with skins of water, just in case the burning vegetation got near the trees of the repository.

Torjil was another matter. She had watched with interest as the goblin installed the red stone into Clemjil’s jaw, but when it came her turn, she chose that moment to disappear. Both Rayjil and Clemjil scurried about trying to pin her down, but she was too quick for them.

It was the timely arrival of Dunfallon on Cluyjil that rescued us from our predicament. The frisky dragon ran into Cluyjil when (we assume) she was fleeing from the others. She reappeared as he held her fast in the coils of his tail. Dunfallon scampered to her side and whispered into her ear.

In the following lull, Gibley performed the procedure on her. We may have to keep the young dragons out in the open air tonight.

When things were settled Dunfallon told us that they had had no problem finding the remains of the High Fairy. Rumble has returned them to Nonin-gal-dith where his excellency will be memorialized tomorrow.

I shall accompany the pixie there tomorrow. The others have yet to decide if they will be going too.

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The Fairy Diary Day 673 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

We almost passed by the cutoff to the repository. Its approaches hidden by design, have been further obscured by the rampant growth of the neighboring vegetation since its abandonment. Merlin helped by close observation of the images supplied by the seers stone.

Thankfully, once we were on its track, Rayjil was instrumental in muscling the wagon and us forward. Noralei directed us right up to the entrance, and Merlin addressed the two monarch trees which bowed to his command and opened to allow us in to the close grown forest that is the repository.

The quiet within lasted about fifty wingbeats, long enough for its new protectors – Clemjil and Torjil – to enter and race about in a frenzy of discovery. Gibley sighed in resignation and added his opinion that it was best not to rein them in, but indulge their curiosity.

I was thankful that neither was yet fitted with igniter stones.

The first order of business was to set the Crack of Doom back up into its place high above. The fairy troops were effective in guiding the bell, preventing it from falling afoul of other structures – but the wizard – staff in hand – was the one to do the heavy lifting.

Once the bell rested in its place, we began the task of setting all else in order. The fairy troops tidied their barracks and Dunfallon’s “army” were welcomed back into their place of origin.

For now Merlin and Gibley set up in the former Caretaker’s chamber. Noralei and I saw to the care of the dragons and will seek places near them for our time here.

Tomorrow the next project begins.

The Fairy Diary Day 670 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

I was teased wherever I went today. When I passed Dunfallon on the way to the library this morning, he gave me a deep bow – and a titter. Behind him our goblin friend Gibley scraped the ground also (though for truth with his small size it was hard to discern the difference). 

I startled Rumble upon my entrance into the library. He made a hurried bow – stopped in mid movement – hesitated – then executed the lowest courtly bow I have ever witnessed. I begged my friend to desist and to never do that again, even if I were to accept the post of High Fairy. 

Afterwards I fled out of the city for a little peace of mind and paid a visit to Noralei and the dragons at the inn. There I was greeted by a sweeping bow and a wink and a smirk. She giggled, and then told me that I would make a magnificent High Fairy. Thankfully she changed the topic by pointing out her new charges. Besides Rayjil, Clemjil and Cluyjil she was now looking after Conjil and Torjil too. Gibley had  brought Torjil with him from the canyonlands. She is to be Clemjil’s consort upon his installation as guardian of the Crack of Doom at the repository. 

By evening, the jibes were past and our regular comradery resumed. Merlin shared the news out of the palace. Tomorrow the trial of her former majesty and the Caretaker will commence.

The Fairy Diary Day 667 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

Even though Rumble went out early to collect the last of the evidence and returned in a short time, he insisted that it be put in boxes for safe keeping before we left. And that put us behind again while Noralei and Dunfallon constructed two large crates for the scrolls, and then placed them in the wagon. That last step did not prove too difficult as they took the place of a good deal of the supplies that we no longer need to carry. 

When Dunfallon finished with his part of that task, I sent him on to the capital on Cluyjil to confer with Merlin. In particular I wanted to know if Gibley had been sent for. And if not, did the wizard think it a good idea for Dunfallon to fly to the canyonlands to ask the goblin to come and help us with Clemjil. 

I did not have to ask the pixie twice and he was off before Noralei harnessed Rayjil to the wagon. 

With fairy troops before and after and Dunfallon’s army hemming us in, we set out too. I verily believe that everyone in Nonin-gal-dith turned out to gawk as we passed. 

There was audible grumbling in a couple instances, but no overt actions were launched against us. 

All was calm once we were out in the fields. And continued thus for the remainder of the day until we reached a place in the open where an advance contingent from our guard had prepared a camp for us. 

Here we will pass the night. Our prisoners are quiet – subdued actually. 

I will be glad to reach the capital tomorrow. 

The Fairy Diary Day 666 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

Noralei and her sister’s shop and home is surrounded nonstop by an elite corps of fairy troops from the capital. And there is an inner ring of Dunfallon’s army whose only focus is the bell and our prisoners. 

I feel safe and secure. We all do. Yet I want to be off to the capital and get the trial behind us. But for now we must wait. 

Rumble with an escort assigned by the captain of the elite guard left early for the former High Fairy’s residence to collect documents for the trial. Upon his return this evening he informed me that he will need the morning tomorrow to complete his task. 

While we were waiting today everyone was talking about their plans for the future. Noralei is looking forward to settling back into the business with her sister – which she plans to do after the trial and after settling Clemjil into his role as the protector of the Crack of Doom at the repository. 

Dunfallon has a decision to make. Nailbiter reminded him that there is a new burrow that desires to have him for their leader. He asked me for my opinion in the matter. I hemmed and hawed at first, but then told him straight that I could not envision him as a pixie settling down in one spot. 

He then turned the tables and asked me if I had any plans. I confess that at first nothing occurred to me other than taking up my life again here in Nonin-gal-dith, but even in the act of thinking it I knew that something more would be asked of me. 

The Fairy Diary Day 663 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

Dunfallon’s “army” clinked and clattered continually today, as we traversed wave upon wave of rolling hills. The ride in the wagon was smooth enough, at least the Caretaker was no longer complaining. Noralei was excited, she could almost smell Nonin-gal-dith and home through the intervening hills and forests. It also had an effect on Rayjil as there seemed to be an extra bounce in her step.

Merlin announced that he would go on ahead to the Faerie capital and there make arrangements for the trial of her former majesty and the Caretaker. To that end he asked Dunfallon to fly him there on Cluyjil. The pixie was more than ready for he wanted to stop in at the pixie burrows on his return.

After the wizard’s departure, Rugis and Strukul and the dwarf escort took their leave of us. They felt their services were no longer needed. So, there we were, Noralei, Rumble, and I, and the two dragons, Rayjil and Clemjil – now only days away from our destination.

By day’s end, with the forestlands in view, Dunfallon returned. He and Cluyjil had delivered Merlin safely to the capital. And though intending to stop by to pay his respects to Nailbiter and his pixies, he was called away by the voice from the ring to see the Will’o’the Wisp. Willie had a dire request to be relayed to us. He advised us to keep her former majesty as far as possible from him, as he was highly susceptible to her influence. 

I asked Rumble to come up with a more suitable route for tomorrow.

The Fairy Diary Day 661 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

We all were elated by the good news. Not having to be over watchful sped us along at a swifter pace. Still, we sent Dunfallon up on Cluyjil. We trusted that if there were any problems left out there he would spot them. 

I caught Merlin for a talk about Clemjil. I explained that our dragonling is showing signs of maturing and wondered if he could procure an igniter stone for him. Then, from his voluminous robe the wizard withdrew a gleaming red stone. 

With a twinkle in his eye, he said, “This should do quite nicely. But…” He paused, then added, “…I believe we will defer to Gibley in this matter. And if you agree, we will wait on his timing – when we are together once again.”

I did agree. 

Then Merlin did something he has never done before. He removed his outer robe and surrounded us in its tent like folds. He said what he had to tell me needed to be in private. In his recent interaction with the Frost Fairies they told him that they were waiting for two dwarves that had promised to deliver to them an unbeatable weapon. I knew without speaking it outloud that he meant (and they meant) the current leaders of our dwarfish escort – Rugis and Strukul.

The wizard continued by pointing out that we should not have to do a thing about them, as it is clear the reason for them to steal the bell had been removed. 

We parted and upon laying eyes on the two dwarves again, I vowed to stay alert.

The Fairy Diary Day 660 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

Merlin left before we even arose this morning. He left word through Gilgorgon that we should follow as soon as we were prepared. Knowing we wanted to be on our way as soon as possible, the dwarf king kept the parting ceremony brief but meaningful. As always he looks forward to our paths crossing again.

Dunfallon and Noralei switched places once more. The pixie took Cluyjil up hopefully to be on hand for the wizard, if necessary. And Clemjil for the first time, accompanied them. Noralei harnessed Rayjil once again to the wagon. And as in the past Rumble and I walked along on either side with Dunfallon’s “army,” keeping pace. They looked fit and shiny… and deadly.

The dwarves with us on the way up the mountain have been assigned also to accompany us down this side. With one difference – Herblas has remained behind, there being too much for him to do to get away – and in his place of leadership are two dwarves, Rugis and Strukul. Rumble recogized them as the two dwarves he thought had an unhealthy interest in the Crack of Doom. I must say that I have never seen a more shifty-eyed pair.

Our prisoners were ensconced in their normal spots. Her former majesty was uncharacteristically quiet in her cage. Instead, the Caretaker, who has hardly uttered two words together, complained about every bump on the road that we encountered. I do believe that on one stretch before a switchback, Noralei intentionally hit every rock and pothole on the roadway.

As the shadow of the mountain behind us began to lengthen, the other two dragons showed up. Dunfallon was on Clemjil and Merlin on Cluyjil. They brought exciting news with them. The way ahead is now clear of living obstacles. Merlin had encountered the Frost Fairies waiting in ambush on this side, and successfully convinced them to return to their home in the north under their new commander Tublain.

The Fairy Diary Day 659 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

Merlin was not convinced that the dwarves would have any designs on acquiring the Crack of Doom for themselves. But rather than continuing to speculate he suggested that we just go ask Gilgorgon ourselves.

Inside the mountain was abuzz with the activities of a new day. We caught Gilgorgon just after his morning meeting with Herblas in which he had laid out the tasks for the day.

To Merlin’s pointed question, our friend the dwarf king smiled and said that he for one could understand our concern. However, he expressed surprise that knowing a dwarf’s propensity for metals, we should have at least understood the matter from their side. He brushed it off as just curiosity on the part of these unnamed dwarves as to the metals used in the bell and its forging.

Gilgorgon went on to add that our pixie seemed to understand this about dwarves, for he had petitioned him last night for permission to visit their forges to help put new edges on his soldier less “army.”

This mention thunderstruck the wizard. For he immediately excused himself by saying that it was imperative for him to be present throughout that whole process.

I also excused myself from Gilgorgon’s presence – and as it was clear we would not be departing today, I joined with Noralei and Rumble down in the assembly area. There, we busied ourselves with the upkeep for the wagon and the care for the dragons.

As we finished for the day, we felt satisfied that we had headed off some possible future problems. The harness was quite worn, and we were able to mend and strengthen it. Noralei took a close look at Clemjil, who, though present, was not behaving like his normal self – for he had not been everywhere and into everything. And she said to us that he might just be ready to have an igniter installed in his jaw. 

I confess that I shuddered for a moment, but with my second thought I knew that the time would not be far off.

The Fairy Diary Day 656 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meriabell writes:

We could see Gilgorgon’s mountain well before we arrived at the border, but it never looked more inviting than when we actually crossed over. There was a trace of snow outlining its crest. It was serene and peaceful in the midday sun. 

Just outside the dwarf border outpost, the friendly face of Herblas greeted us. He looked like the mountain in miniature – all gray and white on top. 

A meal had been prepared for all. After which Navril made his farewells. He assured us that he would get word to us about the two renegade elves. 

Clemjil, having become quite fond of Navril, was sad to see him go. He perked up when Cluyjil came over and nudged him. Dunfallon told me later it was a sign of acceptance by the older dragon. 

After the elves were gone Herblas called us together. Dunfallon was going to wait outside on guard over our prisoners, but Herblas said he could safely leave them with his dwarves. He assured us that there is not a sign of sympathy for her former majesty anywhere in their kingdom. However, when he had us all together he added there had been rumors of lone elves roaming this side of the mountain – that were wholly suspicious. But perhaps more disquieting were actual sightings of bands of fairies on the other side of the mountain. 

Merlin asked for a description. Herblas said they were blue – thus more than likely Frost Fairies. 

Much speculation followed. Were they elements that had not been part of the great swarm and thus do not know they are no longer in thrall to their former leader? Or is there something more devious lurking for us?