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.

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The Fairy Diary Day 648 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

On the other side of the mountains we passed into a good long stretch under the canopies of the sprawling forest. There was very little value to our flights on the dragon – at least for detecting ambushes. Still we sent Dunfallon up for an occasional look around. 

I kept Clemjil company as he explored the surroundings as the wagon and the others proceeded down the road. Actually I kept him out of trouble, as his curiosity unchecked would have landed us all in a sticky situation. I am so thankful that unlike the other dragons he does not have an igniter stone in his throat. 

Still he is a good natured dragon and eager to please. He is quick to follow my commands and is heedful of my admonitions. 

I believe we will need to keep him on a shorter leash once we come out on the plain and start passing by farms and villages. It would not do to upset the inhabitants. 

The presence of Navril and his elves should go a long way to stave off any problems in that regard. Though at first his elves were hesitant in the company of the dragons, they are now quite accepting and less fearful. 

There are times when I wonder about the future of our dragon friends. 

The Fairy Diary Day 401 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

We have made good time along the Low-way to the stronghold. We should reach it on our next march. Our pace has been a good deal quicker since we have not had to skulk about as before when we were forced off onto the side passages. 

There is now more traffic in both directions. Of particular note are those obvious shipments from the dwarf mines. The hatchling perks up when they pass by. I think she can smell the gold inside the wooden boxes. At this point it is easy to restrain her curiosity. Dunfallon has become quite handy misdirecting her. 

I believe Gibley is somewhat jealous of our pixie’s way of gaining her obedience.

The Fairy Diary Day 123 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

We have now encountered a human village with an occupant that was not a wild animal. Once we learned of its presence, we intended to give it a wide berth. 

I was sure that it had not seen us and I wanted to keep it that way. 

But then wouldn’t you know Dunfallon in his curiosity wanted to get a closer look. Rumble sensed danger and tried to head the pixie off. But I made a snap decision and held Rumble back. I reasoned that this old man would not even see the tiny pixie. Besides I was suddenly curious myself as to why this human had stayed behind all by himself. 

I was right the old man did not see Dunfallon. He could not, for he was blind. 

Realizing this, the pixie spoke to him and asked if he needed help.  The old man only shooed him away saying he was not leaving his home for anyone or anything. 

We obeyed and continued on.

The Fairy Diary Day 84 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

We were stuck for quite some time waiting under cover while a caravan of humans passed by on a road. They were traveling with all their possessions in wagons and carts and some with just packs on their backs. Looking at the great number of them caused me to wonder what had them on the move. 

We crossed the road during a long break in their column and once on the other side I had Rumble wait with the guards while Dunfallon and I shadowed the next group of humans. 

That is how I satisfied my curiosity. We learned that the poor creatures have been run off of their lands by an enemy that may be the same as ours. 

If so, that may mean the darkness has changed fronts.

Day One Thousand One Hundred Seventy Seven #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Elijah has been indefatigable. He has not left Magwich’s side. And has been rewarded, as our friend is freed from his delirium and is alert and talking to us.

In his confusion he had lost sight of us and with everything falling out of the sky to the front of us it seemed a bit safer to head in the opposite direction.

He has no excuse for continuing on when the situation became more clear. He feels silly actually. And apologizes for his curiosity that propelled him onwards to take in what had happened in the affluent quarter.

Most striking, perhaps, was his description of the attitudes of the people there. Extreme hostility towards Elijah, whom they consider evil incarnate.

Day Nine Hundred Two #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Meesa has reunited us with our friends – Mei, Tomas, the Captain and Raj P. Much to our joy and theirs. The trail she came across when north of Damascus led her at the last to their refuge here in the desert.

The group is almost four times bigger than everyone now in the hiding place. This simple fact has caused us to settle in to talk about how we can get them all into safety.

Of course it took awhile to get around to the topic at hand for we had so much else to discuss to satisfy each other’s curiosity.

Finally Elijah called us all to order. And while we discussed our options, Quasimo kept watch with the drone.

Day Seven Hundred Forty Nine #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

We are descending. Not from the mountains, that is certain. Just into a space at a lower elevation than the peaks around. And signs of habitation therein raises our curiosity.

Even now Tomas has left us to see what he can see. The Captain advises again to go around rather than through.

I walked and talked with Mei all day. She laid bare her heart and even now holds out hope. This despite word from all quarters, save Tomas himself for he has been avoiding her.

I intend to speak to Elijah about this, but I am sure he will tell me that it is up to Tomas to make his intentions clear.

Thus the torture continues for poor Mei.

Day Six Hundred Sixty Nine #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

A momentous day. Advance motorized units of the army came roaring into town at dawn. The townspeople, those who had not fled, stayed inside. Only a few were brave enough to venture out.

Seeing that these soldiers were non-threatening, more denizens, their curiosity whetted, joined those already out gawking.

The main body of the army came through at noon, and for the next six hours filled up the plain towards the mountains.

For most of that time, Tomas and I were out and about, looking for the Captain. Elijah wanted us to stop him from arranging our truck transport. His only explanation being that we cannot yet leave the area.

We were successful in both objects.

Now to wait.

Day Six Hundred Sixty Two #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

The ground we’ve been hiking has transformed from sandy soil to flat expanses of rock. We are thankful for rock cairns that have been raised every few hundred cubits to mark the correct passage. They kept us away from the sheer drops down to the river that parallels our path.

Of course there was not much water coursing through its channel at this time..

The Captain thinks that by month’s end it will be all dried up.

Elijah has been stopping more frequently. We stopped also, except for Tomas who would indulge his habit of wandering further afield after one curiosity or another.

On one such foray he discovered the perfect spot for us to hold up for the night.