The Fairy Diary Day 587 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

My friends dropped by first thing this morning to check on me. (I was fine, though I was touched by their concern). Tinadell had with him two scarves and two pairs of mittens for me. The latter he had fashioned from the leftovers of the cobwebs, insufficient to make a third scarf. I thanked him. 

Rumble wanted to talk. Really, he wanted to finish our discussion of last night. Then he had been trying to convince me to set out to the repository sooner rather than later – and not wait for the arrival of Merlin. He explained that his feelings of urgency then had only increased. 

At that point he turned to Tinadell and asked him to share what he had told him last night after they had dropped me off. With reluctance Tinadell spoke of the uneasiness that has upset him ever since Noralei and Gibley departed. He added that something is wrong – very wrong. 

Rumble chipped in that the wizard would be sure to find us. And Tinadell said that was certain because he would tell the wizard himself when he returned. (Rumble in the heat of the moment had forgotten that Tinadell was sentenced to remain in Nonin-gal-dith by royal edict). 

I told my friend we needed to prepare to be off. For throughout our conversation my pendants were warming alarmingly. 

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The Fairy Diary Day 579 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

We stayed up into the early watches of the morning as Noralei laid out the strategy that she and Rumble had put together for the hearing. It met with everyone’s approval. And they followed it exactly when it came time for the hearing. 

The Faerie Queen did us the great honor this time of hearing us out herself without an initial step of appearing before her prime minister. (That august official, however, did stay by her side throughout the proceedings in his advisory capacity). 

Noralei began by submitting statements from others to the truth that Rayjil was hers. She went on to share the grief she has felt since this injustice had been visited upon her.

After that, she challenged the wording of the Queen’s edict that confiscated her dragon in perpetuity. We learned in their response that its wording had been put together by the Caretaker. 

Rumble followed her with a history and examples of decrees that have been altered to make them more just for the individuals affected. (I believe I saw a look of helplessness in the prime minister’s face when Rumble reached his conclusion).

Next up Dunfallon begged leave to present to the Queen the testimonials he had collected from neighboring kingdoms, petitioning her to look favorably upon the claims of Noralei to her dragon. Navril at his side, presented with a flourish, the letter from the king of the elves. Her Majesty consented to receive them all, so her minister stepped forward to receive them on her behalf. 

Lastly Merlin spoke his piece. He started with the statement that for all Noralei has done for the Faerie Kingdom, and for all the kingdoms of this world – she is owed a great debt – and the return of her dragon would be the right thing to do, and all in all a very small recompense. The wizard went on to offer (at Noralei’s suggestion) that Rayjil would be allowed to remain at the repository until such time as a breeding pair could be supplied to fill her position. And that, he promised, would be every soon. 

After Merlin concluded his remarks, the hearing was declared at an end. The Queen asked us to come back tomorrow at which time she would render her decision.

I confess that we are all feeling very confident. I know that I was convinced. 

The Fairy Diary Day 567 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

Dunfallon thinks that he and Rumble have caught the Faerie Queen in an illegality. According to their research, before implementing the edict in question, she should have cancelled the older one having to do with denying the entry of dragons in the capital. And since the repository is a crown possession… it is clear to see that the Caretaker has been in violation of the former for quite some time. 

However, Rumble was quick to point out that the Caretaker has certain liberties, and that fact in conjunction with long usage may allow such a practice to become fully backed by the Queen. 

Our pixie did not receive this graciously, but threatened to take Cluyjil not only into the capital but also into her very throne room in her palace. 

I then interjected that Cluyjil would in no way be used to force the issue. Instead I announced my plan to depart Nonin-gal-dith tomorrow with the dragon and seek out Merlin. 

At this pronouncement a clamor broke out – for everyone argued that they must go with me, including Tinadell. 

I brought the meeting to a close with a promise that I would select one to accompany me after a night of deliberation among ‘me, myself, and I.’

The Fairy Diary Day 564 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

The High Fairy greeted us upon our arrival. And the Caretaker appeared right behind him and was about to speak when his excellency ordered him back inside. Then, he presented us with an edict signed by the Faerie Queen. 

It was an order commanding the requisition of any dragons passing under the shadow of the repository to be its property unto perpetuity. 

This immediately drew a protest from all of us – but especially a strident one from Noralei and Dunfallon on Rayjil’s behalf. (Tinadell remained silent – neutral – no doubt due to his probationary status in the kingdom). I challenged this pronouncement by pointing out that in no way could this order be applicable to Cluyjil for he was a member of Merlin’s household. 

The High Fairy acceded to my reasoning but in the next breath said he was sorry, but Rayjil would be subject to it and must remain. 

Noralei tried to argue that she may yet hear from Glossom about her request for a breeding pair. But his excellency again said he was sorry, and that Rayjil must stay. 

At these words the Caretaker returned and claimed Rayjil. And to our consternation led her away. 

I asked the High Fairy if we could appeal the stipulations of the edict. He said he would go to the Queen and ask her for an audience. 

In the meantime he advised us to return to Nonin-gal-dith. 

With heavy hearts we all mounted Cluyjil and set out for home. 

The Fairy Diary Day 529 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

Our happiness at being back is only marred by the forced incarceration of Tinadell. To my mind his meekness in submitting speaks well of his character. Dunfallon, and then Noralei were the first to speak up on his behalf. And I reiterated in speech what I had written down in my message to the High Fairy. 

For his part, his excellency remains skeptical, but he hides behind the fact that he cannot rule in this matter. Tinadell’s treatment is dictated under the edict of the Queen and cannot be gainsaid. Only she can change that. (It is probably the reason behind Merlin’s silence in this matter).

Arrangements are being made therefore to transport Tinadell to the capital. Dunfallon, Noralei, and I will follow to speak on his behalf. 

In the meantime our little group has disbanded. Navril has left for Laguayil; Herblas to Gilgorgon’s mountain; and Gibley to the canyonlands and his clan. The little goblin cannot wait to tell the news about the changes in their former hunting grounds. Before leaving on Conjil, Gibley turned Cluyjil back over to Merlin, and gifted Rayjil to Noralei. Noralei was deeply honored by Gibley’s kindness. And I could tell Rayjil was content to remain with her.

Merlin, though curious about what is to happen with Tinadell, is talking about returning to his castle. This put me in mind of our old friend Rumble. I asked the wizard to free him to come and meet us in the capital of the Faerie Kingdom.