The Fairy Diary Day 633 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

 I saw some strange scribblings on this page of my diary, in the space upon which I would have written yesterday. Perhaps Merlin was noting down his thoughts for a spell.

All have been working tirelessly. I  have had no time, nor inclination to note down our experiences all day yesterday. Nor even until late today.

I do not know if I can remember everything. 

We were then, and we still are in a fever to reach the island, the only land in view. And we must get there before the dragons return from our world. (We assume they are our missing dragons – Cluyjil and Rayjil).

But who knows what the former queen and her Caretaker have done to them. Will we have to fight them? And how will Conjil react to them if they do? She is currently recovering from her exertions in keeping us afloat. Gibley and Dunfallon traded off times seeing to her care.

Noralei talked Nora into transporting her on ahead to the island. As always he went willingly and I watched as he frolicked over the swells pushing against us. It took all the skills of Captain Goff to keep us moving forward after them.

Merlin is confident we will arrive at the island in time, and he is hard at work concealing our ship from the eyes on the island. He constantly moves from his cabin to his place on the prow, then back again. I try not to intrude nor throw off his concentration.

Thankfully Captain Goff keeps me on the move too. Rumble and I are the only ones fully engaged in sailing the ship, with Gibley or Dunfallon filling in as necessary.

Advertisement

The Fairy Diary Day 620 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

I do not think I have ever been more shocked by anything than when Merlin revealed to us all that has transpired in the Faerie Kingdom in our absence. The others were variously effected. Rumble and Noralei were visibly shaken. For his part, Gibley could sense their devastation and was moved to sadness in sympathy for them. Dunfallon, struggling with the stigma of his tardiness, could not lift his gaze under the disapproving eye of the wizard.

According to Merlin the Faerie Queen has been deposed – not just for her late dereliction of duty, but in reviewing the documents in the archive pertaining to the banishment of Tinadell, the prime minister has uncovered a matter of the most alarming nature. A secret history assumed to be written by the Queen herself detailed the plan she had successfully executed to usurp the throne from its rightful heir, Tinadell. 

That worthy has now been installed in her place.  

A prophesy that predated that time had predicted the ascension to the throne of one who weaves. Tinadell had not been a weaver in those olden times and thus was not given another thought by those then in the know. This goes a long way to explain the behavior of the queen once she learned this after Tinadell’s return and what that meant to her future, and why she moved to consolidate her power outside of the kingdom. 

When the wizard finished, Dunfallon spoke up – he had heard these revelations from his new elvish friends last night. And then he added that Tinadell is currently searching the kingdom for the right fairy to become the new High Fairy – for the High Fairy we knew is no more.

A great sadness descended over the room. 

At this turn of events it was Merlin’s turn to be shocked and announced that for this news the pixie would be forgiven his tardiness. He then went on to say that we have a great work ahead of us. It would be the best way to honor our fallen friend. 

The Fairy Diary Day 608 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

There was no convincing Willie to change his mind despite any reason we could come up with. Even Gibley had a cogent argument that I imagined would have won any Wisp to its wisdom. But Willie wiggled his whiskers at him and said, “No.”

Just after his first refusal yesterday I jotted down a cry for help to Merlin. He finally got back today and agreed with my suggestion that we now ask the Sprites for their help. 

Then, he closed out with the news that two fairies had indeed set sail from Corbelin – and they had with them a rather large crate which he suspects to contain the Crack of Doom. And before I could formulate the idea – he added that no dragons were with them. 

So, I knew that the Caretaker was more than likely elsewhere with Cluyjil and Rayjil. But they can certainly be called at any time as long as the High Fairy and the Faerie Queen have the bell. And with a pang of realization so could Conjil. 

We bid farewell to Willie and set out to return to Dromadil. I shall try to convince their king to seek assistance from the Sprites. 

The Fairy Diary Day 580 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

Merlin was also confident that the decision would fall in Noralei’s favor. But as the day dragged on with no summons from her majesty we were increasingly uneasy. 

To get away from our thoughts, Dunfallon and I went out to where Cluyjil and Willie were stabled. Willie and his cage were there, but not the dragon. The Wisp, grateful to see us, whined that he had been helpless to prevent Cluyjil from being led away. 

We took him with us back to the palace where we were met by a contingent of the Queen’s guard and ushered into the throne room. The others were within already, having received their summons.  

The Faerie Queen was not there. Her prime minister was. And he announced that she had departed on her scheduled trip, but had left it to him to announce her decision. She had accepted Noralei’s gracious offer to allow Rayjil to remain at the repository for now, and had added Cluyjil to her menagerie until such time as a breeding pair was provided in their place. 

As the others gasped, I looked to the wizard, but saw no anger there, just a placid acceptance on his features. 

Our dismissal followed and Merlin led us from the chamber to our suite where we packed our things and set out for Nonin-gal-dith. 

Throughout all this I was left to wonder where was the High Fairy. And why had he not answered any of my communications via the scroll. 

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 577 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

When we left behind the trolls and the well that was once the tower of the Dark elves, Merlin turned his attention to Willie by joining him within his cage and stayed there throughout our transit to Laguayil. 

I admit as time went on I became uncomfortable at the long bouts of silence between the intermittent buzz of conversation. The wizard emerged as the city of the elves of light came in view. He stated that all was well within and expressed satisfaction at the change in the Wisp’s demeanor. 

The frost that covered the fields round about the area we were approaching, melted before our eyes as the sun appeared from behind the clouds that had hung over our entire morning. 

Dunfallon maneuvered us around to the main gate, and from there we were shown up to the palace to meet with Nililitil. Navril was there, of course, and he took Dunfallon aside for a quick chat. 

Once the formalities were observed, Merlin told the elven king all that had transpired since last they met. Nililitil was particularly interested in what he had to relate about the Sprites. Then, we got around to the point of our visit – seeking their aid for Noralei’s claim for Rayjil. 

Navril spoke up at that juncture and volunteered to appear at the hearing in her support. Nililitil agreed to his proposal and drew up a letter for him to give to the Faerie Queen. 

Before we departed Merlin asked me to drop a note to the High Fairy to inform him of our imminent arrival. Then, he told me he had decided to ride with Willie again in order to make room on Cluyjil for Navril too. 

Navril sang his farewell to his king and once underway took up that pixie ditty with his friend Dunfallon. 

The Fairy Diary Day 575 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

Crisp and cold air – and a warm dragon – the only way to travel. 

We were traveling along above pillowy clouds, when Willie commenced counting backwards a series of five tens. As he began the count for the final ten, a break in the clouds opened below us. And upon sighting a tiny village in the crook of a brook, Dunfallon brought us down. 

Before we could even dismount wee folk brandishing spears and swords, spilled out of the village and surrounded us. A calamity was averted by the timely arrival of Merlin who emerged from one of the tiny houses, growing in stature as he came. 

At his friendly greeting towards us the wee folk backed down and dropped their warlike stance. Then the wizard introduced us to Emminie the chief of the Sprites. And the little fellow – one wary eye cocked towards our dragon, welcomed us to their village. 

As our joy over finding Merlin mingled with our urgency, we (diplomatically, I hope) declined the wee folks offer of hospitality and took Merlin aside to talk. 

Dunfallon briefed the wizard on his need to accompany us to appear before the Faerie Queen on Noralei’s behalf. 

Merlin agreed. But revealed that he must first fulfill a promise to Emminie and his people. He went on to tell us that he had gone with them willingly when approached for his help. They were at their wits end over two problems. The first was the unseasonal cold – which he explained to them would eventually pass, and the second was a strange rumbling in the ground beneath their village. For this Merlin asked if we could take a side trip to see the trolls about their mining activity and whether it may be affecting the Sprite’s village. 

I am afraid we rushed him out of there with the briefest of farewells to Emminie and the Sprites. 

The Fairy Diary Day 574 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

This morning we were no closer to a decision about what to do when I received a note on the scroll from the High Fairy. It complicated things even further. 

His excellency says we must return in five days time or we will miss the only opportunity to meet with the Faerie Queen before she leaves for another extended period of time. Noralei and Rumble have already joined him in the capital to prepare for the now scheduled hearing. But they feel having Merlin there is crucial to their case. 

I wrote him back immediately with the news from our end. Then, we agreed amongst ourselves that we must depart before the day got any older. 

With the Dromadil king’s blessing we collected Cluyjil and set off in the direction recommended by our host – due North. 

No sooner had we left the city behind when my pendants grew warm to the touch and flashed in such a manner that revealed we must bear more to the West in our northerly flight. 

So we willingly corrected our course to follow the sun. 

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 565 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

I think I can speak for all of us when I say that we are all feeling quite glum. Thankfully no one but Rumble and Noralei’s sister took note of our arrival. Perhaps we need to take in the peace and quiet of Nonin-gal-dith and try to calm ourselves. I know one pixie who should do so. He is still seething over Rayjil being forced to stay at the repository. 

Noralei has agreed to take Cluyjil in, until such time as I return him to Merlin’s castle. But I think it more likely that I will take him on a search for the wizard in Laguayil or Dromadil. 

I think we shall need Merlin to advocate for Rayjil and Noralei before the Faerie Queen – like he did on behalf of Tinadell. Already I have heard from the High Fairy that he cannot get in to see her. This attitude smacks of ingratitude – especially in light of all we have done for the kingdom and for this world.