The Fairy Diary Day 526 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

Naturally our discussions moved directly to our return to our world. I wanted to write to the High Fairy to request that they summon us back, and asked Tinadell if he wanted to come with us. 

He fell silent for the longest time. Then, stated that he would not hold us here and to please see to our own return. Dunfallon and Noralei spoke as one, asking him did he not want to return? 

He assured us that indeed he did want to – but added that he did not think he would be allowed. For long, long ago he had been banished by the Faerie Queen for trying to usurp her place at the time of her ascension to the throne. 

He wandered from place to place until that fateful day that he fell in with some goblin dragon handlers. They had needed a small fellow to help them search for a green crystal that had fallen into a crevice here when it was called the Land of Plenty. And there within he encountered that entity that fed on his unhappiness and changed this land overnight. And he had been in its thrall until we delivered him. 

I took out the scroll and then and there wrote the High Fairy. I gave him the news about the success of our mission – our encounter with Tinadell – and pled for permission to bring him back with us. 

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The Fairy Diary Day 513 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

Throughout our preparations one nagging idea plagued me. Would Cluyjil be able to crossover to the other side? Would he suddenly manifest the ability to go transparent and like Rayjil and Conjil slip from our world to the other? The fact that he remains untested jeopardizes the whole expedition. 

Before I could express these thoughts, the High Fairy came in from Laguayil with the elf Navril in tow. As all crowded around to welcome the new expedition member, either renewing their acquaintance or in the case of Gibley and Herblas an introduction, I caught the attention of Merlin and opened to him my concern. 

As always he listened patiently to me and when I finished I saw by the twinkle in his eye that not only had he the same concern, but he also had a solution. He called across to Gibley and invited the goblin to join us. 

The wizard told him that now was the time to share the secret of the goblin dragon handlers. Gibley drew out a whistle and blew it. All three dragons turned and looked his way. The tiny goblin then clambered up onto Cluyjil’s shoulders and blew it again. This time first Rayjil on one side of him disappeared, then Conjil on the other, and lastly Cluyjil and the goblin himself. Then came two short blasts and they all reappeared. 

This was how the dragon handler clans coordinating multiple dragons in flights to the other side.  And it is how we will do it too. 

The Fairy Diary Day 492 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

Well, at long last some of the mystery in which Merlin has shrouded his plans has been revealed. 

Fliget and the new regent for the city were taking us on a tour to show off all the improvements when word was brought up that the long awaited guest had arrived and was outside the canyonlands gate. 

The wizard begged to be excused from the party, but rather than go on without him, all of us chose to accompany him down to the gate. 

Gibley the goblin spotted the mystery guest first. And his look of astonishment left his mouth agape. There at the gate was Gibley’s uncle. 

Merlin greeted him warmly, then made the introductions all around to Glossom the chief of the goblin dragon handlers. 

This time the uncle greeted his nephew in what we only could understand to be warmth between goblins – a stiff embrace. 

Then, Fliget moved everyone up to the city’s council chambers and thus began our council of war. 

(Thankfully another feast was not proclaimed).

The Fairy Diary Day 481 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

Our long wait for the return of Merlin came to an end this afternoon. He found us hard at work on our preparations – which we soon abandoned to throng him with our questions. 

I do believe our clamor brought a smile to his lips and he held up a hand and motioned us into the more intimate space of the chamber set apart for his use when at the repository. 

Before taking a seat he shook off the dust of his travels from his flowing robes. And then he answered all our questions, adding here and there the answers to some of his own. 

Thus I summarize-

Yes, he had successfully met with Gibley’s folks, the goblin dragon handlers. And though they had been reluctant at first to share, the wizard convinced them to change their minds – after a few demonstrations. Gibley’s uncle was particularly helpful – about what used to be on the other side. 

Everything had changed around the time the dark elves were on the rise – from then onwards the Land of Plenty had become the Land of Darkness. And they visited at their peril. 

No, though they have seen the Dark One – they do not know who or what he is. Only broken rumors that he once was a fairy. 

That bit of news drew gasps from all of us. 

As to the question that I asked – Merlin would only say that we needed to make a trip to talk to the dwarves about Artoxon and Bifitz. And another related concern which he would not name. 

The Fairy Diary Day 479 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

I passed the morning by myself up in the new repository for the Crack of Doom. I wanted to check on how the branches from the surrounding trees were faring after the stress to which the High Fairy and I had subjected them. I was very pleased. They all appear healthy and thriving. I took note of some spots, higher up, in which to station guards from the fairy troops and visited the Caretaker to give him the recommendations. 

Coming out of my meeting with him the High Fairy was just then returning. As Merlin was not with him we all the more eagerly gathered around him. 

His excellency had not seen the wizard but he did learn of his whereabouts. His major domo the owl delivered a note to him from Merlin. Merlin had gone to pay a visit with Gibley’s people, the goblin dragon handlers. From them he hopes to learn more about the other side and the enemy who inhabits it. 

The High Fairy talked to Gibley before he left Merlin’s castle. The little goblin had been very helpful with names of those he should contact. 

Dunfallon looked at me and said, “More waiting!”

I feel his frustration. 

The Fairy Diary Day 465 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

Merlin called for me this morning. When I joined him the High Fairy was with him, stationed at the window and gazing off into the distance. 

I launched immediately into expressing my desire to learn more about the goblin dragon handlers. But before I got beyond the bare statement, the wizard nodded and said, “All in good time – but that is not why we have called for you.”

His excellency turned from the window at that point and gave his full attention to our discussion about the need to secure the Crack of Doom from the designs of our enemy. He made many astute observations based upon their meeting of yesterday with Noralei. 

We were just finishing when Noralei herself came in to inform us that permission was granted for us to review the bell’s security in its secret location. 

We are to make ready for the trip and depart tomorrow. 

The Fairy Diary Day 464 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

Noralei was sequestered with Merlin and the High Fairy all day to go over in detail what she had learned on the other side. I took the opportunity to meet with Gibley and got his perspective on his experiences there. 

At first the goblin was very reluctant to talk about any aspect of their journey within that well of darkness. But I persisted, emphasizing the fact that he is now safe – and reminding him that we need to be on our guard least what he fears most there – comes here. 

That idea lit a spark in his gaze and his story bubbled out of him. In outline it was the same as what Noralei had written. But the most telling detail was the link he saw in the Dark One there to the stories he heard from his people – the goblin dragon handlers. 

Afterwards I came away with a sense that we need to delve deeper into what Gibley’s people know. It just may prove crucial to our moves going forward.