The Fairy Diary Day 686 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

With the lifting of the heaviness Gilgorgon declared a day of celebration and feasting in the great hall. I sat at the head table with Merlin and the dwarf king. Gilgorgon shared the latest news about the dwarfish kingdoms – his and that of Fliget. All is well and prosperous. 

I found myself more focused upon my tablemate the wizard. I asked him why had not the former queen freed herself like Tinadell had, when struggling with the same forces. Merlin replied that it all boiled down to the unwillingness on her part – that is, she did not desire to be free of it. She was too enamored of the power that was hers – and could not surrender even as it was fading away. 

I then asked him what were his plans for the box containing her voice. 

He has decided to keep it with him until he can place it under lock and spell in his treasury back at his castle. 

We then conversed about how he and the High Fairy worked together for the well being of all the kingdoms of the world. I hope to be able to perpetuate the blessings of such a partnership for the future. 

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The Fairy Diary Day 588 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

Rumble and I were half expecting to catch up with Dunfallon and Navril. We reasoned that they were probably going along at a leisurely pace, with the pixie pointing out the sights along the way. But that expectation waned as time passed. Then we began to think we just may have passed them somewhere. 

Finally, we succumbed to the urgency we both felt and quickened our own pace without them. And whereas before Rumble and I caught one another up on the time in which we were apart from one another, thereafter we hardly exchanged a word, being totally focused on our progress to our destination. 

But I could not quiet my mind. The closer we got to the repository the noisier it became. Something Rumble had shared about his time at Merlin’s castle disturbed me greatly. Snatches of conversation overheard cast a very suspect interpretation to the actions of the High Fairy, especially in regards to his loyalty. 

We debated going into the outskirts of the capital to stay at a comfortable inn. In the end we opted to pass the night in a meadow on the further side. 

The Fairy Diary Day 569 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

We were off. However, there was some reluctance on the part of our dragon. Noralei had mentioned to us that he appeared to be pining away for Rayjil. And now as we were putting more distance between the two his sadness was growing. 

Finally, Dunfallon gave him a squeeze about the neck and whispered in his ear. His demeanor perked up immediately and his speed increased. 

And when Cluyjil caught sight of Merlin’s castle, his excitement grew. In a matter of a few wingbeats we were back on solid ground. The dragon deposited us in the courtyard and continued on to his very own pen – quite content. 

The owl, Merlin’s major domo, greeted us and ushered us into the wizard’s study. He knew already why we had come. At last report Merlin had just left Laguayil and was headed for Dromadil. He had left us permission to use the seers stone in his study to locate him more precisely. 

The owl did make a request before leaving us there. He told us that there had been a marked change in the Will’o’the Wisp and he asked if we could take a look at him. 

We agreed. While I stayed to consult the seers stone, the pixie went off to visit his old friend. And I did not see him the rest of the night. 

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. 

The Fairy Diary Day 530 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

Merlin departed to his castle with Cluyjil this morning. Soon after a guard of fairies left the repository with Tinadell for the capital. We, (that is Dunfallon, Noralei and myself), were to follow, but a disagreement with the Caretaker arose when Noralei proposed to take Rayjil with her. 

Despite there no longer being a threat to the repository and the Crack of Doom, the Caretaker does not want to release the one remaining dragon here to go with her. He has come to rely on a dragon being part of the defenses. (I certainly hope he is not motivated by an implied loss of prestige if he were to lose her services). 

I spoke and confirmed Noralei’s right to take her dragon with her, but added that now might not be the time. For I pointed out to her (as she very well knew) it was forbidden to take a dragon into the capital. 

In the end we compromised. For now Rayjil will remain on guard until we can come back once Tinadell’s fate is decided. But when we do she will take her dragon to her smithy shop in Nonin-gal-dith.

Thus we set out for the capital on foot – with a grumbling pixie (who had been counting on making the trip on the dragon).

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.

The Fairy Diary Day 510 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

Last night I wrote a note on the scroll to the High Fairy. Mostly it was an apology for the rashness of my actions. He wrote back to me this morning. He consoled me by accepting my apology and commending me for my actions after things went wrong. 

He also reported to me that Willie down in the castle dungeon has been highly agitated. His piercing screams have shattered the peace and calm of the castle. Finally Merlin had cast a spell silencing all sound from the chamber in which the Wisp’s cage is hung. 

The High Fairy requested that Dunfallon return to talk with his old friend. They are concerned that Willie is sensing something from the other side. The pixie did not want to leave while Rayjil was still in a weakened condition, but Gibley told him she is showing marked signs of recovery. In fact, the hole in her right wing is already healed over.

I suggested that he go and then return with Noralei. With everything coming together, I want her to be here to head up the expedition to the other side. I think we can count on Merlin and the High Fairy giving her the go ahead. With her ring with the green crystal and the beacon stone now around Cluyjil’s neck and those on my pendants I believe we were never more ready.

With a great sense of purpose, then, Dunfallon left on Conjil for Merlin’s castle.

The Fairy Diary Day 502 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

To write that Merlin’s castle was a beehive of activity would be an understatement. After observing the owl yesterday I pitched in to help him in his duties. I kept the golden nectar flowing by tapping a fresh barrel and taking tankards around to my friends to refresh them in their endeavors. 

Dunfallon and Gibley passed the day exercising Rayjil and Conjil, emphasizing their coordination in flight. They were a marvel to watch whenever I passed over the parapet. 

When the High Fairy emerged from the wizard’s study, I took the opportunity to suggest that Noralei take on the task of forging a necklace for the beacon stone. His excellency agreed – with only a single caveat – that for the time being she confine herself to the metalwork. He wants Merlin here before trying the process of pairing the stone with a dragon. On that matter too I expressed my opinion that she should take the lead in those trials. 

In the meantime I broached another idea that he take Herblas into the library so he can delve into how the purple stones he has discovered should be used. 

When Rumble asked me what he could do, I  suggested he pitch in and assist Noralei as her dogsbody.  A role which he was ready and willing to perform. 

I had one task that I loathed doing. I took over from the owl his chore of feeding the Will’o’the Wisp. Willie snarled and raised a ruckus any time I drew near. His personality, never truly appealing to begin with, has definitely taking a turn for the worst. 

How I find myself longing for the return of Merlin. 

The Fairy Diary Day 500 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

Glossom did not go with us to the stronghold city of the dwarves. He told us that he had too much work to see to as leader of his goblin clan and could not safely neglect it any longer. 

Before we parted he gifted his nephew with a young dragon that has manifested the same behavior as Rayjil. Not yet named (Gibley would have that honor), she was strong enough to carry the three of us – with room to add Herblas. 

Arriving at the entrance to the Low-way of the dwarves, Gibley remained with the dragon while Dunfallon and I went into the stronghold city. 

Herblas had not been idle and eagerly displayed for us a pouch full of purple gems. I thought they looked promising. 

We paid our respects to Fliget (Gnoston had returned to his village), and alerted him to the intelligence that the black bird was abroad in our land. Then we rejoined Gibley. 

The young goblin, having passed some time with the dragon, had named her. So, he introduced us to Conjil. And after we coaxed Herblas to join us, we winged our way to Merlin’s castle. 

The Fairy Diary Day 484 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

The surprise on Rumble’s face upon our arrival at Merlin’s castle amused me. I knew it was all due to the presence of Willie with us. Gibley, however, was upset to see the Wisp, a little fearful based on past experiences with him. 

We gave the charge of the imp over to the wizard’s major domo, the owl. Willie shrunk back from the sight of the bird of prey and hid away in one of the private chambers fashioned by Noralei within the cage. The owl took it and him down into the dungeons of the castle. 

Merlin sent us all away to our comfy chambers for a night of rest and assembled us in his study at first light. 

Rumble had no problems accepting his exclusion from the mission. He always did have a healthy knack for fitting in where he was needed. And he could see that he has an important task helping the owl look after Willie and tending to Rayjil’s needs. 

Merlin and I had to spend more time convincing Gibley to accompany us without his dragon. The wizard calmed his fears and promised to remain by his side throughout our trip. 

Once we settled the important issues, we turned our efforts towards our preparations.