The Fairy Diary Day 688 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

Merlin and I had a few things to sort out before we departed. The wizard invited Navril to accompany us. Having completed his mission of contacting us, he planned to return to Laguayil – but Merlin reasoned with the elf that since he would not be expected back so soon anyway, why not continue on to the fairy capital for my investiture. 

This being agreeable to our friend, we next tackled how to transport the wagon and the small unit from Dunfallon’s army back to the repository. 

Merlin said there would be little problem since he could now employ a rainbow bridge – but what was absolutely necessary was a beast of burden to pull the wagon. His comment was overheard by Gabhe who immediately volunteered, stating that he was certain he could do it. 

I was incredulous that such a small mountain goat would be strong enough, but the wizard smiled and said that he was certain too. Then he winked at me and whispered, “I can make it so.”

And when Herblas asked to accompany us also, I was confident to invite him along. 

Thus, when we had it all together we bid Gilgorgon goodbye. We gave Gabhe his head and he soon mounted the rainbow bridge and before we knew it we touched down at the fairy capital. 

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The Fairy Diary Day 687 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

I kept a promise to Dunfallon this morning by rolling a game of ninepins with some of his dwarf friends, with the pixie’s mountain goat Gabhe looking on. I was able to express the pixie’s sadness at not being there with them as he had hoped. They all understood the reason for his absence. And asked me to convey an invitation to him to return soon. 

I discovered that I quite enjoyed the game, and did very well. (They did make me swear beforehand not to practice any “fairy business.” Dunfallon in the beginning had gotten away with a few things before they exacted a similar promise from him).

I had just won a game when Herblas came down to retrieve me. As he was ushering me up to Gilgorgon’s audience chamber he informed me that we had a visitor.  

Upon entry I was overjoyed to see the elf Navril there with Merlin and Gilgorgon. As he had promised he brought news about the renegade elves. He had been on his way to the Faerie Kingdom and just happened to stop by to pay his respects to the dwarves, and was delighted to hear that we were present. 

Navril and other elves were never able to elicit any explanations from their renegades until just a few days before. In sharing this news with the wizard and comparing dates they ascertained that the transformation in them came about the instant Merlin had placed her former majesty’s voice in the box. 

The difference in their behavior was as stark as that of night from day. They were no longer obstinately devoted to her cause, but were left wondering how they became committed to her in the first place. 

After hearing this, I was more than ready to return to the fairy capital. And Merlin announced that so we shall on the morrow. 

The Fairy Diary Day 610 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

Dibla declined to accompany us to Dromadil. (Most likely he did not relish the thought of riding a dragon). But he did offer an ancient map dating back to the time of their excavations up there. Though not as good as those Rumble has, it should suffice. 

On the map the dwarf called my attention to the stream with a village in the crook of its elbow and I recognized it as the village of the Sprites. He cautioned us that there are more than likely many differences since then. Though he added that up in the area of Dromadil there should not be as many. And he took the time to note a couple passages that the pixies would have most likely sealed off. Gibley’s eyes lit up at this and he stated that he thinks he knows where one of them might be. 

So, as soon as Dunfallon said goodbye to Gabhe, his mountain goat, having just finished a friendly game of nine pins, we bid farewell to Gilgorgon, thanking him for his hospitality and willingness to help. 

We were back in Dromadil by the afternoon. And met Rumble at the inn where Conjil was welcomed back into its stable. 

Rumble had not been idle. While Noralei did wonders with the dungeon cells (so comfortable that she spent the nights there herself), he had familiarized himself with the area and its trouble spots. He eagerly accepted Dibla’s map and went off to study it. 

Dunfallon, Gibley and I discussed how to go about broaching to the Dromadil king the need to ask the Sprites for their help. Then Gibley went off to visit Noralei and to look into a possible entry point into the dwarfish excavation. 

When we were alone I took Dunfallon into the stable and there discussed with him what we could do to forestall the summoning of Conjil away from us. 

The Fairy Diary Day 571 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

We heard not a peep from within Willie’s cage as it floated along with us. A steady glow emanated from within, which hinted to me of a more contented disposition. But perhaps a better indication of a change in the Wisp was his effect on Cluyjil – that is, there was none – no uneasiness, no distrust, no aversion to this strange object tethered to his saddle and the stranger creature within. 

We made one stop on the way to Dromadil. I know that I originally turned down Dunfallon’s desire to enlist Gilgorgon and the dwarves in the cause for Noralei and her dragon – but now I thought better of it. 

Gilgorgon’s mountain was on the way and there were other good reasons to stop. 

Herblas ushered us into the presence of the king of the dwarves who received us gladly. Dunfallon stated Noralei’s case and successfully elicited his support on her behalf.

And I asked after Merlin and learned that the wizard had stopped by – probably when he was on the way to Laguayil. I then asked that if he should come through here before we caught up with him to please have him hurry back to Nonin-gal-dith. 

Then we asked to be excused to go on our way – (I know, such a hard thing to resist dwarfish hospitality). But we knew if we did not get off right away we would be held up for a day or two. 

Dunfallon’s only regret was not having the opportunity to have a few words with his mountain goat Gabhe. 

And I am happy to record that Willie  was civil, even cordial while there. I hope he can be the same with the pixies of Dromadil. 

The Fairy Diary Day 486 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

Gilgorgon had been expecting our arrival, so we were ushered into the great hall and seated for a feast. Herblas was every where directing the provisioning of the table. I was watching Gibley whom I could tell was overwhelmed by the extent and variety of the fare placed before us. I do not believe his eyes could be any bigger. He soon had his plate overflowing too. 

No talk about our reasons for being here was allowed. That was held off until this morning. 

Even then we were waiting on Dunfallon, who had been up all night playing nine pins with his friends and talking with Gabhe, the mountain goat. 

After the pixie took his place at the long table, Merlin – with Gilgorgon’s permission, began the meeting. 

The wizard put forth the question that lay heavily on my mind – what had happened to Artoxon and Bifitz? We knew from the High Fairy that they had been banished. But what then after that?

The dwarf king sighed deeply, then called over a member of his guard. This burly dwarf relayed how he had been assigned to observe that the pair had left their former kingdom. They sought refuge in the villages of the former dark elves, but were turned down again and again. 

One day they fell prey to a rampaging troll who smashed them to bits and ate them. 

Thus I knew why they were sighted on the other side. And must still be there. 

The Fairy Diary Day 448 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

Gilgorgon’s contingent accompanied us up to their mountain stronghold. They are a special group and make up the household guard of their king. They have been dispatched to prepare for his return. 

Out of respect for Merlin, they let the wizard lead the way. Their leader, Herblas, Gilgorgon’s chief steward, lagged behind often to note down repairs to be done in the future. (I must say that in most instances I could not see anything out of order). 

As we approached the portal entrance, Gabhe bounded forth and pranced excitedly around us. He was excited to greet us and perhaps even more elated at the return of Herblas and his cohorts. 

I thought that Gabhe was simply overjoyed no longer to be alone, but the next instant Dunfallon stood before us also – with a dutiful Cluyjil at his side. 

The pixie had flown on the dragon all the way from Merlin’s castle. And he brought important news with him. 

The Fairy Diary Day 428 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

Merlin, Rumble and I descended into the depths of Gilgorgon’s mountain. Gabhe desired to go with us, but felt herself in a bind. On the one hand, she wanted to brave the hazards with us, but she could not shake the onus of responsibility bestowed upon her by the dwarf king. Thus the mountain goat remained behind. 

In the midst of our conference yesterday I had written a note on the scroll to the High Fairy to brief him on our plans. No answer had been forthcoming until I checked again just as we entered the underground passage to the other dwarf kingdom. 

There waiting was his excellency’s reply, containing two bits of news- the goblins report that all is quiet on their frontier with Artoxon’s kingdom – and that the Dromadil pixies had executed the dark elf Hawk for the murder of two of their guards. 

I was saddened at the news about Hawk (Rumble not so much). 

Merlin took the lead. He had been here before, of course, when he and Gilgorgon battled the invading dark elves. Our way was brightly lit, for Gilgorgon must have left the oil flowing after he and his troops passed. It was welcome, even cheery. But I admit to being on edge the further we went. 

The Fairy Diary Day 426 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

It was slow going in the clinging darkness – only dispelled by the glow atop Merlin’s staff and from that of my pendants. Rumble was more familiar with these passages than either Merlin or me, having traveled them many times with Dunfallon in search of amusement. But he confessed to be confused at some of the odd turnings. 

After he stumbled where clearly he should not have, we realized we were up against a most dangerous spell – most likely one peculiar to dwarves. While the wizard took the measure of our surroundings, Rumble and I stood and watched. 

We were thus engaged admiring the craftsmanship of the dwarves in the carvings when our serenity was broken by the silhouette of a mountain goat – seemingly bounding upon the ceiling of the passageway. 

It was our friend Gabhe and the first words out of his mouth were, “Where’s Dunf?”

He was saddened to hear that the pixie was not with us. But quickly recovered – addressed himself to Merlin and said, “My turn to help you.”

With his encouragement we joined him on the ceiling and the world turned upside down or rather it proved that we were the ones who had been on the ceiling and were now turned right side up. 

And following the lead of Gabhe we made our way down to the great hall of Gilgorgon. 

The Fairy Diary Day 368 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

It was quite an ordeal for Merlin to carry us all at once up to Gilgorgon’s mountain. Not that four fairies and one pixie weigh very much, but besides the pieces of the broken crystal and other odds and ends from Willie’s lair, he also transported Dunfallon’s mountain goat – at the pixie’s insistence. 

Such was his fatigue that he put off his audience with Gilgorgon until tomorrow. 

I think it all for the best. I believe the dwarf king given enough time will come to the realization that to give over the dragon egg is in the best interest of all parties. 

An interesting aftermath to our journey here – Dunfallon’s mountain goat can now speak – much to the delight of the pixie. They have gone off to watch a game of nine pins. 

The mountain goat (who prefers to be called Gabhe) told us that flying does not agree with him. And if given his wish, prefers never to do so again.

The Fairy Diary Day 364 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

Sometimes decisions don’t prove their true worth until a good deal of time has passed. Other times the reason one made the choice to begin with has a completely other unlooked for – and better outcome than one may have planned. 

Such was our decision to bring Dunfallon’s mountain goat with us. 

Though this was not apparent when our day began. The dew was still on the trumpet lilies when Rumble rushed up to me with the news that the mountain goat was missing. Nailbiter launched a full search of the burrow and the immediate vicinity – favoring the direction towards Willie’s swamp. 

Noralei made up the party towards that side. Just short of the pond there, the mountain goat came prancing from behind an immense shrub to nuzzle her. Then he led her back behind the bush. 

There she found an unhappy Dunfallon sitting in an improvised cage staked out on the ground. Answering their call, Rumble and I helped break him out. We had to exercise extreme caution for Dunfallon informed us that Willie had booby trapped it. 

When free, our pixie raced off to the Wisp’s lair. There we joined him in front of the burned out crystal. And no Will’o’the Wisp. 

Dunfallon had one consolation, being reunited with his mountain goat. 

We asked the High Fairy to report to Merlin that our trail is again cold.