The Fairy Diary Day 651 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

Yesterday as we passed by the sight of the canyonlands in the distant south, I found myself wondering about our friends there, in particular Gibley and Conjil. I saw both Noralei and Dunfallon cast thoughtful gazes in that direction too. And I guessed where their thoughts lay. 

We all look forward to the next visit from our diminutive friend. 

But today our thoughts focused on the city before us. We arrived at Laguayil to a lavish welcome. Dunfallon was there already, having proceeded us and made preparations for stabling our dragons, and arranged for a secure place for holding our prisoners. 

Nililitil met with us in his private chambers. Which had me wondering why not his official chambers of state? Merlin voiced the same thought outloud to our host. The king of the Laguayil elves replied that all would be clear in good time. 

Instead he had us (including Navril) squeeze into his own scullery where he seated us at two tables and went about fixing our meal with his own hands. 

So, when all were served and with Navril mounting guard at the door, Nililitil opened his thoughts to us. 

He shared the intelligence that there is a strong movement afoot in his kingdom that seeks the release of our prisoners. 

To say that this news was shocking is an understatement. Merlin pressed him for details, but alas he lacked them. He decided that he would double the guards to see us to the border of Gilgorgon’s kingdom, and has sent word ahead for the dwarf to send a contingent to meet us there. 

And he advised us to set off early tomorrow. 

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The Fairy Diary Day 646 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

A series of commotions throughout the night along the quay made our time anything but restful. And about the first watch I noticed that Cluyjil seemed restless too. So I suggested that Dunfallon take the dragon up to stretch his wings. 

It was the circumstance awaited for by those watching us. As soon as the pixie and dragon disappeared into the darkness, a dozen elves rushed the ship. 

Evidently they were not aware of the soldier less weapons at my beck and call. Within the space of five wingbeats the swords lined the rails to both sides of me, stopping the assailants in their tracks. They ran away faster than they had come at us. 

A clatter arose from the other side of the ship as our spears there repelled an attempt to board from another vessel on that side. In their panic to get away that darkened vessel was intercepted by the return of Dunfallon on Cluyjil. The dragon set its sails ablaze. All the elves within jumped overboard. 

The rest of the night was uneventful but we did have a visit from the harbor master in the morning. To boil his demands down – he wants us gone. 

Merlin assured him that so we shall this very day. 

Thus, by the afternoon once we had moved the Crack of Doom to the wagon with the help of the dragons and since Noralei had completed the second cage, everything was prepared to depart. 

We had daylight enough to climb out of the valley around Corbelin to the heights beyond. And we were just settling in to our camp, when another band of elves joined us. 

It was led by Navril, sent by his king and our friend Nililitil to see us safely to Laguayil. 

The Fairy Diary Day 603 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

A reply from Merlin to me was waiting on the scroll when I opened it this morning. He and Navril had made it to Laguayil. Nililitil confirmed that the High Fairy had not stopped by recently, but he did add that there were rumors out of Corbelin that his excellency and two other fairies had taken a ship from there out into the west. And that is where the wizard and Navril intend to go next. 

There was one other thing that Merlin added which I relayed to the others. He told me to stay in contact and be prepared to come to him. If he needed our aid he would send a rainbow. 

Conjil was a little reluctant to be hitched up this morning so Gibley took her up to spread her wings for awhile. Once she was back and harnessed, we were on our way again. The goblin told us that from their view above he estimates we will sight Dromadil tomorrow. 

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 576 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

There were no qualms about allowing Cluyjil to descend down into the well past the pixie habitations and over to the troll domain underground. It proved a might tight at a couple points but the dragon did not appear to mind. 

The trolls had heard of our coming and their leading chieftains came out to greet us. They cast appraising glances Cluyjil’s way and Dunfallon leaned on the dragon as a way of signaling that he belonged to us. 

They listened respectfully to Merlin as he laid out his concern for the Sprite village to the North. 

The trolls confirmed that they indeed had an operation ongoing up in that area and agreed to hold up further excavation until things could be investigated. Merlin thanked them for their understanding and asked permission to return soon to help them find a solution for both parties’ needs. 

I felt good about the mutual respect evident in our meeting. And was glad to be off so soon.

But Merlin had one more request. He thought it good (I believe Dunfallon may have suggested it) to stop by Laguayil and pick up an endorsement from Nililitil for Noralei. 

Since we had three days yet to get to the hearing, I approved. 

The Fairy Diary Day 541 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

Nililitil and Navril gave us a splendid sendoff. Beforehand I was able to share with them an answer I had received from the High Fairy regarding the rumors out of the north. His excellency confirmed that he had heard similar ones and wanted me to assure them that it was being looked into. In fact, Merlin has agreed to check on it himself. 

This grabbed the attention of my companions, so as we traveled along I narrated to them what little I knew about it. Then we speculated amongst ourselves – wondering if Tinadell’s mysterious destiny lay in that direction. 

By day’s end we arrived in the canyonlands without incident. And crossed the threshold of Glossom’s domicile. 

But no one was in. 

Dunfallon made the suggestion that we fly over to the stronghold city to pay a visit to Fliget. We toyed with that idea briefly, but in the end decided to stay where we were and await the return of Glossom and Gibley. 

The Fairy Diary Day 540 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

We passed many sights still fresh in our memories on our way to Laguayil. Dunfallon pointed out the location of his encounter with the black bird. And below I could trace the path of my first journey to the west. Gilgorgon’s mountain was off in the distance. And that mystical mountain structure used by the undead trolls was still visible. 

Noralei was silent throughout our flight. Perhaps she was more attentive to her duties of directing Rayjil. 

When we arrived at Laguayil we were warmly greeted.  I think they knew we were coming. They even had a stall and some fire plants for Rayjil. 

Nililitil wanted to hear all about Noralei’s expedition to the Land of Darkness. Of course he had heard Navril’s account, but I believe he especially was keen to hear our pixie’s embellishments. 

Near the end of the repast they had prepared for us, the king of the elves shared some concerns they had arising from rumors out of the area north of Dromadil. A cold wind was descending from that quarter that was clearly wrong for the season. 

I jotted a note to the High Fairy to convey that news to him before turning in. 

The Fairy Diary Day 539 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

Much of the meeting – at the first – was rather noisy – you would think we had not seen one another for many phases of the moon. There was just so much we had to catch one another up on. 

The High Fairy was indulgent and let us rattle on. He himself had quite a long conversation with Tinadell. Before which he handed over to me a sparkling scarf he had woven for me from my cobwebs. I, in turn, gifted it to Noralei, thinking it a  fitting token of my appreciation for all she means to our team. 

She wrapped it around her neck and thanked me for it. We then conversed about her negotiations with the Caretaker. She said that his excellency had been supremely helpful in securing the outcome she desired. 

Once the hubbub died down the High Fairy called us to order. He addressed us about Noralei’s upcoming trip to the canyonlands. He wanted Dunfallon and myself to accompany her. Since Noralei was amenable to this plan, we were dismissed to prepare to leave as soon as possible. 

However, he did retain Rumble and Tinadell for a separate huddle – about which the rest of us were left to wonder. 

By first light we were on our way on Rayjil.  Per my decision we stopped at Laguayil for the night, and there conferred with Navril and Nililitil. 

The Fairy Diary Day 350 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

It was a day for saying goodbyes. Nililitil and Navril mustered the elves of light and after a touching ceremony in which Fliget gifted each with a cuirass of the finest dwarfish workmanship, they departed for Laguayil. 

Nililitil promised to send out orders for all in his kingdom to watch for any sign of our Will’o’the Wisp. 

The Dromadil pixies listened to a fine speech by Dunfallon in which he presented each with a sack of gold as their thanks from the dwarves. When they were dismissed they took up the rear guard to the Laguayilian troops. 

Next, Fliget saluted our pixie with a surprising gift – a harp of gold that he can carry in his pocket – it grows when played and shrinks back to pocket size afterwards. (The regent thought its music would be the perfect accompaniment to Dunfallon’s stories).

My turn for farewells came shortly after Merlin’s return. There in the city square before all its denizens, Fliget placed a new pendant around my neck. It sported a tiny crystal, so it fit quite nicely and did not clash with my other two pendants. He tells me it has the power to protect me against the ill effects that ordinarily I would suffer in the presence of iron ore. 

As proof he revealed that its chain was of that material. I felt marvelous. 

Without further adieus Merlin and I were off for his castle. Dunfallon by mutual consent is traveling on his eagle, the better to check for signs of Willie. 

And hopefully we will soon know whether or not Rumble and Noralei will be joining us.

The Fairy Diary Day 341 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

The effects from yesterday’s battle and the events surrounding our victory continue to ripple as we dig deeper into its meaning. 

Just as my actions had freed the Dromadil pixies from under the grips of the bloodlust, so too have the dark elves undergone a transformation. This fact both Nililitil and Navril have remarked upon. A feeling of good cheer and fellowship has sprung up between these former enemies. 

Noralei has spent quite some time examining the chalice and its contents. And she has come to the conclusion that it is filled with a special form of the red ash. She then expressed what we all were thinking – we long for Merlin to be here with us and explain these mysteries. For though the present crisis has passed, in another respect I think it has only begun.