The Fairy Diary Day 249 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

Cleaning up the ship revealed some serious structural problems. Nothing that Noralei could not handle. Dunfallon assisted her, scampering here and there and everywhere to fulfill any need she identified, be it for materials or tools. 

To that end we entrusted Nililitil’s passport to him. 

The most pressing problem, however, was finding a captain and a crew to sail her. Ragonil’s friend, whose ship we turned down earlier, is willing to command the ship. He and Ragonil are combing Dunavonlea for elves that are not afraid to sail to the land that no one will name. 

My scroll contained a new message from the High Fairy. He is anxious for us to be on our way. Their forces, staging out of Dromadil have yet to find a way past the area surrounding the black crystalline tower. 

I held out the hope that we could set sail tomorrow.

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The Fairy Diary Day 245 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

Down from the mountains we passed onto the foothills. Our road now is surrounded by orchards and vineyards. Dunfallon, surprisingly, does not wander off to take in the sights and aromas of burgeoning blossoms. (He did pick a few wild flowers and presented them to Noralei – which she received graciously).

Here and there we passed elves superintending the work of the bees. They were friendly when they caught sight of us, but none set aside what they were doing to come talk. 

They did not need to as it turned out. Six elves appeared at the head of a bridge and surrounded us to hold up our passage. Word had come to them to expect travelers that fit our description. We confirmed our identity with Nililitil’s passport, and with that they allowed us to pass over. 

With one request- to join them for dinner at the Blue Daffodil, an inn just a bit down the road.

The Fairy Diary Day 241 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

The river now lies behind us and the mountains are rising to meet us. The farmlands are giving way to woodlands and there are fewer elves about. No doubt most of them are archers and were called up long ago. 

For the first time we had to show Nililitil’s passport. A barrier had been placed athwart the road and guarded by the largest elves I have ever seen. The passport proved its worth. They ushered us through and bid us all speed. 

Rumble commented afterwards that they seemed on edge, constantly scanning the skies towards the north. 

Just after that experience, we had a message from the High Fairy. He has arrived in Dromadil. The Laguayilian armies are arriving and Merlin is already there. The Faerie Queen’s forces will be there soon. He was optimistic and reported that all was quiet across the lake. 

Even so I cannot shake a growing sense of forboding. 

That and Rumble thought he saw black birds flitting around in the woods.

The Fairy Diary Day 239 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

We have passed several elvish villages so far. Each one has been most helpful, even without the need for showing our passport. This close to Laguayil, word has preceded us. 

I do note that there are not many young elves about, but that makes sense. They have no doubt been called to the capital to join Nililitil’s forces there. And though those remaining put on a brave face, I do detect an undercurrent of worry among them. 

Dunfallon is much like his old self, striking up lively conversations with Rumble and Noralei in turn. 

However, he mostly avoids me. It concerns me somewhat. I sense he wants to ask me something – but is afraid he won’t like my answer. 

I will bide my time. Perhaps I will open up to him myself. All depends on the timing. 

The ocean has dropped from view as we descended from the high plains and is now completely blocked by the coastal mountains. 

Our progress will no doubt slow considerably there and perhaps the time will be right. 

The Fairy Diary Day 238 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

Before leaving Laguayil, Nililitil presented us with a passport that will cover wherever we desire to go within the kingdom of the elves of light. It further requires obedience to any request we may make of any of his subjects. This should be particularly helpful in securing a ship for us. 

We had a new message on my scroll from the High Fairy. He congratulated us for finally setting out and urged us to make all speed. Something is brewing up in the land of the dark elves and he would like us to lift the veil. He is especially concerned because the Faerie Queen has ordered her troops to march to Dromadil to ally with the pixies and the Laguayilian elves when they get there. 

We are making good progress, and all are in good spirits. Rumble and Noralei are excited to have Dunfallon back with us.