The Fairy Diary Day 638 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

I escorted the renegade queen up into the tower. Once there Merlin offered to look at her wings, and while she submitted I took over monitoring the seers stone for the wizard.

I could see that Captain Goff was maintaining his lead over the approaching line of ice crystals. I winced with the thought that if it were to catch up, the ship would be crushed under the pressure of the burgeoning ice. Then, I saw that Nora was lending a hand. He was circling the ship constantly, churning up the water and preventing it from going solid, and seemed to be enjoying himself immensely.

Then, that thick line of blue fairies halted its forward movement and came to rest on the ice floes. 

With the morning they were still motionless. They looked exhausted. And one lone Frost Fairy stepped out of the pack and with ceremony sheathed his sword.

I told Merlin that we needed to go out there to meet with them. He gave me permission and added that we should take the dragons. I had turned to leave, but he called me back. 

“I think you should go under your own guise,” and he removed all of our blue disguises.

We left Clemjil with Gibley (still recovering) as he guarded our prisoners. Dunfallon selected Cluyjil, who then led Noralei on Rayjil, and myself on Conjil out to the waiting blue masses. (It was good to be back in our own skins).

We passed over our ship, then outdistancing the static line of frozen water. Nora broke off and began to follow behind us.

One by one we landed on the ice floe in front of that lone figure. He asked us directly, “Where is our king?”

With those thousands of eyes on us, we were silent for about sixty wingbeats. Then, I answered him, “Your king is no more.”

They answered us with silence also, but then cheers erupted from the front and carried all the way back into the distance, culminating in a unified shout of exultation.

I proposed that this fairy, their new choice for leader accompany us back to the tower for a conference. And I had him mount up on Conjil behind me. The warmth from my pendants has me expecting a fortunate outcome to this new development.

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Righteousness

Righteousness
Is the reward
That stays 
The sword

We have none
Of our own
But yearn for what
You have sworn
To make our joy complete
Under heaven.

RWOz2

The Fairy Diary Day 599 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

The challenges of the day drained us all completely. That is all except Merlin. Thankfully his vigor was tireless and even now he stands guard over us. 

The hordes of Frost Fairies that boiled out of the abyss in their first waves made Conjil the focus of their assaults. She handily defended herself at first, but when their sheer numbers threatened to overwhelm her, the presence of Noralei and Gibley on her flanks proved crucial. Noralei’s sword was everywhere beating back the blue frenzies with an unstoppable frenzy of her own. And once the goblin unhinged his jaws, he made short work of those hapless frost fairies who skirted the dragon’s fiery breath.  And Navril, Rumble and I from a distance worked our bows to marvelous effect. 

Before their second wave hit, Dunfallon had his ’army’ mustered and advanced into place where these ’soldier less’ weapons decimated their numbers so much that little was left for us to mop up. 

But they still kept coming. 

It was then that I realized that Merlin, standing at our backs had been controlling the flow of the Frost Fairies and he was then allowing a third, a fourth, and a fifth wave to stack up. And at the breaking point he gave me a nod. 

With my pendants tingling their readiness, I rose into the air and the burst of light from them drained the very blueness from our adversaries and propelled them back into the abyss. 

As I slowly settled back to the ground, my friends ran to the edge to look. And from there I heard them call back, “They are gone!”

The Fairy Diary Day 558 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

Tinadell drilled Gibley on everything he could think of – what to expect or what he might encounter inside the tunnel. (Worms were a distinct possibility). He ended his instructions by cautioning him to be extra careful as some things may have changed. 

The goblin grinned at his teacher and rubbing his chin said he should be able to eat his way through any rock problems. 

Piqued by the mention of worms, Dunfallon sent off his goblin friend with the loan of his sword. 

Our friend was gone from view when Noralei came back into Tinadell’s chamber from the outside. She was beside herself with excitement – for the wind had ceased blowing. Dunfallon ran out to check and returned with a confirmation of her news. The pixie predicted that we should be done with the repair in no time at all. 

But both Merlin and Tinadell stood there stunned. Finally the wizard warned us that we just may have less time than we thought. And Tinadell took up the explanation that we must make haste to repair the rift before the wind commences again- this time from our world to this. 

To which Merlin added that it held the potential to do great harm to our world – by sucking all its air into this one. 

The Fairy Diary Day 497 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

Merlin did something I had not seen him do before. In preparation for entering into the quarry with us, he made himself small – somewhere between fairy and pixie size. 

Glossom had thought that the wizard would have had to remain behind but was pleasantly surprised when Merlin had his own solution. This left Glossom the largest member of our party to enter into the quarry by the worm holes. 

I did not worry about the iron which was supposed to be present in abundance because of the protection of my third pendant – but I did have apprehensions about encountering the giant worms which Gibley was certain would consider fairies a great delicacy. Collectively the goblins call these worms Maulfors. 

Dunfallon was not the least bit anxious about them. “One cannot live in burrows,” he said, “without having to deal with such things eventually.” Still, he did keep one hand on the hilt of his sword. 

By the light from the goblin torches and Merlin’s staff (and my glowing pendants) we searched the other offshoots from the main quarry. I was somewhat relieved that we did not bump into a Maulfor – but then again we did not find what Glossom told us to look for – purple colored gems that have passed through the insides of a worm. 

It is the only type of gem pure enough. 

Glossom said we will try from another entrance tomorrow. As we turned to trudge back Merlin begged leave to remain behind and test a few notions about the nature of the Maulfors. 

None objected. 

Noralei’s Account (given Fairy Diary Day 462) #TFDbyRWOz2

Noralei writes:

First Entry

Where are we? Not on Gilgorgon’s mountain that is for sure. Not unless this is the deepest pit under the lowest depth of the dwarf’s kingdom.

But then how did we get down to wherever we are?

Nothing smells right. And the air is filled with the strangest sounds – beast or … or … or what?

Rayjil seems quite content. Like she’s been here before. But Gibley seems most anxious, and beside himself with fear. It is everything I can do to keep him moving.

I must get the word out. We know for sure that Willie has something to do with this. I must tell what happened. Even if it is just so I can understand it myself. Maybe it just helps to write it down.

Second Entry

We have been in darkness so long. Even down with the dwarves, it was never dark upon dark. Gibley tells me that this place in the stories of his people was a place of punishment for those that practiced evil. A just punishment for those cruel to dragons. 

Rayjil continues to be happy and not at all upset with us – so I question Gibley’s belief. She also guards our path and nestles with us during our times of rest. 

Then there are those times that Willie can be seen flitting by.  Besides the glow from Rayjil’s chest, his is the only light down here. It is a wonder he does not see us when he passes so closely.

Third Entry

Another being dogs our steps. I feel its presence, but nothing is in sight – if perhaps only a inky black against the ordinary black. Then I saw this shape interacting with Willie and could see both were in flight, and my guess was that here was the black bird we have sighted in the past on our adventures.

Lately I feel that they have become aware of our presence, and come at us, first from one side, then from the other. Thankfully they keep their distance, for Rayjil shakes her head at them, and the sound of those silver bells on her necklace cause them to flee. 

What are they after?

Fourth Entry

Rayjil appears to know her way about this landscape – not actually recognizable as such, yet it feels like one – with the sensation of descending and ascending in a snake-like side to side motion forward.

Gibley has gained some confidence. Primarily I think because nothing untoward has befallen us so far. He even has had the presence of mind to remember some things tucked away in the pouches attached to Rayjil’s saddle. Most helpful has been the jewel mounted on a ring that the goblin has donned. It is brighter than the light from that of our dragon’s chest. It does, however, give a green cast to everything.

In those times when my thoughts come off of myself, and onto our friends, I think of how they must be so worried about us.

Fifth Entry

I do believe that I am now seeing more of our surroundings. Gibley tells me he sees no difference- but he never complained about the darkness in the first place. Maybe because his bulging eyes are larger?

A couple of times we have tried to motivate Rayjil to carry us back –  mounting her and attempting to turn her with the reins – but she refuses – or gently ignores us – a refusal all the same. 

I feared we were becoming inured to our situation. That all changed when for no apparent reason fear invaded each of us and I called out for Merlin’s help. 

Sixth Entry

Gibley and I still shiver. And it is not just from the cold. A living fear yet clings to us. And my heart’s call is for our friends to come and bring us home. I know if he knew, Dunfallon would be with us in an instant. And Meribabell and Rumble right behind him. 

Rayjil continues to take us deeper into this well – for I do believe now that such it is. She fears nothing. 

In moments between shivering my goblin companion cites a rhyme about the Crack of Doom guiding us. I ask him to repeat it afterwards and he can not remember any of it. 

Seventh Entry

Rayjil continues her march forward. Gibley now believes there must be a reason for such strange behavior. That set me speculating – that is, until Willie made a series of runs at us.

I am unsure as to which of us was the target. But at base I think he was trying to separate me from my companions. And would have too – if not for the sudden apparition rising up out of the depths below us. One look at that figure trailing a mess of rope and Willie fled away. I recognized the apparition as the dark elf Hawk.  

And he wanted to talk to me. 

Eighth Entry

The dark elf thanked me. Just for being willing to talk. Even when on the other side he remembers the time I was kind enough to ask after his well being. He had a simple request. He wanted me to extend his greetings to my friends when I see them again. Especially to Merlin. 

Then he told me all about the conversation he had with the wizard back when the goblins held him prisoner in their outpost. Merlin had been severe, and as it turned out truthful in a prediction he pronounced over him – he described exactly this place in which he finds himself. 

And he wanted us to know that he would do his best to shield us while we are here. 

Having said his piece, the elf abruptly excused himself and fled away. On his heels a cold biting wind visited us, and my goblin friend and I were once again shivering with fear. 

Ninth Entry

The fear is past. All because Rayjil dragged us to our feet and kept us moving forward. 

Every now and again we spot Willie away off in the distance. And though we do not see the black bird we do sense its presence too. But somehow I feel they are being held at bay. 

Gibley says it is all due to Hawk. He thinks that the elf is trying to make amends for his past deeds. 

That may be so. Will it get him out of here? Who knows?

What will get us out of here?

Tenth Entry

Rayjil has slowed her pace and appears to be looking for something or someone. Both Gibley and I cling closely to her. We both have the sense that she might bolt away at any moment and leave us behind. 

It is strange to think along those lines that she would abandon us after the closeness that we have shared so long. It would break my heart to see that trust which I treasure evaporate into the nothingness that is all around us. 

Eleventh Entry

Rayjil has halted. She made an elaborate ritual of chasing her tail before bedding down for a long sleep. She included both Gibley and me in her coils, but so loosely held that neither felt threatened. 

We kept watch in turn. It was Gibley that alerted us to the approach of the dark elf Hawk. I noticed Willie and I think the black bird circling in the dark distance, so at last I was sure he was holding them back. 

At the last he sidled over to me with a strange message – he wanted me to know that our dragon received her gifting from the blood of the dark elf warrior which had been absorbed into her eggshell before she hatched. 

Twelfth Entry

Gibley tells me that something is coming. He feels it. I can tell Rayjil senses something also. Strangely I do not. 

I have been comforted – odd to say – by everything Hawk has shared with us. Whatever it is that is out there I am confident that ultimately it can do us no harm. 

Thirteenth Entry

For the first time ever I have sensed fear in Rayjil. We are still stationary in the same spot as before. But instead of her normal nonchalant self she is cowering at every flutter of darkness.  It takes both of us to soothe her (after reining in our own fears).

Gibley believes that the master of this place is very near. And thankfully the light from the goblin’s ring reaches further out. 

That and the heft of my sword swells my courage. 

Fourteenth Entry

How odd I was thinking- to have a dream in this place. I know it was a dream for I was all alone – even though I knew Rayjil and Gibley were with me. And Hawk in a more solid form came up to whisper in my ear. 

He told me the secret weakness of the enemy and said to prepare for his arrival. And then added a severe warning for the future – to beware of the dwarf with a crown and the ancient goblin. 

And then the elf was gone and I could see where we were once again. And the darkness was growing. No longer shades of demarcation. 

Fifteenth Entry

Our ordeal is now thankfully over. And I record this simply in hopes that this knowledge will help the world I live in and the peoples who inhabit it. That it will somehow protect everyone from the ravages of that most hate filled presence. 

Gibley, Rayjil and I were planted squarely in front of that burgeoning thing. A force from it swirled around us, making it difficult to breathe- as it was sucking us and the very air towards it. 

Then, we launched into the plan that Hawk had left us with. The goblin forced his emerald ring into Rayjil’s gullet and she reacted by ejecting it at our tormentor in a stream of fire from deep within her glowing chest. 

And we saw the fearful entity before us – hideous of visage – be consumed with fear itself – and recoiling in haste to get away from the glorious light. 

At the very moment the tolling bell called us back to our world. 

The Fairy Diary Day 337 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

At long last Dunfallon returned – with great news. He and the Laguayilian troops led by our friend Navril, ambushed the three dark elves carrying the dragon egg. It was a costly success, for that dark elf warrior maimed or killed nearly half their party. Dunfallon and his eagle prevented Navril from being decapitated by distracting that warrior as he swung his ax and in a mighty riposte Navril actually did the deed on him with one stroke of his sword. (There is some concern that a bit of his blood fell on the shell of the dragon egg and was absorbed). The egg is on the way to the care and keeping of the High Fairy. 

A band of Dromadil pixies had arrived late for the battle, but continued here with them, all as volunteers for the assault on the dark elf stronghold. Dunfallon wants his fellow pixies with him as they poke around looking for the hidden entrance into the dark elf stronghold. They descended to our junction single file and followed down the narrow passage to the next junction above the stronghold gate. 

Navril’s elves filed in after them but had to stoop while they remained in these smaller confines. 

Thus we thought it best that they set up their camp down in the Low-way. 

About that time we noticed that Willie was missing from his cage.

The Fairy Diary Day 214 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

Noralei has taken the lead. The way ahead is increasingly tangled with vines and other plant growth and her short sword is proving effective in dealing with it. And the boys are busy fending off snakes that were stirred up by her activity. 

I popped up above the treetops periodically to get a visual heading. So far Noralei’s compass is proving true. 

After one such check I broached the possibility of us flying from treetop to treetop and carrying Dunfallon. 

But our pixie refused. (I think it is a painful reminder to him that his eagle is missing – and to all of us that so too is the wizard). 

Not long after we were all in the treetops. 

A great rush of roaring water sprang up behind us and we fled before it could overtake us. Noralei secured our reluctant pixie. 

The pool of water fed by our stream must have broken loose. 

We had to fly from treetop to treetop until the force of the water was no longer flattening them. 

We had a lot to discuss when the danger was past.

The Fairy Diary Day 213 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

The noises increased over night. We could hear something moving about sniffing and snarling. But inside the barrier we felt safe and secure.  

Nothing was about when we emerged in the daylight and got underway. But Rumble was certain we were being watched. 

Dunfallon got the bright idea of begging the cloak of invisibility from Rumble and remaining behind us to spy on whatever may be about. I reluctantly agreed and a ruckus erupted but a few moments after we left him. 

We came about, weapons at the ready. 

The pixie had a huge orange cat at bay. (It was easily bigger than all of us put together). Blood was flowing from a wound in its flank and it was screaming uncontrollably. Noralei ran forward and dispatched it with a single slash of her sword. 

There were no sounds following us the rest of the day. 

I Learn Another Sword

Picking up from my last Memories post, we had one more thing to check off of our checklist to complete our move from Renton down to Vancouver.

I had a new job – check

We had found a new home – check, check

And a new home for my fencing – check, check, check

And now we were looking for a new church.

We limited our scope to one of the Lutheran flavors, specifically we would only consider one belonging to the Missouri Synod. We sampled one in the vicinity of our home, but nothing struck us. We widened the circle and finally landed at one on the opposite side of town.

Everything about the church seemed right to us. But especially the pastor. We had not met the like before. There was something about him that was, for the lack of a better word, ‘charismatic.’ As it turns out that was exactly the right word. He taught from the Bible, not from another book, such as any currently invogue self help psychology piece (a la transactional analysis). The style is called expositional teaching, which is done by going through the Bible text, line by line, and expounding upon its meaning, giving historical and cultural context to better understand the people written about and God’s dealings with them.

And there was teaching we had never heard before. We were taught about the Holy Spirit – something always catechized but seldom introduced into any sermon from the Word (i.e. The Bible).  A whole new understanding and deepening was opened to us. Not something brought out of a man’s imagination – for what he taught was right there in front of us on the pages of our Bible. We now had a place to call our church home.

But with it came a significant reckoning for me.

I attended one of the small group meetings at the church. We were encouraged to get to know one another better as individuals before the meeting got underway. I sat with a man of about my own age by the name of Randy. I went first. He listened to my introduction of myself as being new to the area, working for a cinema circuit across the river in Portland. And very into fencing.

He said a few words about himself, and what he did. But what he added next stopped my mind in its tracks. He stated simply that he was a follower of Jesus Christ. But more than the simple words were stated, I knew by its emphasis that it was of supreme importance in his life – taking precedence over everything else he had mentioned – indeed the governing direction for his life choices. There was not a hint of pride, spiritual or otherwise in the declaration.

It was something that challenged my life, who I was and where I was going. The unexamined life is a treadmill from one milepost to the other, and can become numbing, when one is completely focused on the self. Randy’s words had sent me into what is classically called a dark night of the soul.

I will not bore you with a litany of confessions I made before God in the privacy of my room. More importantly, at issue, was, who was the Lord of my life? Was I the measure of what is right and wrong? Or was there something or Someone outside of myself who knew better?

Not without reason is the Bible, God’s Word, likened unto a sword.

Hebrews 4:12 –

‘For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.’

In my case, the Word was a scalpel (and a mirror – another appropriate and biblical comparison) that revealled the gulf between myself and a Holy God. It illuminated my need for the gift the Gospels offer – forgiveness through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. His execution for my crimes.

As this work of the sword was all inward, (and I must say, continues to do so), from then on there was another emphasis to be added, a sword directed outward, in another manual of arms so to speak. In the training of another Master.

I was no longer lord of my life, but Jesus was.

No going back. No going back.

[Other posts that cover my spiritual journey:]

Three Kings Went Forth

I Can See Clearly

My Brother vs the UU Church

Moony and the Baptists

My Brother’s Accident