The Cloud Castle

The Crystals Of The Fairies

Colette looked around. "Have you ever tried to escape?"
   "It's not that simple," Ariette replied. "Each of the Weaver Fairies possesses a special pendant with a very BRIGHT CRYSTAL." 
   "That sounds beautiful," Colette remarked.
   "They are quite beautiful to look at," Ariette said. "But even more beautiful is their meaning. Inside each PENDANT is a picture that represents the nature of the fairy who wears it. Mine has a picture of a heart."
  

 "What does the heart  represent?" asked Paulina.
   "That's an important quality," said Will.
   "But what does your pendant have to do with being IMPRISONED in the tower?" Paulina asked.
   "The pendant was taken away from me when I was taken away from me when I was imprisoned," Ariette explained.
   "I am unable to move around the Land Of Clouds without it."
   "Why not?" Pam asked.
   "The crystal contains my spirit, the core of who I am," Ariette said. "Without my crystal, I am powerless and weak. I am just a SHADOW of the fairy I once was."
   "That is so sad," said Colette. "Isn't there anything we can do to help you?"

   "Yes, there is," said Ariette. "You could help me get back my PENDANT."
   Paulina was listening thoughtfully. "If Queen Nephele took it from you, is the pendant in the Cloud Castle now?"
   "No, it is guarded by the Color Pixies," Ariette replied. "They're always happy and joking around, so much that it is difficult to know when they're actually being SERIOUS."
   "So getting the pendant should be pretty easy, then," said Pam.
   Ariette shook her head. "For some reason, the Color Pixies have grown very suspicious lately. They don't let anyone into their village anymore."
   "We'll just tell them we're there to get your CRYSTAL," said Colette.

"They won't trust you," Ariette insisted.
   "And you shouldn't even mention the crystal. If you can, find out where it is and then sneak away with it."
   Will was surprised. "You want us to steal it?"
   Ariette sighed. "I'm afraid that is the only way. According to the queen, I am a CRIMINAL. The only way to save the Land Of Clouds. You believe me, don't you?"
   Will, Colette, Pam and Paulina looked at one another. They had met other beautiful fairies before who were not so nice inside. They had no reason to trust her--- but there was something special about Ariette, and they felt it.

Will turned to Ariette and nodded. "Very well. We will help you."
   "I am very grateful," said Ariette. "When you return with the CRYSTAL, I will help you reach the Cloud Castle. Then we can work together to solve the Mystery of the fairies' dreams."
   "Where can we find the Color Pixies?" asked Pam.
   "They live in Fairywing Village, a small town not far from here," Ariette replied. "To get there, you must follow the color clouds. You will know Fairywing Village as soon as you see it. The village as soon as you see it. The village is made of clouds in every color of the rainbow."
   "How pretty!" said Colette. "But how will we get into the village if you say the pixies won't let anyone in?"

"There is one way to gain their trust," answered Ariette. "You must make them laugh! The color Pixies love to laugh. If you can tell them a FUNNY JOKE, they quickly become friendly and trusting." 
   "That will be an interesting challenge," observed Paulina.
   "I'm sure we can do it," Will said confidently.
   "We should get going," said Colette. "Thea and the others will be waiting for us."
   "There are more of you?" Ariette asked.
   "There are seven of us all together," Paulina replied.
   "Wonderful! Together You Will Be Stronger!" the fairy said, smiling.
   Then the mice and good-bye to Ariette and made their way down the tower.