On the Inside

Ahh, how long it has been since I last posted my progress on the stair. Despite my silence, I have been climbing (or gliding depending on who you ask). I did enjoy a nice little nap there in the chair, and my dreams were indeed filled with smiles and laughter. All the pictures seem to run together, and they just make me think ... Happy.

There's really no point in trying to catch you up on what's been happening since I woke. I got back to tackling the stairs, making my way ever upwards. It's funny.. the Tower didn't seem quite so tall from the outside. I wonder if the Architect knew the joy of the climb and placed some magic on the stair to prolong the experience. However it works, I'm happy it does!

I've met another little fairy. She's doesn't have the same thin silvery wings, but she looks related to the other. She has a name I can't pronounce (in her tongue it's many syllables), so for your sake I'll refer to her as "Anna." Her wings are splashed with color, and her hair is an odd green. But she has a most pleasant little voice and entertained me for a while on the piano. (I'm not entirely convinced it isn't a player piano, but fairies tend to be pretty talented so I'll trust it's her skill.) I think she would do well to learn some Ben Folds Five... then I'd be impressed. Well, more impressed. Or at least give her a treat or something.

I met the Doorkeeper's wife not too long ago. In fact I think it was just a few stairs down. She had a nice tray of refreshments and a happy smile waiting. I wish you could've been there. I think it was a collaborative effort that brought the meal to a happy stair climber, but the delivery by the smiling, winking woman couldn't have been better. ; )

There were several weeks of climbing that went by where I was hard pressed to catch a glimpse of the Maiden. No more windows looking into gardens, and mostly the memories of the pictures I'd seen earlier on to keep me wanting. The Maiden has such a pretty face to behold.. I wish I could see it more! I was encouraged by a moving picture on the wall not too far back that helped me press onward. It was a man walking through a dry place. He seemed very much in need of a break, but intent to make it across that desert. I know a man gets tired, and I just had to wonder at his determination. He seemed in need of a drink of water, like he might pass out if he didn't get one. But there at last, he reached a small oasis and drank deeply. That little bit seemed to boost is spirits, and filling up his waterskin from the Smiling waters he set out again. I had to move on, but I heard him whisper in the picture that it was only 5 more days to the next oasis...