I don’t know why Psyhigh isn’t computerized more. The main office is full of computers, but the basement is full of paper files. Miles and miles of filing cabinets, dating back to god knows when. My work-study job is mucking around in here, pulling requests from upstairs.

Today, @Big Jim has me looking for all our contracts with the Fair Folk, going back to the earliest I can find. Something to do with the labor dispute in the garden. Pretty dusty, and it takes hours and hours. The upside lately is it keeps me out of all the Doll Flu trouble. Those dolls give me the creeps.

“THE SPRING MUST FLOW!” screeches an especially gnarly banshee before the judge.

“Yes, Tiffany,” says the judge, a wizened old fairy sitting at the bench. “And, by the terms of our agreement with the World of Men, the Spring is flowing. The tribute has been taken and the Spring is flowing from her. The contract has been satisfied.”

“HISSSSSSSSSSSS” the banshee hisses. “THEY HAVE UPSET THE BALANCE. IF THE SPRING WERE FLOWING NATURALLY, THERE WOULD BE NO NEED FOR THIS ARTIFICIAL SOURCE. WHAT ABOUT NEXT YEAR? OR THE NEXT? WE MUST BUILD A RESERVE! WHY NOT KEEP THIS ONE? THE BALANCE HAS BEEN LOST! WE MUST BE PREPARED!”

The judge looks down at her notes and sighs. “Our agreement clearly states we are entitled to one (1) and only one energy substitute per year. As we’ve never needed to claim this right before, it is already likely to be contested. However, as we are clearly in our rights, we will take the one we have and return this one. That is the law.”

“&#%@£ HUMANS! THEY HAVE CREATED THIS PROBLEM AND WILL PAY!!”

“We will cross that bridge when we come to it. For now, the agreement has been filled. Next case!” She slams down her gavel.

Tiffany snarls at me as I’m led out of the courtroom and back to my cell.

I found the document that @Big Jim wanted. It was deep in the folios—the big leather-bound books filled with spidery text and illuminated manuscripts. Lots of dust and the bookmites bite your wrists and get in your pantlegs.

Under the section defining Breach of Contract it reads “Upon whiche tyme in thee Anthropocene Epoch, as foreseen by ye scryers of the Goode and Faire Peoples, that thee Springtide fails, due to thee upsetting disturbances of Man, an alternyte source of thee Energie of Lyfe shall be taken from thee Worlde of Man to power thee Vernal Engynes, and taken every yeare, until sayd balance be restored.”

@Big Jim didn’t look too thrilled, but it seemed to be what he was looking for. He mumbled some kind of thanks (I think) and took the folio with him.

After a long ride in a fae-powered van with black tinted windows, I arrived at the stage door where I had first entered fairy land. I was ushered through the curtains by a pair of burly gnomes and found myself once again in the gardens of Psyhigh. "And don't come back!" one grumped at me before returning through the tunnel.

What happened? What about @Dahlia Makes Tea? Isn't she coming back? I have so many unanswered questions. And so much homework to make up. Finals are coming, and I don't want to be stuck here over the summer. But it's disturbing. I guess I'll just need to hit the books and assume everything works out for the best.

GARDEN TOURS REOPENED!

I am pleased to announce that Garden Tours are running once again in the gardens of lower campus. While there are certain new travel restrictions for visitors within Fairyland itself, the Good and Fair People are happy to give you a glimpse "behind the curtain" of how spring is made.

This experience is both fun and educational, and we suggest that all students take the tour and allow the Good People to see you and take measurements. Extra-credit available! Apply in the office.

Sincerely

Big Jim
Student Activities Coordinator
Class of '99

This is so awesome!! The love and gratitude is literally pouring out of me. What an amazing trip. Highly recommend! Five stars.