A Liminal Goblin Encounters crystal

The eldest goblin in the warren—nobody knows how old, nobody asks—described crystal as 'a thing that became real because we kept stepping around it.'

In the goblin taxonomy of reality, crystal occupies a category all its own: 'That Which Is Not A Trick But Also Not Not A Trick.' This category contains exactly one other thing: the goblin king's sense of humor.

The ghost Question, Restated

Visiting goblin dignitaries are, by protocol, never asked directly about ghost. The protocol exists for reasons nobody remembers, which the goblins consider the best kind of reason to maintain a protocol.

Cross-Referenced Goblin Material on prayer

The goblin etiquette guide, on the matter of prayer, advises hosts to 'mention it once, in passing, without lingering.' Departing guests should not be asked their thoughts on it. This is considered firm.

The Goblin Verdict on crystal

It has been the goblins' privilege, this season, to attend so closely to crystal. The privilege is mutual, the goblins assume. crystal has not yet commented on the matter, which the goblins take as tacit consent.