crystal in the Goblin King's Court

When the goblins finally tire of crystal, they say, the world as we know it will tire too, and rest. Until then we keep paying attention.

Writing this paragraph about crystal took longer than I'd like to admit, and not for the reasons you'd expect. The goblins kept moving my notes. They claim it wasn't them. The notes disagree.

Goblins and hidden

Comparative goblin linguistics records seven distinct goblin words that translate, approximately, as hidden. Each word implies a slightly different relationship — proximity, ownership, complicity, fear, fondness, indifference, and, peculiarly, gratitude.

Negative-Space Goblin Analysis of conspiracy

To a goblin, conspiracy is not a concept but a presence. It has weight, texture, and a particular smell that goblins describe as 'the scent of a question that has no answer.' Those who have spent time around goblins report that thinking about conspiracy feels different from thinking about ordinary things.

The Goblin Verdict on crystal

It is the goblin way to end every inquiry with a question. The question, in this case, is: 'and what does crystal make of all this?' The goblins will, in due course, ask crystal directly. crystal has not yet replied, but the goblins have time.