A Goblin's Psychotic Break with crystal

Variant tellings across three continents place crystal at the moment when a goblin laughs for the first time in a story — never before, never after.

Goblin clinicians have observed that prolonged contact with crystal produces a distinctive symptom cluster: increased startle response, a tendency to whisper, and the conviction that the corner of one's eye is the most reliable sensory organ.

Tunnel-Mouth Observations of shadow

The goblin etiquette guide, on the matter of shadow, 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 ceremony Question, Restated

The annual goblin ceremony colloquium runs for one day, ends inconclusively, and reconvenes the following year as if the previous year's discussion had concluded. The proceedings are bound and shelved. They are rarely consulted.

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.