Erithian poetry lecture (log)

Posted by GM Emeradan on 2008/3/19 and provided by Nilandia.

[Erithian Display, Stage]
Standing on small, stone pedestals in the center of the room is a square ebonwood stage. Radiating outward from the stage in circular patterns are rows of pillows, each turned toward the room's central point. The light from several well placed torches focuses on the stage, but offers a dim illumination for the rest of the room. You also see a low black wooden table with some stuff on it.
Also here: Meril who is sitting, Zaetuati who is sitting, Kavrajjuri who is sitting, High Lord Windrake who is sitting, Lady Laken who is sitting, Sachikoasora who is sitting, Raelee, Kairyu who is sitting, Volaticus
Obvious exits: west
Roundtime: 9 sec.

Kavrajjuri says, "But it fits more closely than any other I have found."
Kavrajjuri says, "Rather than commemorating a pretty sky, or the beauty of a particular womans."
Kavrajjuri says, "Smile, or the glories of a given hunt..."
Kavrajjuri says, "The purpose of Erithian poetry is to hold a social or political dialogue in a format that will not offend any listener."
Kavrajjuri says, "I am not as familiar with the poetry of the elves, humans, or dwarves as I wish that I were."
Kavrajjuri says, "But I understand that rhyme is very important, and so is the rhythm of the language."
Speaking to Zaetuati, Kavrajjuri says, "Correct? I know that you were surveying, a night or two ago..."
Kavrajjuri cocks her head at Zaetuati.
You see Zaetuati.

She appears to be an Erithian of the Nathala Dai.
She appears to be senescent and taller than average. She has almond-shaped amber eyes and pale olive skin. She has a bald head. She has a delicate face, a classical nose and delicately curved ears.
She is in good shape.
She is wearing a pair of crossed golden sai mounted on a bronze nautilus shell, a pair of glazed leather boots, some dark silver-buttoned breeches, an embroidered silver satchel, a pair of silver-edged black leather thigh-sheaths, and an open-necked dark silver-buttoned tunic.
Zaetuati says, "You are very correct. The poems are quite different."
Kavrajjuri nods.
Kavrajjuri says, "Erithi poetry relies upon... I have been told the terms are 'assonance' and 'consonance' and 'alliteration'."
Kavrajjuri says, "The sound of the language."
Kavrajjuri says, "A repeated consonant, like stone and style... a repeated vowel, like holy and stone... these things carry our poetry along."

Kavrajjuri says, "But what matters more is the symbolism."
Kavrajjuri says, "Our poetry relies heavily on imagery, and almost every image within a poem is some sort of symbol."
Kavrajjuri says, "It is almost a code."
Kavrajjuri says, "Or, if you prefer, a riddle."
Kavrajjuri says, "The Erithi do not take classes in poetry, as the Loenthra elves do."
Kavrajjuri says, "Instead, they hear it around them, and they slowly learn to understand its meaning just as if it were a second language."
Kavrajjuri says, "Those who are most gifted may seek apprenticeship with an established poet."
Kavrajjuri says, "Most students of this sort are over two hundred years old."
Kavrajjuri says, "There are very, very few Erithian poets who have not passed the mid-point of their lives... most are quite elderly and revered."

Zaetuati nods to Kavrajjuri.
Kavrajjuri says, "I myself am not a poet, but a mage-smith. Still, I hope to understand our poetry fully some day, and perhaps to essay a piece or two of my own."
Kavrajjuri smiles.
Kavrajjuri says, "Unlike the poets of this continent, poets do not write down their poetry."
Kavrajjuri says, "They speak it, and others write it down."
Kavrajjuri says, "These poems may be very short, a line or two... or they may span a month or more in the recitation."
Kavrajjuri says, "In formal Erithian poetry, no currently living person is ever referred to by name."
Kavrajjuri says, "Instead, the person's characteristics are symbolically described to such a degree that it becomes obvious who that person might be."
Kavrajjuri says, "...to someone who speaks the language."

Kavrajjuri says, "As I said, not all Erithi speak the language of poetry. Some never shall."
Kavrajjuri says, "But most who pass their two hundredth year are expected to have an elementary understanding, for, past that point, it is difficult to converse in social and political matters without having some sort of understanding."
Kavrajjuri says, "These poems normally address present-day events or concerns."
Kavrajjuri says, "If they refer to the past, it is only as an analogy for the future."
Kavrajjuri says, "I should note that all of what I say should be applied to our poetry alone... our songs are a different matter entirely, and fit for some other day's discussion."
Kavrajjuri smiles.
Zaetuati nods to Kavrajjuri.
Kavrajjuri says, "Before addressing the symbols themselves... I will recite part of a poem written recently, as an example."
Kavrajjuri recites:

:"With an owl perched on his wrist,
:The aishan came from the west,
:And he knelt to bare his throat--
:But I found silver mist in a bowl of beetle agate
:And danced away on gold and blue-striped wings."

Kavrajjuri says, "To the young, or to those who never take the time to learn the language of poetry... such a poem is meaningless."
Kavrajjuri says, "And so its meaning is protected from those who are not ready to understand."
Kavrajjuri says, "I will address a number of symbols used in our poetry, and then, at the end, I will 'decode' that fragment of poetry for you."
Kavrajjuri says, "Though you may be ready to decode it yourselves."
Kavrajjuri smiles.

Kavrajjuri says, "Animal imagery is perhaps the most common sort."
Kavrajjuri says, "I have heard various people on the continent of Elanith refer to the 'symbols' of the various Dai... our clans, if you prefer to use that word."
Kavrajjuri says, "Such as the owl of the Eloth Dai, or the ram of the Surath Dai."
Kavrajjuri says, "These are poetic symbols."
Kavrajjuri says, "A reference to an owl, for example, is often a reference to an Eloth Dai."
Kavrajjuri says, "Unfortunately, the matter is not always so simple."
Kavrajjuri says, "Very few symbols possess only one meaning, and figuring out the layers of context is a challenge in and of itself."
Kavrajjuri says, "If I write in a poem, 'I spoke to a salmon', then I probably mean that I spoke to a member of the Tichan Dai."
Kavrajjuri says, "Because their most commonly-used symbol is that of a salmon."

Kavrajjuri says, "But if I write, 'Her eyes are as bright as a salmon's', then I am invoking another aspect of the salmon's symbolism."
Kavrajjuri says, "Salmon are a sign of faithfulness, for the salmon always returns to the place where it was spawned."
Kavrajjuri says, "They may also refer to the salmon's journey itself... a journey that returns to a starting point, that is..."
Kavrajjuri says, "Or simply to the desire to return home."
You see Kavrajjuri.
She appears to be an Erithian of the Eloth Dai.
She appears to be in her golden years and average height. She has almond-shaped pale grey eyes and lily white skin. She has very long, wavy silvery grey hair that has been bound back in a layered series of overlapping ponytails, which finally converge at her waist before the rest of her hair flows loosely to the backs of her knees. She has an angular face and a high forehead.
She is in good shape.
She is wearing a set of silver hairpins tipped with lavender jade, a set of snow white silk hair-ties, a deep-sleeved pale silk robe edged with painted mournblooms, a layered dark purple silk vest, some fingerless silk gloves with grey owls stitched upon the elbow-length cuffs, a textured black satin sash, a dark purple silk gem pouch, a delicate silver chain anklet, and some supple grey ankle boots.

Kavrajjuri says, "In the prior example, 'Her eyes are as bright as a salmon's' probably means, 'She yearns to travel, but she will return home in time.'."
Kavrajjuri says, "I am not certain that any animal exists that does not have its symbolic component."
Kavrajjuri says, "As I said, this is indeed a language of its own."
Zaetuati nods to Kavrajjuri.
Kavrajjuri says, "And this summary would cause some poets to consider cuffing me upside the head -- particularly those who are ancient, revered, and strict in their ways."
Kavrajjuri smiles.
Zaetuati chuckles.
Kavrajjuri says, "Still, for a brief overview..."
Kavrajjuri says, "The butterfly is the sign of the Yachan Dai."

Kavrajjuri says, "It may refer to a member of that clan, or it may refer to beauty, art, or playfulness."
Kavrajjuri says, "The owl, sign of my own Dai, may refer to one of my Dai..."
Kavrajjuri says, "Or it may refer to dangerous knowledge, or directly to Fash'lo'nae."
Kavrajjuri says, "I find it quite interesting that the people living on the continent of Elanith associate it more commonly with Lumnis."
You think to yourself, "An Eloth... I had thought so."
Arasan fights the urge to spit.
Kavrajjuri says, "It suggests how the cultures do vary."
Kavrajjuri says, "Another interesting cultural variant is that of the vulture."
Kavrajjuri says, "I have heard over-ambitious healers referred to as 'vultures' when traveling near Wehnimer's Landing."

Kavrajjuri says, "But, to us, they serve as a symbol of the cycles of life... or redemption through transformation... or the inevitable."
Kavrajjuri ponders.
Zaetuati nods to Kavrajjuri.
Kavrajjuri says, "In Ta'Vaalor, the hawk represents a group of soldiers, I believe."
Kavrajjuri says, "To us, it is a sign of something happening swiftly, suddenly, and precisely... normally a modification of another symbol."
Kavrajjuri says, "'The hawk stooped and the dragonfly lunged' -- justice occurred, swiftly."
Kavrajjuri says, "Ah, I forgot the dragonfly. It refers to judgment and justice, sometimes from a divinely inspired source."
Kavrajjuri says, "There are, of course, others."
Kavrajjuri smiles.

Kavrajjuri says, "Parts of the body are symbolically important."
You think to yourself, "Of course..."
Kavrajjuri says, "There is a saying in Common -- 'the eyes are the windows of the soul'."
Arasan moves within the shadows to get a better look at Kavrajjuri.
Kavrajjuri says, "It translates acceptably into Erithian."
Kavrajjuri says, "Eyes are significant of telepathy, emotions, or the communication of emotions."
Kavrajjuri says, "They need not be directly referenced, either..."
Kavrajjuri says, "...ah, I need a good example."
Kavrajjuri rubs her chin thoughtfully.

Kavrajjuri recites:
:"Travelling to the west,
:I gazed at the salmon and it gazed at me."

Kavrajjuri says, "A suggestion of homesickness, probably brought on by an encounter with a Tichan Dai."
Kavrajjuri says, "But not necessarily. It would require more context to be certain."
Zaetuati chuckles.
Kavrajjuri says, "Lips are significant of love or affection, normally invoked in a kiss."
Kavrajjuri says, "Whenever a kiss is referenced, it is important to note the direction in which it comes."
Kavrajjuri says, "There is a great deal of difference between 'he kissed the dragonfly' and 'the dragonfly kissed him'."

Kavrajjuri says, "The first suggests someone who loves justice, while the second suggests someone who lives in an upright, just fashion."
Kavrajjuri says, "Subtle, yet significant."
Kavrajjuri says, "Ears relate to how a person perceives the world... sometimes words they have heard, but..."
Kavrajjuri ponders.
Kavrajjuri says, "It is like the Common reference to 'rose-colored lenses', only not always rose."
Kavrajjuri says, "Shoulders refer to compassion and comfort, like the Common expression 'lending someone your shoulder', or 'crying on her shoulder'."
Kavrajjuri says, "The back of a person signifies outcasting, refusal, or denial."
Kavrajjuri says, "Thus, 'his back was to the dragonfly' means 'he denied justice'."
Speaking to Barlimoeur, Kavrajjuri says, "Sleep well."

Kavrajjuri laughs softly, trying to hide her amusement.
Narusai smiles.
Zaetuati chuckles.
Ellistra just went west.
Aiya begins chuckling at Barlimoeur!
Frozz pours himself a handleless cup of tea.
Clunk deeply says, "Scuse us."
Kairyu chuckles.
Sachikoasora chuckles.

[Erithian Display, Stage]
Standing on small, stone pedestals in the center of the room is a square ebonwood stage. Radiating outward from the stage in circular patterns are rows of pillows, each turned toward the room's central point. The light from several well placed torches focuses on the stage, but offers a dim illumination for the rest of the room. You also see a low black wooden table with some stuff on it.
Also here: Frozz who is sitting, Barlimoeur, Lady Aiya who is sitting, Clunk who is sitting, Cryheart who is sitting, Alibeth who is kneeling, Narusai who is kneeling, Meril who is sitting, Zaetuati who is sitting, Kavrajjuri who is sitting, High Lord Windrake who is sitting, Lady Laken who is sitting, Sachikoasora who is sitting, Raelee, Kairyu who is sitting, Volaticus
Obvious exits: west
Clunk bows to Kavrajjuri.
Barlimoeur blushes a glowing shade of red.
Frozz put a weathered scrap of parchment in his stalking cloak.

Barlimoeur bows to Kavrajjuri.
Clunk deeply says, "I moves too quick for em."
Narusai pours herself a handleless cup of tea.
Kavrajjuri says, "Other significant parts of the body include the hands, which signify an act of creation...."
Frozz takes a drink from his cup of tea.

Narusai takes a drink from her cup of tea.
Kavrajjuri says, "The wrists, which signify guidance and instruction..."
Frozz helps himself to a scallion and fish rice cake.
Frozz takes a bite of his fish rice cake.
Kavrajjuri says, "And the throat, which may be the most significant part of the body."
You think to yourself, "Instructed by the Eloth? Or Fash'lo'nae?"
Kavrajjuri says, "The throat refers to speech and words."

Barlimoeur sits down.
You think to yourself, "Bares his throat... offered his words?"
Barlimoeur moves to a kneeling position.
Cryheart's spirits are no longer lifted.
The air stops shimmering around Cryheart.
Frozz takes a drink from his cup of tea.

Kavrajjuri says, "In this manner of poetry, to 'bare the throat' means 'to speak honestly despite potential danger'."
Kavrajjuri says, "It may have an aspect of 'to surrender'."
You think to yourself, "Ah..."
You think to yourself, "It makes sense."
Barlimoeur sits up.

[Erithian Display, Stage]
Standing on small, stone pedestals in the center of the room is a square ebonwood stage. Radiating outward from the stage in circular patterns are rows of pillows, each turned toward the room's central point. The light from several well placed torches focuses on the stage, but offers a dim illumination for the rest of the room. You also see a low black wooden table with some stuff on it.
Also here: Frozz who is sitting, Barlimoeur who is sitting, Lady Aiya who is sitting, Clunk who is sitting, Cryheart who is sitting, Alibeth who is kneeling, Narusai who is kneeling, Meril who is sitting, Zaetuati who is sitting, Kavrajjuri who is sitting, High Lord Windrake who is sitting, Lady Laken who is sitting, Sachikoasora who is sitting, Raelee, Kairyu who is sitting, Volaticus
Obvious exits: west
Kavrajjuri says, "So, a line like 'she bared her throat to the dragonfly, but the dragonfly kissed her instead' would mean..."
Kavrajjuri glances around, apparently waiting for a response.
Narusai ponders.
Clunk raises his hand.
Narusai smiles at Clunk.

Kairyu ponders.
Sachikoasora smiles.
Speaking to Clunk, Kavrajjuri says, "If you wish."
You think to yourself, "She surrender to justice, but it favored her."
Kavrajjuri smiles.
Clunk stands up.
Clunk deeply says, "She give up, and he set her free."

Clunk nods.
Clunk sits down.
Kavrajjuri smiles.
Kavrajjuri nods to Clunk.
You think to yourself, "Or... She lives in an upright manner."
Narusai tilts her head down.
Frozz takes a drink from his cup of tea.

Kavrajjuri says, "It could have other meanings, but that is how I would interpret it if I had no other context."
Kavrajjuri says, "There are layers and layers and layers."
The air calms down around Barlimoeur.
Aiya pours herself a handleless cup of tea.
Aiya takes a drink from her cup of tea.
Kavrajjuri says, "Let me see... animals, body parts..."
Kavrajjuri says, "Ah, I forgot one rather important animal. The wolf."
Narusai turns an inquisitive ear towards Kavrajjuri.

Narusai smiles.
Narusai nods to Kavrajjuri.
Laken leans softly against Windrake.
Barlimoeur gazes with interest at Kavrajjuri.
Sachikoasora cocks her head.
Windrake snuggles Laken, who responds by cradling an arm around him.
Kavrajjuri says, "Wolves signify prophecy, fate, or something predetermined."
Narusai removes an Erithian festival mask from in her lavender robe.
Narusai gazes fondly at the mask in her hand.

Kavrajjuri says, "They may represent Jastev, under certain circumstances... but it is more likely that they simply represent what Jastev sees."
Kavrajjuri says, "Ravens are also particularly significant whenever they appear."
Kavrajjuri says, "A raven always represents an elder Erithian, particularly one of some social or political power... but that is not quite the reason why."
Kavrajjuri says, "Ravens may represent the poet who composes the poem."
H>mychar thinks One with wisdom, perhaps.
You think to yourself, "One with wisdom, perhaps."
Kavrajjuri says, "If the significance of that is not obvious, I do not think I have the words, quite, to explain it in Common."
Volaticus's ice blue fairywing butterfly flutters upwards, turning in the air to display the creamy yellow veins and rust-colored fans along its wings before settling back down.

Kavrajjuri ponders.
Clunk raises his hand.
Kavrajjuri says, "It is important because the raven's actions or characteristics help show how the poem should be understood."
Kavrajjuri cocks her head at Clunk.
Kavrajjuri asks, "Yes?"
The powerful look leaves Aiya.
You think to yourself, "One with wisdom, or one who can see from other perspectives."

Clunk leans on Kavrajjuri.
Kavrajjuri looks mildly dismayed to be leaned on.
Kavrajjuri grins at Clunk.
Clunk leans back.
Clunk deeply says, "Scuse me."
Kavrajjuri says, "I am not myself aware of a meaning for burros."
Kavrajjuri says, "However..."
Zaetuati grins.
Windrake gives Laken a lingering kiss.

Kavrajjuri says, "There is a pack animal we have called the yak."
Zaetuati nods to Kavrajjuri.
Kavrajjuri says, "Yaks signify a willingness to shoulder burdens and aid others."
Barlimoeur just left.
Clunk sits there stubbornly, folding his arms over his chest.
Clunk nods.
Kavrajjuri says, "I should pause, at this point, to note that our poetry can seem very, very strange if it is not understood symbolically."
Kavrajjuri says, "Often, these poems may take the form of 'portraits'..."
Kairyu chuckles.

Kavrajjuri says, "She has this, she has that, she is this, she does that to someone who is like this."
Sachikoasora nods to Kavrajjuri.
Kavrajjuri says, "And, since those characteristics are expressed symbolically..."
Kavrajjuri says, "Oh, what's a good quote. One moment."
Kavrajjuri ponders.
You think to yourself, "The owl's back faces me, the dragonfly evades my hands."
Cryheart pours himself a handleless cup of tea.

Kavrajjuri recites:
:"She serves the fireflies, and they serve her,
:Whispering raven words into her salmon ears,
:Calling her back before the blossoms have fallen
:Reminding her that her feet are not a harp's,
:Reminding her that her eyes are those of an owl;
:Even if the butterfly kisses her well."

Cryheart takes a drink from his cup of tea.
Kairyu ponders.
Kavrajjuri says, "Part of a description of an Eloth Dai travelling in Elanith... not me, for what it is worth."
Kavrajjuri says, "I will pause a moment to unravel that sequence."

Kavrajjuri says, "Fireflies are significant of messages or news travelling, because of their little signal lights."
Aiya takes a drink from her cup of tea.
Kavrajjuri says, "This person is someone who passes news back and forth between the Erithi on this continent and the Erithi of Eloth-Ra."
You think to yourself, "Her Yachan ears..."
Kavrajjuri says, "Some of the news she receives is from the person who wrote this poem..."
Volaticus's fiery red flametail butterfly flutters upwards, turning in the air to display the soft brown veins and rust-colored veins along its wings before settling back down.
Kavrajjuri says, "Salmon ears -- that suggests that she wants to come home, and that what she hears and tells us is colored by it."

You think to yourself, "Ah."
Kavrajjuri says, "The significance of a harp has changed in the last hundred years or so."
Clunk nods.
Kavrajjuri says, "These days, it usually means 'an elf'."
Narusai takes a drink from her cup of tea.
Narusai turns an inquisitive ear towards Kavrajjuri.
Kairyu ponders.

You think to yourself, "I see. Her feet..."
Sachikoasora nods to Kairyu.
Kavrajjuri says, "So the poet reminds her that she is not an elf, herself, and that she is of the Eloth Dai... which means that she has a duty, even if she would rather return home."
Kavrajjuri glances around the room.
Kavrajjuri says, "I admit that the analogy is not quite polite to elves."
Kavrajjuri says, "I apologize, it was the first portrait-poem I could recall offhand."
Kavrajjuri takes a deep breath.

Kairyu ponders.
Kavrajjuri says, "I will address celestial bodies, next."
Speaking quietly in Erithian, Kairyu says, "Pardon me."
Kavrajjuri nods to Kairyu.
Speaking quietly in Erithian, Kairyu asks, "What was the referance of the blossoms?"
Sachikoasora smiles at Kairyu.
Kavrajjuri says, "My kinsman asks of the reference to blossoms."
Kavrajjuri says, "Flowers and leaves... their symbolism varies."

Kavrajjuri says, "Often, a reference to a tree branch or a tree bough may be a reference to a leader..."
The silvery luminescence fades from around Raelee.
Kavrajjuri says, "Because all of the leaves depend upon its strength."
Kavrajjuri says, "Leaves, or tree-borne blossoms, then, often refer to people's lives."
Sachikoasora starts chortling.
Kairyu nods.

You think to yourself, "Ah... to return before she dies?"
Kavrajjuri says, "So there is a strange conflict in the poem... because it seems at first as if he is 'calling her back' to her city -- but, if you look more deeply, he is 'calling her back' to a duty that requires her to avoid going home."
Kavrajjuri slowly says, "Because the Erithi living on the continent of Elanith are depending upon the information that she can give them..."
Cryheart just left.
Speaking in Erithian, Kavrajjuri says, "I... should have chosen a different example. That one was too revealing."
A pained expression crosses Kavrajjuri's face.
Kavrajjuri shakes her head.

You think to yourself, "I see...."
Narusai raises her hand.
Kavrajjuri nods to Narusai.
You think to yourself, "Such like an Eloth."
Speaking in Erithian, Narusai asks, "If it is not inappropriate to say, then . . . what of the butterfly?"
Sachikoasora smiles at Kairyu.
Kavrajjuri smiles.

Sachikoasora bows to Kairyu.
Volaticus's jade green ruffle-wing butterfly flutters upwards, turning in the air to display the ruby red veins and burnt umber veins along its wings before settling back down.
Kavrajjuri says, "The butterfly, Narusai asks."
Kavrajjuri says, "In that frame, I would say it means carefreeness."
Kavrajjuri says, "Or perhaps beauty..."
Kavrajjuri ponders.
Speaking in Erithian, Sachikoasora asks, "Or that her inquiry into the art causes her to be called?"
Sachikoasora cocks her head at Kavrajjuri.

Kavrajjuri says, "It may refer directly to a Yachan Dai."
Kairyu ponders.
Kavrajjuri says, "Someone who wants her to go back across the ocean, even if duty says that she cannot."
Kavrajjuri says, "I am only a student in these matters, and not a poet myself. I wish I had an elder to ask."
Kavrajjuri smiles apologetically.
Speaking in Erithian, Narusai says, "I had not thought of that meaning."
Narusai ponders.
Speaking quietly in Erithian, Kairyu says, "Perhaps it might refer to the Eloth wishing her not to be with a Yachan..."

Kairyu ponders.
Kavrajjuri glances over at Kairyu and winces.
Speaking in Erithian, Kavrajjuri says, "It is possible. Your view is incisive."
You think to yourself, "Foolish Eloth.... they said as much with my mother."
Kavrajjuri says, "To the Erithi, as to the people of Elanith, there is meaning to be found in the moons."
Kavrajjuri says, "Each of the four carries its own meaning."
Kavrajjuri says, "Yes, we know of Makiri."

Kavrajjuri smiles.
Clunk grins.
Clunk deeply says, "E'en dwarfs knows of Makiri."
Kavrajjuri says, "The moon Liabo signifies healing, compassion, blessings, honesty, or some combination of those meanings."
Kavrajjuri says, "Lornon, by contrast, may refer to mystery, chaos, malice, or secrets revealed."
Kavrajjuri says, "Tilaok often refers to energy or physical motion, but it can also mean elemental magic."
Kavrajjuri says, "And Makiri represents creativity, inspiration, and secret guidance."
Kavrajjuri says, "It is sometimes called the poet's moon."
H>l

[Erithian Display, Stage]
Standing on small, stone pedestals in the center of the room is a square ebonwood stage. Radiating outward from the stage in circular patterns are rows of pillows, each turned toward the room's central point. The light from several well placed torches focuses on the stage, but offers a dim illumination for the rest of the room. You also see a low black wooden table with some stuff on it.
Also here: Frozz who is sitting, Lady Aiya who is sitting, Clunk who is sitting, Alibeth who is kneeling, Narusai who is kneeling, Meril who is sitting, Kavrajjuri who is sitting, High Lord Windrake who is sitting, Lady Laken who is sitting, Sachikoasora who is sitting, Raelee, Kairyu who is sitting, Volaticus
Obvious exits: west

Kavrajjuri says, "Other large, impressive things, besides moons..."
Kavrajjuri smiles.
You think to yourself, "Krrsk..."
Kavrajjuri says, "A reference to a mountain may refer to tradition, heritage, duty, or honor."
Kavrajjuri says, "A reference to a valley signifies sanctuary and peace."
Narusai tilts her head down.
Narusai takes a drink from her cup of tea.

Kavrajjuri says, "The ocean refers to... with no offense meant..."
Volaticus's cerulean ruffle-wing butterfly flutters upwards, turning in the air to display the deep turquoise veins and bright silver crescents along its wings before settling back down.
Kavrajjuri says, "Danger, outsiders, and intruders."
Kavrajjuri says, "With an exception."
Kavrajjuri says, "If a Nathala speaks of the ocean, it can also mean bounty and guidance."
Kavrajjuri says, "Everything is layered in context."
Kavrajjuri says, "And it is not always possible to know who writes a given poem."
Kairyu chuckles.

Kavrajjuri says, "To drink something is to accept it, deeply, fully..."
Maclay's group just arrived.
Kavrajjuri says, "To embrace it so much that it becomes part of you."
Speaking quietly in Erithian, Kairyu says, "I was going to say I had much more affinity to the ocean then just danger..."
Kavrajjuri nods to Kairyu.
Kavrajjuri smiles at Kairyu.
Vyrshkana beams!

You think to yourself, "You would, Nathala."
H>l
[Erithian Display, Stage]
Standing on small, stone pedestals in the center of the room is a square ebonwood stage. Radiating outward from the stage in circular patterns are rows of pillows, each turned toward the room's central point. The light from several well placed torches focuses on the stage, but offers a dim illumination for the rest of the room. You also see the Vyrshkana disk and a low black wooden table with some stuff on it.
Also here: Vyrshkana, Lmaren, Maclay, Frozz who is sitting, Lady Aiya who is sitting, Clunk who is sitting, Alibeth who is kneeling, Narusai who is kneeling, Meril who is sitting, Kavrajjuri who is sitting, High Lord Windrake who is sitting, Lady Laken who is sitting, Sachikoasora who is sitting, Raelee, Kairyu who is sitting, Volaticus
Obvious exits: west
H>l vyr
You see Vyrshkana the Forester.

She appears to be a Forest Gnome.
She appears to be very young and average height. She has silver-flecked stormy green eyes and nut brown skin. She has waist length, glossy silver blonde hair with white tufts behind the ears. She has an angular face and a flaring nose.
She is in good shape.
She is wearing a gold ring, a sleek velvet robe, a snowbird crested vultite shield, a crystal amulet, some dark silver-buttoned breeches, a pair of glazed leather boots, a bone-clasped forest green backpack, a musty purple pouch, some silvery vultite cufflinks, a large green sack, and some supple dark hunting leathers fastened with onyx buttons.
Speaking quietly in Erithian, Kairyu says, "But I am Nathala."
Kairyu grins.
Sachikoasora smiles at Kairyu.
Windrake grins.
Windrake gives Laken a lingering kiss.

Narusai smiles at Kairyu.
Kavrajjuri says, "Say 'He drinks the ocean that the nautilus shell pours', for example, would mean 'He accepts the bounty of the Nathala so greatly that it is as if he were Nathala himself.'."
Laken snuggles Windrake, who responds by cradling an arm around her.
Kavrajjuri says, "Or, possibly, the danger, instead of the boundy."
Kavrajjuri coughs.
Kavrajjuri says, "Bounty."
Clunk idly picks at a pair of crossed golden sai mounted on a bronze nautilus shell.
Kavrajjuri says, "To eat something holds a different meaning."
Kavrajjuri says, "It suggests that you benefit from something in a fashion that destroys it."

Lmaren shifts her weight.
Kavrajjuri says, "I understand that some of our poetry, translated, sounds a bit obscene as a result..."
Kavrajjuri thoughtfully says, "It is not a proper fit into Common."
Kavrajjuri says, "Some of the most difficult symbolism relates to colors."
Narusai tilts her head up.
Narusai turns an inquisitive ear towards Kavrajjuri.
Kairyu chuckles.

Kavrajjuri says, "Part of what makes colors so difficult to determine is that their meaning varies when they are shown in different ways."
Lmaren ponders.
Windrake snuggles Laken, who responds by cradling an arm around him.
Kavrajjuri says, "Also, their meaning in our day-to-day lives does not always match their meaning in poetry."
Kavrajjuri says, "If you see one of the Erithi clad in white, it does not mean that he is mourning."
Kavrajjuri says, "In a poem, however, it would. White is the symbolic color of death, grief, and funeral ritual."
Lmaren rubs her chin thoughtfully.
Kavrajjuri says, "And only when it is alone... as in, 'he wears white'."

Volaticus's orange flametail butterfly flutters upwards, turning in the air to display the pearly white crescents and pale azure stripes along its wings before settling back down.
Kavrajjuri says, "For an example of the way in which it may change... white jade refers to receptiveness, youth, or innocence."
Kavrajjuri says, "'He wears a white jade butterfly on his wrist', then, would mean 'he is guided by the carefreeness of youth', or something similar."
Narusai nods to Kavrajjuri.
Kavrajjuri says, "White jade holds this meaning in our culture because of our techniques for dyeing it. I understand that such methods are not known on this continent."
Lmaren furrows her brow.
Kavrajjuri reaches up to remove one of her silver hairpins.

H>l kav
You see Kavrajjuri.
She appears to be an Erithian of the Eloth Dai.
She appears to be in her golden years and average height. She has almond-shaped pale grey eyes and lily white skin. She has very long, wavy silvery grey hair that has been bound back in a layered series of overlapping ponytails, which finally converge at her waist before the rest of her hair flows loosely to the backs of her knees. She has an angular face and a high forehead.
She is in good shape.
She is wearing a set of silver hairpins tipped with lavender jade, a set of snow white silk hair-ties, a deep-sleeved pale silk robe edged with painted mournblooms, a layered dark purple silk vest, some fingerless silk gloves with grey owls stitched upon the elbow-length cuffs, a textured black satin sash, a dark purple silk gem pouch, a delicate silver chain anklet, and some supple grey ankle boots.
Kavrajjuri picks up a silver hairpin.
Kavrajjuri taps a silver hairpin tipped with lavender jade.

H>l kav
You see Kavrajjuri.
She appears to be an Erithian of the Eloth Dai.
She appears to be in her golden years and average height. She has almond-shaped pale grey eyes and lily white skin. She has very long, wavy silvery grey hair that has been bound back in a layered series of overlapping ponytails, which finally converge at her waist before the rest of her hair flows loosely to the backs of her knees. She has an angular face and a high forehead.
She is in good shape.
She is holding a silver hairpin tipped with lavender jade in her right hand.
She is wearing a set of silver hairpins tipped with lavender jade, a set of snow white silk hair-ties, a deep-sleeved pale silk robe edged with painted mournblooms, a layered dark purple silk vest, some fingerless silk gloves with grey owls stitched upon the elbow-length cuffs, a textured black satin sash, a dark purple silk gem pouch, a delicate silver chain anklet, and some supple grey ankle boots.
Narusai nods.

Kairyu ponders.
Kavrajjuri says, "I understand the Loenthran elves are interested in importing purple jade."
Kavrajjuri smiles.
Kavrajjuri puts on a silver hairpin tipped with lavender jade.
Kavrajjuri says, "Various jewels are significant to our culture... but to discuss them all would take hours, and be an inappropriate way to tease our hosts."
Alibeth just left.
Lmaren shifts her weight.
Narusai laughs softly, trying to hide her amusement.
Speaking quietly in Erithian, Kavrajjuri says, "It would also encourage them to ask over-much of the wealth of our fair realm."

Alibeth just arrived.
Alibeth kneels down.
Sachikoasora appears to be trying hard not to grin.
Kavrajjuri says, "Symbolically, the most important is agate."
Clunk raises his hand.
The glowing specks of energy surrounding Raelee suddenly shoot off in all directions, then quickly fade away.
Speaking to Clunk, Kavrajjuri asks, "Yes?"
Kairyu nods to Kavrajjuri.

Clunk fidgets.
Clunk deeply says, "Mebbe I shuld save this'n fer end."
Kavrajjuri says, "If you wish."
Clunk deeply says, "I think on it some as ye speak."
Kavrajjuri says, "The word for 'agate' and the word for 'soul' are barely different from one another in the Erithian language."
Kavrajjuri says, "Sometimes, the word 'agate' is used as if it were another part of the body, just like the wrists, hands, and so on."
Kavrajjuri says, "Sometimes, it is used in other fashions."

Aiya stands up.
Kavrajjuri says, "One of the names of the goddess Lumnis is 'Mother of Agates'. We believe that this name is older than our arrival upon the eastern continent... but we know no more."
Volaticus's chartreuse ruffle-wing butterfly flutters upwards, turning in the air to display the soft brown veins and flame-red veins along its wings before settling back down.
Lady Aiya just went west.
Kavrajjuri says, "Or, if there are those who do, they have not shared their knowledge with me."
Kavrajjuri says, "One of our people's wedding customs involves having the bride and groom both drink from a bowl carved of agate."
Kavrajjuri says, "The type of agate involved is carefully chosen."
Narusai turns an inquisitive ear towards Kavrajjuri.
Clunk rubs his chin thoughtfully.

Kavrajjuri says, "Frost agate, fire agate, moss agate... as well as the various agates of the continent of Elanith, we have a number of other varieties."
Kavrajjuri says, "The only one I have encountered here that was unknown to me was chameleon agate -- a truly remarkable stone."
Clunk deeply says, "Lotta color, lotta life."
Kavrajjuri nods to Clunk.
Narusai takes a drink from her cup of tea.
Kavrajjuri says, "Summer agate, spectral agate, drought agate, snake agate... I could list for some time, and bore you all to tears."
Kavrajjuri smiles.
Kavrajjuri says, "Since it was addressed in the first poem, however, I will mention beetle agate specifically."

Lmaren shifts her weight.
Kavrajjuri says, "Beetle agate is in some ways like tigereye agate."
Kavrajjuri says, "It is a dark-hued stone -- black, in this case -- that displays brilliant bands of color when the light touches it correctly."
Kavrajjuri says, "In the case of beetle agate, these bands of color are a fiery green."
Kavrajjuri says, "It often means industriousness, in a positive context."
Kavrajjuri says, "In a negative context, it may mean a lack of imagination, or bitter habit."
Lmaren kneels down.

Kavrajjuri says, "I mentioned the ocean before, and how it only means 'bounty' from the lips of one of the Nathala Dai."
Kavrajjuri says, "One type of agate -- nathalene agate -- is used specifically as a symbol for the sea's bounty."
Narusai nods to Kavrajjuri.
Kavrajjuri says, "It is a type of banded agate that is mostly intense turquoise blue."
Kavrajjuri says, "It is always banded with another shade of blue, which may be lighter or darker than the turquoise, as well as one other color."
Vyrshkana nods.
Volaticus's translucent flametail butterfly flutters upwards, turning in the air to display the icy green veins and pale azure bars along its wings before settling back down.
Lmaren nods to Maclay.
Kavrajjuri says, "The other color may be black, green, white, or gold... or more than one of those."

Windrake snuggles Laken, who responds by cradling an arm around him.
Maclay nods to Lmaren.
Laken cuddles closely with Windrake, who smiles back happily.
Kavrajjuri says, "I find it a bit bright, to my own eyes, but the Nathala rarely do. I know several who carry a piece to keep from being homesick."
Kavrajjuri smiles.
Kavrajjuri says, "I would think that the ocean is the same everywhere, but I am told firmly otherwise."
Lmaren nods to Maclay.
Kavrajjuri smiles at Kairyu.

Sachikoasora smiles quietly to herself.
Maclay smiles at Lmaren.
Lmaren smiles at Maclay.
Kavrajjuri says, "A few last important symbols... for I know I am overstaying my welcome."
Kavrajjuri says, "In a poem, fire refers either to fear or to hunger."
Windrake says, "Not at all."
Kavrajjuri says, "Not merely the hunger of the body, but the hunger of the soul."
Speaking quietly to Windrake, Kavrajjuri says, "You are kind."
Kairyu grins.

Raelee raises an eyebrow.
Speaking to Raelee, Kavrajjuri says, "A desire for something that is so great that it consumes a person."
Lmaren ponders.
Raelee looks thoughtfully at Kavrajjuri.
Raelee thoughtfully says, "I see..."
Kavrajjuri says, "Mist refers to wisdom... that is the fastest way to say it, but not the most accurate."
Kavrajjuri says, "Part of wisdom is to know when a thing must be known, and when it must not."
Kavrajjuri says, "That lies at the essence of Erithian poetry -- the art of concealing what must be concealed, but speaking it plainly to those who must understand it."

Kavrajjuri says, "One very old poem simply says, 'A raven flew through the mist, and he saw everything.'."
Kairyu ponders.
Narusai winks at Clunk.
Narusai smiles at Clunk.
Kavrajjuri says, "No true poet is ever confused by his language."
Speaking quietly in Erithian, Kairyu asks, "If a poem had an owl on fire, would that imply that they were consumed by dangerous knowledge?"
Kavrajjuri nods to Kairyu.
Speaking in Erithian, Kavrajjuri says, "It would."
Kairyu nods.

Narusai nods to Kavrajjuri.
Narusai smiles at Kairyu.
Speaking in Erithian, Kavrajjuri says, "And, to make the matter clearer, the poet might speak of some part of the owl."
Volaticus's lemon yellow ruffle-wing butterfly flutters upwards, turning in the air to display the pearly white veins and burnt umber teardrops along its wings before settling back down.
Sachikoasora ponders.
Speaking in Erithian, Kavrajjuri says, "The eyes, for example, would mean that the person was too emotionally weak for the strain of the quest."
Kairyu nods.
Vyrshkana becomes solid again.
Speaking quietly in Erithian, Kairyu says, "I see what you mean."

Kavrajjuri says, "With all said... I will invite questions. If there are none, or when they have been answered, I will return to the first example poem."
Kavrajjuri folds her hands lightly in her lap.
Kairyu ponders.
Speaking in Erithian, Sachikoasora says, "Seeking the mist of lornon, the butterfly's kiss was set to flame."