I was so psyched the other day. I ran into an erithi bard and quoted a few things from the old erithi poetry lecture and I think he knew exactly what I meant by it. Is that lecture posted on the officials anywhere? If not, well, here you go (disclaimer: this is not my own log, I got a copy a long time ago from someone else):


From what I have observed, the races of Elanith do not write poetry for the same reasons as the Erithi. And it might even be said that 'poetry' is the wrong word for the craft of the Erithi...But it fits more closely than any other I have found. Rather than commemorating a pretty sky, or the beauty of a particular womans 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.

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."

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, "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.

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."

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."

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.

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."

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 travelling 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.

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 judgement 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."

Kavrajjuri says, "There is a saying in Common -- 'the eyes are the windows of the soul'."

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."

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'."

Kavrajjuri says, "Other significant parts of the body include the hands, which signify an act of creation...."

Kavrajjuri says, "The wrists, which signify guidance and instruction..."

Kavrajjuri says, "And the throat, which may be the most significant part of the body."

Kavrajjuri says, "The throat refers to speech and words."

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'."

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.

Clunk raises his hand.

Speaking to Clunk, Kavrajjuri says, "If you wish."

Kavrajjuri smiles.

Clunk deeply says, "She give up, and he set her free."

Kavrajjuri smiles.

Kavrajjuri nods to Clunk.

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."

Kavrajjuri says, "Let me see... animals, body parts..."

Kavrajjuri says, "Ah, I forgot one rather important animal. The wolf."

Kavrajjuri says, "Wolves signify prophecy, fate, or something predetermined."

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."

Kavrajjuri says, "If the significance of that is not obvious, I do not think I have the words, quite, to explain it in Common."

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?"

Clunk leans on Kavrajjuri.

Kavrajjuri looks mildly dismayed to be leaned on.

Kavrajjuri grins at Clunk.

Clunk leans back.

Clunk deeply says, "Scuse me."

(Assumption here is that Clunk whispered something about a burro. Chizu)

Kavrajjuri says, "I am not myself aware of a meaning for burros."

Kavrajjuri says, "However..."

Kavrajjuri says, "There is a pack animal we have called the yak."

Kavrajjuri says, "Yaks signify a willingness to shoulder burdens and aid others."

Kavrajjuri says, "I should pause, at this point, to note that our poetry can seem very, very strange if it is not understood symbolically."

lKavrajjuri says, "Often, these poems may take the form of 'portraits'..."

Kavrajjuri says, "She has this, she has that, she is this, she does that to someone who is like this."

Kavrajjuri says, "And, since those characteristics are expressed symbolically..."

Kavrajjuri says, "Oh, what's a good quote. One moment."

Kavrajjuri ponders.

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."

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."

Kavrajjuri says, "This person is someone who passes news back and forth between the Erithi on this continent and the Erithi of Eloth-Ra."

Kavrajjuri says, "Some of the news she receives is from the person who wrote this poem..."

Kavrajjuri says, "Salmon ears -- that suggests that she wants to come home, and that what she hears and tells us is colored by it."

Kavrajjuri says, "The significance of a harp has changed in the last hundred years or so."

Kavrajjuri says, "These days, it usually means 'an elf'."

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.

. 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?"

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..."

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."

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..."

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.

Narusai raises her hand.

Kavrajjuri nods to Narusai.

Speaking in Erithian, Narusai asks, "If it is not inappropriate to say, then . . . what of the butterfly?"

Kavrajjuri smiles.

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, you ask, "Or that her inquiry into the art causes her to be called?"

Kavrajjuri says, "It may refer directly to a Yachan Dai."

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."

. Speaking quietly in Erithian, Kairyu says, "Perhaps it might refer to the Eloth wishing her not to be with a Yachan..."

Kavrajjuri glances over at Kairyu and winces.

Speaking in Erithian, Kavrajjuri says, "It is possible. Your view is incisive."

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 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."

Kavrajjuri says, "Other large, impressive things, besides moons..."

Kavrajjuri smiles.

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."

Kavrajjuri says, "The ocean refers to... with no offense meant..."

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."

Kavrajjuri says, "To drink something is to accept it, deeply, fully..."

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.

Speaking quietly in Erithian, Kairyu says, "But I am Nathala."

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.'."

Kavrajjuri says, "Or, possibly, the danger, instead of the boundy."

Kavrajjuri coughs.

Kavrajjuri says, "Bounty."

Kavrajjuri says, "To eat something holds a different meaning."

Kavrajjuri says, "It suggests that you benefit from something in a fashion that destroys it."

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."

Kavrajjuri says, "Part of what makes colors so difficult to determine is that their meaning varies when they are shown in different ways."

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."

Kavrajjuri says, "And only when it is alone... as in, 'he wears white'."

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."

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."

Kavrajjuri reaches up to remove one of her silver hairpins.

Kavrajjuri taps a silver hairpin tipped with lavender jade.

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."

Speaking quietly in Erithian, Kavrajjuri says, "It would also encourage them to ask over-much of the wealth of our fair realm."

Kavrajjuri says, "Symbolically, the most important is agate."

Clunk raises his hand.

Speaking to Clunk, Kavrajjuri asks, "Yes?"

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."

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."

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."

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.

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."

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."

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."

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."

Kavrajjuri says, "The other color may be black, green, white, or gold... or more than one of those."

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."

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."

Kavrajjuri says, "Not merely the hunger of the body, but the hunger of the soul."

Speaking to Raelee, Kavrajjuri says, "A desire for something that is so great that it consumes a person."

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.'."

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."

Speaking in Erithian, Kavrajjuri says, "And, to make the matter clearer, the poet might speak of some part of the owl."

Speaking in Erithian, Kavrajjuri says, "The eyes, for example, would mean that the person was too emotionally weak for the strain of the quest."

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.

Speaking in Erithian, you say, "Seeking the mist of lornon, the butterfly's kiss was set to flame."

Kavrajjuri nods to Clunk.

Clunk deeply asks, "Duz ye know Shanal and Nalhan?"

Kavrajjuri says, "Not directly, but I know of them."

Kavrajjuri says, "The saviors of your people, if I do not miss my guess."

Clunk deeply asks, "Ye knows they twas first we here knows who came to see us?"

Speaking quietly in Erithian, Kairyu asks, "What does the sword symbolize?"

Clunk deeply says, "At time of us gittin plague, they came to us, holdin they hands up like so, a sign I'd seen long ago, with a meanin I fergit."

(Clunk holds up his hand, palm outwards towards Kavrajjuri.)

Kavrajjuri holds up her hand, palm outwards, in return.

Kavrajjuri nods.

Kavrajjuri returns her hand to her lap.

Clunk deeply says, "They say'd they'd come back, and tell me of the meanin, and of who it stand fer."

Kavrajjuri says, "It means that they are not hostile."

Clunk deeply says, "Twas old old sign, I'd seen when I was wee."

Kavrajjuri says, "You can tell because their hand is empty..."

Kavrajjuri says, "And a still hand in that position cannot cast."

Clunk deeply says, "That thought ne'er crossed my mind."

Kavrajjuri says, "With some exception, most magical art requires a gesture."

Narusai raises her hand.

Kavrajjuri says, "We do practice various magics, and quite well."

Kavrajjuri nods to Narusai.

Speaking quietly in Erithian to Kairyu, Kavrajjuri says, "Your answer next."

Narusai says, "I had wondered if the directions of the compass had any significance."

Kavrajjuri says, "They do."

Kairyu smiles.

Kavrajjuri says, "In truth, I confess... I recall only one at the moment."

Kavrajjuri says, "I am not at all a poet myself, and only starting to enter the circle of the elders -- a journey of the next hundred years, for me."

Kavrajjuri says, "The west refers to this continent... for, from our home, it was always the west."

Kavrajjuri says, "With all of its associated dangers and intrigues."

Speaking in Erithian, you ask, "What of the falcon and ram?"

Speaking to Kairyu, Kavrajjuri says, "Your answer, next."

Kavrajjuri says, "He asked of the sword and of its meaning."

Kavrajjuri says, "One type of sword is separate from any other."

Kavrajjuri says, "The katana."

Kavrajjuri says, "In a poem, a katana means either a masterwork, or a driving purpose... depending on the context, and whether or not the katana is fully forged in the poem."

Kavrajjuri says, "Other swords usually mean regret, honor, or a combination of the two."

Kavrajjuri says, "Violence is always to be regretted, but sometimes... there is no choice."

Kavrajjuri rests her hands on her knees and breathes deep to relax.

Speaking to you, Kavrajjuri says, "Of the ram and the falcon, you asked."

Kavrajjuri smiles at you.

Kavrajjuri says, "I address the falcon, first... a bird of many meanings."

Kavrajjuri says, "It often refers to a member of the Valaka Dai, but it has two other possible meanings, in context."

Kavrajjuri says, "The first meaning is someone upon a quest, or a reference to a quest. This is usually signified by someone casting a falcon forth... the art of falconing is not unknown among the Erithi, after all, and it comes from that."

Kavrajjuri says, "Related is the meaning of a hood -- poems rarely say 'a falcon's hood', but they will simply say that 'someone has hooded someone', and it means that the second person has entrusted himself to the first."

Kavrajjuri says, "The second meaning of a falcon is freedom."

Kavrajjuri says, "It may be distinguished from the first because the falcon is never hooded or companioning someone -- it is always flying fre."

Kavrajjuri says, "Free."

Kavrajjuri says, "The ram represents the Surath Dai."

Kavrajjuri says, "In its darker aspects, it signifies meaningless stubbornness..."

Kavrajjuri says, "But it is more commonly taken to mean determination and leadership."

Kavrajjuri says, "That should be qualified. Leadership among a small group, not among a large group."

Kavrajjuri says, "Leadership among a large group is more normally the bough."

Kavrajjuri asks, "Other questions?"

Speaking in broken common, Volaticus says, "Question on the meaning of a few colors."

Speaking in broken common, Volaticus says, "Silver, gold, and blue, or at least gold and blue striped."

Kavrajjuri smiles.

Kavrajjuri exclaims, "I see what brought you there!"

Kavrajjuri says, "Silver represents memory, or the past... or a reminder of something lost. It can refer to nostalgia."

Kavrajjuri says, "As for the blue and gold... their direct meanings will not aid you."

Kavrajjuri says, "It refers to the wings of a common butterfly."

Kavrajjuri says, "A situation akin to white jade..."

Kavrajjuri says, "The context changes everything."

Kavrajjuri says, "The butterfly is about so big--" she shapes a circle with her thumbs and forefingers-- "and found all through Eloth-Ra."

Kavrajjuri says, "I forgot to address the aishan, I believe."

Kavrajjuri asks, "Did I?"

Kavrajjuri glances around the room.

Kavrajjuri says, "Ah, I did."

Kavrajjuri smiles.

Kavrajjuri says, "Unless there is another question..."

Kavrajjuri raises an eyebrow.

Narusai says, "I had thought possibly the wolf, but..."

Kavrajjuri says, "Their meanings are quite different."

Speaking in Erithian, you say, "And I that they were tied to the Eloth."

Kavrajjuri says, "A wolf signifies fate, prophecy, and the predetermined."

Kavrajjuri says, "An aishan signifies loyalty beyond ethics... with one exception."

Kavrajjuri says, "Referring to an aishan's eyes is always a reference to inspiring fear."

Speaking to Clunk, Kavrajjuri asks, "Yes?"

Clunk deeply asks, "Will Shanal and Nalhan come back some day?"

Kavrajjuri spreads her hands gracefully and shrugs.

Kavrajjuri says, "I do not know their whereabouts. We have never met directly."

Clunk deeply asks, "Twas there meanin to what they say'd of the rot?"

Clunk deeply asks, "Them hooks and all?"

Kavrajjuri gently says, "I do not know what they might have said of it. Might I finish this discussion, and then see if I can answer unrelated matters for you?"

Kavrajjuri says, "So... returning to the first example I used."

Kavrajjuri says, "I will recite it again, and then decipher it to the best of my ability."

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, "As well as being a poet, the author is a sorceress of the Eloth Dai."

Kavrajjuri says, "Moving line by line..."

Kavrajjuri says, "And... this is only one possible interpretation."

Kavrajjuri says, "From the words of others, my elders, I believe it to be close enough to true."

Kavrajjuri says, "But poetry is a language of its own, as I have said, and only the eldest are truly fluent."

Kavrajjuri says, "'With an owl perched on his wrist'..."

Kavrajjuri says, "Because the author is Eloth Dai, the owl is unlikely to refer to another Eloth Dai."

Kavrajjuri says, "So I take it to mean Fash'lo'nae's influence..."

Kavrajjuri says, "Because he kneels, later, which says that the matter relates to the divine."

Kavrajjuri says, "Guided by Fash'lo'nae's influence..."

Kavrajjuri says, "'The aishan came from the west.'."

Kavrajjuri says, "'The aishan came from the west' -- the poem is about someone who sets loyalty above ethics, and someone who has been voyaging here."

Kavrajjuri says, "Since he is being guided by the owl, or Fash'lo'nae's influence... a priest of Fash'lo'nae, or a follower, if not a priest."

Speaking in Erithian, you say, "He set the west above Eloth, highly unethical."

Kavrajjuri says, "'He knelt to bare his throat' -- this means that the matter was something related to divinity, because he is kneeling, and he wishes to speak honestly to the poet."

Kavrajjuri says, "'...but I found silver mist in a bowl of beetle agate...'."

Kavrajjuri says, "An agate bowl refers to a marriage."

Kavrajjuri says, "So we may take it that the poet went to her spouse, to consult upon the matter."

Kavrajjuri says, "Because it is beetle agate, which signifies industriousness, we know something of his response...."

. Kavrajjuri says, "And by the mist, we know it as well."

Speaking in Erithian, you ask, "Silver mist would mean wisdom from the past?"

Kavrajjuri nods to you.

Kavrajjuri says, "'Look to the past, and look to your present duty.'."

Kavrajjuri says, "'...and danced away on gold and blue-striped wings.'."

Kavrajjuri says, "Symbolically, the poet became a butterfly... which we know by the wing patter."

Kavrajjuri says, "Pattern."

Kavrajjuri says, "So, she dismissed him, and thought no more of it -- in this case, the butterfly refers to a carefree state."

Speaking quietly in Erithian, Kairyu asks, "Is there more to the poem?"

Kavrajjuri says, "I do have the advantage of knowing more of the poem when decoding it."

Kavrajjuri nods to Kairyu.

Kavrajjuri says, "But I will not work through the rest."

Kavrajjuri says, "It refers to an actual incident that may be known to some of you."

Speaking quietly in Erithian, Kairyu asks, "Does it refer to a Tichan Dai who came to Solhaven?"

Kavrajjuri nods to Kairyu.

Kavrajjuri says, "The same."

Speaking quietly in Erithian, Kairyu says, "Deshian and Cerisago."

Kavrajjuri nods to Kairyu.

Speaking quietly in Erithian, Kairyu says, "The burning owl."

Speaking in Erithian to Kairyu, Narusai says, "Well done."

Kavrajjuri says, "Deshian and Cerisago."

Kavrajjuri says, "Cerisago is only mentioned later in the poem."

Raelee quietly says, "I thought that might be the case."

Kavrajjuri says, "And the heart of the poem is the poet's regret at dismissing him. I understand that it opened a certain marital gulf..."

Kavrajjuri says, "Which I believe because she spoke a poem and allowed the poem to travel."

Speaking quietly in Erithian, Kairyu asks, "Between Cerisago and Deshian, or between the Poet and her husband?"

Speaking in Erithian, you say, "She was the poet."

Kavrajjuri says, "One that offered her husband's poor advice as the cause for the catastrophe in Solhaven."

Speaking in Erithian, Kavrajjuri says, "No, Cerisago was Tichan Dai as well."

Speaking quietly in Erithian, Kairyu asks, "I thought it was written by an Eloth Dai?"

Speaking in Erithian, Kavrajjuri says, "The poet was a third party entirely. Deshian went to her to ask for her help."

Speaking in Erithian, Narusai says, "Please excuse me."

Speaking in Erithian, you say, "I was under the impression it was Cerisago that wrote it, your pardon."

Speaking quietly in Erithian, Kairyu says, "Which I heard of."

Kavrajjuri nods to Kairyu.

Speaking quietly in Erithian, Kairyu says, "An item that was passed to someone in Solhaven told that tale."

Speaking in Erithian, Kavrajjuri says, "The mists of poetry. Context creates all understanding."

Kavrajjuri says, "This lecture is at an end. I thank you for your attention."

Kavrajjuri stands up.

Kavrajjuri bows.