A Civilised Chat

[Mithradites 1168]

Snowflakes drifted slowly down like the leaves of autumn upon the freezing mountain where the Mali'aheral dwelt. Just outside the gate, a swathe of well-to-do high elven citizens mingled among themselves--speaking of art, science, wine, and those below them. On the edge of this pleasant socialisation sat a "Prince" of Malinor--Lucion Sullas. His white robes and hair blended with the ice where he sat, and his dark green eyes darted around his kin. He examined them all carefully--approving of their conversation and current temperaments, and he slowly leaned backwards and straightened his spine with several reassuring cracks. Breathing in slowly, he addressed them with his clear, near-monotonous voice.

"Who here knows of the maehr'sae hiylun'ehya? I do not refer to a fleeting understanding of elven, but in fact what the words mean to true mali'aheral, and our culture."

He stopped speaking, now having the attention of those around him, and remained still--eyes darting amongst the gathered high elves.

[Supremacy 3361]

Kalenz Uradir is also upon the very fray of the circle. The high elf leans upon the windowsill of a nearby tower. Being amongst other mali'aheral rather than what he would deem to be a far less enjoyable and perhaps irritating mix of those from other races, the normally stern high elf seems to have taken somewhat of a more joyful mood. However, as Lucion Sullas shifts the chat to the topic of the maehr'sae hiylun'ehya Kalenz once again resumes his far more serious demeanor. After a few moments of silence he finally decides to speak:

"An interesting topic of choice llir. Indeed, one which must be adressed. Under perhaps what I would deem as more normal circumstances I would daren't define the term to avoid the probable ridicule it would incite within Haelun'or."

Kalenz sighs and pauses for few seconds before continuing.

"Yet it seems that in recent months many have been permitted entry into Haelun'or and even assigned homes without having heard the term once in their entire lives. However, prior to these unfortunate and rather dismal string of events being able ot recite the definition perhaps could have been defined as a prerequisite of acquiring a home as it appeared upon our housing application for each citizen. No doubt many of you are aware of my will to retain the culture and superior ways of the mali'aheral. Despite this it seems a futile attempt if those who are to live beside us are not to know its very definition. Alas, I was even to meet a mali'aheral who assigned the maehr'sae hiylun'ehya a rather profane valah term which I daren't repeat today."

He pauses again, scanning the crowd.

"Let it suffice to say that this lack of knowledge is a pertinent issue which must be rectified, and that I am vehement in the opinion that those who continue to regard the ideal with derision and disdain without recanting their statements should be swiftly removed to preserve space for those who are more thill and avoid the perversion of our blessed ways. Let it also be known that only two elven days ago I made sure to replicate and once more, mass distribute the elven dictionary. Should someone be willing to put in but ten minutes of their life of a millennia, a definition may be found with ease. Let us not forget the multitudes of more educated mali'aheral willing to define it for those unsure also."

[Mithradites 1168]

Raising his eyebrow, and looking towards Kalenz, Lucion tilted his head. He mused upon his associates words carefully--nodding his head, and performed a short, sweeping gesture in front of himself--as if pointing to the words Kalenz spoke. Allowing his hands to fall back to his knees, he looks back to the crowd with a freshly-blank expression.

"I hold no ill-will to those Mali'aheral who have not heard of the maehr'sae hiylun'ehya. That is merely ignorance, and ignorance within a pure Mali'aheral can be quickly removed from their being. Those Mali'aheral who know of it, understand it, and wilfully disregard it, are the true enemies to our society, and race.

Taking a moment to look up to the sky, Lucion contemplated his next words--attempting to match thoughts to common terms.

"Though, you yourself were somewhat worried to attempt defining the maehr'sae hiylun'ehya, so perhaps an example of my understanding of it might help illuminate a mind or two. Elven is an ambiguous language by its very nature--straddled with double-meanings and subtlety. My definition may not be the only one. However, there are many core concepts that are certain."

Lucion joined his hands together, letting his head fall back downwards, but kept his eyes on the sky--narrowing them slightly for a mere fraction of a moment.

"Maehr'sae hiylun'ehya--The development of wisdom and health. It is but the very core concept from which our society was born, and as such it is the concept by which our society shall continue to thrive. Allow me to begin this lesson with a simple question."

He slowly looked down towards the gathered group, and eyed them all with his usual cold gaze.

"What is wisdom?"

[dalia44 (Bacon Goddess) 10]

Dalia wraps her earth-colored cloak around her, listening to the conversation. She smiles slightly at the question, and answers quickly from under her hood, her head tilted towards the ground, so that no one would recognise her.

"Wisdom-Knowledge of something, anything really, from farming, to healing, to battle strategy. Wisdom is merely another word for knowledge of anything at all."

Dalia returns to her silence, waiting for Lucion's answer.

[Sporadic 2844]

The one who had previously, with little confidence, introduced herself as Krissa Morrowleaf presents herself into the crowd of Mali'aheral. Bearing clothes of purple and a solemn, far-off expression, the former Mali'aheral superiority had all but flushed from her features. Older but arguably more foolish, a certain caution had crept into Ellir's spirit as she parted her lips to speak.

"Most needn't confirmed that the Mali'aheral persuit of unbiased wisdom now bears its fruit. Sadly, for every step forward our kin must make double the sidesteps to avoid the insinuation of the blackest and most laden of words. 'Racism'. For a race desperate to unify with its cousins into a thirving nation, there can be no greater misunderstanding.

"Wisdom, then, is more than common sense. That the vile Uruk are best avoided needs no reiteration. That we should not have them live amongst us for the want of unsevered limbs is childishly elementary. And yet, it is our solidification of these 'wisdoms', wisdoms that living Mali know by instinct, that has rained the ire of all upon us past and present.

Wisdom, then, lies in the rhetoric.

We live by the teachings of Larihei, and prosper from her writing. In our intellectual wealth, do we not wish to share with our Mali'ker brethren? But how? Shall we tell them that their worship of a moon is folly? Do we stipulate the obvious truth that a moon does not write teachings? That its only desire is to shine and remains utterly indifferent to your strife?

We could assert they may as well worship a pretty flower, or a funny-shaped rock. And yet, for all this infinite truth, I would still not sleep soundly at night.

At your feet I lay the following:

Wisdom is knowing when to speak, and when to remain silent.

[Mithradites 1168]

Listening to the surprisingly excellent answers from the two mali'aheral, a flicker of a smile appeared at the corner of his mouth before his face returned to its blank, icy gaze. He leaned inwards, and, while resting his elbows on his knees, formed at arch with his fingers, and his eyes darted between the speakers.

"I must say, I am impressed with the quick answers you have both given, albeit, one being slightly off-topic."

Looking to Dalia, he slowly bows his head, and performs a twisting gesture with his arched fingertips.

"Your answer is practically a definition a scholar might posit when writing a tome upon the meanings of common terminology. I would suggest you take up the scholar's robes. There is no lack of subjects to study. If you are like myself, you will be able to create your own realm of research. The observable worlds mysteries are one of the most under apreciated in existence. So many are researching magic nowadays..."

Lucion's eyes fell to the ground, and they glared blankly at the snow in reminiscence of times-past. His eyes flicked back to Dalia quickly, and his pulled his back straight, sitting in the snow as if it were a fine wooden chair.

"It matters little, of course. Your definition is, as I said, correct. Of course, battle is something studied by those who revel in the uglier practices in our world."

His neck goes goes rigid, and his icy gaze slowly moves over to the one known as Krissa, and his eyes narrowed for a brief moment. He studied her features closely as he spoke, unable to match her face to a name.

"Your points upon the nature of the Mali'ker's illogical moon-worship are noted, and appreciated. However, your statement troubles, and brings thoughts to one's mind.

"Wisdom is knowing when to speak, and when to remain silent."

I refute this point. On second thoughts, I don't "refute" it. The thought merely revolts me. You suggest that there are times when we must curb our tongue for the sake of a relationship with said Mali'ker? If I see ignorance in fellow mali, I will inform them of said ignorance. Their feelings against irrefutable logic are completely irrelevant. When I see a repulsive growth upon a creature that hobbles its movement and breathing, I will remove that growth, regardless of how much it kicks and screams in pain. I lay this at your feet, if I may.

Wisdom is teaching what is known, and vigilance in the task, even against insurmountable ignorance."

Lucion's eyes remained transfixed on Krissa's face. They darted all over her features, as he addressed the other surrounding Mali'aheral.

"Is there anyone else who wishes to speak, or shall we move on?

[MrSyth 636]

As a static tapping is heard, Silvos arrives to the conversation. His robe, white as the snow, seems a tad worn out, as if it might need ironing. He clears his throat, raises his hand, and begins to speak.

"Actually, mister Sullas, I am very interested in your view on magic. You have shown in the past, that you are not fond of it. Now I, being a scientist myself, have found that both can be studied simultaniously, without their differing logics interfering. In fact, observing mister Uradir's progress in the arts of Telekinesis, I have found that in the future it might aid me in making my research more effecient. Now tell me, what is your exact view on magic?"

Silvos looks in the eyes of Lucion, awaiting answer. Holding a tight grip on his staff, he readies himself for a long, detailed response.

[Mithradites 1168]

Lucion's gaze lands on the sudden outburst from Silvos, and he blinks once during a short pause before curtly answering.

"No.

Have you been paying attention, Silvos? This is about the concept of maehr'sae hiylun'ehya, not magic. Do keep up--having to repeat oneself is counter-productive."

[MrSyth 636]

Silvos frowns, as Lucion's short answer completely disregards his interest.

"I believe we are misunderstood. The subject was wisdom, knowledge even. You gave me an opportunity, I merely put you a question to answer. Now, don't tell me opinions are not a part of one's wisdom, seeing as they should be based upon it entirely. But afin, continue speaking about the maehr'sae hiylun'ehya if you so desire."

Ending his sentence, Silvos appears to lose a bit of interest. He stays at the conversation, yet rarely says anything.

[Mithradites 1168]

Sighing deeply, Lucion runs his hand through his hair while displaying a small scowl.

"Fine. I shall give you my opinion on magic, then. However, I will not be having a discussion on this subject, as it deviates from the actual purpose of this current chat.

Brushing down his trousers, and clearing his throat, Lucion speaks at a quickened pace with an obvious dismal attitude towards it.

Magic is a wasted effort of bleak-minded individuals to bring forth forces from outside our reality in an attempt to change it. Magic-users are, by their nature, cheating the natural order of the world to attain their own goals for the sake of having an easier time of doing it. Such efforts are wasted, of course, as magic is impermanent, and therefore can have no true effect on our plane.

Lucion glances to Kalenz for a brief moment and corrects himself.

""Doesn't often" have any true effect on our plane."

Looking around to the other mali'aheral, he gestures openly.

"Now, does anyone have anything relevant to the actual topic to add?"

[Sporadic 2844]

Do not be so quick to refute the merit of keeping quiet, Laurir. It served me well in the past. Indeed, I may correct a pig on its horrid habit of rolling in mud. "Wake up," I might say, "And take a decent bath instead of trying to scare off filth with more fitlh." But the Pig will only look at me in a way utterly nonplussed, and it will oink in grave protest when I attempt to push its unclean body away from its cesspool.

Furthermore, it is known among higher-class butchers that it is the happy pigs that produce the tenderest meat. Trying to school the swine on its disgusting routine will make it rather despaired, and leave the meat chewy and without give. But choose I to remain silent, let it indulge in its lifetime of mediocrity and sneak up on it later with a swift, merciful blow, its swollen bearings will serve me well for many winter nights to come.

Ellir takes a deep breath and settles down, patting down the crinkles in her clothing.

As far as this insight pertains to our relationship with Mali'ker?

She chuckles under her breath, looking once out of the corners of her eyes

Utterly unrelated, of course