A Trip to the Wildlands - For the Love of Mist
A place to consolidate any links, notes, resources, and other reference material used in the story. Some information may be found on other pages on the site. Others may be links to outside resources used in the writing.
 |  |
| Click image for larger view of Lorien Woods. | Click image for larger view of Divaekah. |
 |  |  |  |  |  |
| Shi'Nynze Zaurahel | Ruavain Zaurahel | Ievos Zaurahel | Aolis and Yinris Zaurahel | Lorahana Uladi | Ellidor Zaurahel |
 |  |  | |||
| Keerla Naim | Nieven Everlas | Meira Dree |
To refresh yourself on characters mentioned in the story, mainly those without their own page, please click here.
Disclaimer: Elven phrases used in the story are mainly drawn from the linked websites, but some are creations of my own. I'm a biologist, not a linguist, so if something is off, well, I tried. Also note the translations are literal, but remember that Elves use flowery language, there's usually more to the words or phrases than the literal translation
Sule melan'an, arani.
Bindbole Woods Dialect for "Until then, my friend."
Sule melan'an is a sterile, formal phrase used more often for acquaintances than friends; the use of arani over 'ma falon, or to say friend instead of good friend, implies deliberately trying to create emotional distance.
There are a handful of thrushes in North America, and many of them have a very distinctive fluting song. As spring is a time of migration, I prefer imagining the song of the Swainson's Thrush (one of my absolute favorite bird calls) during this scene, but would settle for the resident Wood Thrush.
Maple seeds can be roasted and consumed like pumpkin seeds (removed from their casing, of course). The early spring leaves can be consumed, as well, but I haven't had a chance to try this yet. You will have far better luck getting nectar from Japanese Honeysuckle than you would from Coral Honeysuckle (although only one of the two is native and non-invasive). Mulberries are an absolute treasure if you can find them (also native), but the seedless variety are more commonly sold and planted (not native) as the berries of the native mulberries can be messy (the pollen storm cannot be avoided with any variety). As for wild onion, there are many native varieties and are one of the easiest things to identify and forage. For those who don't like grocery store onions, wild onions are a little kinder to the palate.
Chuck-will's-widow makes more sense than a Common Poorwill. Original decision was simply based on common name and trying to avoid ones too distinct, but it doesn't make sense to put a scrubland nightjar in the middle of a dense forest.
For all the praise cattail gets as a forageable good, Wax Mallow (better known as turkscap, but more common name does not fit in story) needs equal praise. You can eat the fruit (like a cross between an apple, watermelon, and mangosteen), you can eat the flowers (very sweet nectar, if you make tea recommend using only the petals), you can eat the leaves (hairy, boiling is best), and it loves shady, drought-ridden areas. Sycamore, on the other hand, can be tapped just like a maple, but the sugar content is incredibly low making it commercially unviable for syrup. That said, I've seen Sycamore Water sold at Whole Foods in the past so there's someone certainly trying to find a market for it. As for the trumpet vines and plum trees? Early spring bloomers, and one of my favorites (yes, yes as long as the trumpet vines aren't taking over).
Although mentioned elsewhere, Athras was chosen because Crows And Other Corvids Are Incredibly Intelligent and Crows Really Can Mimic Human Speech. If Athras comes back to Dragon Fen, a (limited) talking bird could be fun company.
As for the sky plague? Mass mortality events is not unheard of in birds, especially flocking birds like crows. The reasons can range from causes such as West Nile, weather phenomenons such as microbursts or strong downdrafts, extreme temperatures, disorientation causing collision (such as escaping fireworks), poisons of all sorts (natural such as algae or botulism, or unintentional), exhaustion... the list goes on and on. If you saw a field of dead crows and called it in to your game warden, they'd likely make sure it wasn't malicious intent by a human, and once that's clear, well, birds die. More research probably needed for it? Yes.
From Texas to Canada, the prairie used to exist as an uninterrupted sea of grass. It was easily waist-high (disappearing elf, anyone?), full of flowers (okay, and probably ticks), and thanks to natural management (grazing pressure and fires), had little to no trees. It's always been a description that's stuck with me, especially the years I've done prairie restoration work. Of the nearly 12 million acres that used to make up the Blackland Prairie in particular, only about 5000 acres remain. It's one of our most critically endangered ecosystems in North America. Sadly, you'd be hard press to find a true sea of grass anymore, but it's always been on my list of things I wish I could see.
While badgers are more hunters than foragers for grubs, the only hunting that matters is the one where they hunt with coyotes. No joke. Go read about it and watch it, if you're interested!
Theas
General Elven for "Young Stranger Elf"
A play on claiming anonymous with a slight Elven twist. In the story, the addition of the first initial (S'Theas) gives at least a small claim if needed in the future to any works done by a specific Theas. The cult is therefore visited by a Young Stranger Elf whose name starts with S if another elf was ever asked if they knew them. Likely, they'd just shrug, hopefully already aware of the trick and knowing it was none of their business.
Avy esaya gera assan i’ara’av’ingala
Bindbole Woods Dialect for "I would try to catch an arrow with my teeth."
It's the fancy Elven way of calling herself a moron, or stupid, for her decision.
A’Tel’Quessir
General Elven for "Almost People"
Not technically slang for half elf, but still one term used for them.
Tanar'ri
General Elven for "Outcast" or "Cast Out"
Just another word used for the half elf who is clearly without clan for unknown reasons.
Fen'harel ver is'en
Bindbole Woods Dialect for "Dread wolf take them."
A more common Elven phrase used as an insult or a curse.
Osu'Tan
General Elven for "Brother of Father"
A term for uncle; in General Elven it is common to be more specific in reference to family ties.
A’Su’Tan
General Elven for "Daughter of Brother"
A term for niece; in General Elven it is common to be more specific in reference to family ties.
Da Fenlin
Bindbole Woods Dialect for "Little Wolfing"
A term of endearment used by older elves for younger elves, generally those with close relationships.
Da Veluuthra
A mix of Bindbole Woods Dialect and General Elven for "Little Vicious Blade"
A term used by Aolis as a mix of both endearment and a reminder that Keerla is a young, still-in-training bladesinger.
While I'll explain more as the story unfolds, it's worth noticing who uses which Elven dialect and when as there is a pattern to it.
A'A’Su’Nys
General Elven for "Daughter of Son of Sister"
A term for grand niece; in General Elven it is common to be more specific in reference to family ties.
Osi'Tan
General Elven for "Brother of Mother"
A term for uncle; in General Elven it is common to be more specific in reference to family ties.
E’Su’Nys
General Elven for "Son of Sister"
A term for nephew; in General Elven it is common to be more specific in reference to family ties.
Nar'Hahlorkh
General Elven for "Stone Butchers or Stone Savages"
A unflattering term for Dwarves.
Dirth’ala na
Bindbole Woods Dialect for "A Lesson To Them"
A strong Elven curse, one of the worst, as it implies learning something life altering and life shattering (e.g. Oedipus finding out the identity of his mother).
Dahn’direlan
Bindbole Woods Dialect for "One Who Punches Bees"
One of many colorful phrases for calling someone an idiot.
Felasil
Bindbole Woods Dialect for "Slow Mind"
One of many colorful phrases for calling someone a fool.
Masa
Bindbole Woods Dialect for "Ass"
One of many colorful phrases for calling someone a jerk.
Ary'Tan
General Elven for "Noble Brother"
A term used by Aolis in a more teasing manner in reference to his diplomatic (and more well-behaved) twin brother.
Arael'Tan
General Elven for "Heart Brother"
A used by some twins to refer to their other sibling, something to indicate a more special relationship due to being identical twins.
Ara da’ean
Bindbole Woods Dialect for "My Little Bird"
A term of endearment used by older elves for younger elves, generally by parents for their children.
Babae
Bindbole Woods Dialect for "Papa"
An informal term for father, often used when talking their father rather than about their father.
Lethal'lan
Bindbole Woods Dialect for "Kin Blood (Female)"
A term of endearment for clan mates who are very close to you, they are like family or become part of the family.
Vara, Felassan
Bindbole Woods Dialect for "Go Away, Slow Arrow"
The use of "slow arrow" is another colorful phrase for calling someone a fool.
Pala adahl’en
Bindbole Woods Dialect for "Go (Expletive) A Forest"
A very crude way of telling someone to, er, f-off.
Ara sal’shiral
Bindbole Woods Dialect for "Love of My Life"
A term of endearment used specifically for spouses, life-long partners, or someone else incredibly close to them.
Ara vhen'an
Bindbole Woods Dialect for "My Heart/My Home"
A term of endearment used for someone incredibly close or incredibly important to them.
Asha'lan
Bindbole Woods Dialect for "My Daughter"
An Elven term for daughter, often used for a specific indication rather than general reference.
Savh
Bindbole Woods Dialect for "Hello"
An informal use of the greeting used for friends, family, and other familiar individuals.
Mamae
Bindbole Woods Dialect for "Mama"
An informal term for mother, often used when talking their mother rather than about their mother.
Th'ea
Bindbole Woods Dialect for "How Are You?"
An informal use of the phrase used for friends, family, and other familiar individuals.
Iovro’shan
Bindbole Woods Dialect for "Old Bear"
A term of endearment used by younger elves for older elves, generally those with close relationships.
Ara lath
Bindbole Woods Dialect for "My Love"
A term of endearment use by Elves in love for the one they love.
Atish’an
Bindbole Woods Dialect for "Peace"
One of many Elven terms for peace, used in this instance in terms of comfort.
Suil Annui, erio thûl lín i faer hen
Ancient Elven for "Western Winds, may your breath lift this spirit."
A very old Elven phrase used as a prayer or as a wish for healing, usually of another elf.
Din, ir abelas, ma vhenan
Bindbole Woods Dialect for "No, I am sorry, my heart."
A phrase of sorrow, more than simply telling one they are sorry, but that they hurt for them.
Melana ‘nehn enasal ir sa lethalin
Bindbole Woods Dialect for "And time will again be the joy it once was."
Part of a well-known Elven song about enduring and emerging from sorrow, a song as integral to some clans as their myths and history.
Lyre-leaf Greeneye Seasoning is also worth a mention. Why? Because it's chocolate. As chocolate apparently doesn't exist in this world, instead of calling them Chocolate Daisies, their more common name, I went with the less common name which doesn't use a word that doesn't exist in this world. Yes, they really do smell like chocolate, and yes, you can eat it. The stamen in particular have the taste of bitter chocolate, but you'd need to collect a lot of them to get the taste hence why it'd still be special uses only of this seasoning. Also yes, I grow these because who doesn't want a flower that smells and tastes like chocolate??
O'Su
General Elven for "Male Parent"
A term for father; in General Elven it is common to be more specific in reference to family ties.
Va
General Elven for "Father or Pa"
An informal term for father, usually used when addressing the individual specifically.
A’E’Sum
General Elven for "Daughter of Son"
A term for granddaughter; in General Elven it is common to be more specific in reference to family ties.
E’Sum
General Elven for "Daughter of Son"
A term for son used either a formal or informal manner.
U'Osu
General Elven for "Father of Father"
A term for grandfather; in General Elven it is common to be more specific in reference to family ties.
O'Si
General Elven for "Female Parent"
A term for mother; in General Elven it is common to be more specific in reference to family ties.
Ardavanshee
General Elven for "Young Restless One"
A term used as an endearment for one who cannot seem to sit or remain still.
Melamin
General Elven for "My Love"
A term of endearment use either in reference to a specific individual or talking to a specific individual.
I'Osu
General Elven for "Mother of Father"
A term for grandmother; in General Elven it is common to be more specific in reference to family ties.
Da'assan
Bindbole Woods Dialect for "Little Arrow"
A term of endearment used by older elves for younger elves, generally for hunters, bow users, and forthright individuals.
Amin mela lle
General Elven for "I Love You"
A phrase of affection that can be used for any form of love between any individuals.
Ara da'fenor'ean
Bindbole Woods Dialect for "My Little Precious Bird"
A term of endearment used by older elves for younger elves, generally by parents for their children.
Ar lath
Bindbole Woods Dialect for "I Love You"
A phrase of affection that can be used for any form of love between any individuals.
Laev
General Elven for "Peace"
A general Elven term for peace or calm; used as a way to inform another they mean no harm.
Gra'ean’i’man
Bindbole Woods Dialect for "Where The Red Bird Meets The Water"
A phrase used to imply someone is being too dramatic; taken from the behavior of a notable red bird when it sees its reflection.
Telella
General Elven for "Young Elf"
A general Elven term for young elf or young one; simply a way to acknowledge another elf who is younger.
Osu'Nys
General Elven for "Sister of Father"
A term for aunt; in General Elven it is common to be more specific in reference to family ties.
Gra'dean
Bindbole Woods Dialect for "Red Bird"
A term used specific to refer to the dramatics of a specific, notable red bird (cardinal).
Hearav carvaumn
Black Speech Orc Dialect for "Heart Carving"
A shortened phrased for "Carve Out The Heart And Put It On a Plate"; often used as a battle cry in reference to decimating the enemy by removing the heart which is sometimes followed by consumption.
Nys
General Elven for "Sister"
A term for sister; in General Elven it can be used to describe blood-ties or other close relationships.
Faernsuor
General Elven for "Holy Practitioner of the Art"
A term for priest; in General Elven it can be used interchangeably with priests and priestess, but is a term of respect.
Sumamin
General Elven for "My Child"
A term of endearment; in General Elven it can be used to describe blood-ties or other close relationships.
Fenedhis
Bindbole Woods Dialect for "Wolf (Male Organ)"
A very crude insult; rarely used to actually describe anatomy.
Munedhis
Bindbole Woods Dialect for "Pig (Male Organ)"
A very crude insult; rarely used to actually describe anatomy.
Gaildahlas
Bindbole Woods Dialect for "Sweetie or Baby"
An Elven name for a common sweet herb, but more often used as a term of endearment.
Cath'Sha
General Elven for "Cat Friend"
A term that is exactly as it sounds; a reference to a cat that is considered a friend.
Quess'ar'Teranthvar
General Elven for "Golden Grove of Hidden Knowledge"
A phrase referring to a place or person full of worthy knowledge; rarely used in a mocking manner.
Ma melava halani
Bindbole Woods Dialect for "You have spent your time to help me."
An intimate, archaic Elven idiom used to express gratitude; rarely spoken to those not close friends, family, or lovers.
Ara melava son’ganem
Bindbole Woods Dialect for "My time is well-spent."
An intimate, archaic Elven idiom used to acknowledge gratitude; rarely spoken to those not close friends, family, or lovers.
(Translation for song lyrics will be forthcoming... in another segment.)
Cathedral by Two Steps From Hell
A scene written to this song (best to listen to while reading); many of their songs could be used for writing purposes, but I liked this one best for this scene.
Mar lahn elas tarosa
Bindbole Woods Dialect for "Let fly your voice."
A phrase that means what it sounds to mean; one of encouragement and praise.
Take Me With You by Two Steps From Hell
A bonus song for you to listen to if you'd like to keep the mood; in my mind this is the song that followed the main song.
In my mind, Yinris is an adept piano player (or whatever its equivalent is) whereas Nieven is focused on playing strings. This mostly fits with the way both these songs and the next play out. Obviously, it's not a full orchestra, but that's what you use your imagination for! Anyways, this is also my favorite band, so, you know, give these a listen.
I Am The One (Song)
I Am The One (Lyrics)
El'Tael
General Elven for "Bladesinger"
A fitting phrase for the bladesinger-in-training; simply a title for those who practice the art.
Avae'essa
General Elven for "Joy Bringers"
A term used for someone(s) who brings another joy through any means.
Or'Hahlorkhs
General Elven for "Forest Butchers"
A term for those who commit deforestation; in General Elven it is used as a curse upon those who'd attack a forest.
Gabreths
General Elven for "Traitors."
A term more often used by Sylvan for those who have turned their backs on the forest; similar to the above term but more damning.
Da Evaliir
A mix of Bindbole Woods Dialect and General Elven for "Little Song"
A nicknamed used by Aolis for Nieven as a mix of both endearment and compliment for his abilities as a songwriter.
Arael'Manthor
General Elven for "Heart Promise"
A term used to indicated something stronger than a promise; generally in reference to a vow of emotion rather than logic.
Maela
Bindbole Woods Dialect for "Grandmother"
A term for grandmother; different Elven dialects have different words for grandmother (similar to English and Gram, Nana, Granny, ect).
Nuvas ema ir’enastela
Bindbole Woods Dialect for "May you have great blessings."
A more sincere, meaningful way of saying thank you; a deeper level of gratitude.
Gyrah'Sha
General Elven for "Bird Friend"
A term that is exactly as it sounds; a reference to a bird that is considered a friend.
Ma'asa'ma'lin
Bindbole Woods Dialect for "Aunt"
A term for aunt; different Elven dialects have different words for aunt.
Isa'var'lin
Bindbole Woods Dialect for "Cousin"
A term for cousin; different Elven dialects have different words for cousin.
Asa'ma'lin
Bindbole Woods Dialect for "Sister"
A term for sister; different Elven dialects have different words for sister.
Serannas
Bindbole Woods Dialect for "My gratitude."
An informal phrase of gratitude or giving thanks to someone.
Rund'uren
Bindbole Woods Dialect for "Blunt Ears"
An insult most often used for half-Elves, but can sometimes be used for other non-Elves.
De da’rahn
Bindbole Woods Dialect for "It is a little thing."
A simple term of acknowledgement for gratitude; an informal way of saying it was no problem.
Serannasan Ma
Bindbole Woods Dialect for "I thank you."
A very formal way of thanking an individual; only used when wanting to emphasize gratitude.
Blackheart by Two Steps From Hell
One of my favorite songs that emphasizes the violin's abilities; an easy choice for the song I imagined Nieven playing.
isa'ma'lin
Bindbole Woods Dialect for "Brother"
A term for brother, often used when talking to their brother rather than about their brother.
fen'isa'ma'lin
Bindbole Woods Dialect for "Brother Wolf"
A term of endearment specific from Shi'Nynze for her brother.
As a cat upon a snake
An Elven phrase meant to imply caution; to take a statement guardedly.
teldirthalelan
Bindbole Woods Dialect for "One who will not learn."
A term generally used as an insult for someone who is stubborn or blockheaded, but can also be a term of endearment in certain context.
Nuva tarasyldhe re uth’su mar’veth, ara da'aen
Bindbole Woods Dialect for "May the wind be ever at your back, my little bird."
A phrase of love, protection, and luck specifically from her father to her based on his preferred term of endearment.
Nuva mar’shos’lahn’en ir’tel’dera Fen’Harel, Da Fenlin
Bindbole Woods Dialect for "May the dread wolf never hear your footsteps, little wolfling."
A phrase of love, protection, and luck specifically from her uncle to her based on his preferred term of endearment.
Dar'eth. Sule tael tasalal, ara vhen'an.
Bindbole Woods Dialect for "Go safely on your journey. Until you return, my heart."
A phrase of love and parting specifically from her mother.
Ea son
Bindbole Woods Dialect for "Be well."
A common phrase for partings, farewells, and goodbyes.
Ai Armiel Telere Maenen Hir
General Elven for "You hold my heart forever."
Not quite an admission of love, but still a phrase of closeness and affection.
Ar lath 'ma vhen'an
Bindbole Woods Dialect for "I love you, my home (or loved ones)."
A more indirect statement of love to many that are important to an elf; commonly used for family or close friends.
Ar ame ir abelas
Bindbole Woods Dialect for "I am very sorry."
A very formal phrasing of an apology; can also be an way to express extreme sorrow.
Tuelanen i'na
Bindbole Woods Dialect for "Creators (Gods) protect you."
A formal farewell with religious connotations; can be a general although some may specify which god/dess.
Arivae
General Elven for "Sunshine"
A term that is sometimes used as a nickname, although not always in a kind manner.
Additional Resources and References
Foraging Texas, https://www.foragingtexas.com/
All About Birds, https://www.allaboutbirds.org/news/
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, https://www.wildflower.org/
Native Harvests: American Indian Wild Foods and Recipes by E. Barrie Kavasch
Edible and Useful Plants of Texas and the Southwest: A Practical Guide by Delena Tull
Edible: An Illustrated Guide to the World's Food Plants by the National Geographic Society
Women Who Run With the Wolves: Myths and Stories of the Wild Woman Archetype by Clarissa Pinkola Estés
(Will be updated as needed; may include resources for posts not yet posted).
