The Remembrance Book 5
19 Goldfall 1276, Mooncalling
And so, my little one, if I had a wish for you right now it would be that you do not inherit my ears. No, not my hearing, that might serve you very well. The shape of my ears is different than that of elves born here. In not having my ears, you would not be openly and forever marked as an outlander or as the child of one.
Sadly, hatred and prejudice exist in many forms. While I understand the fear of the unknown, I never have understood hating a person because of something they cannot control. The color of one's skin and shape of any given physical feature are things determined long before one is born. Magical gifts or other inborn abilities are often determined long before they show themselves. Yet, people consider this not when pointing fingers at 'evil' mages. Those that get the worst of that mindset are necromancers. It is presumed by some that they are evil because they have the potential to use their spells and such to kill. To some, death can be a mercy, an easing of long suffering. It not always wise to take on the responsibility for such a decision. To take a life, my child, no matter the circumstances, will live in your mind and heart forever. To people of conscience, killing is not done without a great price.
Note this well, hatred and prejudice are often caused by fear, ignorance and arrogance. In a battle of weapons, never make the mistake of underestimating the strength and skill of your opponents. Never underestimate their desire to win. This cause could you grievous injury or cost you your life.
In a battle of wits, never underestimate the guile or intelligence of your opponent. This could leave you looking quite foolish. So I offer you this for your consideration. When standing next to your pointed eared mother or any other being that appears to be Elven, do not speak any words at any sound level, do not whisper, do not mumble, anything you do not want heard. You see, my child, such creatures as us have been known to hear the soft noise from the shifting of wings of a bird making its way overhead. The speech matters not for there is always someone that can translate for you. That is why your brothers and sisters have learned several languages.
Sometimes, it is better to remain quiet and seem to be ignorant of the talk going on around you. People will think you do not understand the subject or the language and continue to go onward with their dealings. It may seem dishonest, but one need not always answer a question that was not asked. I know that all too well, therefore, I shall always ask you.
By now, word of the fuss over the runes at the Crosswinds will have reached your papa. And of the pointy eared redheaded outlander upstart that started the so called stand off.
And so, my little one, if I had a wish for you right now it would be that you do not inherit my ears. No, not my hearing, that might serve you very well. The shape of my ears is different than that of elves born here. In not having my ears, you would not be openly and forever marked as an outlander or as the child of one.
Sadly, hatred and prejudice exist in many forms. While I understand the fear of the unknown, I never have understood hating a person because of something they cannot control. The color of one's skin and shape of any given physical feature are things determined long before one is born. Magical gifts or other inborn abilities are often determined long before they show themselves. Yet, people consider this not when pointing fingers at 'evil' mages. Those that get the worst of that mindset are necromancers. It is presumed by some that they are evil because they have the potential to use their spells and such to kill. To some, death can be a mercy, an easing of long suffering. It not always wise to take on the responsibility for such a decision. To take a life, my child, no matter the circumstances, will live in your mind and heart forever. To people of conscience, killing is not done without a great price.
Note this well, hatred and prejudice are often caused by fear, ignorance and arrogance. In a battle of weapons, never make the mistake of underestimating the strength and skill of your opponents. Never underestimate their desire to win. This cause could you grievous injury or cost you your life.
In a battle of wits, never underestimate the guile or intelligence of your opponent. This could leave you looking quite foolish. So I offer you this for your consideration. When standing next to your pointed eared mother or any other being that appears to be Elven, do not speak any words at any sound level, do not whisper, do not mumble, anything you do not want heard. You see, my child, such creatures as us have been known to hear the soft noise from the shifting of wings of a bird making its way overhead. The speech matters not for there is always someone that can translate for you. That is why your brothers and sisters have learned several languages.
Sometimes, it is better to remain quiet and seem to be ignorant of the talk going on around you. People will think you do not understand the subject or the language and continue to go onward with their dealings. It may seem dishonest, but one need not always answer a question that was not asked. I know that all too well, therefore, I shall always ask you.
By now, word of the fuss over the runes at the Crosswinds will have reached your papa. And of the pointy eared redheaded outlander upstart that started the so called stand off.