One. || Video; 391.

[palebee]

[ Filtered from Barty, Merope, and Voldemort.

There's a reedy man in bright blue robes perched at a desk, one stacked high and neat with various odds, ends, and books. Those familiar with Snape's school may recognize the room -- a small, relatively unfurnished thing, until recently spare of occupants.

It's not immediately clear when he arrived, or how precisely he did so without notice  ... let alone with half a library and a bird in tow -- why is there a crow on the desk? It looks quite content for the moment, tearing away at a ball of sparkly red yarn. ]

Hello, Asgard!

Congratulations -- and my gratitude -- for your efforts in Alfheim. It is heartening beyond measure to witness firsthand the courage and generous spirit that so many of you exhibited upon the battlefield. I believe that thanks are also owed those who stayed behind, to protect our own gracious city, and all those who live within it. It takes a great deal of bravery to face an unknown, and to hold fast in spite of it. 

There were two matters that I should like to discuss.

First, I suppose, and of least note at any level other than the entirely personal: I seem to have damaged my glasses during the reclamation efforts. Do any here make or repair spectacles? The frames are bent, and the lenses quite thoroughly shattered, but I still possess all component pieces.

 

Of potentially greater interest; the ever-talented Evelyn Carnahan and myself have embarked upon a project to begin translating something of the elvish language. Words shape our lives in more ways than one, and as our two peoples grow closer in friendship, it seems only fitting to search for methods of more easily sharing and interpreting those experiences.

Before diving in, I thought it prudent to ask whether any here have existing experience with the language? A bit of a silly project to begin if the knowledge is already widespread -- but perhaps no less engaging for it.

To clarify, the script in question is Elvish of the variety spoken in Alfheim, and may or may not bear relation to that spoken in other worlds. I should, however, be delighted to compare any extant forms with this, once cracked! It will be interesting to know whether they should exhibit any similarities.

There's quite a deal of work to be done, and as in all such endeavours, the many the hands, the lighter the load. All those with prior linguistic or analytical experience are welcome to join the team.

Thank you for your time, and be well.

[ The crow horks, once, and returns to its work. ]

Comments

[Video]

[madcuriosity]

Translating Elvish, Mr. Dumbledore? [She would think such a thing was already done. Apparently not.]

Perhaps though, it shouldn't just be Elvish? I wonder if it's similar to any of the Norse languages that are around already!

Video.

[palebee]

We all require projects, Miss Liddell! And I confess that while knitting is good for occupying the hands, when taken alone it does perhaps something less for the mind.

An interesting puzzle to pick at, if one that may yet prove unnecessary. There are near-infinite possible ways of arriving at a conclusion, and each path lends itself new sway for the step. Often, we find ourselves on subtly different roads, alone by the virtue of our initial intentions. Translating, I find, is little different.

You bring up an excellent point! The Nordic languages of Earth, and of other worlds may also prove familiar to the form.

May I ask, Miss Liddell, whether you care much for stories?

Video

[bythewaves]

Your pardon, sir, but I heard you mention a translation of the language of Alfhiem? I do not know how closely their speech comes to my kin, but I think we are not entirely dissimilar, and I would be honored if you would see it suitable if I might have some small contribution.

[Video]

[madcuriosity]

Knitting? [She smiles, because the idea of this man knitting seems wholly strange and yet terribly appropriate.] Clearly you haven't seen the little animals and hats people now make! I've seen a crocheted and knitted rabbit, it's actually quite adorable.

The elves here can't offer any help? Perhaps the great library may have the elvish alphabet, if such a thing exists, somewhere.

Mayhaps it will surprise everyone and have no connection to Nordic languages but something from the orient!

Oh yes! Terribly fond in fact! I adore stories!

[mortuimagistri]

I would offer assistance, if still needed. I am hardly a linguist, but I have on occasion studied codes in my spare time.

[ffuckoff]

Hey, nice office. Where'd you get it?

video;

[necrowmantic]

[Ignoring the questions and the topics at hand, Henry's just watching the crow with interest. There's more than a few hanging around him, one perched on his shoulder, tugging at his hair. He doesn't seem to notice.]

Geez, they get into your yarn too? I managed to mostly convince 'em to stop teasing cats, but strings are way too tempting.

voice;

[standsonhigh]

I can give it a shot fixing your glasses but I'd have to see just how damaged they are.

[He's never tried but hey, he likes a challenge. And he has yet to find anything he can't fix. He's bored, he'll do anything to amuse himself.]

I also speak more languages than I can count so if you're in need of assistance. I suppose I could help.

video;

[madeforwalking]

Humans can usually only speak a handful of languages, huh--? Are you guys always willing to put so much effort into everything?

video;

[palebee]

Oh, undoubtedly, though the precise lengths that one is willing to go vary wildly between each of us -- as a species, we lack inborn understanding; as individuals, inborn motivation.

I understand several languages with fluency, while several of my colleagues speak many more yet, and my younger brother only the one. Perhaps, somewhat questionably that one at all.

Does your species typically meet with less trouble, sir?

voice;

[palebee]

Near about wrecked, I'm afraid.

[ He sounds cheerful enough about it. There's a video still attached to the message; a slightly mangled pair of frames clings to its few last shards of glass, beside a painstaking arrangement of tiny, shattered lens pieces. ]

Without magical aid, I suspect that the glass itself is all a bit buggered, there.

In any event, it would be wonderful to have another pair of eyes on the material -- perhaps less blurry ones! I'll see to setting aside a portion of it for you, how best do you prefer to be contacted?

video;

[palebee]

[ Birds?? Birds. Albus grins to Henry. For its part, the crow turns its attentions to the screen, tapping at the lens and clacking its beak. ]

Oh, he's been amusing himself with the stuff all morning. Frankly, it's less destructive than some of what he might be up to -- the crow that I kept as a boy had a terrible habit of dismantling our entire kitchen if left alone for more than a few minutes.

May I ask how yours get along together? Lovely birds, they look quite well cared for.

[palebee]

Ah, Miss Gallagher.

An excellent question when taken in the abstract -- can any of us ever be honestly said to have obtained a room? Does an interior space, by its nature as an absence of material, truthfully consist of the same matter for which we, as a society, have established social mores of claimancy?

Of course, you have to be a bit of an utter prat to ever take anything in the abstract. I am told that might be telling, or rather, I am often told something along those lines.

As to a more immediate answer; just down the hall. Would you care for some tea?

[ffuckoff]

[Of course, then, Fiona finally sees the name on the network. She recognizes that name. It's printed on her stationary.]

[Which is why she doesn't dismiss him out of hand.]

I'm more of a coffee fan, myself, but sure. You got a minute now?

[palebee]

Of course, Mr. Booth, your expertise would be much appreciated. I believe that you'll find striking similarity between the two fields, if perhaps a touch more irregularity in the matter of language.

I am portioning out the material as we speak, and I will be certain to save a stack for you -- how do you best prefer to be contacted? I am happy to deliver it anywhere about the city, or you are welcome to pick it up yourself.

[mortuimagistri]

I look forward to the challenge.

I spend most of my time in the library, as of late. I'll pick up the materials myself; I wouldn't want to inconvenience you.

video;

[palebee]

The honour is all mine, sir. I will set aside one of the stacks for you, then -- what means are the best for contacting you with further information?

video;

[necrowmantic]

Eh, they follow you around too? These guys are better at dismantling bodies than kitchens, though!

[But his laughter is friendly enough, even while the crow's deciding that cawing back at the screen was more interesting than his hair, dark head peering close at the other bird.]

That might be why they seem well-fed~ But, they get along as well as any flock does. They bicker sometimes, but you can learn a fair amount of gossip that way.

video;

[palebee]

I have seen the hats! Curious designs. I admit less familiarity with knitted animals, although my brother once had a crocheted goat of which he was quite fond.

One of the Traveler elves has offered their assistance, but I admit some hesitation to ask the natives of this realm, at least while they are still seeing to the rebuilding and repair of their home. There may be an opportunity yet, but I feel it is one best pursued when more pressing matters are dealt with.

As to the east, it strikes me from the shape of the script alone, almost closer to Arabic; though that is likely only the beauty of its flow. In truth, Miss Liddell, I somewhat doubt much connection to any earthly language -- as we are all given to speak the same, undefined tongue while in Asgard, it should not much surprise me if Elvish drew its roots from a similar, artificial device.

Which stories are your favourites, Miss Liddell? I rather enjoy fables and adventures, personally. What do you like best to read?

video;

[palebee]

To be sure! Bodies, nuts, dustbins, larders -- they'll get at just about any kind of food, won't they?

This fellow was quite enamoured with my toast this morning, and decided to accompany me in.

[ Not quite a lie, he did spend nearly an hour feeding it breadcrumbs. The bird hops back and forth before the bracelet, ruffling out its feathers and peering. ]

Oh? Are yours taken to repeating things?

Re: video;

[bythewaves]

My thanks, sir. I am most often found in [ his favourite pub in Freyr ], or in the park nearby. Before she... left, Jade taught me how to use the bracelets, as well, so you may look for Maglor.

[palebee]

For you, Miss Gallagher, I've all the time in the world.

[ The door is unlocked, and sits just ajar. He's hunched over a small notebook when she arrives, cross-checking the pages with a large volume to his right. The crow takes off at the sight of any stranger, cawing with raucous suspicion before hopping back to settle on his shoulder. ]

[palebee]

Oh, it's no trouble, really; I live about a block away from the place, and I've the need to stop by anyway. I can meet you at the tables just adjacent to children's biographies, at about seven this evening, if that is agreeable?

video

[subecho]

There stood a queen who seemed to speak both tongues. She cannot leave you writing in help?

video;

[necrowmantic]

Yep! They've led me to more than one tasty leftover. And not-so-tasty things too, I guess.

[Another bird hops up his arm, trying to get a better view of what was so interesting/potentially edible.]

And sure, they talk a lot among themselves, if you're willing to listen. Half of it's lies, but you can't do any better with humans!