The Sceórain Journals

The Ending of an Era

2006-07-09T02:28:00.000-04:00

I AM TRULY EXCITED!!!

Beginning on July 17, 2006, I will finally be working in a career field in which I’ve endeavored for a few years now. I will be a Network Engineer (entry level) for a Wide Area Network. The company is called BroadVox and they are a Wide Area Network for telephones and the Internet. Lo and behold, BroadVox is located in the Halle Building on 1228 Euclid Avenue, downtown Cleveland. This is the same building that Drew Carey worked in (mythically) for Winfred Louder and the same building used in the opening credits to the Drew Carey Show. I think the most amazing thing though is that BroadVox is yet another stepping stone into my career on a broader sense. They actually have a lab that their employees can use for testing and taking the CCNA (Cisco Engineer). I do believe they offer other tests (at a cost) like the Network + and MSCE.

Since the beginning of the year though, I have been working part time as a Help Desk Technician at LifeBanc at 20600 Chagrin Blvd, Shaker Heights, Ohio (On the messed up Warrensville Ctr, Northfield, Van Aken and Chagrin intersection, heh). There, I work in the IT Department and help maintain their network; however, the overall goal of LifeBanc is Organ/Tissue Procurement. They work exclusively with the local hospitals and coroner for organ/tissue donation. LifeBanc was merely a stepping stone into the world of Information Technology, and I’ve learned quite a bit from my supervisor. So, I had the two jobs since the beginning of the year before graduating on June 6.

While I was working at Tony Roma’s Ribs, I continued to pursue the hope that I would be working in my career field full time one day and not just slinging ribs. That hope outshined the darkness and opened the Horizon for me – or at least I moved closer to it. On Friday, June 30^th, I tendered my resignation at Tony Roma’s. Go toír sín!

Tá Míshnach górg d’Achoáin:

Á Lhuíssa Górg

g’Fíuir, c’Aíea í mhuscáil sín

Feá Aionn, bó aion na síehan.

Fhíuir 1:1-7

¹Ó’ga-ruíf áal gCassaguim s’Dhroígga:

“Droígain gí hícgs go pleáfoín domh,

tdroíga gí shíeanna go líerain óil,

tdroíga gí bpangcaith forechain thírach,

í á-sashain gmeórch an tdroígain gí n’cuíc.

²Meárra plía an sín nen escalláin-nloígc dhóua an plían,

í athlas, ní lhusaith strelleás droíggadh domhain go caónn Phaíf go thrugh aál. Meár dóu, ghafhorch – dta, cóa man,

í-narch cóa órionn aion.

³Marg c’fíuir go difánn mo bhí bergcóa odacha c’aíea eóan, pó phash aál go baggain.

Hóul go muscail sín gh’chóinn odair cóa od lá Aómh n’Uísara Uír mhan? Hóul go muscail sín cóa od lá mhedía á tdroígain uílair mhan?

⁴Hóul chóinn odair go dhuíf abháill gceárth ní bpeárra gCroátain ó ní loggeás n-Fhaaluir mhír?

Ó hóul go dhuífain aál ní nuór uámhair óugcain níc Phlíann mhír?

⁵Droígain gí mhuádh gcínn go muáda mhíor, tdroíga c’ruíann an fhairesh go á-sashain. Í-narch uá, tdroíga gí hírach cáa eábhnoín shóunn, í go muscail sín an tdroígain g’ cóearta murnuíg á bhí.”

⁶Í Sáic Dáiodh hÁulainágh ga-loír áal:

Íath!

Shíeann gCóa!

⁷Áugma Tuátha Órai Mheállaionn:

Lhuígh gra go líeran an Rí

Meátha gCóa

That was a portion from the “Book of the Morning.” In light of finally getting into a career I enjoy, I look back on my own writings and reflect. The Litany of Tears best comes to mind for me and amplifies my struggles to find peace and contentment in my life. The elves in Arden sought the Horizon for peace, but when there was no hope or forgiveness, they took a “path of perishing” to purge their sins or disbelief. Instead of continuing to endure in their hope or patience, they flung themselves into the sea, hoping they would finally find rest. When the Essence of Shekinya finally ceased to indwell elfin Kings, one of the openings in the Free Sea closed. This created another opening for the elves, but it was a place of uncertainity for the most part. The lesson to be learned from this is simple: Continue onward towards the horizon and don’t give up and let the sea engulf your hopes and dreams. Below, is the translation from the above. It is the Litany of Tears.

The Book of the Morning:

The Book of Water

Of fate, of destiny and forgiveness

Chapter One, verse one to seven.

Fate 1:1-7

¹Let all recite the Litany having Tears:

“Tears of evil falling down,

Tears of glory rising high,

Tears of joy giving hope,

And having fear are tears of leading to pain.

²The pages of the sea are quickened in two forgotten places on the horizon,

And there in blue waters tears fall down formed by the scepter.

Two seas, give it, be there.

But there be one opening.

³What fate journeys forever becomes your whole destiny, [and] alone must be borne.

Would [or “could”] you be forgiven of your soul by the Concordant Summit?

⁴Could your soul find a home in fires of Hell or in the divinity of Heaven?

Or, could you find only contentment in the ever-winding path into the Horizon?

⁵Tears of lust covet again lusting darkness, tears of affliction are having death. However all tears of laughter are good medicine, and forgiveness are tears of mercy forever and ever.”

⁶And let the Choir of elves reply:

Amen!

Glory be!

⁷Let the Congregation of men announce:

Great Waters rising on High!

Peace be!

Eric Robert Chatham

The Dating Game

2006-01-13T01:07:00.000-05:00

Where do I start? Well, it's relatively hard to describe how I feel now. My heart is heavy, like a sinking ship, immersed in the icy, cruel water of winter. It is pierced with hopelessness and despair as far as becoming warm and fiery again. It all started back a long time ago. I met a woman and she seemed like the world to me. She kept my heart afloat and adrift on the sea of love. She was so wonderful and she aspired to me and loved me deeply. My heart was stoked like a bellows and it really was the White Fire for me. We loved each other, and we were both lost in love over each other. She saw things in me that no one saw. I, too, saw things in her and the romance was there. Well, that was a time ago, but now, my heart is sending out an SOS, because it is sinking deep in the fathom of darkness, under the icy sheets of bitterness and anger. She has forsaken me, and I am left alone in the dark, where there is no light or fire, only sightlessness and despair. Who knows what will happen when I hit the bottom. I just know that the abyss of my heart is growing deeper and the bottom is not there. I am so alone in this deep, cold sea, where there is no warmth. I can't see the top and I am here alone. No one understands how deep I've drowned. It is not love I'm drowning in. It is sorrow. My tears don't even compare to the power of the deep blue sea, for they are invisible to the world, but my soul weeps aloud inside, yearing for someone to rescue me and help me out of the troubled waters of loneliness. Where is she? Where has she gone? Please rescue my heart and the drowning of my tears. After all your heart has given to others, where have they all gone, when it is your heart that needs rescued? They have all forsaken me! I am left here to taste the bitterness of this deep, blue sea of despair, where there is not warmth for a fire. The only voice I hear must be God. "And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters." Does that mean that I will eventually see light? Does that mean that I will rise up from the depths? God knows me in the deep, but I don't know myself or where she is. Will He find her for me? Oh, my soul, I am so incomplete without her.

That is pretty much how life goes though, heh, when you are viewed upon as indiffirent, unconventional and weird. I don't fit well into groups, and I have a hard time finding the perfect match. Believe you me, I know that I'm straight and that my aspirations are to spend my life with that ideal woman; however, as I age and get older, my heart is failing. It's losing hope in destiny. Does God want me alone? He alone knows what's best for me. Recently, I signed up on eHarmony.com with some enthusiasm, that the empty chasms of my heart would be filled with joy again. It wasn't:

"eHarmony is based upon a complex matching system developed through extensive research with married couples. One of the requirements for successful matching is that participants to fall within certain defined profiles. If we find that we will not be able to match a user using these profiles, we feel it is only fair to inform them early in the process.

We are so convinced of the importance of creating compatible matches to help people establish happy, lasting relationships that we sometimes choose not to provide service rather than risk an uncertain match.

Unfortunately, we are not able to make our profiles work for you. Our matching model could not accurately predict with whom you would be best matched. This occurs for about 20% of potential users, so 1 in 5 people simply will not benefit from our service. We hope that you understand, and we regret our inability to provide service for you at this time." [source: eHarmony.com Database]

That message was a knife to me. Reading it basically made me feel worthless like a hard-luck case. I don't know what to make of it anymore. I've tried various dating services and I don't know how to overcome the feeling of emptiness and loneliness inside. It is so hard for me to find the right one, and I thought at one time I did find the right one. NO ONE UNDERSTANDS HOW I FEEL! NO ONE!

Everyone, seemingly, has no problem finding the right one fpr themselves. A plain ol' date would be even nice, but I can't even manage to pull that one off. I feel like an utter loser. It's awful and I feel crushed everytime when I see other people happy with their significant others. I get angry and bitter and, on top of that, MORE ALONE than ever! Ack! I don't know anymore. Maybe I need to go to dating school, because obviously, I'm doing something wrong.

Eric's Notes: Historia Ardóna

2006-01-10T21:35:00.000-05:00

HISTORIA ARDÓNA I-III
By: F. Cheetham

Below is a summary of the first installment of "Historia Ardóna," Section I, The Omen of the Winged Prophet. It is the first section of the "Historia Ardóna" stories. There is mention of Calendar dates and how they correspond to our own calendar. Extensively, there is a list of terms and people who inspired my characters. Please enjoy and feel free to comment on any of the entries. Some of you have enjoyed the history tales, and I would like to share some notes on the inspiration of the stories. Please use the below as a reference to the reading.

GLOSSARY OF TERMS

Áal-ní-Áal [âl-nee-âl] ~ lit. He in all, all in He, all in All. Almighty. Also, Uísara Uír [Ü-sara Ür] ~ Concordant Summit, and the God of the Concordant Summit, Aómh n-Uísara Uír [aYOEV NÜ-sara Ür]. This is the term applied to the Concordant Summit and the God of the Concordant Summit. The word áal “in” áal not only denotes the awesome power of this God, but grammatically, the term applies to great, omnipotent power unlike that of the Ardònic Pantheon. Many associate this power to the Gleam of the Elevated Sunbeam. Óurias Noíragga was the first elf to introduce the notion of their being a God to the fifth elemental point. He showed from the “Book of the Morning,” how this God has motivated and maintained life in the world of Arden. Many elves thought his teachings were erroneous and full of fallacy. Those who believed his words went on to form various secret sects in Arden. Three prominent places in Arden hold the belief of the God in the Concordant Summit: Cóneria, Daxl and Balláin-gChallaidhí (Challáid’s Feet).

Áildrígga, Prince [El-DREE-zha] ~ “Elf Tears.” Prince of Dracónna and Sólungcrannóus and son of Queen Saskía (Seóscieái). He is husband of Lady Cuóindrígga, Silent Tears, Countess of Peándráoth. They were the first two elves of three to bear Red Hair in Arden. He is slain by the rebellion under House Ellaphnoír under Lady Cíarra. See "Gorge of Aáldrígga."

Áirram-gCruísadhí [AIR-rum grü-SATH-ee] ~ “Wings of Messages,” the Winged Prophet. The Winged Prophet belongs to the race of Arganáis and his realm is in Elliós, the brightest star in the heavens, probably Sirius. It lies near Beállon or the Red Warrior of the Casomhar, probably Orion. Before the Light of King Exiv was expelled in the skies, the Winged Prophet arrived bringing messages of doom to the Realm of Arden. His messages concerned the coming of the Black Sleep and the ruin of the world of Arden through this affliction. He also announced the arrival of Óurias and the salvation of the world through his teachings. The Winged Prophet came upon Lady Cíarra of House Ellaphnoír and created madness in her, because of his awful dementia. Looking upon the creature causes madness and despair. The Winged Prophet returned to Elliós on February 5, in the first year of the Warm Era.

Áish [ESH], ~ “Fighter” the warrior, Beállon, the heavenly warrior, the constellation of “Orion.” In the heavens, or the Celeste (night sky), the heavenly warrior can be seen clearly overhead during the winter seasons. The belt of Áish points to Elliós, the brightest star in the heavens. The word Elliós [El-LEE-oas] means “breath star.” The bright star is probably a pre-recorded rendition of the star, Sirius.

Aódh [yOAth] ~ “judgement, fire.” The Blue Fire (also seen as “aódhá”). This fire is usually associated with, not only the elves, but the stars in the heavens. The Blue Fire is the second hottest fire in Arden (Threáichá, being the first). It is mentioned in the Book of the Morning as the elfin fire. It is also known as the ‘refiner’s fire.’ It symbolizes purity and cleansing. Forgiveness and the wakening of the spirit are associated with this fire. In contrast, in its worst form, it represents eternal death. The usage of this fire appears in the ‘Lost Account of Lankìnya,’ when Meádasha tells the Light that she divided the elemental point of fire. The translation is used according to her judgement and need for forgiveness. The literal translation of ‘elemental point of fire’ in this case is ‘Thrach nÁeidón.’ It is different from the first description in the creation accounts. Here the change of ‘fire’ implements a judgment upon the Realm of Arden, rather than the former fire of passion for life. The same text appears in the ‘Account of Mharabháunt.’ ‘(sic) See it in the heavens, for they proclaim the disruption to the balance in nature…remember the words of Shekìnya for he would bring hope [cárros-tírnach] to those who seek the ‘fire of life’ [hÁodhá shínna]. There is a contradiction here if you compare the creation accounts to the ‘Account of Mharabháunt’ literally. They use two different translations for fire. It is possible that Shekìnya also gave the Blue Fire to the elves at ‘Aimhá,’ the place of their awakening, for their spirits were pure and like a ‘cleansing water’ surrounding the isle.

Athí-Nhú [A-HEE NyOO] ~ “Father Now” or Exalted Father. Also, see Desikìnya [Deza-KIN-ya] ~ Weálsh, Descáinha [Des-KEN-ya] ~ Cáterneásh = “to proliferate.” The Exalted Father of the elves is Desikìnya and he is the protector of nature and of elk-kind. He upholds the thirteen pinnacles of nature and remains as an ally to Ví, the protector of natural order and the morning. The abode of Athí-Nhú is at the Temple of Breath in Vall, and there he is the keeper of the “elfin fire” or the “Blue Fire.” He despises technology and the wrongful uses of fire. His sworn enemy is Wuáde [WOO-ayid] or Mhuíathad [WÜ-a-had], keeper of the “black fire” of Ilúvi.

Áugmaóch [AWG-moach] ~ Out of “gmogc,” mention. Utterance. "The Utterance." Peace, Harmony, and Tranquility. The proclamation of the "utterance" has been long known in the Realm of Arden. It denotes perfect balance in the races and in nature. Meátha [MyEE-ha]. Scoíreágh [SCÖ-yree]. Carís-elficáin [Ca-rREESH EL-vi-ken].

Áuláil [Aw-LyEL] ~ Cáterneásh = "Out of Praise." {Len. hÁuláinagh = "Out of Praises"}. Áileóf [El-OHF] ~ Sól-Rhuíasha & pos. Ardónic = "Out of the Heights." The Original Cáterneásh term for Elf or the Fay-born, for they came out of praise of Shekìnya, the Glory. They are the sons and daughters of both Desikìnya and Saa-Scoauthoímhá, the firstborn of Harmony, who is Scoírae ha Sceór. The elves were rightly the sons and daughters of Áal-go-Nhuách, the omnivivacious light and the Athí Nhu, the Exalted Father of Glory. They were awakened by the glory of Shekìnya and they were the first inhabitants in the Realm of Arden, for the Harmony of the Voice illuminated the heavens and the splendor of the Glory created the Elves "out of Praise and Harmony." Compare and Relate: Reáchas da hÁulainágh, [RyECH-es DI HAW-li-NACH] "Power of the Elfs," Threáichá hÁuláinn, [Hrech-AY HAW-le-nen] "Elfin Fire," and Medheáog hÁuláinn, [Me-thEE-awzh HAW-le-nen] "Elfin Tears." Jessica Anderson and Cheri Dennahower, respectively.

Báin-Gabba [ByEN GABBA] ~ “Nerve Herb.” Also seen as “Ga-Bain.” The Báin-Gabba is an 'herb' that grows in the eastern realms of elves (called, 'Eásceáinn'). No, it isn't marijuana. It is more like Gingko Biloba. Originally, it was administered to Óurias' mother to help her in pregnancy of the twins. She had come face to face with a dreadful creature that drove her mad during her pregnancy; this was the reason the Báin-Gabba was given to her. It is supposed to ease pain and calm the nerves, but the affects have a mind-altering affect as well. In many accounts of those who have used it, it 'quickens the mind,' 'aids the waking of the third eye,' and 'elucidates the blood.' Many who have used it have become 'clairvoyant' and 'strong.' Not in this account, but in others, there is mention of a Verve Fruit which was the 'fruit of the gods.' The pits in the fruit were extremely potent. They had the power to 'wake the third eye' and cause 'supernatural changes in the physiological aspects of the body.' When used in conjuction with the 'Báin-Gabba,' the one taking them experiences 'supernatural changes' in themselves. They obtain great strength and powers over nature and the 'elemental points of Arden.' This actually happened to Óurias' mother.

Black Sleep, Annúa Ichaith [An-NYOO-a IKH-ay] ~ “Sleep Dark” or “Black.” The Black Sleep was a dreadful time of Arden when the Wraiths of Lightning or the Shammáin rule over the inhabitants of the earth. It isn’t an age or an era, but an ailment of those who were affected by the Wraiths or Shammáin. Many battles and wars span over a period of a 1000 years. These Shammáin are under the leadership of Kuírbha, who wishes to subdue all life on the earth into his submission. Kuírbha disregards the other Archive and the light of Shekìnya, the voice of Áugus and the breath of Síorde. Instead of being faithful, he uses his power of lightning to curse the inhabitants of the earth. Seven major battles incur during Kuírbha’s reign. There are others, especially in the kingdoms of men in the West. Kuírbha recruited dark elves, orcs, liches, dark shinings and ghouls on the Dark Continent, his secret base of operation. There, he built an army and sent massive fleets to the Lands Afar. The Emerald Isle was never seen spotted by the Dark Armies, nor did any of the fleets reach Thoris Port, because Jax was there protecting it with help from the Chemas Continent. Just before the Dark Sleep, walls were built around Thoris Port to protect itself from the coming evil. Jax recommended this. It was a stronghold that was never taken or sacked during this evil time. Many elves and men fled there during the Dark Sleep. King Oísin ruled Thoris Port at the time with Queen Tícra, daughter of Illustrá. When Thoris Port became constrained by refugees, it closed its borders. Because of this, many elves and men left the Lands Afar and settled farther in the west. Several elves left and took ships, looking for Emerald Isle and Sha-Ímheáorcain.

Coírhía [KÖr-HEE-a] ~ Source. “The Source.” The supreme being who was involved with the creation of Arden. The essences of Coírhía are threefold: Àugus, Shekìnya and Síorde. The Voice, the Glory and the Breath, respectively. The Voice spoke all life into being in Arden. The Glory created the srías, the heavens, the magical beings of Arden and the elves. He protects the gleam on the Elevated Sunbeam. The breath awakened man and dwarf into existence and quickened the soul of Krav. The mystery of Coírhía is associated with the Fifth Elemental Point.

Cuóindrígga, Countess [KOO-win-DREE-zha] ~ Silent Tears. Countess of Pendrath in the Kingdom of Draccóna. She plays an important role by dismissing the dreadful, Winged Prophet in Arden. She offers the payment to the creature, a lock of her Red Hair. After she offered payment to the Winged Prophet, she was given the title, "Threáichá hÁuláinn," Elfin Fire. She saved the realm of Arden from the curse of the Winged Prophet.

Cúimh Cairra (Cúimh Elbhái) [KOO-wiv KAIR-a] ~ Red Clan. Together, Queen Seóscieá, Prince Áildrígga, Lady Cuóindrígga, and Lady Cíarra Ellaphnoír make up the Cúimh Cairra, the Red Clan. They have vowed not to cut their own hair, for they were held in high regards to Hope in Arden. When there was no sunlight after the fall of King Exiv, this clan of red-haired individuals banned together to bring about Hope. Unfortunately, the demise of Lady Ellaphnoír came to the clan and Hope was compromised and almost lost. The Prince was the only male elf to have red hair. The sisterhood of Cairrónha was between the three women.

Huór [HOO-yore] ~ ”Wand fellowship” or Seer. Huór is the seer and protector of House Ellaphnoír. He lives in the wooded forest of Sriór. He guides the House under the influence of Ravìnya, the dreamer. His teachings are that of Ravìnya and the Celeste. He awaits the coming of Mazzaroth and the union of all the races. He gives sanctuary to the Lady Ellaphnoír and forbids King Iórdh from administering the Verve Fruit to her.

King Iórdh III hAlloímhá [YEE-orth, HAL-lö-way]; Iórdh ~ Cáterneásh = “redeemer,” Alloímhá ~ Cáterneásh = “carefree, free-spirited.” A name of a sept clan of Sceór in Cátern. The bloodline of Cáterneásh Kings passed through this “free-spirited” clan, which is centralized on the eastern fringe of the Blue River. The chief town of this clan lies between Vall and Oásis to the south. King Iórdh III was elected as High King of Cátern during the term of his father. Just before his father (Iórdh II) passed into Sha-Ímheáorcain, he endowed his son with the Kingdom on June 21. King Iórdh III is noted for “redeeming” (as such as his name means coincidentally) the Lady Ellaphnoír after the Ancients departed the Eastern lands, viz. Paó Ellaphnoír, her first husband.

Lail-bPangcaó [LEL-bang-KOE; the "P" is eclipsed with "b" sound] ~ Praise, Fruits. He is the older twin of Óurias. Lail becomes a mighty warrior and is trained by the Lady of Silent Tears. She teaches him the art of Ólla-Báinna, a skill which involves total concentration on the biochemical reactions of the body. The strict use of the nerves and muscles are focused upon. Together with Óurias, the three of them begin the Warriors of Srí in the Realm of Arden. The art of the Ólla-Báinna is passed down. In earlier life, it was Lail who inspired his younger brother, Óurias. Lail is credited to saving Óurias from a coveteousness of power. Almost dead, Lail arranges to send Óurias to the land of Free Sea, Sha-Ímheáorcain to heal for thousands of years. He is nutured and restored to health there by his forefathers, and later returns to Arden.

Óurias Noíragga [YOU-ree-es Nö-RAZH-a] ~ Heaven's Bright Sun; Purifier. The attributed savior of the “Black Sleep.” He is responsible to the building of the Altar of Connaírgha Glór. At the present day town of Conería, Óurias has the final blow against the Wraiths of Lightning under the command of Kuírbha and his birth mother, now known as Princess Iluíra or Lhanna (Desire). At the town of Conería, Óurias uses all his training to expel the evil spirit in his mother, and saves her. Though she is saved from the evil, the Lady withdraws herself and goes into hiding. Óurias and his brother were born on May 6, in the first year of the Warm Era, but Óurias went to the Isle of Rest on his twenty-sixth birthday, only to return years later on September 13, 988 of the Warm Era. He is most known for his visions, which have made their way into the sacred texts of Calláin-Bhoárroc. Some of them include the “Vision of Heaven,” the “Vision of the Trees,” and the “Angelic Chorus of Seven.” These visions were kept in a sacred golden chest (Coeáim S-Tórraigh [KWEM STOAR-reech]), buried in a fairy mount at the town of Dublin on the Emerald Isle (Eíorra). The chest also contains the other sacred oracles of Arden, like the Book of the Morning and the volumes of Historia Ardóna (written by various historians of the time). Óurias was also a D&D character role-played by Eric Chatham. He can be found here.

Saa-Scoauthoímhá [Sâ-- Skow-HÖ-way] ~ permeating, radiance (also seen with the title “áal-go-Nhuách” ~ omnivivacious light, or ”Queen Saa-Skáuty” in the tongues of men). The Queen of omnivivacious light is the center focus of the elves. She is the mother of Harmony and the Archive of Vaaluir, the realm of the clouds (the second Heaven). She is blessed with an aura which is blinding to mortals and immortals alike. Her beauty is beyond compare in this world and no one has seen her beauty, for she is nymph-like. Queen Saa-Skáuty is the bound wife to King Exiv in the High Times. King Exiv was the Archive of the Sun, and his powers brought greater beauty to the Queen and the clouds. Her aura permeates with an electrifying light called the Penúra.

Sha-Ímheáorcáin [SHA—EE-WyOAR-ka] or [SHA – EEV-YOAR-ka] ~ “land (of the) free seas.” Also seen as Áimhairícá [E-VYAIRee-kay]. In elvish lore, it is the “Isle of rest,” a land somewhere near the Horizons. It is rumored to be a City beneath the sea, a place of palaces and citadels. Departure to this land usually comes from Dórsa Port, because many elves believe it lies beyond the islands of Eásponna and Áimhá, their lands of origin. Elf kings, especially in the Kingdom of Cátern journey there and rest, when they become weary of the world. Other elves, weary of the world, seek fortune and rest there. The last king to travel there was King Iórdh III. He is also the last King to be endowed with the Essence of Shekìnya, the blessing and indwelling of the Glory. Upon leaving, he warned his kingdom that entrance into this land would be a “struggle” and that admittance in this realm would be minute. The king mentioned that another realm (of Lutta) would open up for elves, men, dwarves and all races in Arden. When Óurias arrived from Sha-Ímheaorcáin from his thousand year rest, he said he was gone 10 days, but their would be no need to travel to the Land of Free Sea, for the God of the Concordant Summit would bring rest to all who believe in Him.

Xandràxan, The ~ Weálsh = “Wolf, Predator,” also seen as Shandhráicsáen [Shan-THREC-say-en] ~ Cáterneásh = “Yellow, Wolf, (to) stalk.” The Xandràxan was the pet of Chaos and Kuírbha, the lightning god. He was released from the Mount Kravòkalla and set free by the Bibhon (The Book of the Morning). He is the epitome of fear and despair. Hopelessness and lies beget him. The Xandràxan arrived to the kingdoms of men during the High Times and devoured the innocent. He was on a quest to bring ruin and hunt down the Royal Messengers of King Exiv. He succeeded by bringing down all but two of the Royal Messengers: Owedæghax and Sunokwatz (daughter of the Queen). Owedæghax (or Jax) becomes the “Fulcrum of Time” after the Light of King Exiv goes out, and after the fall of Alkagora. The Xandràxan passes on his essence to Jax after biting him. Thinking he has won, Jax reaches the Golden Continent and is healed of his ailment; the essence of the Dark Wolf is dispatched from Jax, but it is not known where the Essence of the Dark Wolf goes (The Tales of the Last Guardian).

FACES BEHIND THE NAMES

As you all, know, I attribute most of my characters to real life people. From Ísas Cristarís as Crystal Bogdan, a dear friend, Queen Saa-Scoauthoímhá as Yvette Rachelle, the supermodel, Lankìnya of Vaaluir as Amber Scott, Lady Ellaphnoír (aka Akkævall) as Jessica Strong, Áisleáng as Janean Kelm, to even the "Stalking Spirit," Áieollain as Caleb Knight, Óurias Noíragga as Kevin Chatham (my brother) each character is tribute to those individuals I know in real life. These are a minute amongst many, and still, I still get inspiration from real life people. In recent writings, I have developed some new characters and some new ideas. Óurias Noíragga played an important role of ending a dreadful time called the "Black Sleep." This "plague" nearly destroyed all and the evil, Kuírbha dispatched his Wraiths to inflict everyone in Arden with "darkness" and "disease." The time of the "Black Sleep" was a period of time where the dead walked and where all life in Arden aged rapidly and died. It was the touch of the wraiths that plagued life.

Óurias is born prior to this. However, even he is faced with a tragedy: his mother. Lady Ellaphnoír, the mother of Óurias is cursed by an evil plot by the Bibhon (the dark conspirators or masterminds in Arden). Luckily for Óurias and his twin brother, Lail-bPangcaó, the two of them are "pre-born" in the womb before the curse on the mother. The Bibhon had conspired to destroy the children, for they were the "chosen ones" who would grow to be blessed by Shekìnya and the Source. Óurias is noted for making known the mysteries which surrounded the Fifth Elemental Point in Arden, Uísara Uír (Concordant Summit). In fact, if it wasn't for his teachings, no one would even know about the Concordant Summit, even a part from the Book of the Morning. Óurias is the first known individual to get in touch with God in the Realm of Arden. His visions go beyond the Horizon and even many of the time considered him to teach, "erroneous, mythlogical dogma."At the final stand of the wraiths of lightning, the revelation of the Concordant Summit makes himself known as a pillar of fire on the Altar of Connaírgha Glór (in present day Conería). Finally, proof of Óurias' teachings revealed himself and ended the "Black Sleep" in Arden. Óurias is well-known for his service as a Warrior of Srí, who still exist in Conería today. I have finished writing the first "history" of Óurias and have uploaded the story here. There is more to come as I continue to write them: The Birth of Twins: Óurias and Lail-bPangcaó.

Jessica Anderson as “Elfin Fire.” The character of Countess Cuóindrígga is dedicated to my friend, Jessica Anderson. Jess' real life "elfin fire" was inspiration for this special character, and just as the Lady of Silent Tears demonstrates her awesome power as an elfin heroine in the Realm of Arden, so, too the real life "Lady of Silent Tears," as Jessica Anderson does as well. After losing both her parents to the dementia of the Winged Prophet, she falls in love with Prince Áildrígga and marries into the Royal Family of Draccóna. She is immediately welcomed and offered sanctuary in the family. She is even given the right as becoming an heiress to the Throne. At the Lighthouse of Tír-Cúic, Lady Cuóindrígga stood up against the dementia of the Winged Prophet, feared no darkness offering payment (a lock of her red hair) to the Winged Prophet, and she sealed the deal to raise two, very important children in the Realm of Arden. Later, she will again demonstrate the power of "elfin fire" by coming to the aid of her mother-in-law, Saskia, to repel the sorcery of Lady Ellaphnoír. After the murder of her husband, she is coronated Queen and ascends to the Throne of Dracónna. She will use all her strength, to lead the Northern Elves against the evil of Ellaphnoír, allying herself with Queen Saa-Scoauthoímhá, the Queen of Harmony. Seeing the slaying of her husband and the loss of her parents, the Lady of Silent Tears demonstrates the greatest victory for herself, having "silent tears." She gains strength from her "silent tears" and moves on to becoming one of the greatest elf heroines in the Realm of Arden. In Draccóna today, the beautiful mausoleum of the elf queen remains one mile south of Crown City, where the Castle of the Crown rests. It is a beautiful structure which can be seen from the courtyard of the Castle.

Kevin Chatham as “Óurias Noíragga.” My brother has always been an intriguing individual. Knowing him most of my life, one attribute that stands out well is his “temper.” Óurias also has a “hot head.” Another inspiration behind this character is his stubbornness. As much so, both the character and my brother are unique, and free-spirited in some regards. I won’t go into deep detail, but the Báin-Gabba herb plays an important role behind both. My brother has a unique point-of-view on life and he believes in certain things that are - by all rights - obtuse. Óurias, too, was bringing a message of absurdity as well. At least most of his fellow kin thought so. They regarded his teachings as “erroneous” and “obscure.” Kevin often tells of erroneous (but intriguing) tales, especially when it comes to science and the universe. When Óurias overdoses on the Báin-Gabba, it his brother that pull him to his senses. Óurias nearly dies, trying to see a vision of heaven. Another common trend between Óurias and his brother is that they fight A LOT. Well, before I finally realized who Óurias was, my brother Kevin and I fought all too often as kids.

Óurias taunted Láil, pointing at his elfin ears. “What do you think we have these blooming ears for? To stab the air enveloping us?” He sarcastically answered. “They’re an antenna to heaven, an attunement of the Horizon.” Seeing that his brother did not agree with him, Óurias charged into his brother with full force. He enraged, finally overpowering Láil, pinning him to the ground. He reached down with his one hand and tugged on one Láil’s elfin ears, as if he was extending it towards Heaven. “It is no mistake that Shekìnya gave us these pointed ears, as a wedge to hear into the Heavens. They’re an antenna to heaven, an attunement of the Horizon!”

Láil shrugged his head unacceptably. Óurias released the grasp on his ear. Seeing a brief hesistation in Óurias, Láil reached around Óurias and struck him in the face. “They’re an attunement with nature, brother. Lughó has taught us such things on this with our mother’s aid.” Óurias fell over. “Our birth in this world came from Harmony; We were commanded to govern nature to its fullest, not listen to Heaven.”
(Historia Ardóna: Section V – The Final Struggle)

The above text was written in August 2005, when I was jotting down notes for the story of Óurias Noíragga. I did not share this information with anyone, because I was still writing it and perfecting it. Well, Kevin calls me a day later and we both get into a heated conversation on the telephone. He begins telling me about “hearing radio waves” and “electromagnetic waves” that can screw up the way we think, or the way we see. “We’re getting messages from space in the form of electromagnetic interference. They mess up our hearing, so nothing is secret.” He said those words, and I thought on it. I didn’t laugh, but replied, “That’s absurd. I don’t think that our ears are attuned to those frequencies. We can’t hear such things, but we can hear God’s voice in our hearts.” Now, understand, I had the phone call after I wrote the above - HONEST. Read it again!!! Did you get the chills? I DID!!! After making the connection from the story I wrote, it was dead certain now who Óurias Noíragga was: KEVIN CHATHAM!!! Kudos! While the elves did not believe that their pointed ears were antenna to heaven, they believed strongly that their ears were a symbol and attunement of nature. Their purpose was to please nature, not listen to it. The term Lhoínna [lHÖN-na], “elfin ears” is derived from the word Laóin [LAwin], meaning, “wedge” or “leaf.” It always used to describe elfin ears in Arden, and as a symbol of the cohesiveness of nature to the elves. As a “tip of the hat” to my brother, Óurias’ visions become common teachings after the God of the Concordant Summit arrives to end the Black Sleep.

OVERVIEW: Section I – The Omen of the Winged Prophet.

The story opens with the King of Cátern, one of the three kingdoms of elves in the East. The King is King Iórdh III from the Clan of hAlloímhá (Halloway), a sept clan to Sceór. He is married to Lady Ellaphnoír from the Kingdom of Eluíra, the second of three elfin kingdoms. The marriage of the King and the Lady is not revealed here, but it predates to the time of Paó Ellaphnoír, one of the first children of Scoírae the Sceór and the “mother of music.” He was one of the Ancients who remained on the elfin island of Áimhá. There he encountered and married Lady Cíarra, daughter of Challáid, first High King of Eluíra. When Cíarra and Paó journeyed to Eluíra, they brought House Ellaphnoír with them. This was after Challáid’s second journey to the Eastern Lands. Paó later returned to Áimhá (before the fall of King Exiv) at the beckoning of Queen Saa-Skauty, but Cíarra was not permitted to return with Paó, for she was not of the race of Ancients. Paó entrusted his wife to the Bloodlines of Scoírae ha Sceór (his own bloodline); the bloodline of the Kings of Cátern. This would later serve the purpose of King Iórdh III. This King served as a kinsman redeemer to Lady Cíarra, and he married her at the request of both himself and Queen Saa-Skauty. She was still Matriarch Lady of House Ellaphnoír, but Darraíon was Lord of the House at the tree city of Sriór, home of House Ellaphnoír.

When the story opens, the Winged Prophet is released and spreading messages of doom in the elfin lands. In the West, the dreaded creature, the Xandràxan, is bringing despair. It is the time where the kingdoms of the west are ripe to fall. King Exiv was tempted by Wuáde and given over to the black fire (as recorded in the “Book of the Morning”). This began the fall of the High Times and the dispelling of his Light, the Sun. The High Times were ruled by King Exiv and the Queen of Harmony, Saa-Skauty. After the Winged Prophet comes upon the Lady Ellaphnoír, she is plagued by madness and insanity from the sight of the creature. Compelled to find a cure for the lady, the King of Cátern journeys to Sóllungcallas to seek Queen Saa-Skauty. It is revealed that Lady Ellaphnoír is pregnant with the twins, Óurias and Láil-bPangcaó. The seer, Huór, recommends a steady diet of the “nerve herb,” Báin-Gabba, to bring relief. Since the King of Cátern is also a descendant of Scoírae ha Sceór and Uthí hÁianur [OO-hee HEIYa-noor] (Mother of Music), he is blessed with the “remedy of song and melody.” His ethereal voice brings comfort to the Lady, for without his voice, she would surely be driven to insanity. On October 31, the eve of November 1, the Fall of King Exiv comes to pass. It is also the first day on the calendar of the Ancients. Darkness enshrouds the land for more than three months. In this time, a band of elves remain at Sólungcallas where they are protected by the gods and goddesses of the land. While the Winged Prophet and the Xandràxan bring ruin to the world, there is hope. The Lady Ellaphnoír is bearing the twins who bring restoration to the Realm of Arden.

The Lady’s half-sister, Saskía arrives to be with her sister during the time of darkness. She cares for her sister’s well-being and the birth of the twins, for her daughter-in-law, the Lady of Silent Tears has also encountered the Winged Prophet. Saskía arrives, but learns of her half-sister’s deep, rooted vanity. Saskía learns that Lady Ellaphnoír would not render a lock or her Red Hair to the creature to release the curse upon, not only herself, but the Eastern Lands. In disgust for her sister, Saskía leaves the circle of Sólungcallas on December 25, and puts her fate in the hands of Rávinya, the dreaming god, the protector of “good fortune.”

BACKSTORY ON LADY CÍARRA ELLAPHNOÍR

Lady Cíarra Ellaphnoír [CYEE-ar-ra EL-laph-nör] ~ Cáterneásh = ”Radiant” and “Breath Allowance” also “House Ellaphnoír.” The Lady Ellaphnoír was inspired by two people, a girl-friend and an ex-fiancée. The lady’s “strength of character” is inspired by Jessica Strong; however, the beauty and vanity of the lady is inspired by an ex-fiancée, who will remain anonymous here. The character is two-fold, because one aspect of her carries an inner strength and beauty while the other one carries the outer beauty. She is complex, but carries both attributes. In the end, it is her inner beauty that prevails, but it is also her vanity that corrupts the Realm of Arden. The statement, “It’s not forgotten. It’s still there. It won’t leave, and it’s hurting me. I think you know what I mean, but if not, ask me later,” spoken by her in Section II, was an actual real life statement written down by Jessica Strong in a love letter. Lady Cíarra is one of the most interesting of characters in Arden, for she is the only known elf to ascend to the thrones of Immortality, having the same existence and powers of the other Archive in Arden. The Archive are the patriarchs and matriarchs in Arden, who exist on a higher plane of hierarchy, much like gods and goddesses. Lady Cíarra ascends to the role of Akkævall, lady of Lust and Desire. Her ascension actually provokes the coming of the Black Sleep. Lady Círra not only bears twins in the Warm Era, but she again bears twins TWO more times. Two of these appear during the period of the Black Sleep: Mishfa and Daídha. The last pair appear in the Sixth Era as King Shadlíer and his brother.

CALENDAR SEASONS

It should be interesting to note, but the elves begin their calendar season with the month of Níssan or September. They believe that death precedes life; darkness precedes light and that fall precedes spring. Níssan 11 is noted for the Wind of the Knife, one of the four winds of the seasons. This is the Wind of Death and predates the season of Fall or Sabha-Belnuír, which is celebrated October 29-November 1 (Saómhain 29-Uísean 1). October 31 is the Day of Silence, Sabha-Bhelnuír [SA-va VEL-nür]. In Section I, the Lady Ellaphnoír conceived the twins on Níssan 1, and it also the day that the Winged Prophet plagued her. No, Níssan has nothing to do with the model of a car, but an elvish word, meaning “banner” or “standard.” It is the month that sets the standard of the seasons, and it is called the “banner” for it is the first month.

On October 24, the sons and daughters of Scoírae the Sceór arrive at Vall. This real day was also the day set aside to spend the rest of my life with TL in marriage (October 23). They anoint the twins at the Temple of Breath a day after the King and Lady re-proclaim their love. The presence of Scoírae was necessary, because he was the one who began the bloodline of the Cáterneásh Kings. He was the first of Clan Sceór and his presence at Vall sanctified the bloodlines of Kings. This was the forefather of King Iórdh III. The anointing of oil on the forehead is significant because it was a sign of divinity. Origins of this practice can be seen and traced in Biblical Times of the Old Testament. The Kings and Queens in the Eastern Lands were all anointed as rulers by a prophet or seer. Most Kings in Cátern were anointed by Shekìnya and the Essence of Shekìnya in dwelled them. Also, October 24 is used commonly in the Realm of Arden. The Chronicles of Tristan: The Revelation opens with Daulky Kinkayle traveling to see his friend Delshaw on October 24.

February 5 is another important day. This is the day the Lady of Silent Tears offers payment to the Winged Prophet. She gives the Winged Prophet a lock of her Red Hair. This day comes to play because it is the birthday of Jessica Anderson, the inspiration behind the Lady of Silent Tears. Yes, she is another Red-Headed Female.

The twins are born on May 6, which is associated with the feast of Beltain (beginning sun down on April 30). On May 1, Saskía joined the King, to participate in a feast to commemorate the birth. May Day ushers in the fifth month of the modern calendar year, the month of May. This month is named in honor of the goddess Maia, originally a Greek mountain nymph, later identified as the most beautiful of the Seven Sisters, the Pleiades. By Zeus, she is also the mother of Hermes, god of magic. Maia's parents were Atlas and Pleione, a sea nymph. The old Celtic name for May Day is Beltane (in its most popular Anglicized form), which is derived from the Irish Gaelic "Bealtaine" or the Scottish Gaelic "Bealtuinn", meaning "Bel-fire", the fire of the Celtic god of light (Bel, Beli or Belinus). He, in turn, may be traced to the Middle Eastern god Baal. In Kue Mythology, the month of Aleáth coincides with the month of May. The Ancients also celebrated May Day on April 30 (Dheígga 30). When the calendar was altered in Cátern, Aleáth had 30 days and it is commemorated by love goddess, Shívar, the protector and guardian of the northern elves. The Draccónain elves hail to her, and it is interesting that Saskía herself (an elf of the North) sacrifices the month devoted to Shívar to oversee the births of the Twins. The month of love and TL have important homothetic meanings in the Realm of Arden. Shívar appears in Section III to Challáid, and she gives him one of her daughters as a wife. The day King Iórdh III returns to Vall is May 7, a day after the King and Lady go their separate ways. May 6 is a significant day, because it is the day I fell in love with TL. Tragically, it is also the day my Grandmother, Mary Joan Shrive Chatham, passed away on (1989).

SHA-ÍMHEÁORCAIN

Is the Land of Free Sea another term for America? The elves in the Eastern Realms (Eáshceáinn) believed in a land near the Horizons, mainly near the western horizon, usually called Plíagge. Although, the elves believed that the Land of Free Sea encompassed all of Arden, they believed that there was greater significance in the western horizon as opposed to the eastern one. There was a prophecy of King Shafhaloá II during the High Times, which gives clue to the Land of Free Sea being America.

"Domhain, domhain níc mheár, tíra dhóua an caddeá fairan dhomh an tdroíga na Fhaaluír. Alíeth, tíra dhóua pleáfoín frídh phlíann an Phlíagh-Áugus. Cóa bleácain od cátern, sar óam da gcoímhardeáigras go fáelain mo bhí, áal óuam da hIlubhí-Óuic go berbhaógain. áiFaira óig an escalláin-nloígc tánn thíra dhóua da Sha-Ímheáorcain an Phlían, go cátern nínaóth mír!"(The Account of Battle: The Book of the Morning).

Translated into English, this prophecy says:

"Down, down into the sea, two towers as pure and white tumble down as tears from Heaven. Alas, two towers fall over the horizon of Plíagge. Be wary, you remaining, for a day of exultation comes as quickly as the day of the evil cloak of his fire extinguishes. Forget not like the Forgotten Realms that the two towers of the Free-Sea Land, lying on the Horizon, remain therein forever and ever."

Looking closely at the prophecy of the King, he was seeing an event happening on the Horizon near Plíagge, the place of the Free Sea. It was the falling of two towers into the sea. Although the King attributes this to the beginning and ending of dominance of the elves, the King clearly was seeing two towers (tíra dhóua [TEER-a THyOO-a], towers two) falling from the sky of Heaven into the Land of Free Sea. This prophecy validates the notion of the Land of Free Sea being America or at least the East Coast. King Shafhaloá II is also the great-great-great grandfather of King Iórdh III, the ruling King of these stories.

Book Review: The Silmarillion

2005-11-08T01:44:00.000-05:00

The Silmarillion
By J.R.R. Tolkien

The Silmarillion was the first book written by Tolkien. He wrote various narratives during the time he served in World War I. The narratives he wrote about were his experiences in war, the ‘evil’ in warfare, the loss of friends, and the use of a ‘mechanized warfare.’ These themes as well as Tolkien’s devotion to Christianity, love of languages, and heroic sagas are major themes in, not only the Silmarillion, but the Lord of the Rings as well. One can see the depth of these in his work.

The Silmarillion is the history of the Valar and Maiar in Valinor, the Elves in Beleriand and the coming of the Followers, Men. Most importantly, this book describes the beginning of Middle-Earth and the history of the Elves. The Elder Days describe the First Age with the elves in Beleriand and Aman. The other races that Tolkien uses are born in this time period, such as dwarves and men.

Tolkien begins the Silmarillion by introducing ‘Eru Iluvatar,’ the One. Iluvatar is the one who creates the world of Arda, where Middle-Earth resides. In the time of the harmonious creation, demonstrated by various musical orchestrations of Iluvatar, Tolkien introduces the theme of evil and the notion of Satan in the being of Melkor. Melkor is a clever, but devious, creature. He belongs to the Valar, but he lusts after the Light of the Valar and the ‘fire imperishable,’ created by Iluvatar in the beginning. We learn later that the schemes of Melkor create discord amongst the other Valar of Arda. For this, he is banished from Valinor, where he later begins to subdue the elves into his submission. Because of his hatred of all that Iluvatar made, he creates strife in the world of Arda. This hatred is seen when the Firstborn, the Elves, and the Followers, Men, are created. When Melkor establishes his kingdom of Angband in the mountains of Thangorodrim, his hatred of both elves and men reaches its peek. He and his chief lieutenant, Sauron, build an army of Orcs, Balrogs and Dragons to overcome the inhabitants of Middle-Earth.

At the awakening of the Elves or the Quendi, the Valar summon them to Valinor to behold the Light of the Two Trees, Telperion and Laurelin. These are no ordinary trees. These are the two trees of the gods, and they supply light to the realm of Arda before the rising of the sun and moon. The Valar summon the elves to Valinor, but there are three major sunderings made during their journeys. Those who refused the trip became known as the Avari, the dark elves. They allowed fear of the journey to stay them. There were three journeys later that produced the major bloodlines of the Elves: The Vanyar, the Noldor and the Teleri.

The Vanyar and the Noldor journey to Valinor, and then they are followed by most of the Teleri. The Teleri that lag behind their kin become the Sindar and Green-elves of Middle-Earth. These elves could see the gleaming of Telperion and Laurelin on the horizon from Middle-Earth, even though they never journeyed to the trees. In the Silmarillion, Tolkien uses the theme of ‘immortality’ with the elves. They are wise and blessed with long life. The Elves do not know death while they are in Valinor, unless they become weary of the world. For example, this happens to Arwen in the Lord of the Rings after King Elessar (Aragorn) passes.

Iluvatar awakens Men later in the First Age, when Melkor and a black spider named Ungoliant devour the Light of the Two Trees. Finally, the Moon rises and then the Sun rises in the west and wakens Men. Tolkien uses ‘mortality’ to describe the purposes of men. The Elves are immortal and wise, but the ‘gift’ of man was death, and a short life. It should be noted that Tolkien calls death a ‘gift’ when he introduces men. Later, Sauron and Morgoth corrupt men of this ‘gift’ and make them prisoners of their own fears and doubts of death. This was a folly seen in the kings of Numenor and the Dunedain, where they did not want to die but live forever like the elves. On Numenor, they confided in Sauron and heeded to his wisdom rather than receiving guidance from the elves of Valinor.

It should be noted plainly that before the great struggle of Melkor and Ungoliant, and the devouring of the Two Trees, Fëanor, a very powerful and wise elf of the Noldor, creates the three Silmarils. The three Silmarils are jewels that contain the mysterious light and dew of the Two Trees. Fëanor fashioned them particularly. They become precious to the Noldor and later the dwarves. Fëanor was also the only elf to take counsel from Melkor, who he ended up calling Morgoth later. In the Silmarils, the fate of all of Arda resides. It is quite possible that Melkor helped Fëanor with his knowledge, but the reader can only surmise this. It is not stated.

Once again, Melkor lusts after the Light, the one in which the jewels spawns his evil plans to subdue all that was created by Eru. Later, he steals the Silmarils for himself and imbeds them into a crown, which he wears on his head. This is an interesting theme. If one thinks about it, the fate of the world lies on the head of Melkor. How many times do we see evil in this world? Tolkien saw it every day when he was on the fronts. We see the same as well, some of us from a distance. This betrayal between Melkor and Fëanor causes Fëanor to seek Melkor out and get back the jewels. In his rage, Fëanor leads the Noldor back to Middle-Earth to reclaim the Silmarils. This begins the downfall of the Noldor, for they become cursed by this quest and bound to the doom of Mandos with no hopes of return to Valinor and forgiveness of the Valar. Interesting enough, one aspiring member of this quest is Galadriel, who is seen in the Lord of the Rings.

In the middle of the Silmarillion, Tolkien uses his love for his wife in the formation and history of Middle-Earth. In the Chapter Of Beren and Luthien Ninuviel, an elf falls in love with a man. This romantic tale between an elf-maiden, Luthien, and a mortal man, Beren are synonymous to the completion and climax of humanity today. The remnant of the elves and their divinity are in each of us today. Beren spotted Luthien in the forest dancing and singing under the moonlight. When Luthien noticed Beren, she was startled, but Beren pursued her. They later fall in love. When King Thingol, Luthien’s father, discovers her love to a mortal man, King Thingol entreats Beren to a quest, where he must retrieve one of the Silmarils from the crown of Morgoth. The quest is long and hard, battling the wolves of Angband and Sauron, but fulfilling. Beren wins his bride at the expense of losing his right hand to Carcharoth, the Great Wolf, and the King is pleased. The quest demonstrates Tolkien’s love for Edith Bratt. This chapter was the most enjoyable part of the Silmarillion.

The story continues in more depth with tales of Elves, Dwarves, and Men. After a series of battles in Beleriand, the fifth battle of Wrath ends the First Age in a climatic way. Morgoth releases a multitude of Orcs, Balrogs and Dragons against Beleriand and the Hidden City of Gondolin. This host compares to the battle of Dagorlad, the Final Alliance, in the Second Age. With this massive, swift stroke, a Host of Valinor comes to the aid of elves and men. This retaliation causes the earth to shake and ultimately the destruction of Beleriand comes to pass. The plundering of Beleriand begins the Second Age.

Just with his work on the Lord of the Rings, Tolkien writes the Silmarillion on an ‘epic’ scale. There is so much deliverance in the themes and work. Tolkien’s mythology focuses on beliefs that in the beginning, when the land was still young and unmarred, a better world there was, a utopia, paradise-on-earth, more poetic and beautiful and strong than Man can hope to comprehend. One main theme that remains in our own world is the divinity in the Elves. It demonstrates the foundation to our own spirit of humanity today.

This book in all its literary astuteness deserves to be read with the Lord of the Rings. Anyone who enjoyed reading The Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings must read the Silmarillion.

13 Years in The Book of Life

2005-09-13T15:45:00.000-04:00

The Lucky Number Thirteen

“...Í dháin, Tráifhain, Go nlaimh hIósamhain an Bhlanc sín ámma Gáiel hÍshcoúir í-Phlían. Gmeórch a dóm áuphúaidh Dhiábhól ní hAódeálhuígh ruírmhair a mó bhí mír nínoáth. Shíeann gcóa! Íath!”

"...And then, Thirteen, Jesus appears brightly (as his being) like the Morning Watch of the Horizon. Fear passes down on the Devil in the Lake of Fire forever and ever, where he passes down into."

(The Oracles of Fire)

I don't know what it is, but somehow the number thirteen is a good number for me. Today, I will be celebrating thirteen years in the Lamb's Book of Life. Now, granted, it's been a very, bumpy road since 1992, when I made my commitment to Jesus Christ at the Gospel House Church in Bedford. God doesn't turn his back on those who seek Him. Interesting to note, but my birthday is October 13 and my second birthday is September 13. Yesterday, I attended a Connection Group at the Cuyahoga Valley Christian Church in Broadview Heights. That would be thirteen years (minus one day) from the first time I made a commitment to Jesus Christ as my Saviour.

Attending the group at the church, I was striving to get involved with a Single's Community Group. That was my first choice. Not only did I want to meet people my own age (unmarried or uncoupled), my intent was to find my soulmate. Who knows, she may be there. I knew God wanted me at CVCC and I went. Mind you, I didn't realize what date it was, until later. After attending, I was disheartened to realize they didn't have a Single's Group. I sat with a "couple's group" and I felt really left out. I asked if they had a Single's Group and they said there wasn't one. "Great, I leave one church because they didn't have one, and I attend another church that doesn't have one. Is marriage and coupling a pre-requisite to being a Christian or being part of a Church?" I was crushed and defeated. I left with bitterness. A lady was sitting in the foyer and said, "thank you for attending." I was so crushed, I uttered quietly, "I didn't find what I needed." I left the Church with a tear in my eye. I walked towards my car and stopped. I quietly mumbled to God, "Don't you want me to be here? You want me here!" Also deep down inside, I knew God heard my thoughts. "I need to be around people of my same faith, so I can grow. I've spent too many years letting the seductiveness of the World writhe in me." Only he knows my true Heart. I don't even! So, I turned back around and gave a deep sigh. "I can't remain defeated like this!"

I went through the doors again, still feeling miserable. I went back to the group connection and talked to some of the group leaders. I told them what I desired and if I needed to, I would join the Single Men's Group, not the regular Men's Group (that was one of the groups on the list). One attendant led me into a room with Men, and I talked a good deal of what I was looking for. Finally, one of the men told me about Life Groups and 707, a group designed for young and single adults. He asked me about my commitment to Christ and I told him where I was with my relationship in God. In other words, I basically told him that the "world has been seductive to me." He understood what that meant, but reminded me that Christ's sacrafice was once and for all! He can't die again to forgive sin; He did it once and for all. He has been risen from the Dead and now is ascended into Heaven.

Finally, as we were talking about Men's Groups and Life Groups, he asked me about the Gospel House and Pastor Bob Sepkovich. I told him that I made a commitment to Christ on September 13, 1992, but I didn't go forward when they had the Altar Call. I did that later at a Thursday Communion Service. "Oh, wait, Sept 13, that's tomorrow amazingly enough," I mused.

The Thirteen Pillars of Nature in Elfindom

It was well known of the elves that if the thirteen pinnacles of nature were altered, there would be no salvation. “Without thirteen, there is no salvation for us,” they agreed.

(The Omen of the Winged Prophet)

There are thirteen pinnacles of nature that the elves in Arden regard. They are Air, Earth, Fire, Water, the four winds (Scourge, Restitution, Renewal and Fulness) and, finally, the four seasons (Aóicónach or Spring, Saíra or Summer, Sabha Bhelnuír or Fall, and Abhiánuír or Winter). If they are unbalanced, chaos reigns. So much is true for the number thirteen in real life...or at least so I see it. I chose to write about the number thirteen as a balance for nature.

Thirteen people were present at the Last Supper; Jesus and his Twelve Disciples. If it weren't for Judas' betrayal (the thirteenth individual), there would be no salvation for mankind. What transpired after the Last Supper is where our hope as Christian's belongs. Jesus went to the Cross (on a Good Friday) to pay for the sin of the world. In my mind, thirteen is a number attributed to salvation and hope, however, as often as so, people associate the number thirteen with bad luck. For instance, Snopes.com has something to say about Friday, the 13th. I don't see both Friday and the number 13 that way. Thirteen present at the Table; Jesus dying for the sin of the world on a Friday. Just as I have written with the elves in the Realm of Arden, there is "no hope for salvation, without the number thirteen." We must go beyond the number 12 to the number 13. There is where we find hope and salvation. "Without thirteen, there is no salvation." Just like in the Oracles of Fire, the song tells us of "Thirteen, a Saviour appears as brightly as the Morning Watch (on the) Horizon."

So, I suppose I should be proud to born on the 13th day of a month. Anyone else born on the 13th day of a month?

The Good ol' Midwest

2005-09-05T12:08:00.000-04:00

"So Dave, tell me about Ohio." Jimmy James

"Wisconsin actually." Dave Nelson

"Same thing." Jimmy James

"Well, sir, the Heartland appreciates your kindness." Dave Nelson

(NewsRadio)

The most unkind of the Heartland:

Today is Labor Day and the weather is very nice, however, that wasn't the case a few weeks ago. Aside from the tragedies in New Orleans and other Gulf Coast Cities from Hurricane Katrina, the weather we have here in the Midwest is generated by dry air from the west and humid air from the south. This awful combination sometimes produces this...

On Saturday, August 20th, we had one of the deadliest storms in the area. Two, twin tornado touchdowns in Medina Township near SR 3 and I-71. One tornado funnel spotted in Brunswick near Sleepy Hollow Road, and finally, this one in the picture, spotted in Hinckley, where I'm living at now. Granted, the twin tornado touchdown were classified as F1, the least hungry of the five, but the scare of a tornado is just devastating to many. The picture was taken by Justin Gilbert of Hinckley, Ohio. It was one of the funnel clouds spotted, and the events of that day were not forgotten...at least by me.

On that Saturday, as I was getting into my car, I heard the air-raid sirens blaring in Brunswick. I took notice, because when I looked up, I saw one of the most unfriendliest of skies ever in my life. I did not see a twister, but the sky looked dreadful and angry. Getting into my car in Hinckley, I drove to work in Brunswick. Hearing the air-raid sirens and keeping my eye on the sky, I drove carefully to work. I crossed Stony Hill Road and W.130th Street cautiously into Brunswick. Crossing the border, I approached I-71 and I swear towards the south west, I saw a twister cloud. It was probably the one spotted on Sleepy Hollow Road and Pearl. I didn't panic but I arrived to work with a certain fear. Pulling into Tony Roma's all my bosses were outside pointing in the direction of the tornado. Guests were still dining inside, but some were outside looking around. I went into work and the radio was on. Yes, four funnel clouds were spotted. Two of them being the twin tornado touchdown in Medina Township.

The events of the Saturday will forever be imprinted in my head and ominously echo a notorious re-occuring dream I have...

Re-occuring Dream:

Ever since I was a kid, I've had this strange re-occuring dream of a tornado sweeping up our house while my family and I are in the basement taking cover. There are different variations, and sometimes these dreams are appended from other dream episodes I have. Even when I don't think of the dream, I still have it.

I'm standing outside my childhood house on Lewis Drive in Maple Heights, Ohio. I look up into a unfriendly sky and spot a twister (in some variations). The winds begin to pick up and I go inside (sometimes to warn the others). Then, we all take cover in the basement. I'm holding our cat, Tigger. The next thing I know, the tornado sweeps up the house, while we all look up into the funnel. I wake up.

In other variations, I'm sleeping in bed when the tornado strikes. I go and warn the others. The same events transpire. To this day, I don't know what the dream means.

The Whirlwind (Stráubinbon):

In the Realm of Arden, the whirlwind is used in various ways. It is described as a vortex, commonly known to us as a 'tornado.' Depending on the elemental points in Arden, this vortex is manifested in many ways. When the Uísara Uír fell upon the Altar of Connaírgha in Conería as a Pillar of Fire and Smoke, many described it as the Aómma Stráubhinbon, the "whirlwind of God." Those in Conería even witnessed Óurias Noíragga going up into it.

In the Tales of the Last Guardian, Saá-Bháullstráu, lord of the seas, created a vortex into the "forgotten places," where Ví safely discarded the children of Princess Iluíra: Daídha and Mishfa. The vortex over Yaívtag was generated by Ollen to take out the unloyal citizens who plotted against the holy city of Vall. This was done after they had been turned to salt by the mystical Rock of Ecloíraith.

I use the whirlwind in many ways to describe a judgment or a change. I suppose that is what my dream may mean. This may be why I chose to write the 'whirlwind' in this way. The tornado is a feared element in our world, just like a hurricane. We don't know why they come or create turmoil, especially in recent events. Perhaps they are a sign from God. Perhaps they are a judgment or a call for change.

Hurricane Katrina:

With recent events in the Gulf Coast, as a Christian, it is hard to believe that God sent a hurricane as a judgment, but things happen for a reason. There are no mistakes in God's design. Some of you reading may retort and say, "why does God want us to suffer then?" Or, "it's God's fault for all the pain." No, no, no and no.

I'm afraid to come back and say that it isn't God's fault. Pain and suffering is brought on by ourselves. However, when tragedy does come, we can choose to say like Job, "the Lord giveth and taketh away, blessed be the name of the LORD," or we can dwell on the pain and blame God. And, there is another force at work than Holiness. The Devil is very much present in our world and he exercises his abilities to make us blame God for things when they go wrong.

You may say that is easy for you to say, for you don't know what pain is. We all deal with pain and loss to whatever extreme. It's times like those where God wants us to be more dependant upon him. He uses trial and tribulation to get closer to us. I hope none of you reading blame God for things when they go wrong. I know it is hard sometimes, but he still loves you and desires to know you better through the blood of Jesus Christ. Have a happy Labor Day everyone!

The Six Fires of Arden

2005-08-16T19:14:00.000-04:00

Tá Peórrían Dhíasha
The Six Fires

In the Realm of Arden, there are Five Elemental Points: Uran (air), Erde (earth), Ilùvi (fire), Luth (water) and Uísara Uír (Concordant Summit). The elves cling to ‘thirteen pinnacles’ of nature, which include the five elements, four winds and four seasons. The third elemental point of ‘ilùvi’ was once dominant with the power of Uran. It was the ‘Elemental Point of dTreácach’ (DREE-kach) as mentioned in the Book of the Morning; Concerning the Lands of Afar. It was never mentioned as the ‘Elemental Point of Ilùvi’ until the volumes of Historia Ardóna were archived at Eíorra, the Emerald Isle. The various authors of the books, probably the Warriors of Srí, recorded history as endowed by the breath of Síorde and Krav.

The only ‘elemental point’ to experience so much ruin and division was Fire. To the elves mainly, fire came as many forms. They saw in nature how different fire worked. Knowing that Shekìnya endowed them with the Blue Fire, the elves studied the other fires as well. They all knew that fire was important to the world they lived in. They knew that even though the other ‘elemental points’ exhibited various forms like air as a vacuum (etc), earth as dust, molten (etc), water as ice (etc), fire intrigued them the most. Perhaps it was the fire of their spirits that in them to learn more about it. They were the first born in Arden, and they knew that men would be endowed with the lesser of fires. They believed it was their duty to mentor men on the greater fire. Historically in Arden, it was shown by the elves how they helped men embrace the greater fires. Not until Daulky Kinkayle did the re-emergence of the White Fire of the Pre-Historic Era return.

In this Blog, there is a list of the six fires the elves of Eásceáinn studied and taught to the Men in the West during the various eras of Arden. In the Sixth Era, the Black Fire was wielded by King Ilùviuks, the ‘fire’ that all the elves feared most. It is possible that the elves withdrew from men with their knowledge of the fire before the Sixth Era.

Threáichá (The White Fire)
Ardónic: Thr[ai]ss
Cáterneásh: dTreácach
Weálsh: Trekka
Rhuín (Eírran): dTálleór (dTaíalleórra)

In the Book of the Morning, the translations found in the Creation Accounts use the word combination ‘threáichá shínna’ as the ‘fire of life.’ Shekìnya uses this ‘imperishable fire’ to create the sun or ‘srías.’ In the accounts of the ‘one without,’ the one who witnessed all of creation being born, he states that he felt a ‘passion to life and journey.’ Often times, the White Fire is described as the purest form of fire, igniting the soul and spirit to life. The White Fire has been described as the ‘journeyman’s fire’ by the elves. It is the hottest form of fire in the Realm of Arden. When the purity of water was tested in the ‘account of Lankìnya,’ the elemental point became destructive. There are a few names associated with this fire: Treígcaóain and Treáchaóainn; Treíkayan in the West. In the Sixth Era, there was prophecy regarding a man, bearing the ‘white fire’ of the sun (the first to be born with it since the High Times). He was rightly named Treíkayan, but myth states he was swept into the Stage Layers around Arden. Threáichá best translates to the English word ‘fervency.’ Because the White Fire is the purest and holiest fire in the Realm of Arden, this was the fire that guided the peoples of Arden during the Pre-Historic Era, or the High Times. Not until the compromising of the ‘white fire’ with Lankìnya were the heavens divided. Then the ‘holy fire’ became the ‘perishable fire’ or ‘ilùvi.’ When the ‘white fire’ diminished so did the dhrígócadhí or ‘dew firmament’ around Arden which lighted every bit of King Exiv’s kingdom. This ‘dew firmament’ was created by the power of Srías and the heavens, making light with no shadows.

Aódhá (The Blue Fire)
Ardónic: D[o]be
Cátern: Áiedó
Weálsh: Athos
Rhuín (Eírran): Debhó (dTuíbhó)

The Blue Fire is the next hottest fire in Arden. It is mentioned in the Book of the Morning as well. This is also known as the ‘refiner’s fire.’ It symbolizes purity and cleansing. Forgiveness and the wakening of the spirit are associated with this fire. In contrast, in its worst form, it represents eternal death. The usage of this fire appears in the ‘Lost Account of Lankìnya,’ when Meádasha tells the Light that she divided the elemental point of fire. The translation is used according to her judgement and need for forgiveness. The literal translation of ‘elemental point of fire’ in this case is ‘Thrach nÁeidón.’ It is different from the first description in the creation accounts. Here the change of ‘fire’ implements a judgment upon the Realm of Arden, rather than the former fire of passion for life. The same text appears in the ‘Account of Mharabháunt.’ ‘(sic) See it in the heavens, for they proclaim the disruption to the balance in nature…remember the words of Shekìnya for he would bring hope [cárros-tírnach] to those who seek the ‘fire of life’ [hÁodhá shínna]. There is a contradiction here if you compare the creation accounts to the ‘Account of Mharabháunt’ literally. They use two different translations for fire. It is possible that Shekìnya also gave the Blue Fire to the elves at ‘Aimhá,’ the place of their awakening, for their spirits were pure and like a ‘cleansing water’ surrounding the isle.

Elbáin (The Orange Fire)
Ardónic: Alb[a]
Cáterneásh: Elbhái
Weálsh: Elva
Rhuín (Eírran): Aíellabh (Áillobh)

The Orange Fire is the ‘fire’ of love and ‘friendship between man and woman.’ It is also the fire of ‘friendship’ and ‘brotherly love.’ It was first used when King Exiv united to his wife, Queen Saa-Skauty. In this demonstration, the two Archive united the sun with the heavens. This fire is also associated with the Children of the Morning, those who were bonded to King Exiv in the beginning. The union of Albannaidh of Ely, the elf-maiden and Lómair of Gáelceárth, the mortal man was symbolic of the Orange Fire. The popular eastern, elfiness name, Elvíenya, comes from this Orange Fire. Any association with a man loving his wife or man loving his brother is an example of Orange Fire. When Ollen rescued Queen Saa-Skauty, Ollen states that a new ‘elemental point of fire was discovered.’ The words ‘Thrach nElbhí’ represent this.

Peórrí (The Yellow Fire)
Ardónic: F[eo]r
Cáterneásh: Pheórra
Weálsh: Porros
Rhuín (Eírran): Phasicáil (Passicím)

This is also known as the ‘visible fire,’ and the fire of man’s heart. Courage and strength come from this fire and it is seen in nature as a ‘warm fire’ and ‘kindling fire.’ It is the fire of fellowship and hope. Songs of joy, laughter and stories are associated with the fire. It is the flame of inspiration and happiness. The Yellow fire became a symbol of restoration during the Seventh Era. When all hope seemed lost with the ruin of Cátern, Cóanir the Wonder lead the lands of elves back to freedom and peace with the power of the White Fire. Here, the Yellow Fire was seen as a beginning to renew, back to the Fire, which was still very much in the world ‘imperishable,’ and that is the White Fire. ‘Though there be shadows, the Light will flourish,’ became a renowned litany amongst the peoples of Arden. Its importance was associated with the Yellow Fire of courage and hope to the peoples of the East. The translation of ‘Light’ in the litany is ‘stoír pheórra,’ which if one looks closely, it relates to ‘fiery star.’ In this case, the ‘fiery star’ is the Sun and the Dew Firmament it produced in the High Times. The famous name of ‘Mellapheór’ (fire of man) was popularized during the Third Era with Ollain Mellapheór, whose legend was that the power of the ‘yellow fire’ made him the strongest of the Archive in the Realm of Arden. The name is also seen as a surname to those who fellowshipped with Ollain during those times like King Shuiewa. Legend also has it that the King himself first penned the current word for ‘fire’ or ‘flame’ as in a force of nature in the writings of Historia Ardóna. The world of men, during the Third Era, soon clinged to Ollain for guidance in this fire.

Cairroth or Cáiron (The Red Fire)
Ardónic: R[ui]den
Cáterneásh: Cáiaron
Weálsh: Kern
Rhuín (Eírran): Rhuírg (Ruírrig)

The concupiscent fire. The fire of lust, vengeance and anger. The Red Fire is the most dangerous, because it borderlines on hope (yellow) and despair (black). When the ‘Light of King Exiv’ was gone, the only mention of the Red Fire being a sign of hope was when the world was dark and unlighted from the heavens. When the Omnivivacious Light and the Penúra, the glow of the heavens from the Dew Fermanent and the elf Queen Áal-go-Nhuách, faded and darkened, Men and Elves looked for a glimmer of hope in the ‘dawning of a new day.’ They were in essence looking for the Red Fire, a symbol to restoration. Princess Iluíra, the Queen of Desire, dominated the Red Fire later despite the fact the Red Fire was looked upon with hope. Because of her beauty and desire, she wedged a division in the Red Fire, lingering on hope or despair. The Winged Prophet, who appeared at the later term of the High Times put a curse on all those who had Red Hair. It is possible after this that the Red Fire represented lust, covetousness and concupiscence. The Winged Prophet said this: ‘since you find it befitting to mock my proposal, your sisterhood will not survive this catastrophe. Cursed to all of them, who have red hair.’ This curse was probably a doom to the Red Fire and those who embrace it. Princess Iluíra embraced this Red Fire to enrapture and inveigle the heart of Jax. After returning to the land of elves, she went into legend, seeking solitude in the Oracle Mountains of the East for millennia upon millennia. Legend has it that she repented and bore two more children, probably twins (all her offspring previously were twins: Óurias/Láil, Daídha/Mishfa, Shadlíer/?). As a result, we have the lineage of King Shadlíer the Skor and King Ilùviuks. The last King of Cátern was Shadlíer, the last tower, and being bound to secrecy, the King never really communicated to his brethren the importance of his mother. It was only noted that she ‘belonged to Clan of Red Hair.’ Historically, the only mention of a Red Clan was in the First Era when the dawning of the sun came. Not since then was there one born with Red Hair.

Ilúbhí or Ilúfa (The Black Fire)
Ardónic: All[a]b
Cáterneásh: Ilufa
Weálsh: Ilùvi
Rhuín (Eírran): eAlláibh (eÓlláibh)

The ‘perishable’ or ‘perishing’ fire. This fire is the polar opposite to the White Fire, and in the Sixth Era, when the ‘dark fire’ dominated life, those who were enamored by the power of the fires of ‘hell’ did not want the return and unveiling of the White Fire ever again. Lead by the tyrant King Ilùviuks, they banned together and annihilated Thoris Port where they believed that ‘water’ would revive the purest form of fire. History shows that this was futile with the birth of Treíkayan and the visions of Daulky Kinkayle. The word Ilúfa was first seen in the Book of the Morning with the prophecy of King Shafhalóa, first king of Cátern. In the famous translation of the ‘prophecy of fire,’ King Shafhalóa states, ‘(sic) And, when you endure the crucible of fire, do not lose hope.’ The word combination that makes the ‘crucible of fire’ is ‘Nheíthra hIúbháin’ or ‘hIlúfain.’ It is unusual that the word, ‘ilufa’ was first used with the word, ‘to purify’ or ‘to refine in a crucible’ (the word ‘nheíthra’) with the dark word of ‘ilufa’ or ‘ilubhí,’ the ‘perishing fire.’ Scholars quickly associated the word ‘ilùvi’ with a stifling and destructive fire of shadow and despair. It became the term to describe the elemental point. And, it was the dominant term used when describing the ‘elemental points’ of Arden after the High Times (mainly when the Xandràxan was released and the sorcery of Lankìnya). When King Exiv expelled Kuírbha into darkness, Kuírbha used this ‘black fire’ to choke the hearts of man with death and despair. In the Sixth Era, King Ilùviuks, who was rightly named the ‘cloak of the dark fire’, wielded the ‘fire of the dark cloak.’ Many who lived during this time said that fear became incarnate with the power of the ‘dark fire.’ All of the peoples of Arden feared for their lives and despaired. King Shadlíer, the last King of Cátern, records in the Skoran Journals ‘the fire of life and prosperity is now quickly choked by the cloak of his evil fire…all life is now threatened by the perishable fire of despair…it has become as doom to life…it has fallen as a shadow over our hearts…how I curse the day of my offspring who bears the dark fire of despair…where is the fire of fervency?'

In Conclusion:

The fires in Arden have been long known by the elves in Eáshceáinn and Pendrath, the Eastern Realms. The elves, especially those in the Warriors of Srí taught the inhabitants of Arden to seek the white fire, the purest form. What is life without the white fire, the fire of the spirit? Though the true teachings of the white fire were lost during the Black Sleep, the Warriors of Srí in Conería still have the secret knowledge of this fire. Over the years though, even they forgot, and the mark of the Uísara Uír was lost on them. The connection of the White Fire and the Concordant Summit was forgotten. In the Sixth Era, Daulky Kinkayle remined the Warriors of Srí in Conería about the white fire and the fire of the spirit, where communion with the Concordant Summit is possible.

When Daulky Kinkayle sought out the Warriors of Srí in Conería, he disclosed his messages regarding the ‘forked tree’ of eternal life. This message revived the former knowledge of the ‘white fire,’ which had been forgotten (even by the Warriors of Srí).

Even later, two other notable people of Arden completed the prophecies of the White Fire, taught by the Great Prophet. They were Cóanir Bhuállainha and Treíkayan...

The Heavenly Host of the Nail-Scarred Judge

2005-08-08T19:35:00.000-04:00

The recovery of the original Sceórain Journals is underway now. This text below is reassessment of actual historical events, dealing with Óurias and his brother Láil. This excerpt was found at Dhíamarra, about 50 miles east of Oásis by Coánir, the Elemental Wonder. It was rumored that King Shadlíer's mother was Lady Cíarra Ellaphnoír, the Red Haired woman who ascended to the thrones of the immortals. This page was probably discarded from the Journal by the King, to keep his birth mother anonymous. The page below was written in Eírrain, the language spoken on Emerald Isle.

Láil warned his brother about the overdose of Báin-Gabba. “Óurias wait!” Láil exclaimed. “You’re going to far with this. Stop before it’s too late.”

Óurias looked up slowly towards his older brother. His brow furrowed, his eyebrows arched, and his eyes twinkled oddly, as if shifting colors in the sunlight. Anger consumed him and his eyes became glassy from the effects of the herb. The insipid effects of Báin-Gabba subdued and nullified his senses. His blood was saturated from the amalgam in the Báin-Gabba. The need to satisfy his inner-eye was a burden; he was addicted to the herb at this point.

“You don’t know what I saw, brother. I can’t communicate with our father anymore as you can, but I have seen One greater than any of us, one greater than the Archive and Yeimpara. He appeared as a pillar of fire and smoke.” Óurias faltered as the herb penetrated his being and took over his spirit.

“Brother, I warn you. There is a different way.” Láil was worried about the overdose of the Báin-Gabba. Óurias was not himself. The mind-enhancing effects of the plant was affecting him in negative ways, causing his blood to elucidate beyond mortal control. His strength only intensified with the Ollá-Báinna.

Óurias’ anger grew towards his brother’s whiles and pleas. Finally, after he could no longer tolerate Láil’s warning, he forcefully wrestled him to the ground in the Forest of Ceóll, which lies near the Fairy Mound of Vellog on the Emerald Isle. Óurias invoked the training of Ollen against Láil, which had been passed down by the Warrior of the Sun, Lughó Thrí. Entangled in a fight, Láil defended himself, succumbing to the vindictive power and anger of Óurias. They wrestled and fought for an hour of time. The harmony of nature around them silenced in fear of the two elfs; the Queen of Vaaluir, saddened by the fight, turned her countenance from the two. Only, the trees of Ví whispered doom to the immortals in Vaaluir. “Look at the mother, look at the son. They share a catastrophe.” The trees whispered. The whisper pleased the Bibhon, who anxiously awaited to devour all of the Earth with the Black Sleep.

Óurias taunted Láil, pointing at his elfin ears. “What do you think we have these blooming ears for? To stab the air enveloping us?” He sarcastically answered. “They’re an antenna to heaven, an attunement of the Horizon.” Seeing that his brother did not agree with him, Óurias charged into his brother with full force. He enraged, finally overpowering Láil, pinning him to the ground. He reached down with his one hand and tugged on one Láil’s elfin ears, as if he was extending it towards Heaven. “It is no mistake that Shekìnya gave us these pointed ears, as a wedge to hear into the Heavens. They’re an antenna to heaven, an attunement of the Horizon!”

Láil shrugged his head unacceptably. Óurias released the grasp on his ear. Seeing a brief hesistation in Óurias, Láil reached around Óurias and struck him in the side of the head. “They’re an attunement with nature, brother. Lughó has taught us such things on this with our mother’s aid.” Óurias fell over. “Our birth in this world came from Harmony; We were commanded to govern nature to its fullest, not listen to Heaven.” Láil sneered with a snide comment.

Standing up, Óurias retaliated and loaded a deathly blow to his brother’s face. “They’re an antenna towards Heaven, and I can prove it.” Óurias scowled down at his brother and wiped his forehead. Blood stippled down his peeked nose. “You’ll see. I’ll have another vision!” Óurias was completely intoxicated by the Báin-Gabba now.

Láil stood up and chided. “Have a vision, but I hope whatever God you are trying to see tests you for what you have done. Let Him be your Judge, a nail-scarred judge.”

Suddenly, there was thunderclap and Óurias heard a choir of elfs chanting in his mind. It was like the previous visions he had of a heavenly host singing to the earth. “Aómh cóa go ceártain ní Fhoínn Mheátha í Bheshíra. Aleáragh Ardónain coa saíbhain an síehan nhu!" It was the Swordsong of Mharabháunt.
Soon, a trumpeting voice spoke out to him. “What have you done? You are hurting me.” Óurias blanked out cold and fell into a deadly sleep. “All you need to do is call to me by My name, and I will hear. Do you not know me as savior and protector?” Óurias fell prostrate and all his iniquities came before him. “I am Holy.”
Humbled by the presence, Óurias plead for a reawakening of the spirit. “I don’t even know your name. I need to expand my mind, for you won’t tell me it. I am weak of the elf-kind who cannot understand you.” Now, Óurias was at peace, but frustrated by the mysterious visions. Glancing up, he beheld a great light like Shekìnya. He heard six hammer strokes echo throughout the realm. The pounding reverberated in his elfin ears with a resonating pain. He grimaced at each pounding of the hammer stroke. “That sound of the hammer stroke is painful to my ears.” The sound only reverberated heavily in his spirit, but his spirit was awakened and it became alive by it.

Looking up in his vision, a heavenly choir was singing on high. The realm was brightened on the Gleam of an Elevated Sunbeam, the place of Shekìnya. The heavenly host sang out. Áu-bhría: “Aoin, Dóu, Trá! Diábló an gCoírbhaóith mhoírgcoeáinneód naóim dhá. Cúid, Deáib, Dísh! Áal dáimhóith rhuínneód pláin óim bhísh. Síeha, Aóch, Níssí! Áal dómabhriaóith bhá n-rhíssí. Dín, Óilafhain, Dhóuafhain! hAómh cóa gceáiraith n-fhoínn. Í dháin, Tráifhain, Go nlaimh hIósamhain an Bhlanc sín ámma Gáiel hÍshcoúir í-Phlían. Gmeórch a dóm áuphúaidh Dhiábhól ní hAódeálhuígh ruírmhair a mó bhí mír nínoáth. Shíeann gcóa! Íath!”

Hot off the CPU

2005-08-08T18:58:00.000-04:00

Here it is, my first blot on a blogger. I will be using this Blog as a supplement to my website, which is the Realm of Arden. Over the past few months, I have been deciding on this, considering that I know of other friends who have had success with them.

For my first blog, I'm just going to point out that the weather here has been really humid lately. We had a break of one week of it, but it's back. This has made working at my job really hard. I'm working at Tony Roma's in Brunswick, Ohio. Cooking ribs behind a hot 750 degree grill is not very pleasant in this heat. On the other hand, it is money, so it's not that bad.

I'm finishing off my "summer quarter" of school and I'm maintaing "A's" in the classes. I'm studying Linux in one class, mainly using command line stuff. Last week we were demonstrating the uses of "shell scripts" in Bash. They were simple ones, such as creating users. In my other class, we were performing a series of SQL statements to create a Database.

I just finished reading the Silmarillion again, and truly enjoyed it again. I've always aspired to three elves in the stories: Fëanor, the creator of the Silmarils; Galadriel (Nerwen), the next wisest to Fëanor, and Finrod Felagund, the Elf King who discovered Barahir and sang to his company in Ossiriand. Reading about Galadriel in the Silmarillion has puzzled me time and time again. How does she manage to escape the "Doom of Mandos" and return to Valinor without facing judgement? Everytime I see her in the movie saying to Frodo, "I passed the test. I will diminish and go into the West, there to remain Galadriel." Is she saying that she will "die?"

Anyhow, that is my first blot. Feel free to respond. :)