002 | VIDEO

[perdre]

I miss home. I know that's normal, I know - I know there's nothing that can be done about it. I try to keep that in mind so it won't get to me so much. Everyone is so nice and helpful, even with everything going on. I'm very thankful, and - I would like to think I have made some friends.

[There's a pause, and he sighs softly. He suddenly isn't sure why he decided to start this feed.]

It's weird... one of the things I miss the most is hearing my language. [a little exhale, followed by a contradictory smile.] I wasn't used to speaking English for so long until I came here.

... Are all of you from English-speaking countries?

Comments

[perdre]

What is your native tongue?

[inafadingcrown]

My native tongue is Quenya, but it is rarely spoken these days, aside from a few names and ceremonial phrases. What I speak most often is Sindarin and that is my daughter's mother tongue.

[perdre]

Quenya. [he repeats the word with a pause, hearing it in his head.] Is it hard to learn?

[inafadingcrown]

No more than any other tongue, I should think.

[perdre]

Is there a reason why people don't speak it anymore?

[inafadingcrown]

There are several, in fact. The most obvious being that there are very few native speakers who remain.

[perdre]

Couldn't they teach others?

[inafadingcrown]

There are other, more political reasons, but I will spare you the history lesson. Suffice it to say that the tensions were great enough that Quenya was forbidden in what was once the greatest elven realm in Middle Earth.

The few of us who remain... Our children face difficulties enough with our blood flowing through their veins.

[perdre]

I'm - sorry to hear that. I didn't realize it was that grave.

[inafadingcrown]

It is not quite so dire as it sounds- certainly not these days. We face no danger, no threats, only quiet judgement. It is simply a matter of attempting to manage a legacy that it is...mixed.

[perdre]

Still, it... can't be easy.

[inafadingcrown]

Perhaps. I cannot claim it is unwarranted.

[perdre]

Is it okay to ask why?

[inafadingcrown]

You are well within your rights to ask. I hope you will forgive me if I answer that it is a story for another time and place. After all we have seen as of late, I think I will spare the network at large another tale of bloodshed.

[perdre]

Right. Of course. [it's perfectly understandable, really.] Sorry.

[inafadingcrown]

You needn't apologize. Curiosity is both understandable and natural.

[perdre]

And often rude, according to some.

[inafadingcrown]

Only when applied without consideration.

[perdre]

Which was the case.

[inafadingcrown]

[A little laugh] Are you so determined for me to be angry with you?