Posted: Tue Jun 07, 2005 10:10 pm
The two Havenites who had grown to know the Ka’lef many years ago noticed an almost imperceptible wince when Incarius spoke. Reaching back he touched the Kal’jour’s arm and, drawing him near, whispered briefly into his ear.
Turning back to his host, the Ka’lef, smiled, and with an air of ritual, drank of his wine and broke the bread.
“I have found in the last few years that the culture of this place has, at its roots, many similarities with my own culture. Simple things. Such as…wishing a good day for others, or not drinking before others without offering to share. Many of the differences in our two cultures will mostly go unnoticed day to day.
“There are some customs that may cause…misunderstandings…however. I believe the chief among these would be how we view the use of titles. Prince Atrum has confirmed for me that many of your land view the use of titles as a way to place…individuals…above those that they lead. Whereas, those of my lands see those same titles as part of the burden of our duties.”
“If I may give and example. If…say…the young lady that has just left our table, were to refer to you as Corbyn, for many is this land, it may be thought of as an expression of…love (?)…However, if she were in The Land of the Five Stars, the same use of name instead of title would be considered a statement that the one to whom she spoke was unfit for the duties he or she held. It would be an insult.”
A smile crossed the Ka’lef’s face and humor sparked in his eyes as her turned to Robin.
“Do you remember when you spoke such to Vazier Balearic in the hall of the Place? In but a sentence all of the man’s schemas came to an end and his dreams of power evaporated. Though, my father (may the winds guide his spirit) mumbled your name in his sleep for nearly a year.”
Turning back to his host, the Ka’lef, smiled, and with an air of ritual, drank of his wine and broke the bread.
“I have found in the last few years that the culture of this place has, at its roots, many similarities with my own culture. Simple things. Such as…wishing a good day for others, or not drinking before others without offering to share. Many of the differences in our two cultures will mostly go unnoticed day to day.
“There are some customs that may cause…misunderstandings…however. I believe the chief among these would be how we view the use of titles. Prince Atrum has confirmed for me that many of your land view the use of titles as a way to place…individuals…above those that they lead. Whereas, those of my lands see those same titles as part of the burden of our duties.”
“If I may give and example. If…say…the young lady that has just left our table, were to refer to you as Corbyn, for many is this land, it may be thought of as an expression of…love (?)…However, if she were in The Land of the Five Stars, the same use of name instead of title would be considered a statement that the one to whom she spoke was unfit for the duties he or she held. It would be an insult.”
A smile crossed the Ka’lef’s face and humor sparked in his eyes as her turned to Robin.
“Do you remember when you spoke such to Vazier Balearic in the hall of the Place? In but a sentence all of the man’s schemas came to an end and his dreams of power evaporated. Though, my father (may the winds guide his spirit) mumbled your name in his sleep for nearly a year.”