subject: The Discovery Of Elven Wisdom [print this page] Studio Commentator: Studio Commentator:
"We are here today at the former Royal Library in Tirana, Albania.
Last time, we were fortunate to learn of Elves and their history from Dr. Samuel Bainbridge, a recognized expert in the study of ancient legends and languages, and currently classics professor emeritus at Misantium University.
Today, Dr. Bainbridge is arriving at the Library. The Library Director, Dr. Sibyl Unger, has extended an invitation to the Professor to study their collection of forest lore, one of the finest in the world. Few scholars have been allowed access to these rare manuscripts, so it was with pleasure that Dr. Bainbridge is reported to have accepted Dr. Unger's invitation.
Reporters are awaiting Dr. Bainbridge's arrival to ask him to honor his promise of answering additional questions regarding evidence that the reporters believe will settle once and for all whether Elves truly exist, and, if so, where to find them.
I see the Professor has arrived."
Reporter:
"Dr. Bainbridge, thank you for meeting with us. Can you please give us more information about what you referred to last time as Elvin culture."
Dr. Bainbridge:
"You will recall from the literature you reference that Elves are generally of refined build. That is, they tend to be slim, quick of foot, sure of eye, and in possession of profound personal energy and intelligence.
We know from the texts that, in the presence of their leaders, a sense of what we might call command is experienced. Elves tend to appear in the world of man only in the most critical circumstances."
Reporter:
"Would you explain what you mean by that Professor?"
Dr. Bainbridge:
"Yes, of course.
Generally, Elvin appearances in history coincide with situations which have become very dire indeed. Until then, their preference is to allow man and others to exercise their own judgment, consistent with informed free will.
When pressed into battle, however, Elves prefer to appear using weapons known to the men of their time. Therefore, for example, in the first and eighth centuries, when they are mentioned, the bow is their weapon of choice. Today, I suspect, Elves would be prone to use more elemental level powers in order to contain a destructive entity or circumstance."
Reporter:
"Well, OK, but can you give us some simple examples?"
Dr. Bainbridge:
"Let me try to explain so as not to confuse you or myself.
After all, my knowledge, although greater than most regarding Elves, is still far from sufficient to answer every question concerning their society, or to measure their intentions.
It is told in the ancient texts, for instance, that Elves make use of water in many interesting and powerful ways.
More to the point, rivers, because they run the breadth of the entire Earth, accumulate the feelings of the Earth, recording centers of light and darkness in quantum memory. Information regarding good and evil, which may be presently birthing throughout the world is then, I believe, transmitted throughout the forests, entwined with the Earth's ancient wisdoms and then shared with Elvin counsels as quickly as sunlight by a mechanism still unknown to me.
In this way, with information of past, present and imminent future, Elves are allowed to respond with speed and accuracy to the need, thus enabling strikes characterized by certainty, lending relatively small numbers of Elvin warriors power unavailable to forces elsewhere of similar size.
In addition, Elvin quadrants, allied with the Earth as they are, are provided special protections by Her. For instance, it is said in ancient times that it was possible to pass by an entire quadrant of Elvin bowmen and fail to perceive their presence, as the various energies of the Earth were used to shield their persons.
Legend has it that even a wild beast, whose sense of hearing and sight is acute, would sometimes stumble upon an Elvin village unaware by scent or sound that Elves stood watch, and had been aware of its presence whilst its meanderings were several kilometers distant.
As to the whereabouts of Elvin societies today, I have been asked to withhold comment until I have spoken with a special visitor who has asked not to be named to me, but who wishes to consult with me before I begin translating the ancient Albanian forest records contained in the Library before us.
Thus, my haste to enter the building. Perhaps I will have more to say at day's end, once my secretive and, evidently important, visitor has been satisfied of my intent.
Until then, please know I am available to you as time permits."
Studio Commentator:
"With that I see Professor Bainbridge has entered the Library. The reporters present are, of course, curious as to who the special visitor might be, and what the special meeting is all about.
Until we know more, I give you back to our studios in New York."
