As mentioned last time, Elvish language has gone beyond the scope of language we can understand. Most of its effective meanings are contained in the tacit understanding and resonance of the interlocutors, which relies on the innate supernormality of the elves.
The senses are close to the instinct of the group. Even if they only have words, they can reproduce the context through pronunciation or even brushstrokes, read aloud or touch, complete the reference, and achieve empathy. This is unimaginable by humans who can only speak dryly.
…”
In the study room of Mindis Hall, Grand Maester Bona was shaking his head as usual and slowly explaining his grammar class.
Thales sat behind the desk, quietly copying the ancient elven letters and the five to fifteen phonetic symbols for each letter, with an elegant and meticulous attitude.
It was as if nothing happened last night.
"So in written language, Elvish script is often concise and capable to an outrageous degree: the grammatical structure of ancient Xian Elvish script often omits tenses and even pronouns, and the word order of Gurian Elvish script often contains incomprehensible inversions——
There is a little joke. An elven romance about a love triangle was translated into common human language. However, after reading the ending, the readers were divided into three groups and had a huge quarrel, because the three groups all felt that the pair of characters they liked were the same.
Finally they got together, until the original author couldn't help but jump out and said that he was writing about hexagonal love..."
Bachelor Bona's voice was buzzing, but Thales remained focused.
The Star Lake Guards who are closely accompanying the door are still a pairing of a vanguard officer and a guard officer (as Mallos prefers), but they are not the previous Glover and Doyle, but Thales.
The unfamiliar young man Nie Xi and the strong man Bastia - they both performed well last night. The former used his iron fist to subdue D.D who was eager to save his father, and the latter allowed Thales to experience the hardness of his abdominal muscles.
.
So, Glover and Doyle, they also changed shifts.
Thales said silently.
"In view of this, the origin of the empire, when the Ludor people in the savage era followed the ancient elves in creating letters, they had to add a lot of additional grammatical standards, such as tense, voice, subject-verb-object order, etc.
To illustrate those things that the ancient elves can perceive without bothering to describe them, thus going to the other extreme, and then there are the ancient imperial texts that are complex, sophisticated, and rhetorically changeable. In this way, when we read or even translate the elven texts
You have to be extra careful when...”
There is no sun today, the wind is howling, and it is bitingly cold.
Mindis Hall also looked desolate and silent.
In previous years, Yongxing City would have cooled down and entered winter at this time, but this year's autumn seems to be particularly long, gloomy, dull, and cold.
Duke Xinghu moved his wrist silently, watching the letters blur out on the paper.
After a night, his back was stiff, his forehead hurt, and his legs felt cold.
All this reminded him that the corner of the bedroom was not easy to sleep on.
"Therefore, it is not difficult to understand why different ethnic groups have different languages, and how different languages shape different ethnic groups - language is a tool and a result, but it is also the master and the cause. It is mainly anti-object and profound in changes.
Best practices for influencing users…”
Listening to Bachelor Bona's whisper, Thales focused his eyes on the letters in front of him. The pen tip moved as delicately as a machine, stroke by stroke, with rigor and meticulousness.
Apart from that, there is nothing else.
Those "others" he hated to face.
"...far away."
Bachelor Bona's voice became a little ethereal, with a strange pitch, rising and falling.
The young Duke did not respond. He changed a piece of paper expressionlessly and turned to the next page to be copied.
Next page.
Next page.
But the volume of Bachelor Bona suddenly increased:
"Far-far!"
The tip of Taylor's pen vibrated, and a drop of ink spread on the paper.
He came to his senses and looked up in surprise.
"Ah? I'm sorry?"
In front of him, the well-rested Bachelor Bonnet was clasping his hands and watching him with interest.
Bachelor Bona smiled and patiently explained:
"Just now it was a sentence in Ancient Xiya Elvish. If all the information contained in the pronunciation was annotated, it could probably be translated into-"
The bachelor returned to his seat and said in a playful tone:
"Your heart is not with me, not in the classroom, or even in the letters you write, Your Highness."
Thales was stunned for a second.
Although he quickly thought of several excuses, he finally sighed and sincerely apologized:
"I-I'm sorry, Maester Bona."
"Oh no, it's me who should be sorry," Bachelor Bona picked up the tea cup and said without any embarrassment.
"My explanation is obviously not interesting enough for you to concentrate on it and forget your worries."
Thales shook his head:
"This is not your fault. You are an excellent teacher. It's just me..."
But Boehner interrupted:
"I heard what happened last night."
Thales had a meal.
"Respect and understanding are good things, Your Highness. It is even more valuable not to ignore the value and connotation of everyone - even enemies - as a 'human being'."
"Really?" The prince forced a smile when he heard this, suppressing his turbulent emotions.
Bachelor Bona closed his textbook and said quietly:
"But often don't forget: you are also a person."
Upon hearing this, Thales was stunned for a moment.
The respected old bachelor smiled:
"So I think we might as well finish class early."
Thales put down his pen.
He just discovered that the page of Elvish text he copied was full of errors and omissions.
The young man sighed:
"Thank you for your understanding, Maester Bona, I appreciate it very much."
Bachelor Bona smiled slightly.
"And the reason why we need to improve grammar and study language is not just to stop at daily conversations and letter writing, Your Highness."
He stood up and said meaningfully:
"It is precisely because we, as human beings, value each other's values and feelings, and because we want to better communicate and understand each other, to discover and express what is deep in our hearts."
"Instead of superficial behaviors and reactions, falling into blind consciousness and misunderstanding, being trapped in malicious speculation and suspicion, and being trapped in indifferent nature and rules."
"The reason why we are different from animals and beasts, Your Highness, is not because 'we' can make fire..."
The old Bachelor Bona carefully put away his textbooks:
"It's because some of us know how to make a fire, and some don't."
These words were quite profound, and Thales was speechless.
He could only stand up and salute respectfully.
After Bachelor Bona left, Thales looked at the gloomy weather outside the window and called his attendants Nexi and Bastia.
"Is there any news from Fuxing Palace?"
"No, Your Highness."
As a trainee pioneer officer, it was obviously the first time for Nexi to receive the task of closely accompanying the prince. This young man, who was only a few years older than Thales, seemed very excited. He looked at the prince with eager and expectant eyes.
"Actually, I think the palace is very busy because of... what happened last night."
last night.
Thales sighed, feeling depressed.
The older Bastia glanced at Nexi, but the young man didn't notice it and was still very interested:
"Do you want to send someone to Fuxing Palace to ask? I can-"
"No, that's not necessary."
Thales stood up.
"I want to change my clothes. Next is the martial arts class. Before Mallos comes," the Duke stood up and unbuttoned his cuffs. After experiencing last night, he had an urgent desire to wield a weapon:
"I want to go to the training ground to warm up first."
Nexi was beaming with joy:
"Of course, I'll go and notify the servants right away——"
"But, Your Highness," the older Bastia said hesitantly, his voice rough, like the bellows in a blacksmith shop:
"About the training ground..."
He hesitated to speak.
"What's wrong?" Thales looked at the guard officer, who was as strong as a mountain. He recalled the strength of the guard when he surrounded him last night, and wondered if there were people of this size in every royal guard.
"d.d just came back."
Thales paused while unbuttoning his buttons.
Bastia observed Thales's expression and said quickly:
"I mean, Doyle, he and Vanguard Glover are on the training ground right now... with Commander Mallos."
Thales turned back in confusion:
"so what?"
The two looked at each other and neither answered him.
He soon no longer had any doubts.
When Tails came to the training ground, most of the Star Lake Guards were here, divided into several teams based on seniority and responsibilities, forming a semicircle - just like the last time Tails was "tested".
Nexi wanted to remind everyone to salute loudly, but Bastia quickly stopped him.
Thales could feel that the atmosphere was not right.
Under the gloomy sky, everyone stood silently and solemnly, no one whispered to each other, no one even dared to make unnecessary movements.
Thales looked across the crowd and saw Mallos standing at the front:
He had his hands behind his back, his expression remained calm, and his eyes were calm, but his whole person exuded an unsettling aura.
Punishment Officer Patterson, Logistics Officer Stowe, and Flag Officer Fubi, these senior members of the guard with special identities stood behind the watchman with serious expressions.
Directly in front of Mallos, in the center of the training ground, the two of them knelt on one knee, pressed their chests and bowed their heads.
Bear everyone's gaze.
That's Doyle and Glover.
Thales was slightly startled.
The prince subconsciously stood at the side of the training ground and did not move forward.
His instinct told him that he shouldn't get any closer.
Some people still noticed the Duke's arrival, but obviously the atmosphere in front of them made them afraid to salute loudly. Many people just bowed slightly and pressed their chests with attention.
Mallos also quickly saw Thales. He only glanced briefly and returned to the matter at hand without any care:
"Patterson, work."
In front of the crowd, Punishment Officer Patterson took a cold step forward, past Mallos, and came to the two kneeling men.
"Guardian First Class, Danny Doyle."
D.D, who was kneeling on the ground, trembled slightly.
The punishment officer's voice was calm but cold, with an unquestionable attitude like a judgment.
"As the most respected security officer in Mindis Hall, your bold behavior last night endangered His Highness's safety, hindered the work of your colleagues, harmed the responsibility of the Guard, and violated your own mission."
Thales closed his eyes as he watched, knowing what he was going to do.
But last night...
Thales thought of Baron Doyle with a face full of fear, of the hysterical Baroness, and of D.D. who drew his sword angrily.
Thinking again of Anke Bailar with a desperate smile.
And countless pairs of onlookers.
He felt a little uncomfortable.
"You should sharpen your sword to bring out its sharp edge."
Patterson said an antique word, lowered his eyes, and looked coldly at D.D. who was kneeling on the ground:
"Do you have anything to complain about?"
d.d looked haggard, his eyes were red, and he obviously hadn't slept all night.
At this moment, his clothes were messy and his hair was messy, which was far different from his usual image of a lazy and playful young man from a wealthy family with a good image.
"No, Judge Patterson," Doyle took a few deep breaths. He raised his head, feeling bitter and sad. Only when he saw Thales did his eyes flash with light:
"My recklessness has affected His Highness and everyone, and I am willing to take responsibility for my mistakes."
He put down his hands on his knees, dropped his knees to the ground, and bowed his head deeply:
"My sword needs to be sharpened, and its edge needs to be shined."
No one among the bystanders in the guard spoke, everyone stared at them silently, and the atmosphere was solemn.
Patterson glanced at Mallos, who said nothing.
"Very good, then," the punishment officer nodded and said indifferently:
"Nine whips."
The verdict was handed down, and there was finally a small uproar among the guards, but it was quickly suppressed.
Behind Patterson, Capone and Pezza Rossi from the penalty wing - the former was always jokingly called "Patterson's little cotton-padded jacket" by D.D., and the latter was a member of the temporary sniper team last night - stepped forward.
,Poker face.
Doyle, who was kneeling on the ground, was already prepared. Under the gaze of everyone, he silently took off his weapon and handed it to the opponent, and then took off his equipment and clothing one by one: jacket, coat, wrist guards, and arm guards.
, leather armor, armed belt, scarf, lining...
Until his muscular and well-proportioned upper body was exposed, trembling slightly in the cold autumn wind.
The punishment officer did not stop and turned directly to the other person.
"Garen Glover, Pioneer Officer First Class."
Glover, nicknamed Zombie, did not answer and remained as calm as ever.
It seemed that it was not his name that was evoked.
"As the most senior and most skilled pioneer officer in Mindis Hall, you did not pay attention to your partner's emotional state at all. After realizing it, you ignored your responsibilities and even violated orders out of sympathy, condoning his daring behavior."
D.D on one side bit his lower lip, but did not dare to say anything more.
Compared with just now, Patterson's reprimand to Glover seemed more severe in tone:
"You should sharpen your sword to bring out its sharp edge."
"Any objection?"
Glover slowly raised his head, as if a statue that had been dusty for thousands of years touched the air and shed dust.
"No."
The zombie said hoarsely, his voice calm and without any fluctuations:
"My sword needs to be sharpened, and its edge needs to be shined."
Patterson looked at him for a long time before speaking:
"Seven whips."
No one needed to remind him, Glover's movements were sharp and swift. He knelt on his knees, consciously disarmed himself and took off his armor, revealing a body of strong but dark and rough muscles. His whole body was covered with old scars and pits.
d.d is exactly the contrast.
The two of them were naked, kneeling on the training ground, facing the gazes of their peers.
Mallos remained silent, just watching coldly.
Thales' mood became increasingly complicated.
Capone from the Punishment Wing silently opened his equipment bag, took out two short sticks the size of spindles, handed them to Doyle and Glover, and asked them both to bite them in their mouths.
"You have all had experience," Capone let go of the wooden stick that Glover was biting and whispered between the two of them:
"I have only one piece of advice: bite tight and don't drop it."
On the other side, Pezzarosi methodically took out two fist-sized brown leather objects tied like bows, and then slowly untied them until they turned into the shape of two leather whips.
The two whips were slender and strong. Pezzarosi tried to swing them twice in the air, making a rustling sound.
Many members of the guard frowned.
d.d took a deep breath, Grover looked even more serious.
"Buck it, boys," Punisher Patterson said coldly:
"Believe me, I have seen the barbed whips used by the Northlanders. They are thicker than the hemp ropes used to hang the city gates. They are even worse."
Doyle showed an expression of calm acceptance. He turned his head, looked at Thales, and nodded deeply to the prince.
Thales sighed and nodded silently to him.
Seeing this scene, Mallos frowned.
The next second, Patterson waved his hand.
Capone and Pezzarosi came up behind the two men and skillfully shook off the whips.
But at that moment, the executioner's shoulders were held down.
It's Marius.
"Gray, you are in charge of Glover," the watchman looked at the surprised Patterson, walked forward, and motioned to Capone to hand him the whip:
"As for Guard Officer Doyle, I'll do it."
There was a lot of discussion among the guards.
Doyle and Glover were also extremely surprised.
Patterson frowned:
"Shall we come in person? Actually, we don't have to..."
But Mallos quickly interrupted:
"Since you have noble people as the audience, you have to be more serious, right?"
The watchman turned his eyes sideways and glanced at Thales.
The guards' comments were quickly suppressed.
The prince felt a chill in his heart and cast an unhappy look at Marius:
"but I--"
"Although this is the internal affairs of the Guard, Your Highness," Mallos did not give Thales a chance to speak. He saluted the prince and smiled calmly:
"But you are still welcome to watch and be a witness."
"Or would you like to report the number of whips for us?"
Thales was in disbelief and was choked to the point of speechlessness.
Patterson sighed, walked behind Glover, pushed aside the stunned Pezzarosi, and took the whip from his hand.
Mallos came behind D.D. He swung the whip in his hand and smiled at Thales without waiting for the latter to respond:
"Well, since His Highness is not happy, then Toledo, you come and report."
Toledo in the crowd - Mallos' messenger - was stunned for a moment.
He looked at his boss and then at the prince, feeling a little at a loss.
Until Mallos looked unhappy:
"Now!"
Toledo did not dare to hesitate any longer. He took a step forward and raised his head:
"one!"
The voice fell.
Under Thales's frightened and angry eyes, Mallos and Patterson waved their arms at the same time.
Huhu...
Their movements are skillful and their techniques are smooth. The arcs of the two whips are almost synchronized, and the sound of breaking the wind is almost non-sequential!
Thales' breathing was slightly stagnant.
The next second, the leather and skin both shook in the high-speed contact, making a sound of tearing the air——
Snapped!
Crisp, harsh, cold, and heart-stopping.
In the middle of the field, d.d shook violently!
He subconsciously raised his hands and bowed forward, but he quickly reacted, put down his hands, and straightened his back.
On the other side, Glover was biting the short stick, his face remained the same, his body was like steel, he only trembled slightly when the whip touched his body.
But both were short of breath.
Thales soon saw that the upper backs of the two victims, whether rough or smooth, revealed a thin and terrifying red line from the upper right to the lower left, from which bright red oozed, spreading to other skins.
"This strength," Thales heard Bastia sigh in a low voice intentionally or unintentionally:
"It's going to leave a scar."
The people watching were breathing unevenly and their eyes were complicated.
Mallos stretched out his left hand, stopped Toledo from counting, and spoke slowly:
"Guard Officer Danny Doyle, do you know what was your biggest mistake last night?"
d.d was still immersed in the severe pain of the first whip. He didn't say anything, he just bit the stick tightly and his face was twisted.
Mallos was silent for a while, then turned to Toledo.
Toledo did not dare to delay any longer and hurriedly reported:
"two."
Mallos and Patterson's whips arced again.
Snapped!
Doyle and Glover shuddered again.
Thales turned his head subconsciously, as if he could feel the unbearable pain just by watching.
"answer me."
Mallos showed his usual calm smile:
"Guard Guard Doyle..."
"do you know?"
d.d was panting heavily and his eyes were struggling.
But finally, Doyle took a sharp breath!
He spit out the stick decisively and reluctantly spoke:
"Because of my reckless and selfish choices, I endangered His Highness and everyone!"
Mallos snorted and motioned to Toledo.
"three."
The whip shadow reappeared, both tearing open the air.
Snapped!
This time, without the short stick in his mouth, d.d groaned in pain and fell forward. It took him a few seconds to straighten up and kneel again.
Glover on the other side looked at him and just bit the stick tighter and tighter.
"Wrong answer."
Mallos said calmly.
"Tell me, d.d., when individual and collective interests conflict," the watchman shook his whip:
"How would you choose?"
As soon as these words came out, Thales, Doyle, Glover, and all the guards present were all startled.
"Or let me put it more bluntly, when one day, your family members conflict with your responsibilities and missions," Mallos glanced at Toledo who was reporting the count, and said nonchalantly:
"How do you choose?"
Toledo sighed:
"Four."
Dance with both whips.
Snapped!
Doyle groaned in pain from between his teeth, and Glover obviously couldn't bear it anymore, and his body began to shake.
They gasped for breath, and blood began to ooze from their backs.
"What if someone holds the lives of your family members and threatens you against His Highness?"
Mallos's voice rose:
"Even your dearest family members want you to betray His Highness?"
Thales's heart tightened.
He suddenly remembered the former Bone Prison and the old royal guard.
Doyle took a breath and straightened up again, but he was already sweating profusely and in a state of embarrassment.
Just listen to him hissing in pain:
"I, I had a mission last night, my lord!"
Mallos frowned.
This time, without waiting for Toledo to count, he raised his whip and made a much more terrifying explosion than before!
Snapped!
d.d screamed and fell to the ground, shaking.
Everyone in the guard also trembled.
Patterson on the other side was stunned for a moment, then reacted immediately and whipped Glover until he twitched.
Toledo hurriedly followed and reported the numbers:
"Dirty-five!"
Thales couldn't bear to look any further. He turned his gaze away, feeling heavy in his heart.
Mallos breathed out, looked at the trembling Doyle, and turned to look at the other person:
"You, Vanguard Officer Garron Glover."
"You answer me."
"How do you choose?"
Glover, who was also sweating profusely and his face was dusty, took a few deep breaths and straightened up with firm eyes.
The zombie spat out the stick and spoke hoarsely:
"We have all sworn an oath, sir! We will dedicate ourselves to the throne in this life and serve the imperial power forever."
Mallos paced and pursed his lips:
"so?"
Under the double torture of pain and humiliation, Glover showed a ferocious expression:
"So we must make sacrifices. Mission comes before family ties."
Thales breathed faster as he listened to his words.
Mallos suddenly turned around and the whipping wind started again!
Snapped!
After the terrifying explosion, Glover screamed in pain and fell down suddenly!
Patterson, who was holding the whip, frowned. He looked at Glover, who was supposed to be his task, and then at Mallos, who had gloomy eyes. He didn't know what to think.
"Give him five lashes."
Before Toledo could catch up with the report, Mallos raised his chin at Glover and said to Patterson:
"Also, the whip just now doesn't count."
The punishment officer looked surprised.
"Because your previous whip has retained its force, Gray," Mallos said calmly without waiting for the other party to speak:
"You know, I trust you very much."
Patterson looked stern.
The punishment officer tightened his grip on the whip handle, said nothing, and did not dare to show any mercy.
On the other side, D.D, who had regained his composure, looked at Glover who was trembling on the ground, and said hurriedly:
"Lord, sir! This has nothing to do with zombies. It was me last night..."
He gritted his teeth, ignoring the tears running down his face and said:
"It was me who made the wrong choice! It was me who didn't dare to make sacrifices!"
Mallos frowned slightly and waved his arms.
Snapped!
Under the sound of the whip, Doyle also fell to the ground, with blood dripping from his back and breathing intermittently.
"This, also add five lashes." Mallos said calmly, but did not explain why.
Toledo did not dare to hesitate and continued to count.
Thales, who couldn't stand it anymore, wanted to speak, but when he thought that his appearance had worsened the situation and aggravated their punishment, he had to force himself to calm down and hold back all his words.
Mallos raised his head and looked at the guards.
"sacrifice."
The watchman spoke softly, but everyone stood up straight in awe.
"The word always seems easy when you say it, doesn't it?"
"Holy, glorious, great, heart-warming, I feel like I have been sublimated."
Marius paced back and forth and did not immediately continue the flogging.
"But a lot of people forget."
Mallos looked towards the gloomy sky, his eyes were misty, as if he was looking up to an unreachable god.
"The essence of sacrifice..."
"It's a deal."
Under the astonishment of everyone, the watchman slowly lowered his head.
Doyle and Glover gritted their teeth again and straightened their backs.
"In ancient times, when the belief in Myojin was still popular, mortals would offer sacrifices in front of the altar in exchange for the gods' eyes and blessings. This was the source of sacrifice."
After the words fell, Toledo started counting again, leading to the next crack of the whip.
Snapped!
The two people who were tortured fell down again and rested on their elbows.
Thales's pupils shrank severely.
"So it's exactly the opposite of what it sounds like - sacrifice is selfish."