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Miniatures: Mostly early-1990s GW
Painting: Vynnie (except as noted)
"What sorts of living things?" I asked him, as he led me down into the hidden vale.
"All sorts."
"Even the bannana slug? Bread mold? The typhoid bacterium?"
"Will you humans one day outgrow your childish prejudices? The Elvenfolk, you will notice, never fall to disease. Give peace unto nature, and it shall give peace unto you."
"So you're saying we get sick just as a retribution for our violence against the little buggers? By swabbing them with alcohol, I suppose."
"Far be it from me to interfere in the self-realizations of a child race. But yes, you could profit from distilling quite less alcohol than you do, if you take my meaning. Not to mention all the swords and spears for which you are so well known."
"I could swear those are spears I see in the clearing ahead ... ."
"Alas, in these violent ages one cannot hope to survive without some option for the extremity of conflict."
"Strange. I though such an elder race would be able to talk out any problem. I mean, it takes two to make war, right?"
"Have you ever tried to talk to an orc?"
"Ah, now we're getting somewhere."
"I guess the pointy ends are the ones you stick orcs with." "Only after trying every alternative to direct their attentions elsewhere." "Like, say, to the nearest human village?" "If you and the orcs condescend to brutality with one another, it is surely no concern of ours." - Sargent painted by: Unknown |
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"Perhaps you could comment on the long years elves spend perfecting their archery skills?" "To ply the bow is a spiritual journey, a path of understanding the torque and tension of natural woods and fibers, of oneness with loft and curve and wind. To arc truly a feathered shaft is to comprehend within your very sinews the shape and substance of all things natural among which that shaft must fly." |
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"Plus, they're great for sticking holes in orcs that are still a long way away. Right?" "You profane what you do not understand." "No, I'm serious. Otherwise, why put points on them? Why not use, I don't know, flowers? A big cheery sunflower, arcing through the sky. Wouldn't that be just as spiritual?" |
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"I give thanks not to be afflicted with such limited, linear thought." "Oh, hey! Horses! So you guys keep animals as beasts of burden too, eh?" "Please. They are our partners and companions. And those you see upon them are our most spiritual of bow-saints. I don't suppose you would understand the level of natural oneness required to fly a shaft straight and true from the jouncing back of a free stallion?" "I met some barbarians once that were pretty good at shooting from horseback. But they only seemed interested in getting drunk and abusing women. Maybe it's not the same thing. |
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"But I guess sticking orcs with a lance is easier if you're not holy enough for horse-archery." "Balancing the longspear is a good way for our young ones to learn unity with their partners. |
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"Now hush, and bow your head! Here comes one of noble blood." "Psst! What's with his face? Is that a skin condition?" "I suppose the words 'Cosmetics' and 'Style' have no meaning for you?" "Only on men who ... ah, nevermind." |
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