Ē'lk

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*Author’s Notes*

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Also called É'lk in their language, the people themselves pronounce the word ”eel-keh”. In Orphan Quest, these creatures are referred to as elk/elks. Be not mistaken, this entry is about the elk as much as the É'lk.

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Due to a difference in É'lk and human physiology and unfortunately for the diminutive É'lk, the human tongue and most larthan do not take kindly to their restrictive and complicated syntax, the É'lk often have their name mistranslated to Elk (or Elks). This word in turn pronounced the same way as the quadruped mammal *Cervus canadensis (wipiti)* more commonly known as an elk. Some scribes and historians took the gross mistranslation to heart, and included it in their writings. So the mistranslation perpetuated.

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In light of the differing sizes between the two species, this gross mistranslation shouldst havest borne serious consideration. Someone should havest sought out the Schnard and É'lk and their opinions on the matter. In more recent years, even a possible dialogue with the *C. canadensis (wipiti)* also appeared due to Razen’s remarkable ability.

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Yet none questioned. How then in the books to tell one from the other? Do *C. canadensis (wipiti)* live in the Pineapple Forest? The É'lk and their allies admit that *they* do. Do the Schnard eat this one or that one? Though I sought answers among scholars and Seekers with their histories, no one wast sure how the mistranslation started or by whom.

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However, those traders and explorers (like the *Daryndel)* who encounter É'lk have varies tales about their experiences. According to these brave souls a highly intelligent and creative species, the É'lk value their time and do their best to be civil to the other species scattered throughout the land. Few hadst information about the relationship between É’lk and Schnard. Or any information about the true nature of the uncorrupted É’lk now no longer under Raquel’s wiles.

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This may be the reason why Schnards have a bad reputation for eating É’lk. And thus created further disarray in the reputation of the reptilian race as monsters. Unable to arrange a proper meeting with either the Schnards or the É'lk, many of mine questions remain unanswered.

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*The stars are closer than you think,*

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K.E. Milrona

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# **Ē’lk**

**Appearance:** The É'lk are small creatures with the heads of mice, and in some cases, the antlers of a deer. This differs from their Vebarian cousins, Hæ’lk. Unfortunately, the only known image of one does not show this feature. They often wear hoods to cover their antlers. This possible feature further confuses the misunderstanding between the É'lk and *C. canadensis (wipiti)***.** In one instance Arista refers to them as creatures of ”dark design”. However this could refer to their antagonism while corrupted by Raquel rather than their physical appearance.

**Environment:** These shy folk live in the eastern Trias (Planet of Legends), in the depths of the Pineapple Forest and the eastern foothills of the White Mountains. The É'lk do not visit Castle Lightpool as much as most other races do, possibly due to the rumors (or truths) that the Schnard eat them. They generally stay around Básteev Village though they do venture as far North as the castle if something important occurs.

**Origins:** Both the Trias É’lk and their Vëbarian É’lk cousins are thought to be Genetici creatures though the É’lk themselves claim otherwise, being from a race of great warriors and scientists.

**Known Abilities:** Some stories say É’lk make a buzzing noise. This buzzing may be a kind of sonic attack or soothing mechanism as it has been known to cause frequent shuddering sighs among the empathic.

#### **CONNECTION TO LEGEND**

For those who study the legends, these creatures may stem from certain children’s tales, books and movies. The newness of these urban yarns of intelligent, talking rodentia contributes to the haphazard and fragmented information about the É’lk themselves.

#### **FIRST APPEARANCE**

The É'lk first appeared in Orphan Quest, on page 299. When Arista Starshade tells the tale of the attack on Castle Lightpool.

#### *[OQ] page 299 -*

> From where she was set, Arista looked around. "There were so many of them… spiny horgs, the savage mountain schnard, giant centoogres, ***elk*** of dark design… those buzzing creatures…”
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#### *[OQ] page 301 -*

> ”..They… they dragged her away….” (Arista)'s tears almost overcame her as she recounted the brutal handing that the humans and ***elks*** must have done to Queen Joeanne. Arista closed her eyes, exhaled a shuddering sigh.
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##### *[OQ] page 333-4*

> “Aye Flipp,” Again (Razen) raised his hands, waving off her protest as he continued to speak. "I understand (Granella) wast good once, but these schnard wert plagued by her cruelty. They say she frightened or murdered the *elk* from the villages and forest, and they hast naught to eat save fish. Now that the sand witch dost be dead, the itok and *elk* wilt return.”
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> “The itok and *elk* will return? Ah! No, I refuse to go with these filthy schnard who eat.…” Flipp said angrily, she tossed her head in a gesture similar to an agitated horse
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> “Ugh, never mind. You two go, I will stay here and watch the horses. Better they be washed then be eaten by fartugs… or schnard…”
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> “Be at peace, Flipp. Tis not as thou believes!” Razen protested. He took a step back with the sheer force of her words.
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> Although it was apparent by now none of the schnard spoke our language — even if it was possible — they understood the tone of Flipp’s voice and her stance well enough. They began to mutter among themselves.
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> No sooner had Razen heard the words the schnard spoke to each other, than he turned toward them, one hand held aloft as he still attempted to placate Flipp. He spoke to the schnard again, and their fears seemed to be quenched, at least for the time being.
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> "Flipp…" I said, keeping my voice soft despite the language barrier. "It’s all right, they’re friendly. I don’t see why…”
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> She cut me off, taking a step away from Razen and out of his reach. "But then they’ll kill the itok and eat the ***elk***!”
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> "No Flipp." Razen continued, shaking his head. "Tis the mountain schnard about which thee speaks. These are beach schnard. They eat fish, and do not kill itok, and indeed art trading companions with that branch of the larthan. In comparison to others of their ilk, beach schnard are quite advanced in their ways. However…” Razen trailed off, and glanced at the schnard again.
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> It was obvious they were growing restless and a few spears wavered as though their owners were unsure whether to raise them, or not.
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> Looking at Flipp imploringly, he gestured toward the schnard. His tone held great concern as he continued, “…I fear we wilt anger them if we refuse to join them as guests.”
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> "Good point." I agreed.
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> With some reluctance, Flipp finally agreed to go with the schnard and when she took her hand off her sword, Razen exhaled a sigh of relief.
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