On Astronomy:
The planet rotates but is otherwise stationary in space—the sun is as well. Thus, there are no seasons. However, there are tides due to interactions between the “moon” and the mana from the sun.
On Dates and Time:
There are 10 days in a week, 5 weeks in a month, and 10 months in a year.
There are 50 seconds in a minute, 50 minutes in an hour, and 20 hours in a day
On Differences Between Timekeeping on ?rune and Earth:
While ?rune years might seem longer than Earth years (500 days in a year rather than 365), if you break it down to seconds rather than days, you’ll see they are actually about 2 months shorter (2.13 months shorter: 25,000,000 seconds in a year on ?rune rather than the 30,758,400 seconds in an Earth year)
On Days of the Week (Current):
- Singr?t
- Mingr?t
- Dringr?t
- Julgr?t
- Sungr?t
- Singren
- Mingren
- Dringren
- Julgren
- Sungren
On Units of Measurement:
Height:
Measurements shorter than a stretch are usually measured bodily—i.e., an arm length, a finger length, etc.
Stretch: the height of an average person, roughly 1.75 meters (5’9”)
Clamber: about 10 stretches (roughly 17.5 meters)
Climb: about 100 stretches (roughly 170 meters)
Scale: about 1000 stretches (roughly 1700 meters—5750 feet)
Distance:
Stride: the length of an average person’s stride, roughly 1 meter (3’3”)
Span: about ten average-sized strides (roughly 10 meters)
Jog: about ten spans (roughly 100 meters)
Journey: about ten Jogs (roughly 1 kilometer; 3,280 feet)
Glossary of Terms (alphabetical order)
Ana akh’luk (AH-nah ahk-LUHK): A phrase of greeting and reverence used by the Jadhariin Elves meaning "I recognize your root."
A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
???: The Executioner among the Limbs of the Watcher/the Four.
Baraka na’alir (BAH-rah-kah nah-AH-leer): A formal Elvish expression of gratitude, meaning "May the blessing rest upon you."
Barrowlord (BAIR-oh-lord): An elite undead entity that commands lesser undead. Referred to by the Jadhariin as Fell Captains.
Dahm'Zahra (DAHM-ZAH-rah): "She-who-blooms-in-blood." A name first spoken by Nadhem in reference to Julia during a brutal battle. It is both a term of respect and subtle fear.
?rune (eh-RUNE): The world—the reality—that the story takes place in. She does not like outside intervention/interference.
Fellblade (FELL-blayd): The title given to revenants—undead warriors with intelligence and deadly skill—by the Jadhariin. Considered elite infantry among the undead ranks.
Fell Captain (FELL CAP-tin): A title for Barrowlords when commanding units of undead. Indicates strategic rank within the Marghul hierarchy.
Felllord (FELL-lord): Title for ???, the high-ranking commanders of the undead legions. They possess tactical acumen and often serve as generals beneath ???.
Galarn (guh-LARN): The Goddess of Life.
Ghil/ghilim (GHEEL/GHEE-leem): An informal Elvish term for a sibling or branch-mate. Ghilim is the plural.
Ghathil/ghathilim (GHAH-theel/GHAH-thee-leem): A formal Elvish term for sibling or one of the same family tree. Ghathilim is the plural.
Gohlmer (GOHL-mer): A ??? of terrifying power. Ancient and summoned from the Ether, he commands undead legions with chilling resolve.
Jadhariin (jah-dah-REEN): The Marsh Elves, an elven culture who revere the spirit known as the Mother and live in harmony with the Song of the marsh.
Lala (LAH-lah): An affectionate term used by Jadhariin children for their parent(s). Gender-neutral and intimate.
Marghul (MAR-ghool): The self-given name of the undead legions. Translates roughly to "The March That Does Not End."
Naqil/Naqali (NAH-keel/nah-KAH-lee): The Elvish word for human(s), with naqil being singular and naqali plural. Derived from a root meaning "transplanted" or "displaced."
Nashiin (nah-SHEEN): The Elvish term for undead. Used by the Jadhariin to describe the walking dead that now plague their lands.
N?ralin (NEER-ah-lin): Julia’s surname, given by Braden. Derived from Elvish, meaning "Child-of-N?r."
N?rèn (NEER-en): A name for Braden??
Raqsala/raqsalin (RAHK-sah-la/rahk-sah-LEEN): Water skis that the Jadhariin create for gliding along the waters of their marsh home. One raqsala is a pair used by a single person; raqsalin refers to multiple sets.
Rofocale (ROH-foh-kale): The Strategist among the Four.
???: The Infiltrator among the Four.
Taln?r Thornal?n-Veshari (tal-NEER THOR-nah-loon veh-SHAH-ree): An elven mage and healer/support.
Sahira Thornal?n-Veshari (sah-HEE-rah THOR-nah-loon veh-SHAH-ree): A stalwart warrior of the Jadhariin and shieldbearer. Acts as a leader and spiritual anchor for the group.
Nadhem Thornal?n-Veshari (NAHD-hehm THOR-nah-loon veh-SHAH-ree): An elven scout and archer.
Thol’Gurat (THOHL-goo-raht): The elite ranks of the undead—commanders, Barrowlords, and higher within the Marghul. Dreaded for their strength, cunning, and unwavering dedication to carry out their orders.
???: The General among the Four.
Wal?n (WAH-leen): A formal term used by the Jadhariin for a parent. Gender-neutral and respectful.