Note that elves are not given, as a rule, to casual cursing or oathmaking.
One of the worst things in elven society is to be an oath breaker, therefore
such things are not done in jest or exasperation, but only in earnest.
Adventuring elves sometimes pick-up human expressions which shock other elves;
if such expressions are translated back into elvish it is considered vulgar
in the extreme.
"Before Selune began to cry." -- In the beginning; a damn long time ago.
"Shardae" (SHAR-day), "Winds blow." -- A neutral elven greeting
indicating that chance has brought you together.
"To walk familiar paths." -- A metaphor, to remember, to dwell in the
domain of elven memory.
"The way of sword and bow." -- The warrior's code; it is said of an elf
who does something dishonorable: "His bow is broken, his sword grown dull."
"The way of harp and song." -- The minstrel's code; it is said of a
minstrel who has done something dishonorable: "His harp is unstrung, his
song's forgotten."
"To see the wind." or "To hear the starshine." -- Euphemisms of
this sort (sensory contradictions) are used when speaking of the recently dead.
"When I heard the stars shine on my Father's house, I wept bitter tears,
for he was a blessing to the People." -- When my father died....
"Est eionivan ei tie Myotha." (Until the stones forget.) -- A green
elven curse, pronounced in all seriousness on those who have done some great
harm to the People. Based on the idea that all things have an anima or spirit
which the People can speak with and that the stones have the longest memories.