Chapter 18: Songs of another language
Thomas was flying through the sanctuary, more specifically near the clay banks. Then, he flew past the waterfalls. But when he passed by the waterfall that was most left, he spotted something. It looked like an opening of some sorts.
Thomas decided to be daring and flew with high speed through the waterfall and before he knew it, he was in a cave that was lit by the sun that was shining through it. He shrugged himself a bit to get the water off of him.
When he looked forward however, he spotted a female macaw with her back turned to him. It was a spix macaw. Thomas, however, knew that something was familiar about this bird: the dark blue feather and most importantly the single large feather that pointed out on the back of her head, similar to the one Jasmine has.
Thomas' eyes widened a bit and stepped a bit closer.
"M-mom?" Thomas said.
(sad music begins to play)
The female bird then turned and showed her face, with hazel-brown eyes. It was Camila, Thomas' mother.
Camila gasped and said: "Oh, my son."
Later, Camila sat down as Thomas laid down on his belly, with his head on his mother's legs, as if he was a child.
"I thought I lost, mom." Thomas said with a heavy sigh. "I thought I'd never see you again…"
"Oh, Tommy…" Camila said with much compassion in her voice. "…life is full of unexpected things."
Thomas was making some noises, as if he stood on the point of crying.
Camila: "Some make you cheerful. And some break your heart."
Thomas sighed shortly and said: "I wasn't there when you needed me. I couldn't save you from that flood."
Camila: "It hurts so much, Tommy. I felt that my heart was being ripped out of my chest when I realized that I wouldn't see you, Jasmine or your father again."
Camila: "But all hardships are temporarily, but you know this, Tommy? I am at least grateful that you and Jasmine survived the flood."
Thomas sobbed, but still no tears fell of his face.
"But, then you 2 had so much trouble surviving…" Camila said, whilst looking away.
"Do not worry for me. My troubles are over, my son." Camila said with much compassion.
"I don't wanna go back out there in the wild." Thomas said heavily. "I can't take it anymore, especially with Big Bad Thom still residing in me."
Camila then placed her right wing on his head. "You are strong, Tommy, we are survivers, you, Jasmine, your father and me. We keep fighting through even when we do not know how."
"You cannot help but be my son." Camila said, which made Thomas sob a tear.
"We found our little brother, mom. He's alive and well with a spix macaw tribe and a wife and…" Thomas was now fully in tears. "…and he has children. I wanted that you and dad could see them."
"I miss you." Thomas said with a heavy sob.
"I know, Tommy. But remember, you have your sister and a family now. Take comfort in being with them." Camila said as she stroked Thomas' head.
For what seemed like hours, Thomas's head laid on his mother's legs.
Suddenly, Thomas' eye opened as a ray of light went through the hollow he was sleeping at: Blu and Jewel's.
It had all been a dream.
Blu just arrived with some fruits for breakfast.
"Morning, Jewel, morning, kids, morning, Jas and morning, Thom." Blu said in a happy tone.
"Morning honey." Jewel said with love in her voice.
"Morning, dad!" the kids said at the same time.
"Morning, little brother." Jasmine said.
"Morning, Blu." Thomas said, still trying to wake up a bit.
The family ate as usual, but after about 7 minutes, Tiago noticed that something was off with his uncle.
"Uncle Tommy, are you alright?"
Thomas snapped out of his stance and said: "Uh, yeah, just waking up, why?"
"You look a bit down to be honest." Tiago said.
"Yeah, I noticed it too, Uncle Tommy, what's wrong."
Thomas hesitated at for a moment, but then he sighed.
"I had a heartbreaking dream this night." Thomas said.
"Oh, what was it about?" Jewel asked curiously.
"About our mother." Thomas said whilst looking to his younger brother and sister.
Jasmine gasped and Blu said: "Our mom?"
Thomas then told everything that happened and was said in his dream. This made Jasmine, Blu, Jewel and Bia shed some tears. Carla and Tiago were saddened by the story, but still kept strong.
This clearly made the morning mood a bit down, especially since the spix family had such good food before them.
Jasmine however suddenly smiled and said: "I know something that may help you cheer up, big brother."
"Oh, yeah? And what's that?" Thomas asked.
"A song that we learned by the Azul clan and sang when we had a tough day or felt down." Jasmine replied.
"And what song was that?" Thomas asked.
"Remember the song Óðal?
Thomas his downright face, suddenly went up to a smile.
Carla seemed to notice this and asked: "That sounds like a nice song, but what does it mean?"
Bia, who had learned some Azul words from Jasmine said: "Isn't that that rune you call the Othala, which means 'heritage'?"
"Exactly, Bia, you truly paid close attention when I taught you those runes." Jasmine said with a smile.
The family decided that they would first finish their breakfast and then they would get Nico, Pedro, Rafael and Eva to listen to it as well.
After landing at the audition place, many animals had arrived in further training their singing skills. Even Eduardo, Sapphire, Mimi and Roberto had come. For Tiago, Bia and Carla it became even more fun as Renaldo, Miguel and Skye joined the auditions.
"If your aunt and uncle will sing again like last time, I'll truly be amazed." Renaldo said.
"I hope so too." Carla said.
"You said that this is a song in a language not related to English, Portuguese or even Spanish, right?" Eduardo asked the siblings.
Jasmine: "That's correct, Eduardo."
Thomas: "But, we'll sing it in English afterwards. Sure, it won't rhyme like in the language that we'll sing it now, but it will give you a better view of what we're saying."
Jasmine: "On top of that, we don't have any music or other clan members to sing along, since that would give a much better atmosphere."
Rafael: "That doesn't matter, we'll just imagine it."
Pedro: "Show us what ya got, Thom and Jas."
(Jasmine walks at the center of the stage, wings folded, eyes closed. As the music (drums) begins to play in her and Thomas' head, she slowly opens her eyes after 47 second and starts to sing.)
Jasmine:
Vér erum gamalt tré, (English: We are an ancient tree)
með nýspungnum knöppum. (English: With new sprouting buds)
(She raises her wings gracefully, as if blossoming.)
Mót sól vǫxtum ok vexum, (Towards the sun we reach)
ok vöxum framm. (To grow ever tall)
(She moves forward, her steps light and deliberate.)
Thomas:
Heyr! (Hear!)
Both:
Langt niðr í rótum ok hríngum ársins, (English: Deep down in roots and in rings of years)
(Thomas joins her, standing beside her as they lift their wings together.)
kveða inir gamlir. (English: The old ones chant)
(They circle each other, creating a sense of unity.)
Thomas:
Heyr! (English: Hear!)
Both:
Langt niðr í rótum ok hríngum ársins, (English: Deep down in roots and in rings of years)
(They turn to face the audience, their wings now folded in unison.)
í bǫrkinum sitja sár. (English: In the bark are scars)
(They place a wing over their hearts.)
Þau vitna um ærð, (English: They speak of honor)
þau vitna um níð. (English: They speak of strife)
(They lower their wings slowly, looking solemn.)
Jasmine:
Sumt svir meir en annar. (X2) (English: Some burn more than others (x2))
(She steps forward, her movements fluid and graceful, as if carried by the wind.)
Sjá mik djúpt, (English: Look deep into)
í augun blá. (English: my blue eyes)
(Thomas approaches Jasmine, looking deeply into her eyes.)
Þú mátt skilja. (English: you must understand)
Minnisk at allir, (English: Remember that all)
nǫkkvorr at kveldum. (English: one day depart)
(They both turn to look at the sky, wings slightly open.)
Nóttin kemr. (English: The night it will come)
(They place their wings over each other's shoulders, symbolizing their bond.)
Ek gef þér þinn óðal (English: I give you your heritage)
ef þú vilt hafa. (English: If you wish it)
(She takes a step back, extending her wing towards Thomas.)
Sá fer ekki frá. (English: It will not depart)
(He takes her wing, and they stand united.)
Þungt þat vega. (English: Heavy it weighs)
Minnisk taka ekki meir en þú orkar bera. (English: Remember, take not more than you can bear)
(They lean against each other, symbolizing support and unity.)
After that, they were quiet, for they imagined the music still in their heads. They managed not to make the crowd applause, because they were tapping with their talons on the ground, signaling them that the song was not over. The crowd was excited about the song, particularly Roberto, who was in love with Jasmine's movements and voice.
Thomas:
Djúpt í jǫrð, (English: Deep in the earth)
gef rótum stefn. (English: The roots give you direction)
(They lower themselves, mimicking roots growing into the ground.)
Þá stormar ferr, (English: When storms come)
knakandi (English: They creak)
kveð. (X2) (English: Chant (x2))
(They rise together, swaying as if moved by the wind.)
Both:
Sjá mik djúpt, (English: Look deep into)
í augun blá. (English: my blue eyes)
(He steps forward again, looking deeply into Jasmine's eyes.)
Þú mátt skilja. (English: you must understand)
(He places a wing on her shoulder.)
Minnisk at allir, (English: Remember that all)
nǫkkvorr at kveldum. (English: one day depart)
Nóttin kemr. (English: The night it will come)
(They embrace, looking towards the crows.)
Ek gef þér þinn óðal (English: I give you your heritage)
ef þú vilt hafa. (English: If you wish it)
(She steps forward, looking determined.)
Sá fer ekki frá. (English: It will not depart)
(They stand close, wings touching.)
Þungt þat vega. (English: Heavy it weighs)
Minnisk taka ekki meir en þú orkar bera. (English: Remember, take not more than you can bear)
(They lean against each other again, looking towards the crowd.)
(They tapped with their talons on the ground for a few moments as if it were 'drums'.
Both:
Fyrir hverja einustu spíru, (English: For each sprout)
verðum vér hærri ok dýpri. (English: We grow taller and deeper)
(Together they lift their wings high, standing tall.)
Fyrir hverja einustu spíru, (English: For each sprout)
verðum vér hærri ok dýpri. (English: We grow taller and deeper)
(They slowly lower their wings, looking serene and peaceful.)
Óðal. (English: Odal/heritage)
(They stand close, wings wrapped around each other, looking towards the skies.)
Óðal. (English: Odal/heritage)
(The music fades as they remain embraced, symbolizing their enduring connection.)
The crowd erupted in a roar of excitement and Carla was the first one to speak up.
"Wow! I didn't understand a word of it, but the way you moved, the peaceful nature of the song, it truly needs a place in the Carnival Show!" Carla exclaimed.
"I totally agree with my daughter, that was truly a song to behold, you two, even though the language was completely alien to me." Jewel complimented.
"Can you sing it now in English, so that we may understand what you just sang?" Rafael asked.
"Alright, guys, we'll do." Thomas said.
And with that they sang the song in English and even though it didn't have the same energy as the one in Azul language, it did make the crowd understand what it was all about. After the song was sung, the crowd once again erupted in a roar of applause.
"Now, I fully understand what the translation of that song is." Miguel said.
"I to wish to learn it one day by Auntie Jassie." Bia added.
"That was amazing, you two, you truly have a talent for singing and dancing." Blu said, approaching his siblings.
"Aw, thank you, little brother." Thomas said, touched by his brother's words.
"Yeah, and I wonder if you have more of those beautiful songs in this Azul language, because we might still want one." Nico said, approaching the two singers.
"You want another one?" Thomas said amazed.
"Yeah, well, I at least." Nico said.
"Mmh, I may have another one." Thomas said.
"You do, Thom?" Jasmine asked.
Thomas leaned into Jasmine's hearing hole and whispered something, which gave her a smile.
"Oh, yeah. It won't be that spectacular without music, but it will do." Jasmine said.
"What's the name of the song called?" Mimi asked. "Because this Óðal song was amazing!"
This one is called Helvegen, the road to hell.
"Hell?" Blu said confused. "Don't you go to you own heaven called Valhalla?"
"Only traitors and oath-breakers go to a very cold place we know as hell, but that's a rarity amongst Azul kind." Thomas said.
"Ooh, I'm interested in what great song we'll have now." Carla said to which Renaldo nodded.
And so, Thomas and Jasmine positioned themselves again to sing.
Jasmine (elegantly):
Kverr skal syngva mik (Who will sing me)
(Jasmine stands at the center of the stage, wings folded, her eyes closed. As she starts singing, she gracefully lifts her wings, creating an aura of elegance.)
Í daudsvefni slyngva mik (In death's slumber, sling me)
(She slowly opens her eyes, her wings slightly raised as if preparing for flight.)
Þá ek á Helvegin ferr (When I tread the Hel-road)
(She takes a gentle step forward, her movements fluid and graceful.)
Ok sporin ek trør (And the paths I walk)
(She spreads her wings slightly, as if feeling the weight of the journey.)
Eru köld, svá köld (Are cold, so cold)
(She places a wing over her heart, her expression one of deep emotion.)
Both:
Ek sálma sótta (I sought the songs)
(Thomas steps in beside Jasmine, extending a wing towards her. They stand close, creating a sense of unity.)
Ek sálma sendta (I sent the songs)
(They join wings, moving in a slow, synchronized circle.)
Þá inn dýpsti brunnr (Then the deepest well)
(They face each other, wings touching lightly.)
Gaf mik dropa svá ramman (Gave me drops so bitter)
(They lift their wings together, creating a canopy.)
Af Valföðrs pant (Of Valfather's pledge)
(They slowly lower their wings, looking solemn.)
Both:
Allt veit ek Óðsen! (All I know of Odsen)
(They step forward together, their movements synchronized.)
Hvar þú auga þitt léyndir! (Where you hid your eye)
(They look into the distance, their wings slightly open.)
Both:
Kverr skal syngva mik (Who will sing me)
(They turn to face each other, creating a circle of unity.)
Í daudsvefni slyngva mik (In death's slumber, sling me)
(They join wings again, moving in a slow circle.)
Þá ek á Helvegin ferr (When I tread the Hel-road)
(They face the audience, wings now folded in unison.)
Ok sporin ek trør (And the paths I walk)
(They place a wing over their hearts.)
Eru köld, svá köld (Are cold, so cold)
(They lower their wings slowly, looking solemn.)
Both:
Árla eðr í daga heilli (Early or in day's glory)
(They lift their wings high, standing tall.)
Enn veit hrafninn ef ek fell (Still the raven knows if I fall)
(They slowly lower their wings, looking serene and peaceful.)
[Instrumental]
(Thomas and Jasmine move gracefully around each other, their movements fluid and synchronized, creating a dance that reflects the instrumental part of the song.)
Both:
Þá þú við helgrindr stendr (When you stand at Hel's gate)
(They stand close, wings wrapped around each other, looking towards the horizon.)
Ok þá laus þú mátt rjúfa (And when loose you must tear)
(They separate slightly, looking into each other's eyes.)
Skal ek fylgja þér (I shall follow you)
(They take each other's wing and walk in a circle, creating a sense of unity.)
Yfir Gjallarbrú með minni sálm (Over Gjallarbrú with my song)
(They lift their wings high, standing tall.)
Both:
Þú ert lauss frá böndum er binda þik (You are loosed from the bonds that bind you)
(They face the audience, their wings now folded.)
Þú ert lauss frá böndum er bundu þik (You are loosed from the bonds that bound you)
(They place a wing over their hearts, looking solemn.)
[Instrumental]
(Thomas and Jasmine move gracefully around each other again, their movements fluid and synchronized, creating a dance that reflects the instrumental part of the song.)
After their movements had stopped and they both bowed, making the crowd roar and applaud once more.
After some compliments, Thomas and Jasmine wasted no time in singing the song entirely in English, which made it clear for the crowd of what they are singing.
After they had finished, the crowd once again applauded the duo.
Rafael (happily): "Jasmine, Thomas, Eva may be the best in my eyes, but the way you two sang, you definitely deserve several places in the Carnival show next week."
"Thank you, Raphael, I'm happy you all liked it." Jasmine replied.
"Liked it? We LOVED it, Auntie Jasmine and Uncle Tommy!" Carla exclaimed.
And after some compliments, the other audition training went through. Clearly, all the performers had forgotten about Thomas' demonic outburst from a few days ago.
Both Bia and Carla asked their aunt and uncle if they could one day teach them those songs, since they both found it wonderous to hear. Thomas and Jasmine happily obliged to that wish, but it would have to wait until the Carnival Show is over.
This was a day that Thomas and Jasmine could only dream of over the past years, since they haven't been able to sing much. Today they showed that their talent skills from the Azul Clan haven't faded away.
To be continued…