tell us about the symbolism bby g <3
Poem explanation under the cut!
Is to be visible and invisible.
• It's technically metaphorical, of course as the leader responsible for countless of lives, people will rely on you and look on you as an example foremost, and you must project competence and responsibility (hence visible). Invisible on the other hand, means you can't really be your own person in this position. It's far too risky for you and your people to present as a person with flaws and weakness, especially at the time as turbulent as Trellis's, which was post-war.
And scourged by corruption.
From the lowly snake to the lofty bird,
And the number more than the stars.
• Lowly snake refers to the bottom of the barrel, crime lords, peasant criminals, while lofty bird refers to political enemies, antagonistic menbers of the government. Trellis is vulnerable, as many people are preying on him and out for his throat, and he has very little allies, if at all. The stars, in my headcanon, usually refers to the people. Be it living or dead.
Even if you must be held together by strings.
• Because once again, I think Supernova doesn't exist, Trellis here actually fights his dad. And it's not a glorious battle of the hero triumphant over the villain — it was a very gruesome and emotionally taxing fight that pushed Trellis to his breaking point and beyond. It means regardless of Trellis's emotional turmoil and general well-being or being manipulated by people far more political-savvy than he us, he must still assume his role and his duty. Not unlike a puppet.
Let your throne reach the heavens,
And your enemies will never destroy you.
• Of course, that doesn't mean other people should know that. Tying to the first verse, Trellis must project a strong kingdom and ruler — although admittedly, he didn't really do a rather bloodless job about it.
Therefore wear your hair long, woven together,
• A reference to my hc that hair length is sacred to elves. Typically a great length is a sign of expertise, but it also connects them to their ancestors. But it's also a reference to how burdened Trellis is by his "crown" (as some who had long ass hair and short ass hair, this could also mean literally LOL). Basically, this line is encouraging Trellis to keep connecting to his roots.
Let your immaculate robes touch the dirty ground,
But never let them stain.
• Another reference of mine that Royal robes shouldn't touch the ground (I know book 5 disses on this but LEMME HEADCANON) and any servant allowing so means a trip to the gallows. This one is encouraging him to lower himself to the same as his people but not to the point of immorality (hah)
Render yourself untouchable,
• once again, must project an aura of a great king, but he must not close himself off entirely from others. Stuff like that leads to people becoming like his father. They're all string of advice for Trellis to follow in order to be a great king, but unfortunately, trauma and pressure catches up to him, and he breaks down.
And our people will survive.
So, wear this mask and BECOME,
The ruler you were always meant to be.
• in a terrible twist of irony, that while Trellis didn't really end up tyrannic or warmongering like his father, in a way, he still fell.
