Others' Island (spoilers all books incl RWC)

[Lady Persephone]

Am I late to the party! But I really, really needed to share a theory I just came up with while listening to the first chapter of Ship of Magic and especially the part about Kennit's findings on Treasure Beach. (Also, I am sorry if this isn't a new one, I have not read all the fourteen pages of this thread.)

A litter of kittens, one the runt of the litter, with a red ruby earpin which Kennit manages to bring with him.

Then: the scene shifts to Wintrow and his chat with Berandol at the monastery. In the conversation, Berandol talks about having a shrunken arm and uses the *actual* words "litter of the runt" about himself!

So: the small, dead kitten might be symbolizing Berandol and the earpin of course Wintrow himself. He is removed from Berandol and the monastery and found by Kennit, who later passes him on in a haphazard way to Etta, just as he does with the ruby earpin.

Very interesting theory BeachRose!  And I, too, it seems am very late to the party here . . I swear this place is so like a deserted ancient Elderling city, like Kelsingra and all the posts from Farseer, Thul, Nutsya, Lord Punctual, etc are like ancient memories trapped in the memory stone of this forum!  But anyway, I think you're onto something there . . the drowned kittens could signify Berandol and the ruby earring, Wintrow.  What about the nails and the teacups?  There's so much scope for wonder and interpretation here . . that set of teacups . . I wonder if it has anything to do with the teacups Kennit promises to bring for his mother, like a symbol of completeness, wholesomeness, elegance . . something lost forever to Kennit because of his life choices.  Drinking tea together is a common theme throughout RotE and I have to wonder if it stands for companionship and social grace, humanity.  I might be way off there.  I'm just musing.