Merry Meet, Trakis.

It is with joy that I hear a voice calling for peace during these
tumultous days. In the recent months there have been accusations,
demands, hostilities, and far too little understanding, and it was with
apprehension that I watched such enmity escalate. Now, I feel that I
should address you and other citizens of Celest who wish for peace.
However, I must clarify that I do not speak for commune or guild, but
only for myself.

Even as you have remarked that not all cityfolk are fools, so I would
like to state that not all forest dwellers are barbarians. I for one
felt no joy at your Lady Raziela's pain, and I doubt that any of my
compatriots would have done her harm in this time of peace unless
unusual conditions arose, as unfortunately they did.

I understand the anger and pain of your people, for the Supernal Raziela
must be to you what the Maiden Luna is to us - one to be cherished and
protected, a symbol of beauty and innocence. And surely the pain for you
must be greater, when the harm to her comes from those you consider
allies. I for one would like to aid in her healing, though I cannot and
may not remove Faethorn's mark on her, as token of good will.

Hoever, I would also ask your people to understand the quandry we were
in, for even as the Citizens of Celest no doubt pledge to serve the
Light, so we of Serenwilde are oath-bound to protect the fae, at
whatever cost. In this case, our path was made clear to us by
circumstances. We could have made no other choice, or we would have
become oath-breakers to our ideals. I would not ask a Celestian to place
Mother Moon above the Light they revere, and so I ask your understanding
that a Seren's first duty is to the forest and the fae.

It is perhaps this clash that has brought about the hostility of the
past few months, during which there were several angry exchanges; but I
believe that the harsh words spoken were born more of a sense of
vexation or pride than a genuine desire for enmity; for you have spoken
truly: should Serenwilde and Celest go to war, the one who benefits most
would be the Tainted City, who will laugh as both its enemies wear
themselves down against each other.

That, I believe, is something none of us wants, and it is why I believe
and sincerely hope that we can yet salvage some remnant of our old
friendship and rise above this discord - for it is Gorgulu who would
consume fae and angels alike.

Blessed be,
Aramel Talnara


Penned by my hand on the 5th of Dvarsh, in the year 204 CE.