Lord Severn,

I find it interesting that you, the lord of artifice, would claim your
sister is doing that which is yours to do, decieve. Lady Slyphe and
those organizations aligned with her and Bloodloch more than likely have
their own reasons for joining the war, as I've not known a single guild
or Guildmaster to merely jump on the band wagon to war without
considering what it could mean first. I am young, true, though I've
heard much about previous wars and how guilds are run, so I don't
believe the guilds and organizations involved are acting on poor
judgement or a simple whim to follow a goddess's command, as I'm sure
she wouldn't demand that they aid in the attack.

I'm not saying that I am in support of the war, as such a thing is not
in my nature, though I agree with some of the reasons why Ashtan is
being attacked.

You are amazed that the guilds play the part of Lady Slyphe's pawns so
easily, though what amazes me is that you claim the goddess of storms
has her own agenda, while you, the lord of artifice speak as though you
are innocent of such a charge. I wouldn't doubt that you have your own
agenda, should Ashtan win the war. Though I don't doubt that the
pleasure of thwarting your sisters at every turn is reason enough to
enter the fray, I just don't think there's a high possability that it's
the only reason.

I Think if Lady Slyphe had her own agenda and she wanted to decieve
those organizations which stand by her side, she wouldn't have allied
herself with the goddess of corruption, she would have aligned herself
with you. You give those organizations less credit than they deserve,
Lady Slyphe seems confident in their abilities to make decisions and
uphold the values of every aetolian with similar interests so it would
be no surprise that that is one of the reasons why they are aligned with
her, she trusts them and they trust her. It might have been wise for you
to listen to the reasons of those organizations as well, not just the
goddess's reasons.

In my constant presence in Ashtan over the years, I have noticed people
come and go, leaving the city council only to be replaced by another.
I've seen their army fight the army of Chakrasul with the strength of
many others beside them. I have also seen, despite the flaws which it
holds, the pride which many Ashtanites hold for being a part of the
city. They make up the militia. I pray that the city of Ashtan sees that
you too, more than likely, have your own agenda. Whether it's to attempt
the position of patron of Ashtan after the war, or to merely gain
influence and power to achieve other goals, no one but you knows, and I
pray that Ashtan sees this obvious attempt at deception and makes the
choice not to ally themselves with you and your forces. I pray, as well,
that you one day see the reasons for the attack on Ashtan, not merely
the "corruption" and "hidden agenda" of Lady Slyphe.

You also said you're surprised that Lady Slyphe's divine interference
isn't also untolerated, though now you follow in her footsteps by
interfering yourself?

I don't believe that war is good, I don't want innocent people to go to
the grave over a war such as this, and I don't want to see enemies pile
upon enemies and cause utter chaos in a city which we almost all have
pleasant memories of, though old they may be. I merely do not wish to
see more bloodshed than is necessary, and as it is, the attackers don't
look like they'll accept any reason to stand down, however much I, or
anyone else, wants it to happen. Your forces joining the fray will only
give them more motivation to destroy the city and those who defend it,
resulting in more deaths on both sides. I hope that at least some of
those involved can see that.

Ravek Orises

Penned by my hand on the 18th of Midautumn, in the year 122 MA.