Darkened Greetings Sapience,

Many of you do not know me, I have been in a long, silent slumber for
quite a few years. My name is Ariel Milenko, mortal daughter of Jervis
Milenko, childer of Sura, citizen of Ashtan, and (once upon a time) a
devoted servant of Slyphe.

I awoke from my cold slumber beneath the ground a short time ago, to
having my citymates urging me to join the Militia and (in service to the
city I have called home for many years) I joined them. I did not know
the situation at the time, nor do I completely understand it now. As I
wandered the city shortly thereafter I noticed that it was bare, no
guards, no people, nothing besides room after empty room.

What has happened to this, my city, my home? I thought. Lost in my
confusion, I turned to the newsboards to what change had occurred in my
absence. I could not read all of it, much of it made little sense to my
'old-world' thinking. So I left again, trying to comprehend all that I
had read. When I returned a few days later, I was attacked by Zephy. I
could not remember if Militia was open PK or not, but I found it very
strange that she had attacked me in my city. So I misted. (Not exactly
honorable, but I had no idea what was going on)

When I rose, I realized that I had been branded enemies of Duiran and
Slyphe. No reasons or explanations were given to my crimes against
either party. What had I done to deserve this? Nothing, besides join my
city's militia. No crimes were ever committed by me against these
organizations and yet I was enemied because such is their 'crusade'
against that of Ashtan.

I have studied the teachings of change, sat in the rooms of Slyphe's
temple, been a member of the Beachcombers (I quit because of my
inactivity), and offered everything I could possibly offer to Her. All
of that was washed away because I am a LOYAL citizen of Ashtan. I find
it sad that things have come to this. That an 'Alliance' of several
parties has yet to defeat my city in the name of Change. I truly doubt
that any of the members that are left will give in to this 'Alliance', I
know that I will not. The 'Alliance' speaks of honor, yet they known
none. How is it honorable to have many fractions against one? How is it
honorable to curse one side for an advantage over them?

You can claim that you are saving Ashtan from itself if its really that
important to all of you. But the truth remains that it is about
destroying something that you don't understand and aren't willing to.
Freedom.

Belle Morte, Ariel Milenko

Penned by my hand on the 16th of Khepary, in the year 123 MA.