Lots of activity in recent posts (this maybe covers Mistys post - jeez,
I tried, I really did but it made my head hurt) on this conflict but,
again, so many presume to know or feel they have a right to determine
the actions of the Divine in _their_ realm. We all consider the constant
struggle between good and bad as just. Few people question the
landmarking efforts - a constant war between guilds for devotion or
essence that sits in our consciousness as defining whats good and evil
in this world. The conflict over Ashtan is not about good or evil, but
about change and stagnation - equally profound forces.

Here it is again, the most basic of motives, no underwater city or
stagnant ruins.

- Ashtan has refused to move in a realm that can no longer allow it to
stand still. -

Lady Slyphe is the Goddess of Change, and in this, possibly one of the
true forces in our realm, since change doesnt have to happen because of
us, its not something we submit to or strive towards. It is as a river,
changing the landscape it flows through. We can accept change, promote
it, we can even stand in defiance of it, but we cannot presume to be
able to ignore it. Ashtan stands as a monument to stagnation. It can
never claim to be truly neutral (and be home to guilds that would ensure
its relevance in our realm) because of its patronage to the kiddie
killers in the orphanage. Its north-eastern quarter lays largely
derelict, home to the lowest in the whore houses and gambling dens. If
the alliance is overwhelming in its support, maybe it is because the
aims are just. If it was possible to put this to a realm-wide referendum
on the future of Ashtan, it is clear which way the vote would go.

Finally, my dear Talia, you misunderstood my post. I was not hiding in
Lady Slyphes Temple. The room your RL buddies teamed me in was not safe.
If it had been a safe room, I would have been safe. I noticed in Ariels
post she complained that Zephy had killed her because of her being
militia. Not Lady Zephy and the _whole_ alliance, just Lady Zephy. We
cannot claim to be delicate cutters in this war, there can be no such
thing, people who choose a badge of involvement will get hurt and I
mourn your hurt Ariel, but all those who pursue the aims of change do so
diligently and with whatever honour can exist in such conflict. I pray
it is all over soon.

In service of Change.

Penned by my hand on the 17th of Midsummer, in the year 123 MA.