I have read and watched with increasing sadness as this "war" against
Ashtan has continued, with reprehensible deeds on both sides. At this
point, my conscience bids me offer what so far I have not seen proposed
by anyone. As I am neutral in every possible way -- neither a citizen
nor a member of any group, order or guild involved in the conflict -- I
am offering my services as a negotiator between the two "sides" in hopes
that an honorable solution may be reached.

Let us lay aside the outrage over "who did what" and how awful it all
is, and reflect that even the Divine do not have the ability to take us
back in time to undo even one regrettable event. Let all clear our heads
for a moment and look calmly at what lies before us. I have knowledge of
heinous deeds on both sides, some coming from the very highest levels,
and am appalled by all. But what options are -- and should always have
been -- available to the realm and to Ashtan now?

First of all, if Lady Slyphe's grievance against Ashtan is truly that it
has been "stagnating," what courses of action would be seen as
constructive growth and change? If this truly has nothing to do with
Kelsys, as She has so repeatedly stated in Her posts, then there should
be no huge agenda or hurry to wipe Ashtan off the face of the continent.
No hurry at all, in fact -- so obviously there is time for negotiation.

Secondly, if the real aim and goal of the Ashtan leadership is to SAVE
and PRESERVE Ashtan, then again there should be no objection at all to
fair negotiations. You have fought hard and have kept Ashtan from being
overrun up to this point, but if Ashtan is to remain or become a viable
city there must be long-term solutions -- and these must be found SOON,
before the chance is irretrievably lost.

Therefore I appeal to all, both the participants and the observers of
this conflict, to join me in calling for a cessation of hostilities and
for earnest NEGOTIATIONS to begin -- not only for the sake of Ashtan but
for the sake of Sapience itself. I offer myself as a volunteer because
no one else has yet stepped forth, and because I have many capabilites
which can be used in service of this effort. I have a good mind, a good
heart, and a sense of honor which transcends personal ties and
affiliations. Even though I do not know about all the behind-the-scenes
"deals" which have been made on both sides, I bring to this endeavor
intelligence, good will, and a fair measure of wisdom and good sense.

If better and more capable people are ready to shoulder the task, let
them step forward, and quickly. In this troubled hour, Sapience needs
sane and sensible people to do more than stand by wringing their hands.
As a concerned sentient in Sapience, I call upon all of you who claim
any sort of honor or good will to join me in this. Let hostilities
cease. Let troops be withdrawn to their respective cities of origin. Let
intelligent and sincere negotiations begin.

Ashtan will have reparations to make, to Duiran and to Sapience, for the
destruction of the forests. A thriving city with a taxpayer base can do
very real things to help in replanting the forests and otherwise helping
to heal the realm. And if the problem has been "stagnation," let us hear
what real, reasonable and specific changes would help to cure the
problem. Let there be reasonable and fair proposals about making Ashtan
a viable city that is an asset to Sapience and to its citizens. AND LET
THERE BE OFFERS OF REASONABLE HELP IN BRINGING THIS ABOUT.

It takes far more intelligence and resourcefulness to build or heal than
to destroy. It takes more patience and effort too, but since even the
Divine are involved in this one, surely there is no lack of intelligence
and resourcefulness to draw upon in this endeavor. It takes more honor
and courage to work for win-win solutions than to pillage and kill.
Again, since even the Divine are involved in this situation, surely
there is no lack of honor which can be called upon in finding a
constructive solution.

I cannot and do not speak for the leaders of any specific group, as I
have always avoided seeking temporal power of any kind. I speak for
sanity, for wholeness, and for anyone whose spark of sentience and good
will outweighs their desire to avenge, to kill, or to seek personal gain
and glory at the expense of others. Let us start, NOW, to work for a
solution that benefits all and harms none. Vengeance is meaningless.
Punishment is irrelevant. Let us start now to build something that will
be a credit to all of us who dare to call ourselves Sapients.

-- As a postscript, let me state that although it is in my nature to be
compassionate and giving to anyone in need, I ask that NO one request
favors or help from me until this conflict is past. I wish to remain
truly neutral, and that means that I will not be helping either side to
sustain an adversarial stance toward the other.

Penned by my hand on the 11th of Slyphian, in the year 123 MA.