Dear People:

Last month I was shocked and saddened to see that the Shrine of Lord
Arion had disappeared from Dun Fortress. I contacted a friend who is in
Vassals of Valor to express my sympathy, and to ask if he had any idea
who had destroyed the Shrine.

To my astonishment, he said "I don't know, but we will be looking at the
Order of Niuri." Completely mystified by this seeming non-sequitur, I
asked what he meant. He explained his reasoning thus: since the head of
Vassals of Valor had recently destroyed Lady Niuri's Shrine in Enorian,
he believed that Niuri's Order would be motivated to retaliate in kind.
For a moment I was too astounded at this "logic" to speak, but then I
explained to him as I now explain to all of you:

Such crude and destructive tactics are anathema to an Order which stands
for scholarship and wisdom. While it is true that the person who
recently destroyed a sacred Shrine of Niuri is highly placed in Lord
Arion's Order, it was always assumed that he acted in his capacity as
leader of Enorian, and under the influence of his own mortal errors in
judgement (as he publicly admitted in his apology to the Sentaari
guild). Never for a moment did the Order of Niuri blame the Vassals of
Valor, or believe that Lord Arion had sanctioned this ill-considered
action.

And when it came to addressing the matter, Niuri's Order applied the
tools of reason and diplomacy, rather than enemying or hunting the
person who was responsible. Again, Niuri's Order embraces scholarship,
wisdom, and the pursuit of illumination through inner and outer
knowledge. The very idea of "retaliating" by such an obscene act as
defiling a sacred Shrine would be odious to us. Why would we descend to
the level of the very actions which we so recently decried in another?

I hope this clears up any such misconceptions. Those who think in terms
of violence tend to believe that all others think likewise. Fortunately
for all of us, that is far from true. Moreover, I would like at this
time to extend the hand of sympathy and friendship to all my brothers
and sisters who are sincere followers of Lord Arion. I salute your high
and noble ideals, and wish you all success in your chosen path.

In recognition that sentiments are best accompanied by action, I am also
offering -- and I believe the Acumen Circle will support me in this --
to supply free portals for the next three Aetolian months, to assist our
brothers and sisters in Vassals of Valor in rebuilding and sanctifying
Lord Arion's Shrines. Most likely the older and stronger among you do
not need the assistance, but if young ones need help in reaching Shrines
with offerings to sanctify, you may send me a tell with your request and
I will assist with transportation if possible.

This same offer, of course, is also extended to those who wish to
strengthen and sanctify Lady Niuri's Shrines. As a side note, I will be
keeping track of those who avail themselves of this assistance, and will
give an accounting to Lady Niuri and Lord Arion if appropriate, so
please be certain that you are on legitimate and -peaceful- Shrine
business, rather than any other agendas, if you seek my help in this
capacity.

Wisdom and Valor may be likened to the two wings of the noble falcon of
Purpose. Valor without wisdom quickly falls into chaos and error. Wisdom
without valor lacks efficacy. Let us honor the Divine among us, and the
spark of divinity within ourselves, by exercising both these qualities
with balance. Come, brothers and sisters! Let us bestir ourselves to
restore the good which was lost, and work together in harmony to uphold
the ideals we cherish. And may Lady Niuri and Lord Arion guide us in our
efforts.

Penned by my hand on the 6th of Severin, in the year 147 MA.