My dear Sir

It's interesting that your unhappy colleague, Acino, reveals to us the
title of Lord when Her Ladyship Chakrasul receives no title whatsoever,
in your post. So I'm a dedicated agnostic, and shouldn't care about such
things, but you don't need me to tell you that it's about the only issue
of worth that we are taught when we are but small children -respect the
Divine in all ways both great and small, wherever and whenever possible.
Even I'm aware that to ignore this basic rule is a guarantee for future
unhappiness, at some point in time.

However, as a riposte to your main concern, perhaps you should also
consider the ambitions of those individuals both young and old who have
no interest whatsoever in dark, light or any shade of grey in-between.
Perhaps they're (we're) perfectly content to ignore such tiresome issues
- perhaps they merely wish to lead a life of fulfilment with their
families, sell wares from their shops, lead a life of exploration across
the many stunning environments we have been graced with, and other
(perhaps as far as you are concerned) mundane, shallow occupations and
lifestyles. I myself arrived here but three years ago, and am delighted
with the civilisation I find here. Not a moment has been spent pondering
upon the bewildering matters of landmarking, light or dark this or that.
My ambitions and desires lie elsewhere, and shouldn't know a landmark if
I tripped over one. But that's just me.

You mention Cities. Again, some individuals aren't happy to become part
of a hierarchy, their own Guild notwithstanding. Perhaps freedom from
beaurocracy and nannying is a breathe of fresh air, to be savoured? Some
enjoy the hustle and bustle of political power, others do not, so your
generalisation was inaccurate perhaps.

If Sapience has, slowly, over the years, developed into something that
does not please you, that's unfortunate and I feel for you, but things
rarely stay the same for long
the balance is tipped this way or that for such and such length of time,
but it is bound to tip back to its opposite state sooner or later or
imperceptibly wobble about its fulcrum, weighted almost equally at both
ends. Like the tides, ebbing and flowing seems a natural state of
affairs as far as these lands (and surely the whole universe) is
concerned, so do not give up hope just yet. Within a decade or so,
perhaps you will be more pleased with the state of events. Stick around.

With the greatest of respect,

Io

Penned by my hand on the 23rd of Niuran, in the year 159 MA.