Greetings Sapience,

In light of some concerns raised by former Eleusians who have left the village to become rogues or city-dwellers, there's been some discussion about our duty to Nature, as individuals, as Eleusians, and as members of our Houses. It has been mentioned that Nature might not need us anymore; that our roles as forestals has been reduced to merely vivify what remains of the blighted isle, as a form of retribution for their offenses.

No matter all the trees that have been cut in the Northern Ithmia, leaving its spirit to suffer ever since, her forest blighted as a result.
No matter the unnatural affront on Nature and the land upon which Targossas rests everyday, the radical disruption in the flora and fauna of the surrounding Shamtota Hills, all part of the Creation they constantly preach about, and yet hurt and destroy with their city's very existence.
No matter the damage, the pain, the animals' lives and the lost gifts of the land bestowed upon us, as a result of arson by city-dwellers.

It is true that Nature, as life itself, is part of a never-ending cycle. Just as the forest through the seasons, it grows anew from its remains, it expands and flourishes, and eventually it withers, only for it to grow again. And yet, as part of Nature itself, we're also part of this cycle, and our first duty should be, regardless of the method, to be there and see it through, against any harm. As the Charter itself says, "In the cautious nascence of Nature, in rampant expansion, in golden deadfall, and in vital decline shall the kin of Nature take heed."

It is through dedication and nurture that Nature can grow and be strong again from the ashes, as plants do during Spring; it is through strong-will and enthusiasm that it can flourish and expand outside its branches as Summer comes; it is through patience and love that it can give back to us and the Earth while it withers as Fall leaves drop; and it is through enduring pain and suffering that it can survive through its hardest times, as we make it through Winter.

If anything, it is our duty as forestals, and even more so for us Scions, to be here for Nature during its Summer, while it's flourishing and expanding; to help it reclaim that which has been lost, to have it expand to its outermost limits for all life in Sapience to see, and to prepare for the eventual withering it may have to endure.

In Service of Nature,
Erhael

Penned by my hand on the 17th of Valnuary, in the year 754 AF.