I once read about a time when the Divine were respected. A time when
They were spoken to in the manner befitting a Divine, immortal, ascended
being, regardless of if you agreed with Their particular realm--or Their
particular decisions. A time when, even if you have within your mortal
heart a blazing fire of hatred for one Divinity, you still spoke to Them
as a Divinity, not as the common street urchin that you would not even
glance at.

But times have changed, as we know they must, and no longer are the
Divine held in such asteem. Many speak to Them in a manner so
disrespectful that it is barely even suitable for a dog who has just
soiled your favorite rug. The Divine are publicly rebuked--and
insulted--by mortals, in posts, shouts, and any other forum one can
concoct. I will not provide examples, as I believe all of us know of at
least one instance that comes to mind regarding such a situation. Such
vulgarity belongs perhaps to your worst mortal enemy, but never should
you have the audacity to speak to a Divinity as though you were not only
their equal, but above them as well.

I don't expect Churchies to shout the praises of Lord Sartan, and I
don't expect the anti-Churchies to shout the praises of Lord Pentharian.
However, the Divine are in a position that commands respect and
authority, and They should be spoken in a manner befitting that
position. Hate Them, love Them, or don't care less, there is no reason
why we, as mortals, cannot speak civilly to a Divinity. To ALL
Divinities. Who knows. Maybe if you respect Them, They just might
respect you, too.

Iliana Lucoster


Penned by my hand on the 7th of Miraman, in the year 322 AF.