My Dear Lady Dharke
In reply to you article on venom bans I wished to make a brief statement
about loyalty. You are calling us to be loyal to a class rather than
loyal to our Cities, our Houses, our organisations. Why should I be
loyal to a such a diverse group of individuals with little more in
common that certain skills? Of course I am a serpent, but I am more than
that. I, for one, am a Mhaldorian first. I am a Naga first. I do not
stand as an individual. Of course I will put these organisations above
my own personal power and I will do anything in my power to advance
thier cause. If they demand of me I secrete venoms, that is what I shall
do. I will do anything withing my power to make my City and my House
stronger and in turn, what makes them stronger, makes me stronger. I am
not giving up what the Creators gave me for a few gold coins, I have
chosen to devote myself to the propagation of the Seven Truths. I do
understand the need for loyalty, but my loyalty shall always be to my
House and my City, and not to my class. There is an "our" in my life, my
lady, but that is the one in "our City" and "our House" long before it
will ever be the one in "our class".
Though I do think you have a point my dear lady when you say that after
a hearty discussion with your Churchmates you have decided to withhold
certain venoms from them. I like it. In fact, I urge you to refuse to
secrete venom for you fellow Churchmembers. Sounds like a splendid idea
to me.
Yours,
A Naga

Penned by my hand on the 5th of Phaestian, in the year 426 AF.