Ruth,

While I certainly understand the desire to stand up for one's home, I do
not understand the need to do so over events which occurred quite a
substantial period of time ago and over problems that no longer exist.
Perhaps, if at the time of the events, a declaration such as yours had
been made, it would have appeared to be more sincere in intention.
However, with no current catalyst listed, please understand that from
the perspective of someone who wishes to view the Hashani government as
competent, keeping the very blatant lack of timeliness in mind, I cannot
but suspect that there is some other motive involved.

Relatively recently, the Lord of Darkness became Hashan's Divine Patron
and, with you and your undeniable ties to Evil and at least two known
Darkwalkers on your Council, your recent decree appears to be more an
attempt to move your citizens away from the Light, where they could
uncover the manipulations that occur in the Dark, than it was about
standing up them, or their desire for neutrality, at all. So the
question is begged regarding what took Hashan so long if it has truly
been upset for near a century (as that is as old as some of the claims
against us are) to decide to "take action"? Even children understand
that mortals very rarely act without a catalyst, or a "final straw," as
it were... So, what is Hashan's given that the Qashar, who had found
themselves rather unwelcome in Shallam, has been disbanded for some time
now.

I, for one, would be content to see Hashan bring themselves forward as a
city based on true neutrality, if that is what the people of Hashan so
desire. However, they would need a government that cares for its
citizens because that is its duty and not one that tries to pull a veil
over their eyes while it drags them away from neutrality because it
views them as easily manipulated.

Also, please accept this as an example of a -timely- response from a
government official, so that the government of Hashan is aware of what
one looks like, should I be giving your government too much credit and
incompetence be the real reason for the delay of so-called "action".

Sincerely,

Saria Ackart-Sparrow
Vizier of Shallam


Penned by my hand on the 6th of Glacian, in the year 556 AF.