It is nice to see a citizen of Ashtan offer her perspective - I will
offer mine. Wether witty, valiant or not worth reading, these are just
my words, none elses.

Despite what you may have heard, Eleusis has sought peace with Ashtan
for most part of the years passed. I'm old and my memories clouded, I
can not remember every detail and every word spoken by city leaders on
Public news, but the words of my elders still echo in my mind as they
say to us: "Show restraint, do not seek retribution. Defend your friends
in Shallam and their Icons if you wish, but do not bring your weapons
against Ashtan's walls or its Icons for we share friendship with some
Ashtani as well." And we villagers abided. Years passed, and when
Mhaldor started reraising its Icons we knew war would come. But to our
surprise the attack on the Sentinel Icon did not come from them, but
from the Bastion of the North.

Now I hear our treaty with Ashtan was just a "cease-fire", something
that your leaders could break once it suited them. How graceful of
Eleusis to let Ashtan gather its forces until they could stab us in the
back - this must be the meaning of your leaders' words. Yet again, I
hear your leaders have offered us other one of their "treaties", are you
surprised we turned it down?

Now hear my thoughts: the slaughter of guards and innocent citizens is
not glorious. It will probably stop as both sides grow weary of it. The
raids themselves? Well, I doubt there will be an end. I have grown
accustomed to having your warriors lurking around the woods near my
village, tripping on vines, swatting at gnats and spears alike - I
applaud their valor. And when the hunt is over - whoever won the day,
the bloodspattered Eastern Ithmia needs its nourishment. Perhaps you
will relish as well as Ashtan gets visited?

Ashtani, send your raiders if you wish. But spare us your leaders' lies.


/Cormak


Penned by my hand on the 2nd of Daedalan, in the year 564 AF.