Lowlander Archaosa,

I care little for your prattle. Proselytise as you wish. If lost Cyrenians find purpose in your city, then far be it from me to stand in their way.

But you will not invoke my Lord's name so flippantly. It is /Lord/ Scarlatti. You will address Him with the respect and honourifics a Divine deserves.

Cyrene is known for its artistry and cultural depth, yes, but that is not why Lord Scarlatti stood as Patron. We did not choose Him to paint murals or compose ballads in His honour. Every city requires a Patron. He prevented any interference that would come, that we lacked the means to face it alone. He offered His guidance when it was sought. He saw something in Cyrene, and believed us worthy of the burden of Woe.

But make no mistake, Ashtani. He was not adored, not in the way you imply. His gifts were refused. His Hero left in disgust. Cyrene spat on His divine grace extended, and in doing so, shattered any hope of earning any more of His attention. Few understood Art. Fewer practised it with the discipline, the agony, or the worthiness His teachings demanded.

Art is not tied to Cyrene. It sings from the ocean floor in brass works I have only ever heard about in stories. History hums through broken glass and jagged stone in cities long since buried. Music will still carry skyward. Stories will still be written in places you and I will never see. Battle will be sung where no banners fly and no names are ever known.

I do not mourn His departure. I am glad He is no longer bound to this city. I am grateful the Lord Neraeos has seen in us a spark worthy of tending. Some glimmer, perhaps, not unlike the one my Lord saw when we were given Woe.

So keep your fear-mongering, and keep my Lord's name off your parchment.

In pursuit of excellence,
Page Claes Ancyrion-Maris

Penned by my hand on the 19th of Phaestian, in the year 976 AF.