Hello fellow Mortals!

I just wanted to take as brief a moment as is reasonable to address some recent dramatics.

Yes, that does mean this will be too long! Sorry. Sort of. (You've read worse, and this is voluntary.)

Let me state plainly that there should be no cause for real disdain from any party involved, so whatever version of events you may have heard, I ask you to let the matter rest.
If what I'm referring to is lost on you, good! Your mortal social circles have benefitted you. I hope you're having a great new millenium!

To the curious, the simple facts are thus:
I sought to speak from my heart to a Divine. I was, admittedly, not ready to do so by several measures. The timing of the recent declaration regarding rogue forestals led me to believe that certain bad faith actors had conspired to either force my hand, or abandon an idea I held dear, as an attack against what I felt could benefit Nature, Mortality and Creation as the Unity They grew up as. I chose to show my heart and this was not a mistake. We mortals are as we are for a Reason. I find no shame in the attempt, even as misread as some tangential aspects of my words appeared to become once passed to mortal hands. However, none of this truly matters:

I made a fearless attempt at something that meant something to me, and bear any consequences myself.

I wrote Lady Gaia a letter, the specific words of which I sought to keep clandestine, regarding more broadly ally status for Rogues. I personally only shared the contents with a single proof-reader, well known to be wise in terms of Divine Decorum. (Also, to that proofer, be assured that none of your feedback resulted in any shortfall.)
I received a response by letter from a mortal representative of Lady Gaia, that while answering some concerns, also bore telltale signs that the message was not conveyed consistently with my Desires.

I accept this fault as well. I joyfully embrace the paradox that is the muddying meanings due to the run-on, meandering nature of my attempts at seeking to impart absolute clarity. It often seems that true, intimate communication with, and between, us mortals is all but impossible, yet many of us still try with various methodologies, with a wide ranges of mild successes. It is also quite fun, especially when kept in good faith.

I sought clarification as to whether the true contents of my letter were received. Without a clear, steady mind, this likely due to my taking needless offense at the incompleteness of the answer thusly given, I proceeded to give needless offense. As such, I do apologise to Lady Gaia. I politely request a mortal agent of Hers, and one of any other Divine dragged into this matter of mind by proxy, to deliver this apology on my behalf.

Had I more patience and placidity, I would have received a more complete answer in only a month's time above Meropis. This was quite embarassing, especially since my current boots had tread quite far, and they tasted quite foul as a result... Yet I bear no shame for being a thankfully fallible mortal, and my heart swells with hopes equal to those dashed.

In closing,

To Willo, hoping you read this, and make it this far: Your response is the the sort I sought to avoid in keeping my proposal in confidence. That said, I feel inclined question your intent as it seems aimed less to attempt what you earnestly desired, and more to prove a point. I would be happy to be wrong on this front, of course! I thank you for taking this action without fear, regardless, as a generally 'rebellious' mortal myself. I also wish to suggest it was unnecessary. I am truly unaware if my situation bore any weight upon yours, but if my input means anything to you, I would have you redact your farewells. Our world is better, and Mortality stronger, with the Many Colours expressed, yours included.

To Laras, your opinion of me is as I wish all mortals saw each other; Please continue to share your warmth. Considering sharing it even with those you see as opposed to it. Do not let misunderstandings abroad convince you to act in any way other than along that shining middle path you exemplify so gently.

To Aodfionn, mind your ankles and don't forget your shovel 'next time'!
In all seriousness though, I had more fun than I expected to fighting back against you. Whether you truly meant it or not, your acknowledgement that I fought well warmed my heart and gave me cause to examine myself with a less harsh eye on my combative potentials. I would share this warmth back with you, so thank you. Well fought, and thank you for staining your hands with my blood, especially if it gave Lady Gaia some recompense for the aforementioned offense.
(I still worry my skull will be as annoyingly wordy as I can be, and that keeping it around remains ill-advised. It would not be the first time it started rambling apart from me!)

To the 'old man' seeking to guide us regarding Them, you were wise to withhold your name. I've heard several people wishing to debate you already! Welcome to Mortality, am I right?! Thank you, though. I appreciate your response to what was whispered to the ether. Though I may disagree on a few specifics in terms of actual efficacy, your heart is felt in the right place. May more elders seek to teach us so.

To everyone else, we should not live in fear. Nor should we whine for longer than necessary to soothe our heartache should things turn sour as a result of being so fearless. That self-healing becomes fear itself, if allowed to fester past scabbing. Remember always that Their lot is harder than ours. We can heal heartbreak with next week's choice. We can forget with tomorrow's kawhe and rum. We can change our minds with infinitely less strife and pestering than They can change Their hair. We can be reborn. We could be truly free to follow our Paths. Sarapis blessed us so greatly that collectively, we are We. We are blessed, so thank the gods as best you can. Seek to do Them no harm if you cannot.


In Service,
With Love,

Saelily,

Sentinel,

Rogue,

Mortal.

Penned by my hand on the 10th of Phaestian, in the year 1004 AF.