Kalys,

In the spirit of strengthening bridges from both shores, I would be willing to
offer you some assistance with the structure and editing of your writing.

There is an interesting argument buried in your tale, though I think it becomes
unclear because you use "respect" to mean several different things.

Your warrior asks:

"What have you done that I should kneel?"

He then argues that neither crown nor scars make a man worthy of another's
respect. That seems to establish respect as something earned through conduct.

Yet the final inscription tells us:

"Respect is not tribute owed to the mighty, nor a gift reserved for the
worthy. It is a bridge between equals."

If respect is not reserved for the worthy, then the warrior's question was not
really about respect at all. It was about deference, submission, admiration,
or perhaps obedience.

There is a worthwhile distinction there. Courtesy may be freely offered between
equals. Esteem may be earned. Obedience may be required by an office. Deference
may be given voluntarily. None of those things are quite the same.

Separating them would make the argument considerably stronger.

The offer of help is sincere. Paragraphs included.

Disclaimer - The payment of 1.2 million gold will be required for services rendered. -


Maelgor -
Prodigious Rock of Chaos
Ambassador of Ashtan
Lannisar of Ser Ulvin

Penned by my hand on the 13th of Ero, in the year 1016 AF.