Yes this invasion and its so-called Peace motives
is transparent. But just what does lie beneath is not
necessarily so. Power-hungry tendencies? Perhaps...

But consider this. Ashtan has been plagued by strife for
a good number of years. Instead of spreading misery, they
are instead wallowing in it themselves. Quite a worrying
thing for leaders and patron alike.

Example- Exodus Battalion.

One of the classical reasons for starting a war (and lets
face it, that is what Ashtan is doing with this pathetic
invasion and half-arsed 'reasons' that even a Jaruvian
sailor full of ale can see through, are doing), is to focus
the minds of their citizens on an external threat.

'Down with the Church' you'll hear them shout, to give the
little minds of their troops a rallying point. Its their
fault, lets kill them! And all the while, the leaders just
sit back and laugh, as other - internal - concerns are
forgotten amidst the bloodust and death.

There is a very good reason why the Title of the Ashtan's
leader is Overseer.

The truth is, Ashtan needs this war, even if they lose it,
simply to provide some unity amongst the shambles their
city has become.

Tis the nature of the wounded beast, to lash out at those
around

On a side note, Shallam has already responded through her
War Minister. If the significance of the War Minister
posting the response, rather than the Ambassador is not
clear to you...

-Kyasha La'Saen

Penned by my hand on the 14th of Ero, in the year 263 AF.