Hail, Oakstone.
As much as I am tempted to use the common phrase 'I am amused at your
foolishness', I do not find the situation at hand even mildly amusing.
You have voted to 'retake' the Darkenwood. Pray tell me, how do you
intend to retake that which was never yours to begin with?

The Darkenwood was formed by the power of the Dark God (hence the name,
for those of you who've not made the connection). Its formation was
aided by some Druids, but the primary drain of power, the very nature of
the Wood, its soul and its being are of Darkness. Having aided in
whatever small way you have (do not overestimate your own significance
in this, for I assure you, your part was a drop of water in the ocean of
Lord Twilight's investment) does not give you any right or claim to the
Dark Wood. Saying otherwise is as ludicrous as claiming you own a house
because you helped its true owners put in a window.

The Darkenwood is not powered by the Lady of Nature. Anyone who knows it
well (and I am sure all of you know it intimately, since you're so keen
on making it yours) will find a Dark Plinth of power, from which the
forest draws its energy. The Darkenwood is apart from the cycle of
Nature. It knows no summer or winter, no snow or rain. Sunlight does not
penetrate its singularity, and shadows reign supreme beneath the boughs.

Oakstone in the past has been less than accepting of Darkness and
anything Dark. Do not fool yourselves in thinking the Darkenwood is any
less filled with the Shadow than any true Darkwalker. It is a being, and
its soul is Dark. It does not know your touch. It is bound to Lord
Twilight, and its power and grim beauty is His.

This is not meant to be put forth as an argument. I do not expect any
reply, though I am sure you will squabble and scream about something or
other quite ineffectively for, oh, 50, 60 posts? I am telling you that
the Darkenwood belongs to Lord Twilight Trismegistus. There can be no
argument or compromise over the matter. The Order of Darkness is the
Wood's sole keeper.

When Darkness is a part of Oakstone, when Lord Twilight sits with the
Lady Gaia in ruling it, then will Oakstone have any part in the
Darkenwood beyond that of visitors.

However, as matters and sentiments stand, I'll refrain from making a
guess how many generations will rise and fall before the thought of the
Dark Father in Oakstone causes anything besides dropped jaws.


The Darkenwood will continue to be governed and taken care of by the
Order of Darkness. Those found harvesting in it will be enemied, and
will pay the appropriate fines. Those not Dark who dare imprint there
will have their groves eradicated, be enemied, and thrown out of the
Dark domain until such a time as they learn respect for Darkness. If any
measures are taken by the council of Oakstone besides pretty words to
lay any claim on the Darkenwood, I swear by the name of my Father that
you will not enter the Darkenwood and live.

I hope I made myself clear.

In the name of the Dark Order,
Silverstorm Trismegistus
Daughter of Lord Twilight

Penned by my hand on the 20th of Phaestian, in the year 302 AF.