Hello All,

Given the recent flourish in public posts with my name in, I thought it
best that I contribute.

Essentially, what has happened is the clean ending of what was always
going to be a rather ill-fated, sad situation. I will not point the
finger at anyone here, nor do I feel that anyone was responsible, on
either side of the fence.

It has been explained to me, and I accept, that the decision taken by
the leadership of the Church was done so in their capacity as Church
leaders, not in their capacity as my friends. Who they are, and who I
am, as people, was not, in this case, relevant. All that mattered was
that I was a member of the Church, and they were the Archprelate and
Prelates. They felt that what I had done contravened the Holy Codex of
the Achaean Church, and therefore I was no longer welcome as part of
said institution.

Strange as it may seem, I understand that. I am not saying that I agree,
but I will state now, unequivocally, that I empathise. The position that
the leaders of the Church were put in by me was an horrendously
difficult one, and I am sure the the decision to oust me was not taken
lightly. I certainly hope that it was not.

It does not matter, either, how many of my guildmates supported me. The
Church is currently built on the pillars of Hierarchy and Tradition, of
Ceremony and Rigidity. Again, I am in no place to say whether this
structuring is correct, or not. That is not for the likes of me- Only
the members of the Church can ask themselves how suitable it is.

I think, also, that it is possibly true that I should not be in the
Church. What I am about to state is not a point that I wish to be picked
up upon, and discussed, debated, and regurgitated in every public post
from now until the end of eternity. It is a simple, irrefutable fact.

The Church, neccessarily, teaches hatred, or at the very least, intense
dislike, and a willingness to destroy that which stands against Its
ideals.

Don't get me wrong. The Church teaches compassion and love, too. But,
the fact remains, it is unacceptable to the Church not to dislike Chaos.

Personally, and those who have had the dubious pleasure of making my
acquaintance will be able to back me up on this, I am incapable of
hatred for any ideal, or person. This lack of capacity for dislike is
very probably the sole reason that I have lost a Patron, Guild, and
Institution. Too much love can hurt, just as much as not enough.

Finally, I have a few more jolly sentiments.

Firstly, I wish the Church well in Its recovery from the hole in which
It has found Itself entrenched in for quite some time. My only regret is
that I shall not be a part of this recovery.

Secondly, and vitally, I would like to extend my sincerest gratitude to
those who have supported me throughout this. Yes, this includes the vast
majority of the Paladin Guild. Yes, this includes members of Ashtan,
Shallam, Hashan and Cyrene. It includes those with whom I have
previously not intergrated too well with. It includes everyone to have
messaged me, or Shakti, and everyone who has posted in our support. It
includes the honesty of a certain prominent Church member, who confided
that their actions shaped by their position were seperate from their
personal feelings. I would like to thank Lorielan for the enjoyable
times that we did spend together, and express my deep sorrow and regret
that everything turned a little sour, as well as re-iterate my love for
Her.

Finally, I would like to leave you with a thought, that expresses who I
am, who I always have been (at heart), and who I always will be. I see
it every time I check on my progress in terms of experience and status:

Your class is that of a Paladin

Farewell, all.

Verlaine

Penned by my hand on the 1st of Aeguary, in the year 304 AF.