Some time ago, (starting 20th of Aeguary) there were masses of fires all
over Achaea. The fires swept through the Darkenwood. I know this,
because I and my ordermates were there fighting them.
I know that every available order member was taking care of the problem,
because the entire Order had been given explicit and firm orders (for we
are a notoriously hierarchial, miltitary, non-dissenting organization)
to do our uttermost for the protection of the Wood.

I know that these orders were given because I issued them myself.
I also know that when the Sentinels appeared (assuredly to combat
fires), I happened to do 'readlog twilight'. Do you know what I saw?
Shrine after shrine, destroyed.

Shortly after receiving a message from you questioning Shade's action
towards Elsp, I received a message from Elsp. She wrote that she
accepted the consequences of her actions, and thus had no issues with
Shade's attack on her. She did mention the unfortunate timing of said
attack.

Following this incident, the Order of Twilight received specific orders
to protect and/or aid any sentinel actively and visibly engaged in
fighting fires or otherwise taking care of the wood. I know this,
because I issued those orders.

They also received orders to hunt down and destroy any sentient being,
whatever guild, order, or city affiliation they might be, who would
endeavor to destroy Lord Twilight's shrines within the Darkenwood.

Now understand this. No other Wood or forest location has Twilight's
essence flowing through it. No other Wood has an affinity with Darkness.
No other Wood will ever be claimed as holy or important ground for Lord
Twilight, because to Him they are of no consequence.
The Darkenwood is different. There were two beings whose essence created
it. Lord Twilight and Lady Gaia. Both had a hand in it, albeit the mass
of essence for the creation and maintenance of the Wood came from my
Dark Father.

As it is a forest, Darkwalkers have always abided by Oakstone law. There
have been screams of extermination, but I would like to take this moment
to pre-empt more cries of wolf and remind you all that the location in
question surveyed as a garden location, and was neither the jurisdiction
of the Order nor Oakstone. It was the private property of one Vinia
Black, who has a residence with a garden in the Darkenwood.

We have always held the Wood sacred. It has been publically announced,
many times, that anyone who harvests there without the blessing of Lord
Twilight will be enemied to the Order. This is not a new policy. It is
as old as the Wood itself, and for many years forest folk have dutfully
respected the sanctity of the Wood. I have dealt many times with
incidents of harvesting in the Wood, and have very rarely met any bad
will, for most forest dwellers understand the concept of a sanctum.

On that note, I would like to thank you in the name of the Dark Order
for taking the time to replant necessary rooms. We appreciate the work
you have saved for the dark forest dwellers. Unfortunately, committing
an act of public service does not excuse one from a committed crime.
Thus, while we appreciate your replanting of the Wood, it does not grant
you the right to harvest there.

Now, I would truly like for you to back up your allegations that we do
not care for the Forest, rather than throw around vague hints without
once stating anything of substance (and letting the often-prejudiced
leader to fill in the blanks with preconceived conclusions).
It's true that most of the Order doesn't much care for forests in
general, one way or the other. But the Wood is not any forest. It is our
Father's child, and as such precious to us. To you, it's just another
forest to feel the righteous protector of. To us, it is a part of our
very substance, our very souls. It is our breathen, for we are united
not by blood but by the essence of Lord Twilight. It may be difficult to
conceive of a relationship between God, followers, and Wood that creates
bonds this strong. But such is the nature of Darkness. I would die for
Twilight. I would die for my Order. I would die for the Wood. Not
because I am trying to prove a point to the world. Not because I am
annoyed at being enemied or made to pay a trivial fine. Not because I
have a master scheme in the back of my mind. Because it is a part of me.
Because it is precious to my Father and thus precious to me.


On a final note, I would like to point out that we in no way try to
claim sole and total dominion of the Wood. The forest folk are welcome
to tend to it, and care for it. The only restrictions we ask for is to
refrain from using it, for its resources are fueled by Father's essence
for His childer.
On the other hand, many forest folk I have recently heard speak believe
it is best to rip the Wood away entirely from its Father, who is all too
well known for fiercely loving and defending His own.

I ask you, on whose side does reason reside? On whose side do the facts
stand straight, and on whose are they garbled with emotion, prejudice,
vague twistings of words and accusations?
Step outside your box of preconceptions and see.

Silverstorm Trismegistus
Daughter of Lord Twilight Trismegistus, the Thrice-Great.

Penned by my hand on the 16th of Chronos, in the year 310 AF.