Some people look at the current situation and think of us as dictators
who cannot let our control of a single small forest slip through our
iron tight grip of control. To some it may indeed appear that way. But
in fact we do not control the forests. We are the servants of the
forest. Our lives are completely dedicated to that service. We are bound
to our servitude by chains stronger than any steel. Our purpose is to
care for and protect the forests at all costs. Our own lives do not
factor into this service. If every one of us must die to protect a
single location in a forest then it is a small price to pay indeed. We
do not think we are better than others because of this. But in many ways
our lives are blessed far beyond those of others because of it. We do
not control the forests. Indeed it is written in Oakstone's charter that
none may own a forest.

Twilights essence does indeed dwell within Darkenwood. That is a fact
that I do not dispute. I fully agree that Twilights Order can and should
hold the Darkenwood sacred. But unfortunately that does not effect the
laws of Oakstone. They remain in force throughout the forests and
because the Darkenwood is unfortunate enough to contain some of
Twilights own essence does not place it outside of our care.

I personally have no problems with not harvesting in Darkenwood out of
respect to those who hold it to be special to them. That does not mean
that all feel this way. Oakstone only controls how much is harvested,
not where it can be harvested. If the Order of Twilight decides they
want to enemy individuals for harvesting within Darkenwood. It's their
right to determine who is an enemy and for what reason. Just as it is
the right of those they enemy for this and those that support them to
retaliate for it. To be magnanimous in my support for your rights to
determine your own enemies I will give you this information. After the
fires that burned Darkenwood I harvested there to replant burned areas
also. I also replanted Twilights grove. I informed Shade at the time
that I was doing so and since he was there asked him if he wanted me to
replant his personal grove there or would like to do it himself and he
said that he would replant his grove. I do not know if someone else
replanted it later, But that is a possibility.

The shrines and totem, although they were illegal, were not removed by
Oakstone or at Oakstone's orders. Until such a time as permission is
asked from Oakstone and given by them for the placement of totems and
shrines of Twilight within the Darkenwood I have a feeling that they
will continue to disappear. Killing those they remove them may make you
feel better. But lives are cheap while totems and shrines are expensive.
It would be a sound economical decision to simply place them somewhere
where they will not be lost and do not violate Oakstone law. As for
shrines disappearing from places other than the forest. That has nothing
to do whatsoever with Oakstone and is indeed a personal issue between
your order and those removing them.

It does not matter what you claim. As words do not affect the health and
well-being of the forest. Your claims may be distasteful to some but
they do not harm anything. But claims do not change Oakstone law. Unlike
the cities, Oakstone does not have laws against the killing of it's
citizens. So if you want to kill our people for enforcing the laws that
protect the forests that is your right. As it is their right to return
the favor. We do not want a conflict or a war but we cannot afford to
compromise the laws that keep the forests we serve and protect from
harm. I've heard your arguments, they have merit and change nothing.

This is how I see it. Oakstone law will continue to be enforced in
'every' forest. Nature's children do not wish to fight a war. But we
also will not fail in our service to the forests. Our dedication and
perseverance cannot be questioned. We do not single out Twilight's
order. Our laws are upheld equally regardless of guild, city, or order.
Our own leaders must answer to our laws as much as anyone else. Do not
doubt our fortitude or determination. Even the Divine at one time or
another has answered to our laws and paid their fines.

Penned by my hand on the 10th of Glacian, in the year 310 AF.