Duiran, your Strength is to be commended.

Before I am inevitably asked who I am, let me begin by saying I am a simple Scholar; one who joined the Archivium to unlock the mysteries and secrets behind the land. As I did with one of your own, Valorie Aresti, I was content to simply sit, observe and study the aeonic confluence. I even shared my findings with her quite willingly, given how well we had worked together to unravel the mysteries of the visions of the confluence.

When the Copperhead struck at the Spire, I was there. I was among one of those that fell unconscious as our minds melded with the Copperhead, in an effort to head off the threat it posed to the very foundations to the Citadel. A few of your own came to strike at us when we were helpless, and if not for Miss Sneak, we would have failed for certain. Well before the events in Farsai that galvanised your city to lash out against the north. I was troubled, for I did not understand the motivation.

When war erupted between Bloodloch and Duiran, I was concerned; were we not to stand together against the Fury? Did we not stand together to defeat the Haekathi when they attacked Enorian? I was troubled, and frustrated. When you set your sights to our troops and guards, I grew frustrated; this was my home afterall, should I not work to defend it? Only then did I begin to focus my studies on more offensive applications, and only then did I come to a revelation.

I understand now. When the Copperhead threatened the entire city of Spinesreach, agents of your city struck at us, without warning. Deciding that they were an affront to Nature, you marched your troops into the Sacred Pillars, without discourse. When we were marching our troops home from Masilia, you attacked them, once more, without discourse.

You see, I am an Archivist, and we seek to find patterns in the world. I now see one of yours. Your true goal is to bring Strife into the world. True, we were the dry bush that fueled the fire, but you are the tinderbox that lit it. Even as I now step into the militia of Spinesreach, certain I may fall many times, I know at least my struggles will grow fruitful. I will become stronger. The Citadel will become stronger. You have achieved one of the very aspects of the Warlord - to grow through Strife.

I understand now, and welcome it. Come, show us Strife. May we all grow further from your lessons and rise stronger than ever to face the ever present Albedi threat.

Hail the Warlord.

- Holbrook Hought

Penned by my hand on Tisday, the 13th of Lleian, in the year 499 MA.