It is easy for an outsider to make such assumptions about Cyrene, despite all it has been through. After all, it was such assumptions that lead many to believe Cyrene would be forever lost, along with Shallam, or the last shred of integrity Hashan is rumoured to have once possessed.

What example then has Hashan offered the world when it comes to forgiveness? How eagerly it's rulers clambered for power and an opportunity to no longer be the bleeding grounds many other city-states used to entertain their old warriors and break in their new. Even if it did have to be handed them like a scrap to a dog from the dinner table.

It is not hatred that lingers in Cyrene, it is anger, and the difference is profound. Much like the water in the streets, that anger refuses to settle and harden into the frozen resolve of acceptance. Instead, it churns and froths, battering relentelessly at the enemies of Cyrene, even if it means spilling out of the mountains to visit retribution upon those whom seek to exploit it.

Cyrene tried defining itself in its preferred fashion for centuries, welcoming and accepting all who came in peace. While that spirit still lives, it no longer clings to the naive notion that such gifts should be offered unconditionally. Thus has Cyrene, in a sense, shed its veil of innocence, and enters the world with clear-eyed determination and cold resolve.

Rather than melt under the flames of adversity, it tempered in them, and it is in the face of such revelation that comments such as yours, admonishing Cyrene for their lack of forgiveness are made. Forgiveness is earned, and granted when Retribution has slaked its thirst.

So there's nothing resembling stagnation in Cyrene, just anger. Say what you will about anger, but it gets shit done.

- Regards

Penned by my hand on the 4th of Aeguary, in the year 822 AF.