As everyone knows, Cyrene takes respect very seriously, especially respect towards the Divine. Disrespecting them publicly is not allowed by our laws, and carries punishment. And so if Targossas, or the Bloodsworn, seriously believe a Cyrenian has publicly insulted a God, you are free to speak with us about it, and we can have a reasonable discussion on if punishment would be appropriate under Cyrenian law. Given the tone of Taelle's post, we may well be considering whether punishment is appropriate whatever else happens.

That said, Taelle has largely stated what I think Targossas would agree are facts. Lord Deucalion seems to respect Tlalaiad as a true god of Achaea and is willing to work with Him, and I think we can all agree that is true. I don't see any claims that Taelle makes about the Bloodsworn beyond that, most of them seem pretty focused on how you worship Them. Taelle has definitely insulted -You-, but whether he has insulted the Divine is a different question. One best solved through reasonable discussion and diplomacy, instead of demands and swords, which I'm sure you are smart enough that you know.

But I know that this probably isn't about to change your mind. Targossas seems to have a habit of making decisions based on your own pride, and then suggesting that they are done in the name of your Gods and that you couldn't possibly choose any other option, even when we all know that it is, in the end, your choice. In the same way, you have clearly decided, before you made your post, that you want to attack us. I know you, Astarod, we served together in the same order for many years. I know your temper, and that you will decide to attack and raid on the drop of a hat, with an excuse of whatever flavour of faith you have decided to fight for today.

It is pretty clear to everyone that you have already made up your mind to attack, but you first have to make unreasonable demands of us and claim that you are forced to by your faith, so that you can pretend that it is someone else's fault and someone else's decision (seriously, a day to reply? We're all smart enough to know that someone only sets super short time limits because they want their enemy to hurry up and not meet them. Punishment for a citizen takes longer than that to decide on in -any- city). Own your choices, my once-brother. This is mortal pride and bloodlust, not faith, and you and your people know that as well as Cyrene.

If Targossas seriously feels that their Divine have been insulted and want to see our citizen punished for it, I invite you to have a serious discussion with us about it. But if you have already decided this will be your excuse to raid, then I am sure that we will all see it in just a minute.

Ever Loyal,
Keorin
Imperiate of Cyrene

Penned by my hand on the 7th of Daedalan, in the year 826 AF.