How far we have gone in such a short time.

In the face of recent events telling us that we should cast off old grievances the Village of Eleusis has decided that the Oak and Stone is now enough of a growing concern to begin to enemy its rogue members to Eleusis.

I have no wish to hide the purpose of the Oak and Stone: We wish to refute the false claim that Eleusis is the sole arbitrator of what makes up nature, expose the hypocrisy of Gaia and Eleusus (tell me, what is the difference between a village and a city? Is it size? Because Eleusis has most cities beaten on that) and free Druids, Sylvans, and Sentinels from the illegitimate and unfounded grasp of the High Warden.

It would be remiss of me not to point out the aspects of this that are my own old grievances in the (not viewable) face of the hidden stranger. I would say, however, that there are differences between holding onto grievances and trying to remove the boot of forest enemy status from one's neck.

I am quite happy that the Oak and Stone has grown so quickly from what Eleusis has called meaningless, to enough of a growing concern to enemy members on principle. Though I am Mhaldorian, the Oak and Stone - as follows the point that Eleusis cannot be the sole arbitrator of what makes up nature - is a neutral organization, as nature itself is a neutral concept that can be found inside and outside cities and villages.

The Oak and Stone shall continue to grow and evolve as nature does as we each become stronger representatives of nature itself.

I thank Eleusis for this recognition of our efforts.

However, while I bring this to a close, I cannot help but to again think of Myatt and the winter painting. The first, ironically, to fall in that challenge (I believe) was an Eleusian who said that winter shall take all. That day, and only that day, he was not wrong,.

The Oak and Stone represents a different path and a different future. I shall continue to work towards it and all who wish to see Druids, Sentinels, and Sylvans regain the choice they had for centuries - to be able to choose where and how they represent nature - may join me.

Nature always finds a way.

Jems Aristata
Keeper of the Oak and Stone

Penned by my hand on the 7th of Aeguary, in the year 959 AF.