Dear Archaosa and Jems,

I would like to extend a heartfelt "thank you" to the both of you. The both of you have hit upon one of the most critical aspects of engaging with Art: audience interpretation.

Both of you are right when you say we needn't agree with one another. However, it is the very spirit of Art that varying interpretations of a single image might spring forth from different members of an audience. To honestly examine and respond to Art is as important as creating the Art in the first place, and healthy discussion and civil agreement or disagreement is part of what helps both artist and audience grow from the sharing of Art.

Archaosa, you have delved into Myatt's piece, "Drunkard", and emerged with a far more optimistic interpretation than I. I must admit, my own experiences with alcohol and the reasons behind my consumption of it in the past have coloured my interpretation of Myatt's work. You and your differing experiences have given you an insight I did not initially see. I commend not only your interpretation, but your willingness to engage in discourse about it. I wholly agree that the theme of "friendship" is a heavily prevalent between the lines of this sketch, and your interpretation has given me much to think about.

Jems, thank you for reminding all of us that we are, truly, stronger together. I am embarrassed to admit that I have let myself grow heated on this forum, and while the feeling itself is justifiable, my response within it is not. While I may not agree with the seven truths of Lord Sartan, I can appreciate the importance of them to the people of the West. Though we may never see eye-to-eye, that does not mean that we cannot cooperate when the world needs us to set aside our differences for a common benefit. One day, we shall be enemies in battle, but on this day we are allies for the sake of another, and I embrace the spirit of that cooperation.

Aegoth, Ulvin, I vehemently disagree with your opinions. But, in the end, I respectfully acknowledge that you have a right to them. Should you act on them, I will oppose you, and that is my own right in turn. However, I do not believe that opinions are so important that they ought to drive a wedge between people. Faith, convictions, ethics and morals, these are the things that we might clash over. Yet, while we seek validation from those with whom we share similarities, so too do our differences with others help define ourselves. A keen edge is honed to sharpness by grinding it against a rough stone, after all.

Thank you to everyone involved in this latest round of conversation, from Ulvin and Aegoth to Archaosa and Jems and Zorina. All of you have both engaged and challenged me, and I should not have been as dismissive as I was towards some of you. For that, I offer my sincere apologies.

In Song,
Taelle Starling

Penned by my hand on the 8th of Scarlatan, in the year 959 AF.