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Shoulder to Shoulder

Posted by Ansel on 04/13/17
House Telmar stands by the Valardin, first and foremost. Like my Prince, I condemn the crimes of Prince Abbas. It is our humanity that gives those we lead courage in war, not our senseless inhumanity.

The Telmarch is no stranger to the rage of war. I grew up in snow-covered mountains all too often turned crimson with the blood of brave men who gave their lives to defend the heart of the Oathlands. For as long as I can remember, my home has been torn and tossed by the endless drums of conflict. I know this is a story that many in the city share, whether raised fighting in the jagged peaks of mountains or on the rolling decks of ships.

And yet, through all the strife and suffering, all the death and dying, it is the common bond of duty that binds us all. The same bond that carries our banners forward towards the smoke and din of battle, or fills our sails towards the cresting waves of dark and stormy seas.

We have given much in recent days. Our lands have given their men, their women, their children. And as much has been asked already, much more will be asked still.

Like my Prince, I believe that we have chosen to form much of the circumstances of the world that now ravages against our homes and walls. But we did not cross that line merely to stand on the other side and look back to long for the life behind it. We planted a shield, drew a sword, and refused to be pushed back across.

Until I can no longer, I will stand in front of that line, shoulder to shoulder with whatever man or woman, noble or commoner, crafter or criminal, stands beside me. There will be a time to look back and repent, and to lament the choices that brought us to these days. But now is the time to stand together and push back this darkness.