It takes a lot of dedication, blood and sweat for an elf to be called ‘cousin’ and even MORE so for a half elf. We call such cousins, “Shorn’ri”.
Mnar was the first to be named as such at the Obsidian Tower in Wehnimer’s Landing. I knew him, though more for his lectures and training of q’halae where I first met him. He was teaching a q’hali how to braid in the customary styles of the Obsidian Council, allowing them to plait his own hair. I was astonished and intrigued that a half elf would know these things and that he would be allowed to represent the culture in such a way. He was respected and treated nearly as an equal amongst the Dhe’nar. Several times he was called to lecture about the Dhe’nar people and the philosophies, and his literary work was even published to the Tower library, dry as it might be. Never was he disrespected.
While there may have been other cousins named, the only other one I have met is Debia. Her history with the Dhe’nar is significantly different and where she started is likely where much angst from other Dhe’nar is derived. She began as a gladiatorial slave in Sharath, then became shira’qa to Evarin, as some non-dhe’nar do in association with the culture. In time, she was given responsibility of the Tower’s Obsidian Legion and then eventually administration duties as co-chair for the Tower itself. She was trusted.
In the absence of Dhe’nar in leadership roles in the Tower, it was tasked to her to maintain function and be the de-facto person responsible. The Tellings renewed. Revitalization for the Tower began, and renewed interest after years and years of inactivity and bad blood from decades past began to fade. She’s been the main stability in the Tower for over a decade now, far longer than even any Dhe’nar.
The political diatribe in the Tower has become more vicious than a pit of Faendryl senators. I incurred a taste of it myself last year (and into this one). Now, I literally am tired of the consistent rehash over what a horrible person Debia must be – but I have yet to be given solid evidence of what she’s done wrong. Lies are being generated in order to keep that button pushed. It is dishonorable. Empty complaints are turning into a buzzing drone that seems to enjoy making noise.
All I can see is that she is being utilized as a scapegoat as a means to unify others. This, by the same people that once trusted her. Giving a common enemy is an excellent tactic, but to make an enemy of family? Betrayal is the highest form of Faendryl politics. For shame. I will not partake in the demonization of family, regardless of differences.
Those that wish to play “sides” or force me to choose one, do little more than encourage the sort of schisms that have plagued the Tower for generations. I will not lie or twist other’s words to try to justify wrongful behavior. I have stood up to it before, and continue to do so. Perhaps I have too much of Noi’sho’rah’s spirit.
Family. Honor. Unity.
Has everyone truly forgotten?
