[!]

(A poster marked by a nautilus shell is pinned to the notice board following the devastation of the Requital.)

I, Nell, write this as a friend and guide to all Mistans of the Spire, with all my love and compassion mustered. As you may know, leading up to the devastation off our coast, Van Pelt aimed to steal an offering given to the Siren Serene during a ceremony dedicated to her. This treachery cannot be forgiven. To claim that which was sworn to Her for yourself is a foolish thing that leads to great despair. Only darkness comes to those who are foolish enough to steal from her, as the story of the Brine King teaches us. I believe Van Pelt found that darkness within the light of that great and glorious beast.

But know this. Van Pelt was dragged into the deep with the offering he sought to steal, after deciding to offer it again to the Serene. We cannot know what happened in the deep, but very well it was not entirely Van Pelt's decision. I would ask that Mistans remain neutral, for the signs are most unclear. Did Van Pelt escape the sirens and do this devastation of his own accord, or was he guided by the sirens to do so? If so, then this devastation was likely a final penance for his attempted theft. No doubt he was destroyed utterly in his final moment. But was this final act the will of the Serene?

Instead of holding hate in your hearts for the Van Pelts, though it is justified, I ask that you invite serenity within. I ask you, go and spend time by the shores and the seas, listen to the waves, and perhaps you will know the answer. Muse over the glorious song of despair that the Requital offered in their final moments, it was the Melody made manifest. Find company in your community, and think of the future. Now I tell you, our trials are not over, and the Van Pelts are not our greatest threat. Pay them no mind, they are but crabs burrowing in the sand and pinching at toes. They are nothing that should disturb your serenity.