Dear Guildmaster, are you going to address the comment made by the Telvanni Divayth Fyr towards you and the Mages Guild's name in the new article by the University of Gwylim? (Loremaster's Archive-House Telvanni)
When compared to your person, Fyr responds like this: "The comparison to Arch-Mage Galerion is apt, but short-sighted. The Mages Guild is a halfway house for those with the mystical aptitude to slowly float a quill over a parchment, or light the lanterns in Wayrest with incantations a Dark Elf child masters before their tenth year. In short: lackwits. That a talent like Vanus Galerion has shackled himself to that sprawling edifice to mediocrity proves that wisdom is no requirement for arcane power."
I must admit, the last thing I expected to read upon procuring myself a copy of the newest publication was a reference to myself or my organization— and such a negative one, at that. What was once a regular occurrence has lessened with time. I was of the belief that the general public had changed their opinions on the Mages Guild, though I suppose there shall always be detractors. That one such detractor happens to be Divayth Fyr does not come as much of a surprise to me, though I had hoped for the opposite.
Was I planning to address his statement? No, I was not. As I said; I have grown quite used to hearing the doubts and disapproval of Tamrielans from all walks of life since the very moment I stepped foot off the Isle of Artaeum. I discovered rather quickly that if one wishes to make change of any significance, one must learn to steel themselves against unwarranted criticism— and to pick their battles, as it were. If I responded to each and every point of disparagement, I would have no time to do anything that actually mattered.
However, seeing as I am beholden to my gracious readers to answer the inquiries they send to me… I suppose I can make an exception.
Firstly, I will address that Fyr’s acknowledgement of my arcane talent has not gone unnoticed. Though, given the fact it is hidden between both discrediting opinions on my organization, and demeaning comments about those that attend, I am in no way obligated to accept backhanded compliments.
Secondly, I find it quite humorous that the Master would dare to speak lowly of those within the Guild and their aptitude, comparing them to persons who have had magical knowledge at their fingertips from birth. It is clear to me that he horrendously misunderstands the very point of the Mages Guild, though I cannot say I’m surprised. I may have yet to speak directly to the Mer, but there was very little I did not overhear during my youth— whether the Psijic Ritemaster was aware or not. Despite our shared prowess, Fyr and I have never been of like mind, it seems.
I am not shackled to the Mages Guild— far from it! Unlike Fyr, or my teachers before me, I do not wish to horde my knowledge in the attempt to grow stronger, or to create manufactured elitism. The people of Tamriel deserve access to magic, whether one comes from the idyllic Summerset Isles, the ash-swept Morrowind, or elsewhere entirely. Tell me, I beg, why “slowly floating a quill over a parchment” would not be an improvement to not doing so at all? Must one be an author in order to write? A scholar in order to learn?
Divayth Fyr’s views are narrow-minded and selfish, looking only towards his own future. He is uninterested in the betterment of Tamriel and its people— only in his own acquisition of power and prestige. I have seen it far too many times before, and have not allowed it to shake me, nor shall I now. Fyr will not be remembered for his altruism. The Mages Guild, however, shall stand as a testament to the magic of Tamriel, and the true strength of its inhabitants.
