Greetings Duke Raus of ...

I Tison Twice Born of Pavis, River Voice and Member of the expedition
that discovered moria's weakness greet you and hope that this letter
finds you in good health....

I have been engaged in a study of the dragon newts of 5 eyes for some
time and as a result have had the misfortune of having seen first hand
how two parties whom I have been on friendly terms with have come to
blows with each other.  I wish that I had been wise enough to see this
coming and defuse the situation.  As things stand now I do not see how
to even suggest a settlement, but I would like to start a dialog in the
hope that a negotiated settlement is found before either the newtlings'
way of life is destroyed or your settlement is reduced to ashes by
dragon fire.  As things stand now I fear that both may come to pass!

Understanding the mindset of the dragon newts is difficult for me at the
best of times, but I feel that I have made some progress in the last
seasons and hope that by passing what little understanding I have of the
situation to you, I may help you to understand at least the origins of
this conflict.  I have two observations, why the 5 eyes attacked your
settlement and second some observations on their eating of their foes.

When I questioned the 5 eyes on why they wished to attack your
settlement, they told me that there were two reasons.  First they were
attacking the moon newtlings who are their traditional foes and that
raiding them seems to be a duty and tradition that proceeds your
engagement with them.  I'm not sure if this is punishment or
proselytization or ritual, but in any case their primary argument (if
you can call it such) seems to be with the moon newtlings.  By becoming
their defenders you have become involved in their feud.  Secondly they
see you as a fierce and fitting foe to test their mettle against.

They seem to eat their foes as a tribute to their strength.  I also
observe that humans eat newtlings and that their view point is probably
effected by their proximity to dragon newts, for whom the body is but a
temporary vessel.  

I do not tell you these things in the expectation that it will ease you
mind or make you any more accepting of the deeds which have transpired,
but just in the hope that you at least realize that there is a potential
for respect between the 5 eyes and your holding and that neither side is
holding grounds or material that the other holds dear.  Further, the
newtlings did not raid your settlement with the intention destroying
your settlement, driving you off or conducting war.  This would lead me
to believe that if the pattern of escalation that governs most conflicts
can be interrupted, a settlement might be possible.

Finally, I must observe that I am not privy to the newtlings councils,
nor do I speak for them.  However, I have gained their trust and can
speak to them.  I offer my services as an intermediary if such could be
useful to you,

Sincerely, tison twice born ...