"They are akin to a Vetiver farmer whom is want to farm upon the fields of his neighbours; for pitchfork, a spear. When trading with them, a care should be taken both in figuring out who owns what they have taken, and in suggesting that it is so."
The histories speak of great battles between the forefathers of the city-states to the south and the Gaels, and to many that live in that region today believe it is within history that the Gaels remain.
Those that live and dwell in the northern cities know differently.
If what a man owns defines how he is perceived by his peers within the city-states, it is the personal honour gained through deed that is the true wealth of a Gael.
Such honour though is not always to be judged by those that encounter them but between themselves, for to outsiders the Gaels are at times perceived as little more than wild-living knaves. Gaels will frequently raid the hinterlands of Tirnalis & Vetiver for cattle, and are not above cracking heads in the process. Reprisals are often made by those so affected, but they fail to teach the Gaels a greater sense of restraint.
For restraint is not a virtue held in high regard by the Gaels. Throwing themselves into all they do, they seek to experience as much as life has to offer. Understanding of what they experience is left for bards to describe and suggest and their priests to consider and pray upon. This is not to confuse the Gaels as an ignorant people as some would suggest, for learning is highly prized amongst them and study of their environment is commonplace; it is merely that the world is as it is, and is largely accepted as such.
As such, Gaels judge others not by what they are but what they do. Out of all other peoples, only the Gaels are known to have regular contact with the Ferals, and it is not uncommon to see them in each others company.
An uneasy truce has developed over many years between the citizens of Tirnalis and the Gaels. Both have benefited from the resultant trade that has then flowed, the truce receiving wide support amongst the merchant houses. With a downturn in raiding it is hoped by many citizens that this new understanding will develop into a full peace.
Time will tell.
