The Importance of the Resolution of Disputes

When peoples come together, it is a beautiful thing. When they join forces to fight a common enemy, it is far beautiful still. We see friendship, brotherhood, and love overcome obstacles that, had they met us in isolation, would have done a harm beyond our greatest imagination. Such is endearing, if not an answer to a prayer asking hope in times of need.

Yet, the majesty of such a thing lasts not for long, for when the smoke of happiness and accomplishment settles, all that is left is the reality of many peoples with differing interpretations of history and life mingling in one, small, isolated corner of Middle Earth. Disagreements arise, naturally, from such large gatherings of folk, and from disagreements rise disputes. Whether it is the sale of a steed or the claim to land, these disputes, if not settled properly, can lead to devastation as Kinships and individuals seek self-assured remedies against one another. Thus, the importance of adequate dispute resolution is hard to ignore.

Disputes can be resolved, and most often are, privately between individuals and Kinships. Whether it is through diplomacy or formalities such as a hearing before a neutral third party, disputes begin, and end; though some endure. It is without note that the first step in resolving a dispute is identifying the true nature of the dispute itself. While often times this is simple, in some instances the divisions may be deeper than what is visible to the eye or heard by the ear. There may be issues that lay beyond the terms of say, the agreement, or the claim to land. Perhaps the issue is within the individual himself - he may, perhaps, be suffering from a feeling of inadequacy, and through disputes, prove himself to be a worthy appointment that demands respect. It may also be that he is foolish and did not properly think through the cause of the dispute and agreed to a thing he could not do.

Whatever it may be, knowing the dispute is far beyond important - it is the key to its resolution. The door to the resolution, if you follow, is not working as adversaries, but rather, as allies in resolving the dispute. While contrary to our thinking, disputes are nothing more than opportunities to come together and find amicable resolutions. While the common thinking to disputes is that one and only one must be victorious, it is quite possible for both to gain from an adequate resolution and both to lose. The importance, here, is sharing in the outcome. This in and of itself brings about a sense of common loss and gain, which is essential to unity. By working together to discover the true nature of the dispute in the spirit of friendship, and then thinking, as one, about an adequate solution, a greater unity within the Free Peoples arises. Inevitably, this results in our foes knowing a far more united and worthy opponent, as opposed to a fragmented and dispute-ridden peoples.

Sometimes, it is necessary to have a third party hear the dispute and determine the laws that apply. Sometimes still it is necessary that the parties themselves force one another to sit and negotiate amicably. Whatever the necessity may be, the parties must be involved, and they must discuss openly and honestly. In carrying on the traditions of my father, I have opened the doors of the House of Eored to offer the service of being a neutral third party. The spirit of unity drives me to do this, opening he doors to these services far beyond the borders of Rohan and to any friend of our people and King. It is not in the spirit of coin that we do this, for none is required - it is in the spirit of showing our enemies that no single dispute will drive us to madness and betrayal, for enough blood has been spilled over petty disagreements over unworthy subjects.