Private letters, at least from Atanamir, prove that incorrect. Atanamir was open to any number of ways to have Eponllyn destroyed, including the secession of Al Arab, and direct war between Eponlly and Armmonia. There may not have been a clear "Let's team up and destrpoy Eponllyn", but the clear intent was there, for no other reason than Eponllyn didn't want to ally with Perdan and join the anti-Nivemus crusade. This was supported by Lance's pro-Westmoor/anti-Sirion haranguing of Eponllyn's council, where he said that if we didn't do it, then we'd be attacked ourselves. And lo and behold, soon after that, the plots against Eponllyn were revealed.
