sometimes you can't make it

[modforged]

Who: Alexstrasza, Krasus/Korialstrasz, and the Redsworn
What: Successful retreat into the Ruby Sanctum
Where: Ruby Sanctum
When: After a long, grueling battle near the borders of Suramar
Warnings: Please PM the mods if any warnings are needed

[The Ruby Sanctum is a flurry of activity. This becomes clear within two seconds of stepping through the portal. The wounded are guided over to a grassy clearing surrounded by saplings and adolescent trees, bade to lay down and receive healing from other dragonkin. Some of the trees are years old, while a few look to have shot up recently. If you watch, vines engulf one fallen warrior; the body sinks into the ground, and a tiny sapling appears in its place.

Despite the war going on outside, the sanctum is less of a cavern and more like a self-contained dimension. Ample sunlight drifts down through scarlet leaves, which are occasionally home to the crimson scales of a whelpling. There is life everywhere: insects on twigs, birds chirping overhead, flowers at your feet. Dragon eggs lay nestled in the nooks and crannies offered by the tranquil forest. There is a decently-sized spring filled with fresh, pure water, as well as some small rocky outcroppings to sleep in. It's warm and comfortable enough to rest out in the open, too.

The cloaked and ever-mysterious Krasus stands watching the dispersing redsworn, his back against the massive oak in the center of the sanctum.

Occasionally, one may glimpse a beautiful red-haired woman with copper skin winding through the copse.]

[ooc: Mingle log for redsworn!]

Comments

[mortalforged]

[The dragon-mage's long, thin fingers wind along the edges of his hood. He hesitates, then leaves it alone, turning his attention to the healer's clearing instead. He has a grave expression; even if his dark eyes aren't immediately visible, there is deep worry etched into his frown.]

[lifeforged]

It aches to see them strewn out in agony like so. [ It wasn't her intent to sneak up on him, but she stands a full step behind him. ] I almost wish to reach out...

[ She won't. ] Tell me please, what is the situation out there?

[mortalforged]

[Krasus closes his eyes. He figured she would be watching. They are her children-- her very dear children.]

The ancients alone cannot turn the tide. Without the help of the dragonsworn... we will lose everything.

[lifeforged]

[ Relying on others is a step in the right direction, but there are some wounds that aren't easily healed with an added presence. The dragonsworn can't bring back the dead, but perhaps they can help prevent more in the future. ]

I had not realized things have grown so dire. [ Her eyes look beyond him towards the wounded. ]

Forgive me for neglecting this matter. For neglecting... everyone and everything.

[mortalforged]

You have lost far too much in the past few weeks; no one can blame you for reacting as you have.

[He longs for some semblance of privacy. He wants to hold her hand so much right now, but there are others watching.]

[lifeforged]

[ At what point is the line drawn though? When must she put aside her own grieving to fight alongside her children and their cause? A part of her (however small it may be) is grateful for him to allow her to behave this way, but the leadership part of her is lacking during these times. ]

Allow me to hold myself accountable then. [ She asks for permission to do so through him before walking past him towards the others. ] I will set aside time to speak to each of the newcomers while you rest.

[mortalforged]

[He doesn't fight her too hard. He never does. But he watches her, looking terribly sad in the shadows of his hood. This isn't the first time he's watched her go through this pain; he was unable to heal her back then, too.]

As you wish, my queen.

[He really does need the rest, though. Porting that many people takes a lot of energy.]

[lifeforged]

They are of interest to me. [ As are any that offer to help her children and vice versa. If she were to allow them to fight alongside these champions, she must get to know them herself. ] Fear not, I will be mindful of your mission.

[ Meaning she won't do anything to endanger the work of the Dragon Mages. ]

May I join you after I have finished here? [ She realizes only after she's said it how forward it may come, dipping her head apologetically. ]

[mortalforged]

Thank you.

[Her forwardness only serves to make him smile. It's the first smile he's given in weeks, small and slight but warm. And for her alone.]

I would not turn you away.

[lifeforged]

[ The small gesture lifts her own spirits though it doesn't show. Not now when she has an appearance to put on for their guests. ]

Rest for now, Krasus.