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

[lifeforged]

If this was the first time, she might have felt a bit scrutinized, but after visiting with so many of the others? Well, the staring can't be helped. If it's not her physical attributes that draw attention, it's the aura that comes with watching her near the other dragonkin (almost as if she's revered by them) or the attire she wore.

Regardless, she's no stranger to being stared at like so.

"Are you certain? Krasus has retired for the evening so I wish to make up for his absence."

[guerriera]

The clothing choice was certainly...unexpected (she'd seen more worn by the official dancers on the Club Errera dance floor), but it was more the eyes that arrested Carolina, the bright warm glow and earnest voice setting her at ease, when common sense told her to remain wary.

She was quiet for a moment, hands absently rolling the cloth between her fingers, before turning her head away. "Unless I can be sent back, or find some means of learning what has become of my own--" world? universe? time? After a moment's thought, Carolina settled on: "--place of origin, then I don't know that there's much else to be done."

The far far younger red head then pursed her lips into a flat line as she considered the question. "..Though I'd appreciate knowing more about the situation I've been pulled into. If Krasus mentioned specific details, I'm afraid I don't remember them very clearly." Or, at all, really.

[lifeforged]

"That is troubling."

The Dragon Queen begins as she watches her. To not remember things clearly, maybe she was inflicted with a head wound of sorts? She'll be looking her over to be certain first before continuing.

"You would have to speak with my brother's children to know of what has become of your world though I doubt Krasus would have brought you here if you were needed right then and there." He was a good person like that, she believes. "The Keepers of Time are the ones who can see into different worlds at different points of time... however, we are not on the best of terms right now."

[guerriera]

Cyan shoulders shrugged. It did trouble Carolina that the specifics were hazy, but she couldn't determine how much of that had been due to her arrival, and how much was due to the loss of her AI.

(The idea that losing them left her with more than just physical scars filled her with sudden, private dread.)

When Alexstrasza mentioned Krasus, and likeliest reasons for his choice, the human woman paled, eyes widening slightly. Though the Dragon Queen's words were intended with all kindness, Carolina stiffened at the very thought of being unneeded. That couldn't have been true, could it? Even without Eta and Iota, she could still fight, could still do what the Director needed her to. She had to find Texas, damn it, and take care of things..!

Things that were out of her reach while she was stuck here. "Family trouble, is it?" Her voice was a little flat, and for a moment, she struggled to keep her breathing calm and even. "Given the battle we just left, seemed like most dragons were getting along just fine."

[lifeforged]

She reads her body language, but struggles to find the missing pieces. Without context, she can't begin to understand how or why she's offended the newcomer. This is why these matters were better left to Krasus, but he deserves a break as well.

It's all so troubling for someone who doesn't speak often with the younger ones.

"Even with our conflicted views, we understand survival. Doing what is best for all who is present or for themselves is a choice my children are free to make at any given time. I have raised them the best I could."

Meaning she intends to leave those matters to them. Fighting with the Aspects however? That is her guilt to carry upon her shoulders.

"You are troubled. How can I help?"

[guerriera]

Your newest adoptees need as much time to adapt and learn about you and this world as you do about them, Alexstrasza. And Carolina has never been very good at opening up to others on a personal level, beyond professional attachment.

Carolina's expression seems to grow more closed off as she listens, though less strained by worries for herself. Then lips purse, brows furrowing. "Children? Are--" You have many? Surely not. Her gaze flicked away briefly, to where some dragons still moved unaided amongst those limping from their time on the battlefield.

For a moment, her heart hurt, the ache in her head pronounced, and Carolina belatedly lowered one of her hands, the left having lifted up without thinking on it. She had no desire to imply weakness in front of someone she'd been brought in to aid and especially not a dragon. "We all have choices to make, and have to live with them in the end," she said instead. "I'd like to know what you'd have us do. You people must have specific goals in mind. Things you'd like us to accomplish beyond 'win the war'."

[lifeforged]

"Afraid the planning is better left for my children who know what all is going on."

Meaning she can't even begin to give a list of goals for them to accomplish. For her, she rather they just stop the fighting and try to sort things out through more diplomatic measures.

However, Neltharion kind of pissed all over any attempt to reason with his nasty trick.

"We should be able to answer that question later on in the week. For now, taking a moment to relax so that we all may catch our breath seems an easy enough goal to obtain, yes?"