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]

The gesture doesn't appear to be hostile, more revered in respect than anything, so naturally she dips her head the same way.

"Alexstrasza." A simple name, though a bit more complicated to remember than Krasus.

"There is much I hope to learn from all of our new allies, but for now I only wish to accommodate them when I can. Do you require anything?"

[telaari]

A bath. Some fresh clothes. A soft bed, or at least something that lifts her horns off the ground while she sleeps. Food. All these things come to mind, and as nice as they'd be, they're just transient things. They won't prepare her for what lies ahead.

"Yes, there is something I do not understand. Perhaps Krasus or yourself may be able to clarify it for me."

[lifeforged]

"I will do my best."

Even if she asked for those things, she would do everything in her power to grant them to her. For now, she just waits for the question. She's patient, waiting still and taking this time to release the tension in her shoulders. This Draenei isn't an enemy so there is little need to be so stiff.

[telaari]

It's been nagging at her since her arrival. That given the chance to take someone from Azeroth, they took a failed Exarch. A junior Vindicator. Not a member of the Hand, not a renowned Vindicator like Maraad, not even a seasoned veteran like Fin. Instead, they took what must be their worst chance at success.

"I do not know why I was chosen. I think, perhaps, that there has been some misunderstanding. I am no-one of any importance."

[lifeforged]

Heroes often say that or so history shows. While it was uncommon for many of the Aspects to pay attention to the younger races of Azeroth, this one's fondness for all life was inspired to watch them from a distance. Not as devoutly as Malygos or the Keepers of Time, but enough to derive that much from their stories.

"Do you say that because you wish to return home?" To her Azeroth which needs her aid. The Dragon Queen doesn't quite understand it all herself, but speaking to her brother on the matter seems unlikely for now. "It will be the same there as it is here."

That's the truth of their realities. Intertwined now, she must encourage her new champions to take up arms to defend both their worlds even if the origin is the same.

"If there is an alternative, it has not been brought to our attention. For now, you have been chosen and you will find it within yourself to do what is right. That much I am certain of."

[telaari]

The question stings, and she has to focus to keep herself from wincing. It's only after she asks that she realizes how completely childish her inquiry is. They have their reasons, whatever or however strange they might be. All that should matter is her role, regardless of time or place.

Vindicator. Protector. Demon-slayer.

This is not the Azeroth she knows, but she's been called here to do battle with her sworn enemy. That is all that should matter, and it should not take the words of this woman to remind her of that duty.

She bows her head again. "I understand now. Thank you."

[lifeforged]

"Worry not. Time has been slowed significantly in your world to delay the Burning Legion."

In short, not much life will be lost there if they can stop them here in time. Just how much time do they have is unknown even to Alexstrasza.

"We will stop them."