ninth ;

[queensconsort]

[This entry is dictated in what is a passingly familiar, deep voice with a warm grumble crackling at the very edge-- like a low fire.]

After several weeks of work, I have acclimated myself to Paradisa's walls once more. This tower view with its spires and distant countryside reminds me of the great mage nation of Dalaran, yet there are fewer politics here and just as many books.

Complacency is occasionally very tempting.

[Alexstrasza's Dragonsworn]

I imagine it has been some time since any of you have seen such a message. A Dragonsworn does not simply quit once his master is away, however; it is a lifelong decision that sometimes spans many lifetimes, a fact you must be aware of. In a timeless place such as this, promises can be construed as something binding nor meaningful. This kind of thinking is a mistake and detrimental to the castle at large. We are nothing if we do not stand together, whether our enemies are familiar to us or something we have not yet begun to grasp.

Fortunately, I did not contact you so that I could lecture you all on the importance of the blood oath you have made. It has been several months since I set foot inside this castle. At that time, I was unknown to many, and only tangentially involved in the Dragonqueen's affairs due to personal matters. However, my queen has long since disappeared, and that leaves myself as the [reluctantly] head of the Red Dragonflight in Paradisa. This is a matter that needs some clarification, of course, and perhaps some introductions.

For those who may have forgotten-- or perhaps never discovered -- my name is Korialstrasz, consort of Alexstrasza, though most know me as the wizard Krasus. I have long served Alexstrasza in her dealings with mortals, and the castle is no exception.

Now you are part of the Red Dragonflight. As I depend on you to protect and preserve the life found here, you may come to depend on me as well. My power is only a fraction of my queen's, but I have long studied the arcane arts and would gladly assist you in whatever way possible. Do not hesitate to contact me; I only request that you refer to me as Krasus. [He is strangely particular about his name.]

If there are any non-frivolous questions and concerns that you have, this is the time to ask.

-----

[Remaining participants of Krasus and Jade's raid on Deathwing]

An apology for my behavior and deceit leading up to the siege of Deathwing is long overdue. You do not have to accept it. I admit I hid my true intentions-- to recover the talismans and fight Deathwing myself-- out of a mixture of pride and fear, and I placed all of you in danger as a result.

Deathwing did not lie when he outed me as the red dragon that fought him that day. We were successful, but success is not always guaranteed; a victory that comes at the cost of childrens' well-being is not one I wish to celebrate.

If you no longer wish to associate with me, I understand entirely. However, I have not forgotten the parts that each of you played, and I consider myself to be in your debt.

-----

Comments

[Filter]

[save_the_souls]

[he sees this filter, but instead of acting surprise...he'll just be friendly]

Ah. I was wondering where you went off to.

Welcome back, Krasus!

[Filter]

[queensconsort]

We are not about to discuss that place. At any rate, I trust you have been taking care of yourself.

[Filter]

[save_the_souls]

Mm! I've managed to stay out of trouble for awhile now! Promise!

[Filter]

[queensconsort]

That is... a relief-- as is remembering, and being remembered. The rules have changed, it seems.

[gunslinger]

Dalaran, huh? Well, any politics tried to enforce here are usually slapped down pretty quickly.

A lot of people fall to it, no matter the world.

[queensconsort]

Dalaran is a floating city-state maintained by an organization of mages, the leaders of which enjoy talking a little too much. [He might be joking. Or poking fun at himself. It's really hard to say.]

Is it complacency or survival?

[gunslinger]

...Sounds pretty familiar to me, minus the mages, of course. That'd probably just have made everything a million times worse.

Survival is anything but complacant.

[inafadingcrown]

[A soft hum of amusement] I have scarcely known a life without politics; they have been my companion since the cradle.

[queensconsort]

I would not say we are free of politics here, but there is an amount of independence within the castle culture that is unprecedented-- even expected.

[inafadingcrown]

Certainly. I will not pretend I do not still find it strange. Even a year has not been time enough to grow entirely accustomed to it. [A ruler, the daughter of king, thrust into a position where she holds no more inherent authority than any other. All things considered, she's adjusted rather well.]

[ino]

I think people here are probably too sick of the politics at home to do anything here.

[queensconsort]

It requires effort to promote and maintain any form of authority.

[ino]

Do you think that it would be better if there was?

[laments]

[Dalaran? LOL.]

There is also a very distinct lack of floating.

[queensconsort]

[It's home. sort of.]

One could pretend, I suppose.

[laments]

Personally, I'm surprised it has yet to happen.

dragonsworn filter;

[aviarius]

[ He may not sound it, but he is happy to hear Krasus' voice, the fact he is here brings a measure of comfort and silences some rather petty concerns. No, he will not speak of them. Ever. ]

I fear I have little in the way of questions, though would gladly accept whatever aid you are willing to provide. The arcane is not something my world is well versed in and as such makes certain things... difficult.

dragonsworn filter;

[queensconsort]

[Krasus prompts:]

I may be able to help, but you must be more specific.

dragonsworn filter;

[aviarius]

The gift of healing. [ It is difficult and awkward for him, being so used to taking life rather than preserving it. ] ...It is not my strong suit.

Dictated forever

[huffythedragon]

So you're feeling happier here now?

also cute forever

[queensconsort]

Momentarily content, I suppose. I can resume a logical sort of routine.

[Happiness is complicated when you're a grown-up.]

naturally!

[huffythedragon]

...I guess that's about as happy as we can get right now.

Dragonsworn; SORRY I'M LATE ;A;

[payback]

Oh... hello!

[She sounds kind of relieved. With Nozdormu gone, and Alexstrasza gone, it seemed like being a Dragonsworn, and attendant skills, might wither away again. It's good to hear this.]

Um... if we don't have questions but want to talk, maybe, is that okay too? Uh, nice to meet you, too! I'm Rin.

Dragonsworn; I was on hiatus too so it's all good.

[queensconsort]

[There is something of a smile in his voice, hard to detect unless one is used to dealing with older people and especially linefaces.]

Of course. It is a pleasure to meet you properly, Rin. Speak freely; we are all servants of the Dragonqueen.

Dragonsworn; I'm on hiatus now too but TAGS SHALL COME.

[payback]

Oh... well I'm really glad you're here! [Ahhh.] I'd be really happy to learn, um, anything that you'd really like to teach. It'd be nice to get better at healing.

If you're a healer, I wonder if you know if you can help at all with things like... trauma...?