paradisa | ninth ;

[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.

-----

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

I must agree. Magic rarely simplifies things.

[A delicate pause. There's fighting left in this one yet. More redheads, just what Krasus needs.]

One must adapt to survive. We abide by the rules-- natural or cultural-- in order to exist here. That is why we must be mindful of where the line between adaptation and complacency lies, because there is one, and it is easy to overlook; it is easy enough to stop questioning the rules, to fear what happens if they are broken, to cut ourselves off from the truth.

I may not be the best person to talk to about balance. [ Although he's better than he thinks, especially thanks to a certain Aspect. Buuut still... ] I tend to lean towards the other extreme, I guess.

Worrying about the natural order of things in Paradisa would first involve knowing what is natural here.

There is always some degree of chaos in the world. Everyone is capable of bringing balance, justice, and mercy-- no matter what name they carry. [That part seems rather pointed in Jr.'s direction.]

But we do know what is natural here. Do residents not come and go without warning? Is the kitchen not on the first floor? These things become automatic.

[ The kitchen comment seems so out of place, and yet it's hilariously true how blatantly everyone does point it out...with the rest of the information. He laughs. ]

I guess we can always rely on the unreliability.

[Krasus pens in a filter.]

Have you continued your training?

Uh...

[ Pause. OMG suddenly embarrassed. And delighted?! Jr. only ever knew him in his dragon form, so he wasn't expecting this. ]

Korialstrasz?! Oh damn, when did you get back? I mean... Training? I haven't exactly had the time... [ Don't tell Mama B( ]

Very recently, in fact. [Aww, how cute. He won't tattle. But because Mama's not here anymore, that means Papa might have to step in.] You may call me Krasus while I am in my mortal form. [He prefers it, and that's evident enough in his tone.]

Do you need someone to supervise you? I am no replacement for my queen-- however... [He still can do something, whether it's conjuring enemies or letting himself get hit, lol.]

Krasus? All right.

There haven't been any problems in that...area. In fact, the training really paid off when fighting Cross that one time!

But it's not like I don't still train. I just can't do the same sort, because I can't find any time alone these days. I'm looking after a girl. She's, uh... Cursed.

[ A pause. ]

Hey, maybe you could help! You're good with magic.

Understandable.

[Cursed? Yes, this piques his interest.]

Perhaps, perhaps not. I will have to see the girl with my own eyes.

Well, I'm staying in the city almost all the time now with just her. You can come over any time, so long as it's during the day. Or I could bring her to meet you at Alexstrasza's tree.

Besides, it'd be nice to see you, anyway.

The tree would make sense. It holds some of Alexstrasza's power still.

[That last part makes him smile a touch wryly, and it's in his voice.] That is not something I hear very often. You may yet regret such kindness.

ninth ;

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