Comfort

[liadrin]

I have realized that even though this world is not fond of constants, there are some things it cannot keep from us. Life itself is a cycle, is it not? And though we may lose such things as memories, strengths and even items of great value, our existence is always assured. Through that, we are promised great joy and sorrow in equal amounts, but

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[thelifemeddler]

[Much like his mate, Krasus is drawn to the serenity Liadrin weaves for herself. It is comforting to a creature of life and magic, a small reminder of the power the younger races wield if only given the opportunity. They can wreak such destruction in the same breath, yet seeing the blood knight matron gives him some hope. Beneath that is her ever-present fel taint and it does unnerve him somewhat, but he is able to brush that aside, knowing of many fel-tainted yet honorable and brave people. The image of a certain orc comes to mind.

The elder spellcaster lingers at the edge of Liadrin's awareness for a moment. A violet cloak does little to hide the telltale pointed ears beneath. At last he approaches, bearing no ill will, only curiosity.]

How kind of you to share your boon among the rest.

[liadrin]

[There are a number of residents she has yet to meet, so she isn't taken entirely by surprise when she sees the hooded elf in her peripheral vision, but it's not altogether comforting, either. His words are kind, but this world is not, and until she knows who he is, she's guarded.

The Light shifts in her hands, and she holds it steady, muscles tense just in case.]

That is what the Light is for. To deny others its comfort would be a shame.

[thelifemeddler]

[At least she isn't naive enough to leave herself unguarded. She is definitely of Azeroth. He has heard whispers of her, perhaps glimpsed her from afar, and yet he has not revealed himself until now. As any meddler would.

He keeps his expression controlled, and though his voice is commanding, he does not show fury or fear. One could set off a bomb in his face and he might not even blink. If he's tense beneath the robes, it doesn't show very much. If she tries something, he could silence her with but a tiny gesture from a cloaked hand.]

I am no threat to you, blood elf! There is no need to turn the Light against me, for we both seek to protect and guard the life found here and anywhere. Perhaps my name is known to you: I am called Krasus... [And sometimes Borel, but that is neither here nor there.]

[liadrin]

Krasus.

[The name is known to her, and a shock, so she releases both the spell and and a sigh of disbelief at the same time.] Indeed, I have heard of you.

Why have you come here? [The question isn't meant to be as harsh as it sounds, ears pinning back against the sides of her head. The elf is genuinely curious, after all.]

[thelifemeddler]

[Only then does he allow himself to relax to a degree, but gaunt as he is, that might be impossible to convey. He allows a nod.]

The gardens are pleasant and worth frequenting even without the darkness around us. Such open, soothing magic is rare and thus I came to find the source.

[He doesn't add that he came to this world by accident. That's readily apparent, and perhaps inevitable considering how much trouble he gets himself into.]

[liadrin]

Hm. [That is something they share, and it calms her enough to bring a smile to her lips.]

It is a shame there is no source like the Well here. I find myself missing it more and more with each passing day.

[thelifemeddler]

[The health of all Azeroth's elves is inexorably tied to the Well of Eternity in some way, even millennia later... He asks in a quieter tone, since it is a delicate question:]

Does the Light sustain you in its absence?

[Vereesa never spoke to him of withdrawals. He would help her if things became desperate... and yet he knows that high elves are very strong indeed, enduring the pains they could to prevent falling like Prince Kael'thas' followers had.]

[liadrin]

If I said yes it would not be the entire truth, but the same could be said of the opposite. The Light's presence is more than enough, but I have been given aid to keep me from succumbing to withdrawals.

I am fortunate that Malygos himself was kind enough to advise me on the magic of this world.

[thelifemeddler]

[That revelation startles him somewhat, but he quickly hides it. He is not used to Malygos being so sane yet so close to declaring war on all mortal casters as he had before. Malygos is an ally, but not one Krasus would readily meddle with.]

You are fortunate indeed to have received his help. And gifted... very gifted...

[The world needs more people like her, really.]

[liadrin]

It was trust not easily won. [She chuckles absently at that, thinking back on Alex's intervention. Not one of her best days...]

And if I am gifted it is not my own doing, but that of the Light working through me.

[Now that Liadrin's managed to work through her uncertainty, her expression is more polite, her tone more eager and open. It's not every day you meet someone like him, after all.

Would you care to join me?

[thelifemeddler]

But it is worthwhile to try. [Alexstrasza also loves life as only her flight, especially her prime consort, could understand. That she would facilitate such a meeting would not surprise him in the least.] Whatever the source, there is no doubting your intentions. [Assuming you don't try to stab Vereesa. Then we'll have a talk. But if anything it'd be the other way around, especially knowing Vereesa's fallen cousin.

He pauses, but only for a moment, and then he nods.] I am honored. [He sits nearby, not invading her personal space but within easy reach. This is a rare opportunity indeed. From up close he's a rather noteworthy elf even without his meddling reputation.]

[liadrin]

[Hey, Vereesa stabbed her. She has every right to defend herself, not that they're feuding anymore, at least.

Liadrin draws her knees to her chest, clasping her arms around them as she stares at him in wonder. To think of how many people she'd only heard stories of, suddenly standing before her as real as A'dal, and leaving her just as speechless.]

You sound so sure, but that was not always the case. I do try to make up for it these days, however, as much as I can. If our magic can reach this place, it is our responsibility to share it with the others held here.

[thelifemeddler]

[See, he would've put his money on that before Liadrin snapping. That's how well he knows Vereesa. Regardless-- it was before he got here, and the feud is over.

Being stared at only makes him a little awkward; thankfully she does not have an affinity for needless titles and multiple names like many of her kind. He only cares for the plain, unassuming name he carries in this form. He deserves no superfluous titles, no one bowing before him... none of that. And he will not hesitate to say so.] You need not concern yourself with formalities. It truly is an honor to be in your presence; you have accomplished much for your people, and what virtues you have taught others by example or otherwise will remain for generations to come.

At any rate I am in full agreement. I, too, have made regrettable oversights... [It's evident in his voice that he's guilty about whatever he did, but he goes on without elaboration.] Even if this world cannot be saved, perhaps something can be done for the life within it- and for ourselves.

[liadrin]

[Flattery is not uncommon in Sin'dorei society, but compliments built on the honesty of someone like him? She's at a loss for words. So instead the matriarch focuses her attention on the last portion of his statement.]

Nothing is without a purpose. We are guided, even here.

This world gives us a second chance to abandon the burden Azeroth has placed upon our shoulders, and...if we are willing, to forget our feuds and past transgressions.

It is why I am beginning to love this place.

[thelifemeddler]

[Her words give him a dark pause. He's thinking of Deathwing's recent arrival, of his threats to raze the castle, his insistent way of sidestepping everything Krasus had so carefully nudged into place...

As fatalistic as it sounds, Neltharion's- Deathwing's crimes are too numerous, too dire to be forgiven. He is mad, and much like Malygos, he has to be stopped. No matter what it takes.

Even if that means his own life. With a trace of bitterness:] It carries that potential and much, much more, but only if all parties are willing to accept it wholeheartedly.

[If he knew that Liadrin had sworn to aid the Destroyer, this conversation would be a much different one.]

[liadrin]

[Don't worry, Krasus, judging from what she's heard, she is already guessing exactly who is being referred to, and she's not going to hide her opinion on things.]

Sometimes faith in something you cannot perceive is the only way to settle broken bonds.

But the true question is, do you even offer them the chance?