TEST DRIVE MEME

[fairyfoes]

TEST DRIVE MEME

Considering apping to EACHDRAIDH? Why not give the setting a test run here! OPTIONAL SCENARIOS 01. ARRIVING IN THE DRABWURLD. The grand feast is held in the Eaglais clearing. The food is good, the music is sweet, and the evening is lit by gentle fairy lights. All Shardbearers of all courts are summoned here under a universal truce for the evening. Nature itself has shaped itself into tables, chairs, and long couches so that the new guests can rest. When they’re ready to call it a night, Shardbearers are brought to their court strongholds in a one-way trip by fairies and imps. 02. NETWORK Take advantage of your Locket! The network can be accessed by any Shardbearer with a locket or shardless characters with enchanted devices, and is a quick way to meet new people and discuss the state of the world. 03. WILDCARD. Your own scenario! Explore the Drabwurld! There are lots of places to go, and plenty of trouble to get into in them!

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alexstrasza | warcraft

[lifebound]

arrival.

[Alexstrasza was by no means a shy creature, so did not depart the main festival out of any real desire to avoid her fellow Shardbearers; she just found it freer to lounge some distance away, familiarizing herself with the plants and animals of this land instead of striking up conversation. Curled up in her natural form as an enormous dragon, flowers blooming at her feet, her great head rests beside a dozing flock of deer, chest heaving in a gentle rise and fall.

All around her, she radiates an aura of utter peace and tranquility. Those that approach will find themselves instantly calmed, their woes soothed. The scent of life fills the air. Lushness abounds. And when one does step forward, she opens glowing golden eyes wide and almost seems to grin, beckoning them near.]

Hello, child. Do not fear; no harm will come to you. Let me see you, as you truly are.

[And regardless of who or what you are, you are compelled to come closer and greet this Dragonqueen.]

a dance.

[...but eventually Alexstrasza no longer lounges about and draws herself back to the party. Wearing a human guise, she rubs shoulders purposely with the person nearest to her and dons a pretty smile. Soft, welcoming, free of all evils. She touches their wrist and, man or woman, offers invitingly:]

Would you care for a dance, young one? It has been some time since I've followed such foreign steps, but...

[Her laughter comes equally light, color rising to her cheeks.]

I am willing to give it a try if you are, at least.

network.

...is this device functioning properly? Can you hear me? No, I suppose you'd only see me. See words, I suppose.

[As to be expected, dragons aren't the best when it comes to mortal technology, meant for much smaller hands. Alexstrasza fiddles with the settings a bit more, but can only seem to manage text. Good enough for now, she guesses. She'll figure out the rest later.]

Regardless, it is good to meet you. I am called Alexstrasza. I am a guardian of Azeroth, a world far from this one. I do find it a bit distressing, that I cannot hear as I once did. Are there any of my kin among you? Those who would also heed the voices of nature.

[Doubtful, but Alexstrasza was always one to hope against hope. She'll have to get used to that, too.]

In the interim, if any of you would have need of me, please do not hesitate to ask. My gifts are for nurturing, and thus given freely. What can you do? What are your strengths? We are stronger together than separated, so let us speak of this amongst ourselves.

wildcard.

[Alexstrasza can be found all over the place, given she's fairly quick for a dragon! Feel free to run into her in another part of the world, too.]

arrival;

[icebrand]

[ Unlike her brethren in Eorzea, Ysayle fears no dragon. For as long as she can recall, visions of dragons and of the Saint Shiva have been a part of her. Mingling with their kind was unheard of for an Elezen, but the respectable Hraesvelgr had shown her a kindness that the lesser races of Eorzea wouldn't spare a refugee.

When the invitation is given, Ysayle does step forward while silently doubting that this great best would wish to see her as she truly was. Within her was a phantom of her own fancy along with the blood of the innocents who have died in her crusade for the "greater good"; both of which burdened her with a guilt unlike no other.

Being exiled was suitable enough punishment. With a hand across her chest, she sweeps down into a rehearsed bow. ]

Pray allow me to introduce myself. I am Ysayle.

[lifebound]

[Alexstrasza has seen enough shows of fealty in her time to know when they are practiced and when they are not. She does not judge this stranger either way for it, but rather greets her with a pleased sort of rumble. Queen she may have been, yet she expects no worship from anyone for any reason.]

Rise, fair Ysayle. You need not bend the knee before me.

[And that aura spreads to touch her too, like a warm blanket descending. Hello, it says, you are loved.]

I do not smell Azeroth upon you, but I sense great purpose. From what land do you hail?

[icebrand]

[ Her aura may be warm, but Ysayle's heart is frozen in remorse. There's a phantom within her that remains dormant for now, though it may be easy for another to pick up on it--especially a dragon. Not that she's aware of it herself, Ysayle straightening her posture to stand tall as she always has. ]

The region of Eorzea. [ It's a rigid answer for a question that seems rather pointless to be asking. They're all from different worlds, are they not?

Azeroth. This is the first she's heard of it. ] It is very far away from this world from what I understand.

[lifebound]

[She is a strange one, that much Alexstrasza can ascertain, but beyond that... her powers are more limited in this place, more of a strain to exercise. She decides not to pry but rather to focus on what's in front of her. The here and now.]

It is unknown to me, as it may be to others. We are from many walks of life, that I've seen, we Shardbearers.

[Gently, Alexstrasza sets her nose beside Ysayle. A frozen heart, but the eyes upon her are kind enough to melt such ice.]

You may call me Alexstrasza. I am glad to meet you all the same, young one.

dance

[respired]

[Koltira recoils from being touched, however lightly. He has the decency to look apologetic when he sees who it is, though. A face, an aura familiar to everyone on Azeroth, in name and legend if not in the flesh. Koltira's eyes widen, and he takes an instinctive step back. He means no disrespect, but she is the Queen of Life--and he hasn't been among the living in a long time.]

Ah. Apologies, my lady. I don't expect you'd much care for a dance with me.

[lifebound]

[His face... it seemed familiar. His presence, too, she'd sensed about Northrend. She cannot place a name but she does place his status, and frowns for it. This was a death knight, a creature that suffered under the Lich King's command. Alexstrasza does not judge; she has love to spare for everyone, even her corrupted brother, but she feels for him in particular.

She feels that, perhaps more than the rest, he deserves a bit of comfort for his sorrows. Death and life are of the same breed, after all, so she is not ashamed to gently grasp his hand and speak soothingly as she would to all others. She does not judge and she does not discriminate.]

Please. You would honor me for the chance.

[And she dips her head to show that even a queen is not beneath respecting the likes of death.]

[respired]

[Koltira doesn't pull away this time, despite his continued instinct to do otherwise. Alexstrasza's sheer vitality is overwhelming; he often feels the heartbeats and the rushing blood of the people around him as a low, distracting thrum, but Alex is a waterfall. Her heart beats like a drum in the center of the earth.

His eyes flutter shut briefly, gratified by the kindness.]

If you are sure.

[He bows slightly. It's been years since he last danced, but it's not so much time by his reckoning. He still knows the steps.]

[lifebound]

[She is glad to bring him some sense of calm, however small. Of course he's no doubt endured all manner of jabs at his appearance and his own aura, that of decay and destruction, so she won't draw attention it. She maintains an easy-going smile and sets one hand upon his shoulder and the other in his grip and begins to sway along with him. Her body also remembers, it would seem.]

I'm bereft your name, champion. You are from Azeroth, this I know, but the specifics escape me.

[He was, after all, a person, not a thing. And a person deserved a name, dead, living, or otherwise.]

arrival;

[dayknight]

[A dragon...

He fought a dragon once, alongside his king; quite frankly, it was terrifying. Seeing one again up close isn't exactly a pleasant experience as a result.

But something does compel him to answer her call, all the same. Gawain tries to approach her as he would a monarch; he is careful, he is humble, and he acts with some degree of reverence as he stops before her and bows.]

Good day to you.

[Bad experience or not, he doesn't hesitate in the slightest. He speaks clearly, with confidence.]

[lifebound]

[Alexstrasza seems to sense it, both his prejudices and his stature, and laughs. The sound of it echoes throughout the space, and though it is deep and rumbling it is also in no way dangerous. Her tail flicks in interest and she leans forward with her weight to observe him.]

Good day to you as well, fair knight. What brings you to me?

[Other than the fact there's a giant dragon hanging out in the open, of course. She already assumed that was at least part of it.]

[dayknight]

Forgive me for staring before, it's just that you are...truly quite a sight to behold.

[That's a nice way of putting it, at least. He thinks of Vortigern as an exception, especially since he became a dragon through artificial means, so he isn't thinking anything bad about Alex. He just...can't help the feelings that memory brings.]

And it has been a very long time since I encountered a dragon, at that.

[lifebound]

[Alexstrasza folds one massive paw over another and regards Gawain with an air of amusement.]

Oh? A pleasant sort of encounter, I hope.

[Indeed, she seems to know. There's not much to be hidden from the mother of all dragons.]

arrival; YOU CAN'T JUST LOAF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE FLOOR, CAT

[shamanism]

[Thrall lets out a soft gasp. He is shocked to see her here, especially in her natural form. Isn't it dangerous? Maybe not during the feast, but he's afraid people might hunt her down, thinking her some kind of mundane beast... It isn't just his duty as a shaman to ensure her protection, but as Warchief, too.

He kneels a few yards away. Life flourishes beneath his feet, his splayed green fingers, but he is careful not to ruin any flowers.]

It is an honor to be in your presence, Dragonqueen, but I worry for the world we have left behind. Have you been treated well?

[lifebound]

[Alexstrasza would nearly let out a gasp herself if not for that natural degree of poise. Instead she rises, and quickly, sliding with surprising agility to his side and sweeping wings protectively about him by way of greeting.]

Thrall! Oh, dear shaman, blessed be your presence!

[Though it also posed significant worry, as now they'd both been pulled from the final battle with Neltharion. Did he know of it? Were they from the same time? It is not often the Dragonqueen seems at all childish, but she is hurried in her speech, almost desperate.]

Do not worry on my account, as there are greater concerns at hand. I have been torn from my place in fate and so I would beg of you, tell me what last you have seen, what foe yet troubles the world. For if it is as I suspect, we must return and see these wrongs made right at once.

[shamanism]

[He isn't used to Alexstrasza treating him like this. He's surprised and a little intimidated, judging by the way he moves to cover his head. Of course she means no harm and he lowers his arms when he reminds himself of this; it was only instinct, after all.]

There is no great threat at hand. The Lich King has recently fallen, and only the division between the Horde and Alliance troubles me now. [And a great deal.] But Vol'jin, my brother, he spoke of the future he lived through. He said there was a great cataclysm brought about by Deathwing's awakening.

I am deeply sorry, Lifebinder. It is no small feat to return, even now... Very few of us had a chance to see our homes when the world tore apart and rebuilt itself. I was not one of them.

[lifebound]

[It is immediately apparent that they are from different places and different times. Thrall stood as their savior, their last chance alongside the reforged Dragon Soul to strike a decisive blow against the monster known as Deathwing. Of course she would shelter him. Of course she would look upon him the greatest fondness. Thrall was everything, Thrall was hope. And Alexstrasza would always embrace hope, no matter how dire the circumstances.

So she must embrace it again now in another way, hope that in time he might remember. She backs away a step or so, takes a deep breath that stirs the air all around her. And she lets go of that tension and forces herself calm even as all they knew back home was tearing itself apart.]

You owe me no apologies, Thrall. Perhaps you might forgive me instead, that I speak of things beyond you. I would not speak of it more, so as not to burden you, other than to confirm what your brother relayed. Neltharion lives, and with him, the world dies. We must return, and soon—somehow—to prevent apocalypse.

i have no idea what i'm doing

[shalamayne]

[Varian, King of Stormwind, was feeling like a rockscale cod out of water at the grand feast. Most who ran cities were used to rubbing shoulders with others at parties and there was no denying that the grand feast was exceptional looking. It just wasn't sitting right with the large human. He was expected to enjoy this whilst his own world crumbled at any given moment?

Disturbed and tired of watching others enjoying the festivities, Varian heads outside to take a moment and enjoy the quiet. Resting easy just wasn't on the cards and-

What in the-!

Eyes narrow at the sight of Alexstrasza, one hand automatically ready should a fight start. Varian hears that voice though, and as much as he wants to scoff out loud at the idea of a dragon not causing harm he can't help but to take a few steps forwards, chin angled up in an age of display of being stubborn about it. Unlike just about everyone else in the universe, Varian isn't paying attention the the nature that's surrounding Alexstrasza.]

You can see well enough from where you are, dragon.

i don't either and WOW RUDE VARIAN

[lifebound]

[So Stormwind's very own liege brightens her doorstep. Well, maybe brightens was too strong a word, as the man was all surliness and contempt reflected in every step. Alexstrasza suffers this well enough, takes no offense, as her patience was nearly infinite.

Especially with the likes of humans, so young to their world, so stubborn. She finds it endearing more than anything else, their spirit, their energy.]

Peace, young King. We were not meant to fight here.

[Or anywhere, for that matter. She senses his warrior's heart and extends that aura to him, as well, in hopes it might ease his temper.]

I merely wished to greet you. What has you so unsettled? How might I help?

just gonna flail in circles AND THAT WAS POLITE FOR HIM

[shalamayne]

[The day Varian Wrynn becomes a ray of sunshine and happiness in such dark times is the day he hangs up his sword forever. Or splits himself in half again. Either is just as likely....

If Varian could hear the thoughts on humans being so young and stubborn his reaction would be classic textbook; he'd be more stubborn over it. Humans were young but in Varian's opinion their contribution to the world was still a strong and powerful one.

Luckily they're not talking politics right now and the aura from the dragoon queen is enough to have Varian's hand dropping back to his side, though for now his shoulders as still tense as he frowns.]

I merely find it difficult to rest so easily when I know one of your kind insists on destroying everything. Stormwind still smoulders and yet they expect me to sit and enjoy festivities knowing just that.

arrival.

[conqueress]

[ She doesn't fear.

A young woman stands in the clearing, mounted upon a white horse and garbed in seafoam green. Her hair is silver, her eyes a curious shade of violet, and she has not come alone. A crossbow rests in a saddlebag at her waist, but it is for practice only--the real weapons are behind her, ranging and bound to her by a spell that has not yet passed its casters' lips, casters who do not yet hold the terrible renown they wielded in Dany's time. It's Drogon who sails into the clearing first, who is black and red of scale, and his brothers are not far beyond. Rhaegal and Viserion cease their playful snapping at one another to flutter and perch upon branches that can scarcely hold their growing weight--and for the first time since returning to the Drabwurld, Dany feels peace.

They feel it, too. Astonished, and in awe of the majesty of the dragon before her, she nonetheless answers: ]

I am no child.

[ Compared to many here, she is--but she has seen too much, aged too quickly, to ever be a child again. Perhaps she never was one.

Dany is silent for a moment, admiring the dragon before her. Balerion had been larger than this one, if the tales were true, but she is still the largest dragon anyone living in Westeros has ever seen. ]

You must excuse me, [ she manages, almost blurting it, ] but you are so beautiful. I had never thought to see--

[ Why do I say that? ]

[lifebound]

[Her kin have arrived.

They are like her, only not. They hail from a different land and carry a different scent but she knows them still, calls out to them with a deep and stirring sort of rumble. She would draw them to herself. She would invite their warmth and share her own. Perhaps only a Targaryen could tame these dragons but a Queen among them would consider them her subjects all the same.

As for the girl, Alexstrasza peers down with gentle eyes. Everything about her is soft despite those hardy scales, those sharp teeth, and she addresses Daenerys with great respect and humility for one who wears a crown. Only human, and yet only humans had accomplished mighty deeds before.]

So you are not.

[She concedes this freely, then chuckles at her open admiration. Dips her head coaxingly to the grass.]

And yet you are so beautiful yourself. Come closer. Come touch. I welcome you.

arrival.

[greywar]

( a dragon. an honest to god real life dragon, laying around in front of him like she's
bringing the world to life. ronan fights the feeling of calm only so far as he can, which
isn't too far; brackish curiosity takes over, and it's not fear that has his eyes wide
and his mouth tight.

ronan lynch would consider his life just fine if it ended in being eaten with a dragon,
anyway. he wrinkles his nose, scratches a non-existent itch on the side of his throat.
his eyes skim between the dragon and the deer. )

Ronan Lynch. Not a child.

( by his own argument, anyway. )

So you're a fuckin dragon, huh?

[lifebound]

[Well... far be it for Alexstrasza to expect shows of fealty, as she did not revel in the majesty of her crown, but this one did strike her as a little odd. She'd quirk a brow if she could but instead sits there still and as tranquil as could be, assessing him quietly.]

And you are rather loose with your tongue.

[Kind as she was clever, Alexstrasza breathes out a laugh.]

But yes. I am Alexstrasza, Aspect of Life, Queen of Dragons. The fates have brought you to me, Ronan.

[greywar]

( he clears his throat. gansey's voice is in his head, telling him he's being medieval.
maybe he shouldn't mouth off to a dragon, no matter how calming her demeanour is; but
he can only temper his personality so much.

alexstrasza. he repeats it to himself, puts it into his memory. )

We don't have dragons where I'm from.

( his weight shifts across his feet, swinging forward from the balls to the heel. )

The fates?