exsilium | one; video; sigil of wisdom

[The face that greets you is inquisitive, friendly, and distinctly red-eyed. The young man looks to be in his late teens, and he's dressed in fine clothes: an intricately embroidered, long-sleeved tunic with epaulets, worked in black and gold and fashioned with a large ruby in the center of his chest. His turban glitters with rubies, as well, and there's a gold hoop dangling from one ear. The overall effect suggests royalty--or, at least, significant affluence. He's dark-skinned and dark-haired, and seems human, at least aside from the bright, piercing glow of his eyes.

There's some shuffling of the image as Wrathion moves about his room, trying to find the best light and angle for his address.

Once he's relatively sure that everything is in order, Wrathion smiles toothily into the camera.]

My, what fascinating technology this is! I can honestly say that I've never seen anything quite like it. Am I really broadcasting to an entire network of people? Amazing.

[He pauses for a moment; clears his throat. He's been here a few days and he's spoken with a few people, but most of the population is as yet unknown to him, and vice versa. Introductions are necessary.]

My name is Wrathion, last of Azeroth's black dragonflight, and it seems I've been pulled right from one dire conflict to another.

[The ingratiating smile widens. His teeth really are quite sharp.]

Back home, I was doing my best to find an expedient and decisive solution to the war at hand. I hope I can make myself useful here, as well. To that end, I'm eager to meet all of you--whether over this device, or, more preferably, in person.

I'm sure we'll all get along splendidly.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Fast? That's a noble thought, but it's my understanding that once a war starts, ending things fast is a delicate, difficult thing to do.

Naturally. But even so, it's in everyone's best interests to expedite the process as much as possible, don't you agree?

Hm. I do-- in the barest sense-- but that all depends on the methods employed, Prince Wrathion. What lengths are you willing to go to achieve these ends?

Whatever lengths are necessary, my dear doctor.

You're aware that's a dangerous mindset to have.

Personally, I think it's more dangerous to let conflicts drag on because you're worried about the cannon fodder.

[ w o w. WOW. ] Cannon fodder?! Is that what you see us as?

[serenely.] Perhaps not you, specifically. I just got here. I still have a lot of evaluating to do.

Oh yes, That puts my mind right at ease. Knowing you'll be picking and choosing who here is expendable. There's nothing hideous about that at all.

{ Enjoy all this dripping sarcasm. ]

[shrug!!]

I prefer to think of myself as 'efficient' rather than 'hideous', but to each their own!

You do realize you're basically admitting you'll be killing people. I don't understand how you think this can be justified.

[He laughs.]

What! I'm not going to kill anyone. You're making quite the logical leap there, doctor. I'm simply not bogged down with worrying over whether every single person in a war is going to survive.

If you order a death, it doesn't wipe your hands clean of it. I'd hope the same of your conscious but that's obviously not the case. If my caring about the lives and well-beings of our fellow transports is limiting to you then I'm not sure what to tell you, Wrathion.

The only way I would order a death is if I somehow uncovered another Azerothian black dragon in our midst. You are sorely misinterpreting my philosophy. The death of soldiers is a part of war. You can't waste time weeping over every possible casualty. You have to choose the strategy that wins, not the strategy that's nicest.

How can I be sure of any of your intentions when you talk so freely of cannon fodder? I'm not a fool, people die every day and there isn't anything that will change that, but reckless plans that get them killed even faster aren't going to help anyone.

[ She sighs. Like this whole conversation has suddenly gotten sad. ] Now what's all this about other dragons?

Edited (WRONG ICON) 2013-02-17 06:54 (UTC)

I assure you, no plan I ever make is reckless.

[but, he truly hasn't made one here yet--yet being the key term, of course. He seems to recover from his fit of temper, though, and adopts a smooth demeanor once again.]

For instance, my handling of my corrupted kin was extremely systematic. I even spared all of their deluded human followers.

[ She stares at him. Long and hard. Wondering if he's trying to make a show of ruthlessness. ]

Corrupted by what? They were your family weren't they?

[A show? Never.]

Yes, they were my family. But they were also trying to destroy the world and kill me, so you'll have to excuse me if I don't weep for them overly much.

Good lord! Exactly what were they trying to achieve? I-I imagine its different in your world, but dragons are guardians where I'm from.

Exactly what I said--apocalypse. They worshiped terrible old gods. [he smiles sorrowfully.] I did only what I had to.

[ Yikes. Still not jiving with the genocide, but that does get the beginnings of a sympathetic frown. ]

You really meant it when you said you were the last of your kind. My condolences-- even if you hated them, being alone is not easy.

[A soft sigh.]

Yes, well. I manage. [somehow.] Your sympathy is most appreciated, however.

Of course. [ She nods. ] I do mean it.

How long has it been that way? I know that shape isn't your true face, but you do look rather young, Wrathion.

[He clears his throat.] Not long. I am young for my species, but we mature quickly.

[or, at least, he did.]

[ She arches an eyebrow, genuinely curious. ] What would you say you are in human years?

(no subject)

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