❝ Our greatest glory is not in never falling ❞

[returnanew]

{ but in rising every time we fall }
💮 gaja 💮 nam 💮

Comments

[flumen]

Nam would hardly suffer the stranger giving him orders even if he were at his full strength. A dragon takes orders from no one, especially not on his own land. The intruder makes a good suggestion, however, and it's one that Nam will put some considerable thought into. Whatever Nam has to do to see this land through the coming flames, even if it means taking the suggestion of some lowly bird, he will do it. While he would survive the flame as well as the river itself, little else would. What kind of guardian would that really make him?

Loosely folding his arms across his chest, Nam turns his attention back to the blond. He could just fill the hole in with water right now, with the bird still inside, and perhaps be done with this whole thing before it actually starts. For just a moment, he does consider that over the bird's suggestion, yet he makes no such moves. He does, however, make his way a little closer to the weakened intruder, opting to sit on a large boulder near the edge of the bird's crater.

"When the fire starts, I will do whatever I feel is necessary."

[returnanew]

The soil would definitely help to keep the flames contained. Sure, it might take Gaja longer to claw his way out of it once he's reborn, but that's something that will only affect him. It this lush riverbank were to catch fire... So many living things would be harmed, directly or indirectly. It's not a risk Gaja wants to take.

Though his crater is probably big enough to keep the fire contained, sparks still fly.

No, this creature will be well within his rights to do whatever he feels is necessary to protect his lands. Gaja has no argument. In fact, he simply nods his head. "Thank you."

[flumen]

So many living things would be harmed. The fire would scorch the earth and take away food that a lot of animals around here depend on or it could harm the animals themselves. The unnatural fire could heat up the river and kill the fish and vegetation living in it. What would there be left for Nam to guard, then? What would there be for him to watch over and protect? Of course everything would likely heal in time, but that wouldn't erase Nam's failings. It would help no one in the meantime and it would lose him the river's trust. He doesn't want any of that.

He will make sure to contain the bird's fire. He will make sure that no sparks escape him. He will make sure that everyone and everything comes out of this unscathed.

"Thank me by leaving here as soon as you're able."

[returnanew]

"That could be a few days." Or weeks. It could be a handful of days before the fire even begins. Even more after for the reborn phoenix to emerge from the ashes. And more still for him to regain strength and sense enough to leave. This is truly the most vulnerable time for a phoenix.

Perhaps if Gaja were a little better at gauging the time, he could prepare better. He could find a stone cave deep in the earth. Alas, though he is a cyclical creature, there is no definite time frame for each life. Approximately a hundred years by the human reckoning. By the revolution of this world around its star. It always strikes him so suddenly. One moment he's fine, the next he's falling from the sky.