ᴘʀɪɴᴄᴇss ᴏғ ᴘʀᴇsᴛɪᴅɪɢɪᴛᴀᴛɪᴏɴ (cigam) wrote in valarlogs, @ 2017-04-11 18:07:00 |
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Wanda had to admit to being slightly nervous about meeting Zatanna. For a variety of reasons, meeting someone new for new and meeting someone who seemed very capable with magic. Having made it passed the wards, in itself a very weird sensation, she found herself gazing in wonder and waiting for Zatanna to find her and take her into the Guild. It was best, if the Guild’s entrance was glamoured - Zatanna had set up more than a few protective wards; one being that only those with magic - whatever kind, whatever was in their bones, in their blood - could sense the presence of its entrance. Another protective measure was that if anyone breached the barrier, someone who did not have this otherworldly sense (and in possession of ill intentions - luckily that had not happened often) then they became a slug for a few hours. Similar to her mollusk ward, when she was once guarding Shadowcrest from nosy journalists and paparazzi alike. Ah, the good old days. But she knew Wanda was coming, they’d arranged to meet so she could show the abandoned wine cellar turned safe haven to a potential new recruit. That was why Zee appeared after teleporting, the air pressure and slight ripple to their surroundings the only indication. After finding out she was pregnant, she’d been leery about using her magic - but the research so far ( accounts in books, scribed information from priestesses and witches and sorceresses who had successfully used their magic, often with stomachs the size of basketballs) and talks with Lina, assured her that it would be fine as long as she didn’t overexert herself. And likely she’d cut back on the more intense spells once she was further along. “Hello, Wanda,” she smiled warmly. “Come on in. I’ll show you inside - the library first, if you think that’s a good place to start?” Wanda smiled nervously at Zatanna as she saw the other woman approach. The Guild was certainly an impressive building. Tucking her hair behind her ear, she followed Zatanna into the library. “Hello Zatanna, thank you for inviting me here, it is...amazing,” she shook her head in amazement as she spoke. She still had a strong Russian accent, but she hoped it wouldn’t be too much of an impediment to her learning here. “I love libraries! Too much if you ask my brother,” she joked, wringing her hands. The library here in the Guild was one of Zatanna’s favorite places - she knew that John preferred the House of Mystery’s library, since it was literally alive with magic, but a lot of work went into this one here. So many books (most from her own personal collection, when it crossed into this world from Shadowcrest), shelves lined with them, from newer copies to old, leather-bound tomes cracked and dry from age and smelling slightly of pipe tobacco and dust, for some reason. That delightful musty book smell. “There’s never such thing as too much of a love for libraries,” she winked, and it was clear she too was a little obsessed with books - Wanda was in good company. “Would you care for anything? Tea, wine, something else?” Zee always liked to offer guests something to sip on, if she was giving a tour. It was good hosting. “Oh there is when your brother has to remind you at 2 o’clock that you have been there since 8am and have not stopped for lunch,” Wanda laughed. “And this is certainly a place I could get lost in, it is amazing! How did you acquire all of this?” she gestured around the room at everything. “And um, I would love a cup of tea, thank you.” The kettle was put on, right near a heat source (usually used for potioncrafting, but boiling water was just as good of a purpose), and Zatanna consulted her tea collection for something delicious. She’d been drinking ginger tea lately, because it helped with her nausea and was decaffeinated, so she went for the spiced ginger plum she’d obtained from the tea bar of her favorite occult shop around here. “Dream...gifts?” she grinned wryly. “Not all of them are great, but the books certainly were. I owned a manor in dreamworld, it was a place called Shadowcrest and it was my sanctuary. One day, the library of that manor showed up here so I brought everything to the Guild when it was first established - then the collection just sort of grew.” When the kettle whistled (boiling was perhaps helped along by a bit of backward-speak from Zee), she poured them both tea. “Now, you were most interested in being sorted more into the Enchantment side of things, I believe?” “There must be lifetimes of knowledge knowledge here in this room,” Wanda shook her head as she gazed around some more. “Do you mind if I…” she gestured to the chair. “Um, yes, I think so. From looking at the categories you gave my powers seemed best placed there,” she explained. “I can read people’s minds, influence them...move objects with a thought,” she harmlessly wound some of her red power around her fingers, power gently glowing red in her eyes as she did. “Oh,” Zatanna said the word, but it was more a noise of surprise and curiosity as she watched Wanda call upon her gifts for that brief moment. Everyone’s powers manifested in different ways so it was always interesting to see. “Yes, that certainly sounds like enchantment. I think you might be one of two in that category now. But yes, of course - “ She motioned to the plush chairs; Wanda could feel free to make herself comfortable. “Have a seat, get cozy. Feel free to read whatever you’d like in here too. Borrowing books is fine, I just ask that they go back wherever they came from.” Overall, she wasn’t strict when it came to library policies. And those who used the Guild held a certain respect for old books too, she found. Wanda cleared her throat and dropped her hand, realising her actions may have perhaps looked menacing. “Sorry, I...I know it looks...and sounds bad,” she heaved a sigh and slid into one of the chairs as she self consciously tucked some hair behind her ear. “I look like some kind of red she-devil when I use my powers. It frightens people,” she paused for a second, ducking her head before quietly admitting, “It frightens me.” Zatanna poured them both tea, moving to sit across from Wanda. “Not at all,” she assured, and she’d seen plenty worse. There was no need to fret. “I was thinking it looked rather fascinating, actually. And anyone who has talked to you for at least five minutes knows you are as far from a she-devil as possible.” She placed the tray of sugar, cream, and honey in the middle of the table. This would be an experiment of sorts. “Can you move that closer to where you are, using your powers? I’m just curious about how they work, I promise you I’m not afraid. Mastering them will help lessen the fear of them too.” Otherwise, it wouldn’t be you controlling your powers - your powers would be controlling you. And that wasn’t a good situation to be in. Wanda looked up at Zatanna somewhat sheepishly before eyeing the tray in question. Looking back to the lady in front of her she nodded and licked her lips. Putting her hands on the table facing the tray, she concentrated on visualising the tray coming towards her. Her red tendrils of power reached out and took hold of the tray, pulling it along the surface of the table until it reached her hands. Clasping her fingers around the tray, she looked up at Zatanna and gave her a little smile. “Sugar?” she asked, sliding the tray towards Zatanna a little. Well, wasn’t that just awesome. Zatanna was captivated by the display - she’d seen a lot of magic in her time, but nothing like that. Her own telekinetic powers, if she chose to move something without touching it, tended to be a result of backward-speech. Like most of her other spells, nothing terribly flashy unless she was on the stage and under the bright lights. But Wanda’s scarlet wisps were absolutely beautiful - there was power there also. Zee respected that power. “Yes, please,” she laughed, taking the sugar when it reached her. She added a little to her tea, but not too much. “You’re very good at that, Wanda. Where exactly does your magic come from? Is it something learned, or something you’re born with?” Wanda smiled shyly and tucked some hair behind her ear. “I am not sure really, it came with the Dreams a few months ago. In my Dreams, my brother and I were experimented on by a German scientist and the powers came after that,” she explained. “Here I have been training with a lady called Jean Grey who seems to know how to help me,” she told Zatanna. “Oh,” Zatanna frowned a bit after hearing that Wanda had been experimented on. “I’m so sorry.” That had to have been traumatizing for her and her brother - to remember it, being treated like a lab rat, Zee imagined it was quite unpleasant. “You have me now too,” she added. “Anytime you want to come by the Guild for some practice, you’re always welcome. Perhaps the books will provide new insight for you as well.” That was why the library was here, why she let others have access to it - knowledge was also power, wasn’t it? No two sects of magic were the same, exactly, but it was always nice to gain other perspectives. “It is difficult to explain but, Pietro and I...volunteered for the experiments. Our town had been bombed and our house...we spent 2 days in the rubble with our parents bodies staring at an unexploded bomb before someone dug us out. We were...angry and young and let ourselves be pulled into a madman’s plan for power,” Wanda explained, feeling somewhat embarrassed by her Dream counterpart’s choices. “I would very much like to learn from you as well...if you'll have me?” she looked up at Zatanna hopefully. Wanda needn’t be embarrassed - she was young, as she said, and if given the choice here clearly she wouldn’t go that route. “And there are some terrible people out there who would take advantage of two traumatized children,” she said, shaking her head, obviously disgusted by the actions of the aforementioned madman. “But it would be my pleasure to teach you a few things, Wanda. Come - “ Zatanna stood, motioning toward the door. “I’ll take you on a tour of the rest of the Guild, so you can learn the layout of the place.” Wanda’s eyes lit up, grateful that Zatanna had understood. Even though the story wasn't hers in the real world, she still felt like she should apologise for it. “Thank you, I’d like that,” she smiled, following Zatanna through the halls of the Guild. Maybe she could find a place to belong here.Wanda had to admit to being slightly nervous about meeting Zatanna. For a variety of reasons, meeting someone new for new and meeting someone who seemed very capable with magic. Having made it passed the wards, in itself a very weird sensation, she found herself gazing in wonder and waiting for Zatanna to find her and take her into the Guild. It was best, if the Guild’s entrance was glamoured - Zatanna had set up more than a few protective wards; one being that only those with magic - whatever kind, whatever was in their bones, in their blood - could sense the presence of its entrance. Another protective measure was that if anyone breached the barrier, someone who did not have this otherworldly sense (and in possession of ill intentions - luckily that had not happened often) then they became a slug for a few hours. Similar to her mollusk ward, when she was once guarding Shadowcrest from nosy journalists and paparazzi alike. Ah, the good old days. But she knew Wanda was coming, they’d arranged to meet so she could show the abandoned wine cellar turned safe haven to a potential new recruit. That was why Zee appeared after teleporting, the air pressure and slight ripple to their surroundings the only indication. After finding out she was pregnant, she’d been leery about using her magic - but the research so far ( accounts in books, scribed information from priestesses and witches and sorceresses who had successfully used their magic, often with stomachs the size of basketballs) and talks with Lina, assured her that it would be fine as long as she didn’t overexert herself. And likely she’d cut back on the more intense spells once she was further along. “Hello, Wanda,” she smiled warmly. “Come on in. I’ll show you inside - the library first, if you think that’s a good place to start?” Wanda smiled nervously at Zatanna as she saw the other woman approach. The Guild was certainly an impressive building. Tucking her hair behind her ear, she followed Zatanna into the library. “Hello Zatanna, thank you for inviting me here, it is...amazing,” she shook her head in amazement as she spoke. She still had a strong Russian accent, but she hoped it wouldn’t be too much of an impediment to her learning here. “I love libraries! Too much if you ask my brother,” she joked, wringing her hands. The library here in the Guild was one of Zatanna’s favorite places - she knew that John preferred the House of Mystery’s library, since it was literally alive with magic, but a lot of work went into this one here. So many books (most from her own personal collection, when it crossed into this world from Shadowcrest), shelves lined with them, from newer copies to old, leather-bound tomes cracked and dry from age and smelling slightly of pipe tobacco and dust, for some reason. That delightful musty book smell. “There’s never such thing as too much of a love for libraries,” she winked, and it was clear she too was a little obsessed with books - Wanda was in good company. “Would you care for anything? Tea, wine, something else?” Zee always liked to offer guests something to sip on, if she was giving a tour. It was good hosting. “Oh there is when your brother has to remind you at 2 o’clock that you have been there since 8am and have not stopped for lunch,” Wanda laughed. “And this is certainly a place I could get lost in, it is amazing! How did you acquire all of this?” she gestured around the room at everything. “And um, I would love a cup of tea, thank you.” The kettle was put on, right near a heat source (usually used for potioncrafting, but boiling water was just as good of a purpose), and Zatanna consulted her tea collection for something delicious. She’d been drinking ginger tea lately, because it helped with her nausea and was decaffeinated, so she went for the spiced ginger plum she’d obtained from the tea bar of her favorite occult shop around here. “Dream...gifts?” she grinned wryly. “Not all of them are great, but the books certainly were. I owned a manor in dreamworld, it was a place called Shadowcrest and it was my sanctuary. One day, the library of that manor showed up here so I brought everything to the Guild when it was first established - then the collection just sort of grew.” When the kettle whistled (boiling was perhaps helped along by a bit of backward-speak from Zee), she poured them both tea. “Now, you were most interested in being sorted more into the Enchantment side of things, I believe?” “There must be lifetimes of knowledge knowledge here in this room,” Wanda shook her head as she gazed around some more. “Do you mind if I…” she gestured to the chair. “Um, yes, I think so. From looking at the categories you gave my powers seemed best placed there,” she explained. “I can read people’s minds, influence them...move objects with a thought,” she harmlessly wound some of her red power around her fingers, power gently glowing red in her eyes as she did. “Oh,” Zatanna said the word, but it was more a noise of surprise and curiosity as she watched Wanda call upon her gifts for that brief moment. Everyone’s powers manifested in different ways so it was always interesting to see. “Yes, that certainly sounds like enchantment. I think you might be one of two in that category now. But yes, of course - “ She motioned to the plush chairs; Wanda could feel free to make herself comfortable. “Have a seat, get cozy. Feel free to read whatever you’d like in here too. Borrowing books is fine, I just ask that they go back wherever they came from.” Overall, she wasn’t strict when it came to library policies. And those who used the Guild held a certain respect for old books too, she found. Wanda cleared her throat and dropped her hand, realising her actions may have perhaps looked menacing. “Sorry, I...I know it looks...and sounds bad,” she heaved a sigh and slid into one of the chairs as she self consciously tucked some hair behind her ear. “I look like some kind of red she-devil when I use my powers. It frightens people,” she paused for a second, ducking her head before quietly admitting, “It frightens me.” Zatanna poured them both tea, moving to sit across from Wanda. “Not at all,” she assured, and she’d seen plenty worse. There was no need to fret. “I was thinking it looked rather fascinating, actually. And anyone who has talked to you for at least five minutes knows you are as far from a she-devil as possible.” She placed the tray of sugar, cream, and honey in the middle of the table. This would be an experiment of sorts. “Can you move that closer to where you are, using your powers? I’m just curious about how they work, I promise you I’m not afraid. Mastering them will help lessen the fear of them too.” Otherwise, it wouldn’t be you controlling your powers - your powers would be controlling you. And that wasn’t a good situation to be in. Wanda looked up at Zatanna somewhat sheepishly before eyeing the tray in question. Looking back to the lady in front of her she nodded and licked her lips. Putting her hands on the table facing the tray, she concentrated on visualising the tray coming towards her. Her red tendrils of power reached out and took hold of the tray, pulling it along the surface of the table until it reached her hands. Clasping her fingers around the tray, she looked up at Zatanna and gave her a little smile. “Sugar?” she asked, sliding the tray towards Zatanna a little. Well, wasn’t that just awesome. Zatanna was captivated by the display - she’d seen a lot of magic in her time, but nothing like that. Her own telekinetic powers, if she chose to move something without touching it, tended to be a result of backward-speech. Like most of her other spells, nothing terribly flashy unless she was on the stage and under the bright lights. But Wanda’s scarlet wisps were absolutely beautiful - there was power there also. Zee respected that power. “Yes, please,” she laughed, taking the sugar when it reached her. She added a little to her tea, but not too much. “You’re very good at that, Wanda. Where exactly does your magic come from? Is it something learned, or something you’re born with?” Wanda smiled shyly and tucked some hair behind her ear. “I am not sure really, it came with the Dreams a few months ago. In my Dreams, my brother and I were experimented on by a German scientist and the powers came after that,” she explained. “Here I have been training with a lady called Jean Grey who seems to know how to help me,” she told Zatanna. “Oh,” Zatanna frowned a bit after hearing that Wanda had been experimented on. “I’m so sorry.” That had to have been traumatizing for her and her brother - to remember it, being treated like a lab rat, Zee imagined it was quite unpleasant. “You have me now too,” she added. “Anytime you want to come by the Guild for some practice, you’re always welcome. Perhaps the books will provide new insight for you as well.” That was why the library was here, why she let others have access to it - knowledge was also power, wasn’t it? No two sects of magic were the same, exactly, but it was always nice to gain other perspectives. “It is difficult to explain but, Pietro and I...volunteered for the experiments. Our town had been bombed and our house...we spent 2 days in the rubble with our parents bodies staring at an unexploded bomb before someone dug us out. We were...angry and young and let ourselves be pulled into a madman’s plan for power,” Wanda explained, feeling somewhat embarrassed by her Dream counterpart’s choices. “I would very much like to learn from you as well...if you'll have me?” she looked up at Zatanna hopefully. Wanda needn’t be embarrassed - she was young, as she said, and if given the choice here clearly she wouldn’t go that route. “And there are some terrible people out there who would take advantage of two traumatized children,” she said, shaking her head, obviously disgusted by the actions of the aforementioned madman. “But it would be my pleasure to teach you a few things, Wanda. Come - “ Zatanna stood, motioning toward the door. “I’ll take you on a tour of the rest of the Guild, so you can learn the layout of the place.” Wanda’s eyes lit up, grateful that Zatanna had understood. Even though the story wasn't hers in the real world, she still felt like she should apologise for it. “Thank you, I’d like that,” she smiled, following Zatanna through the halls of the Guild. Maybe she could find a place to belong here. |