|
Mrs. O'Riley's, the sweet haven of tea and scones. Once again, Kai has come around to harass Strange into coming out with him. They sit at a table in a corner with tea and scones before them. Kai is in the middle of heaping jam upon one, his teacup half-full at his side. "So if Captain Rogers doesn't call me back, I'm going to go find James myself. The Ruskies might have him." His voice is pitched for a polite conversation not meant to carry too far. "But Serrure wants to help, so it'll be fine."
*
The good Doctor, bribed out of the Sanctum by the best tea this side of the river, sits in his usual chair in the shop. He's giving Kai a circumspect look, resting two fingers against his temple. The other hand drums fingertips on his thigh.
He's not…concerned, not beyond the usual amount for the Moon Elf. The description of this James character sounds terribly familiar and he has a suspicion that he's run across the Russian before. A slow sigh, not too unlike a quietly-released gout of steam from a readied pot, and he raises his eyebrows.
"Yes, if you have his help, you'll be fine. I'm glad to hear that the Captain is involved. He's got a good head on his shoulders, if what the newspapers say is true." The Sorcerer has yet to cross paths, but Fate is a funny thing. It could be sooner than later, who knows? Reaching for his own demi-tasse, he sips and considers the passerbys through the window. "You certainly know how to make things interesting for yourself." A small wry smile accompanies this observation.
*
And a young person wanders in. Longish black hair, yellowish-green eyes, and a small, thin frame. Probably doesn't eat enough. This strange person is wearing a pair of brown pants, a pair of knee high boots, meant for hiking, and a series of cloaks and cloth wraps, partially hiding their face, and hiding their upper body. This strange being seems to be oozing energies of a primordial nature. They step forward looking about, their large walking stick clicking on the floor as they move. A look to the old woman. "Hello….How does one get food here?" Asks Druid, in a small, soft voice. One that is both melodious and androgynous.
*
"It's just very important to me," Kai explains. "I know it's going to sound like I have a type, but he's my friend, man. I know he's blown his top a few times, but he's got good in him. Rogers is a cool cat. He's not as square as I thought. He's going to call me if he finds out anything." He shoves scone in his face, eating with juuust enough good manners not to come off like a total slob, but messily enough to make those more cultured tut. It's a calculated rebellion against refinery.
Once the bite of scone has been reduced to crumbs upon his lips, he jerks his head toward Druid and says, "Only in Greenwich Village, dig?" Like he has room to talk. Today he's wearing a rather loud psychedelic print shirt and a red kerchief around his neck that dispels any aura of heterosexuality he might have otherwise possessed.
*
"Your type is trouble." And the good Doctor leaves it at that with a close-lipped laugh that shakes his shoulders a few times. He's fully aware of the arriving stranger the very second the person, dressed in the odd collection of garments, crosses the threshold.
His movements slow, the cup brought down from approaching a sip with controlled descent. On alert is the Sorcerer Supreme, eyes instantly narrowing and gaining a smidge of Mystical glow about the pupils. "Interesting…" His voice is low, melodic with intrigue.
Old Mrs. O'Riley looks up from making a grocery list at her place behind the counter at the young stranger with a hint of impatience. "You pay with money, young…one. If you have any…?" Her Irish brogue deepens a hint even as a single white eyebrow rises.
*
Kai sits up a little straighter in response to Strange's one word and all the body language around it. He glances over at Druid again without the faintest look of understanding on his amiable face. He asides to Strange, "There's always trouble."
He looks back to Strange. "He has no idea what he's doing, does he." The observation isn't delivered unkindly. "We should ask him if he needs help." He has kind of an a-ha moment just then, the proverbial lightbulb going on over his head. This is how he ends up with trouble.
*
Druid thinks on this, and frowns. "I don't….no…Is there a place where I could meet someone who is very good with artifacts?" The smaller person pulls a golden coin out of their bag, looking at it. "This is all I got. I think, I dunno. I'm bad at peopling." A soft sigh from Druid. And then a shudder, and the small person looks to Strange, locking eyes with him for a moment. Then tilting their head, before shrugging and turning their attention back to Old Mrs. O'Riley.
*
"No, I don't think he knows…" The murmur of agreement is soft enough to reach the Beat-child's ears and no further. The good Doctor needs must strain his hearing slightly to hear the conversation at the counter. Did he hear…relics? The inside of his cheek receives the briefest mauling before he settles back in his chair entirely, rolling his shoulders slightly. "You're welcome to go," and his goateed chin dips in a slight nod towards the stranger, "but I'd like to see what Mrs. O'Riley does first. Her shop, her rules."
And this square-cat is all about the rules.
He draws a fingertip slowly down the line of carefully-maintained facial hair as he eyes the stranger. Interesting aura. Very interesting. Gazes connect and Strange reacts with all the distant interest of a leopard surveying the movements of animals before it. Potential abounds in the contained formality of his general air.
Old Mrs. O'Riley eyes the golden coin offered to her with suspicion before scowling mildly. "Artifacts? The museum, lad. Or an art gallery. This is a tea shop." She waves one crabbed hand around behind her, gesturing to scones cooling and myriad glass containers of loose-leafed tisanes. "I don't recognize that coin anyways."
The Sorcerer's glance falls on Kai and he murmurs, "Perhaps you should help after all."
*
Kai watches all of this, bright-eyed and quiet, at least until Strange tells him he should help, and he nods slowly, "Right, I think so." He gets to his feet, then tells Strange quickly, "I don't have any money." It might have been nice if he'd mentioned that before ordering tea and scones.
In any case! He approaches the counter in an easy gait, like there's nothing at all wrong in his world. It's all groovy, man. "Hey, cat," he says, "why don't you let us cover you." He offers Mrs. Riley his best boyish smile, as if he wouldn't even know the definition of the phrase 'up to no good.'
Then, back to Druid, "My buddy over there, he's far out, man. He knows everything about everything. I know he won't mind." He offers his hand to shake, "I'm Kai."
*
Druid hadn't expected the approach, and takes a step back, almost defensively, from Kai. Those oddly colored eyes narrowing and focusing on him. Before nodding. "Okay…I'm Druid." They doesn't take Kai's hand, well not at first, they just stares at it for a moment. Then Druid leans forward and sniffs his hand before butting their head into the hand, almost like an animal seeking to be pet.
*
The Sorcerer will remind Kai of the standing bill he keeps with Old Mrs. O'Riley once the two return to the table — if they return to the table, that is. Those dark brows rise as he watches the interaction unfold. Hmm. This being may not be from Earth-reality proper. He keeps mum and holds down the fort at the table, inclined to observe rather than interfere. The Sight is sure to reveal more as the seconds pass.
The old woman's mildly-clouded green-grey eyes shift from the stranger to Kai and linger on him. "If you think the Doctor is fine with that, lad, it be on your head. Go sit. I'll bring over another cup and a sampler. I can't tell what your guest might like. Maybe the chamomile blend…?" The question is more rhetorical and aimed at herself even as she turns about to raid the air-tight containers.
*
Kai's brows lift. He's certainly not expecting this. His demeanor though is gentle, and he strokes Druid's hair, running his fingertips behind one ear like a scritch without using his nails. As he does this, he says to Mrs. O'Riley, "It's all right. I'm good at balancing things on my head." Everyone has to have a talent.
Then he looks back to Druid. "Let's come back to my table, all right?" His voice has a soothing quality to it. Nothing supernatural. He's just used to speaking to people in some kind of distress. With the promise of more petting, he attempts to lure Druid back to the table. "You'll like Doctor Strange. He's very nice," he says.
*
Druid happily receives the pet, and then stands up right. "Thank you." It's almost purred as the smaller person seems much more at ease, eyes lulled, though they snap open at the mention of tea for Druid. Looking to Old Mrs. O'Riley. "Jasmine tea please, with no sugar or cream, thank you very much." A bow of the head to show appreciation, but it seems more…feral than polite society. And then the small, strange person follows Kai back to the table. Looking at the table, and looking to Doctor Strange, a curoius look to the small magical one.
*
Interlacing scarred fingers in the space before his sternum, the Sorcerer watches the two young people approach the table. He heard enough to rationalize that his name has been mentioned and it's easy enough for someone to put two and two together.
"Please, have a seat," he says in a greeting of the professional, the same he might have done years back as a world-class neurosurgeon. A single hand gestures towards a chair not containing the warmth of Kai's body that occupied it not long ago. "There's a standing bill with Mrs. O'Riley, we'll place your order on my tab." A pause, slight tilt to his head. "You must be new in town."
*
Kai reclaims that warmth. And his tea, and his scone. Which he nibbles on. Licking the crumbs from his lips, he says, "Doctor Strange, this is Druid." Introductions made, he pours himself more tea from the pot at the table. "So this open tab," he mentions, "is that just for when we're here together?"
*
Druid settles in another seat. And still holds onto their staff. A nod to Doctor Strange. "I am." And then a look to Kai as he speak, a nod to the young man before a look back to Doctor Strange.
*
Old Mrs. O'Riley is quick enough with that cup of jasmine tea, no cream or sugar, and it arrives with a questioning look to the good Doctor. He shakes his head subtly, warning her off without words. A little shrug on her part and back behind the counter she goes. Now what was the last thing on her grocery list…?
To Kai, he gives a humoring smile and replies, "There's always an open tab for me here. I entertain more guests than you…though you do eat your weight in scones. Mrs. O'Riley approves." A twinkle in his eyes before they shift and settle upon Druid.
"Druid. Welcome to New York City. Good choice in tea," Strange adds, lifting up his cup in a salute of sorts before sipping at his brew. Blackberry and sage…with a little honey. He wraps the other hand about the warmed china to indulge in the heat warming his bones. "What brings you to m — this city?"
The Sorcerer almost slipped, tsk. Not technically his city.
*
"I'm a growing boy," Kai says. For all the scones he puts away, he doesn't seem to gain any weight. He's got one of those frames that's perpetually on the brink of needing fattening up in the opinion of grandmothers and aunties everywhere. He settles back with his own tea, a rich and fragrant chai. He glances between the two like watching a tennis match, playing the role of avid observer.
*
Druid sips the tea, with a soft sigh. Lost for a moment to everything, and everyone, a softer, sadder smile spread across their face as they just bask in the flavor, before the tea cup is set down. "I was the next stop for a sell for the group of treasure hunters I worked with, until there were….complications, I figured a good enough spot to try and figure out people again…Worse comes to worst? I leave people to their peopling and I go back to my druiding." A flippant shrug from Druid, as they don't seem to mind the idea of leaving humanity.
*
Strange nods politely. "Treasure hunting, I see. And where were you hunting before with these…people of yours?" The Sorcerer knows most, if not all, of the places where relics lay hidden. If someone's gotten their grubby mitts on something forbidden or dangerous, it might be time for him to step in. A few gold coins from a shipwreck? Eh, that's something to sell to a museum or collector.
*
Kai tilts his head as he looks to Strange. "Do you need me to shove off, Doctor?" he asks. He starts to slather jam on another scone to take with him if that's the case. It's not the subtlest way of offering the magical sorts privacy, but Kai's gig is kindness, not subtlety. To Druid, he says, "You're in great hands. Dr. Strange is so groovy, man, like, wow."
Without waiting for an answer, he pours himself more tea. There are dregs left in the pot and they shall be his dregs. "Honestly, I'd stick with humanity. People aren't too hard to figure out. You can always trust them to be people."
*
"In a way, yes, though, they don't exist anymore, not here anyway, the land has reclaimed them, after they fell. A rival band came through and killed all but me, I escaped." The voice isn't as calm here, there's a touch of growling as Druid speaks, almost like there is a boiling rage at those who harmed HIS family. Then a look to Kai. "Human's can be trusted, some, only some though, some cannot. But they are also odd, they hide in caves of metal, it is…odd."
*
A finger is lifted from its curvature about the tea cup at Kai's question. "No, please stay, Hjuki. No reason for you to leave." He eyes the amount of jam put on the scone with a distracted ghost of a smile. The man's mind has strayed momentarily to another person in his life with a penchant for putting copious amounts of spread on pastries — albeit she chooses honey over fruity jelly.
Not only the Ginchiest, but groovy now. Points gained left and right, look at the man go!
The impressive formality returns as he listens to Druid and the tale. "I don't think we're all so terrible…but yes, not all are to be trusted."
*
Kai makes no move to leave, thus encouraged by Strange to stay. "I mean that you can always trust them to be people," he points out between bites of scone. So many crumbs that could've been avoided tumble onto his shirt. He brushes them aside carelessly. "And people are self-interested, defensive, myopic, and usually scared of something, and any scared animal can be dangerous. They're also social and have an amazing capacity for mercy and compassion."
He steals a quick glance at Strange, and his smile is too joyous by far. "I like people," he says to both of them. "Even when the whole is disappointing, I've learned there's great potential in the individual."
*
"Not all are evil, just as not all are good, there is a balance." They shrug. "Simple, yet complicated, such is the human way." Druid seems to think this way in totality. But then looks to Doctor Strange. Watching the man, with a curoius look. That energy blooming and swirling around. Clearly not something Druid has really reigned in yet, or probably realizes is there. Or maybe their in total control, and their showing off. Hard to tell. "I had an individual I cared for, but he returned to the land, thus I have no one but myself."
*
The man's mobile lips rise into a mildly humoring smile again. "Hjuki — excuse me, Kai — has an unusually cheery outlook on things in general. You make me seem so dour," Strange murmurs, glancing sidelong at the Moon Elf. Hardly a complaint for the likely truth of it.
Another long sip of tea and he sets aside the tea cup. Back go those scarred fingers to the bridged enfolding across the space before him and he eyes Druid with those lightly-glowing eyes of his, amaranthine about their centers in contrast to the steely-blue. "I'm sorry to hear of your loss. Did it trigger your powers?" Might as well inquire. After all, the aural energy about the young person is active enough to continue to gain his attention.
*
That makes Druid's gaze snap to Doctor Strange, a touch more feral, their hands on the table change and become claws as they growls, lips pulling back as sharpened teeth form. "How do you know?" There is a warning to this, and they way Druid's eyes dart, it's clear there is an intention to bolt.
*
Kai inclines his head to Strange as though he were receiving high praise. "And though there are some truly horrible people in the world, most of the time, I haven't been disappointed." When Druid asks Strange how he knows, and the warning tone of it, he just smiles against his teacup. After a sip, he says, "He just knows. Besides, mate, you don't exactly blend in."
*
One eyebrow slowly rises, granting him a deeply-unimpressed expression. Slung loosely about his neck, a particular crimson scarf shifts of its own accord; the fringes rustle silently as it stirs, not too unlike a snake sensing a change in air currents.
"Hjuki is correct. I know." A shrug that borders on lazy belies the calculations flying at lightspeed behind his half-lidded eyes. His own aura comes to life, swirling about them all and the table with the wisp of petrichor and just enough movement to perhaps lift loose bits of clothing before it settles again. "I am Sorcerer Supreme. It is my job to know. Your aura has touches of primeval energy about it. A singular signature," he acknowledges with a faint nod, gaze never leaving Druid.
*
Druid doesn't seem to calm, in fact, the more power that is shown the more they seem to be taking a cornered animal position. Clearly a touch frightened. "I don't know what that is." The smaller person hisses. That loss of humanity, that out of touchness showing in full colors. As Druid's eyes change, a kaleidoscope of different animal types of eyes. And the aura of the being growing more chaotic, the sheer loss of control is showing as fear takes hold. "Aura? What do you mean? What is this?" Druid's own knowledge seems very little here, in the true nature of magic.
*
Kai notes, "I often am." The stirring of Strange's aura is taken in stride, though he does cast a casual glance around the place to see if anyone's noticed. And to place where everyone is in the space. He trusts people to be people, which is why he cases exits and checks out what everyone is doing every once in awhile.
He asides to Druid softly, "You're all right. He's a protector. It's his nature." The strangeness in Druid's eyes captures Kai's attention, but there's no fear of the unknown in him, strictly curiosity.
*
"Indeed," Strange adds on the tail of Kai, his own voice shifting into a smooth baritone. A practiced orator, yes, and inclined to a pleasant modulation simply due to the nature of his spellcasting, he attempts to convey information calmly. "Your aura is the natural radiance of energy around you. All of us have it, even the Mundane — those without magical abilities." His volume is no higher than necessary to keep the conversation private. Thank goodness Old Mrs. O'Riley is partially deaf and no one else sits within three tables of them. If he wanted true privacy, he'd simply drop them all into the Mirror Dimension — but not this time. It's not needed.
The Sorcerer continues. "Yours, and mine, even Hjuki's, are more pronounced for our powers. I can See it because I have the Sight. This is the ability to visualize the Mystical attributes of the worlds around us. I am the Guardian of Earth, its Reality, and its Fate against inteference." He inhales and exhales, both slowly. "I'm not about to smite you. You're safe. Very few things would attempt to attack anyone in my presence."
And most of those things end up regretting it if they do.
*
Druid looks to Kai, and then to Strange, it's clear they are still afraid, and their control over their abilities is lost for the moment, well, a chunk of it. Their claws retract, and their fangs disappear. But their eyes still rapidly change, till they close their eyes, and try to take a calming breath. When that doesn't work they reach out and pick up their cup of tea and take a long sip, as if the tea would relax them. However, it does just that, the chaos in their aura dissipates as quickly as it forms, and they begin to to relax. After a another few moments, their eyes open up, back to the yellowed-green color, though a touch milky. As if their sight is weakened for a time. And they simply just stare downwards as the cup is rested back on the table. "Sorry…." Is the soft voice that responds, calmer, but also clearly exhausted.
*
Kai smiles softly at Druid, close-lipped so as not to show teeth. Too many species see that as a challenge. "Look, if you were going to run into anyone, this is the man you'd want." He leans over and takes up the art satchel beside his chair. Digging around, he finds a pencil and a scrap of paper that has a doodle of a marijuana leaf on one side. For what it's worth, it's a very good doodle. On the blank side, Kai writes a number. "I need to catch up with Serrure, but if you find yourself in need of help, call me."
To Strange, Kai says, "You won't believe what's going on on that front." Like Strange has nothing better to do but listen to Kai's relationship woes and triumphs. "I made breakfast. That's it. I'm making breakfast now." He shakes his head. "Til next time, then?"
*
Careful now, Moon Elf, you'll puff up his ego a little too much.
"You're too kind." The comment in lieu of the compliment is quietly amused above the scritch-scratch of Kai writing on his slip of paper. The good Doctor glances from the numbers to the Moon Elf and this time, he snorts. "It's all downhill from there. Don't tell me that you're sharing toothbrushes. No, really, don't," he adds, grimacing faintly. Disturbing, that practice. The wrinkling of his nose fades as he too rises to his feet. "Yes, next time, whenever you feel the need for more scones. She'd say you need to put on more weight still." 'She' being the compass north for his sneaky point in the direction of Old Mrs. O'Riley, now in her corner booth.
Regardless of whether or not Kai leaves immediately after checking on future crossings, the Sorcerer lingers, taking his good time to put on his coat and settle the scarf into place. Or try to, at least. The crimson Cloak of Levitation in disguise remains fickle as it normally is and resists the rearranging, likely simply because it liked the way it hung better, thank-you-very-much.
"There's nothing to apologize for. This is a big city with far more humanity than one might be used to. It took me some time to acclimate when I first moved here. You have a number to call in case of trouble." He nods to the slip of paper given to Druid. "The Sanctum Sanctorum is located in Greenwich Village. I may not be home all of the time, but if you need me, still knock. My Consort will contact me come hell or high water." Stuffing his hands in his pockets, he gives young Druid a faint smile. "I have the suspicion that you'll be fine. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a meeting to attend."
Ah, the life of the Sorcerer Supreme. Rarely any fun. He stops by Old Mrs. O'Riley's booth to explain as to the jasmine tea being covered and a moment of shared laughter means a consensus reached. After that, it's a few long-legged strides to the door, the shop bells jingle, and the good Doctor disappears down the sidewalk.
*
The paper is accepted, though Druid can't do much with it. A nod to Kai. "I sleep in Central Park, in the large oak tree. And I wander a lot in Mutant Town." Then a nod to The Supreme one. "I see….Thank you…" The small spellcaster murmurs, and then stays there, apparently content to drink their tea for a touch longer.