15747/Log 15747

Log 15747
Date of Scene:	28 October 2023
Location:	Library - Wayne Manor
Synopsis:	Batman and Zatanna.
Cast of Characters:	Batman, Zatanna Zatara

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Batman has posed:
As autumn creeps ever onward the days are growing shorter and shorter. Which of course means that night comes earlier and earlier. Not a welcome change for most people.

But Bruce Wayne has never exactly been most people. Longer nights generally mean that Gotham's Dark Knight also takes to the streets a little earlier, stands watch over his city a little longer to make sure that the dangers that city throws up at its inhabitants are controlled and moderated as best as is possible.

But he hasn't taken to his nocturnal patrols. Yet.

It might be chilly and increasingly blustery, a brisk wind rustling through the trees on the expansive estate, shaking free colored leaves from their perches, but inside the Manor itself it is more then a little homey, comfortable and warm, as impossible as it might seem to be. A fire roars in the hearth of the huge fireplace, adding to the cheer with its dancing flames and quiet crackling, the master of the house currently seated at a large desk a little away from the stacks and stacks of books that otherwise dominate the room.

Across the large expanse of the room, a set of double doors opens and the elderly, distiguished butler of the residence stands there. "Your guest has arrive Master Bruce."

Zatanna Zatara has posed:
The guest in question is hardly a stranger to either the Manor or to 'Master Bruce'.

Stepping into the library, Zatanna Zatara pauses by Alfred with a smile, leaning over to brush a quick kiss across one of his cheeks. "It was really nice speaking with you Alfred. If you're not too busy I'll see about catching you on my way out," the magician promises fondly before letting the man get back to his tasks.

Even in a room as big as this one it isn't exactly hard to pick her host out of the crowd. For her part she is much more casually dressed then normal, the customary tuxedo outfit complete with hat and fishnets not in appearance tonight. It might be iconic, but it isn't quite so practical for every day excursions.

And apparently visiting Batman -- at least when he's not in costume -- qualifies. But then she has known him as Bruce far longer then Batman.

"It's good to see you," she says warmly, that smile remaining ever-present on her features as she starts over to that desk. He too gets a kiss on the cheek before she sinks into one of the comfy padded chairs by the fire, stretching legs out for just a moment before settling herself.

"So, how's tricks?" she asks with a sparkle in her dark-eyed gaze.

Batman has posed:
The elderly butler would seem to be just as fond of the dark-haired sorceress and while Alfred never really beams, he comes awfully close for her. "Of course. I shall look forward to it. I shall be back shortly with the tea," he offers up before nodding towards Bruce before making his departure, closing those doors behind him.

Rising from his desk, the dark-haired billionaire leaves the open book in front of him where it is and steps out around from behind the desk to greet his guest. He doesn't smile -- not quite anyway, he is still who he always is at least in private -- but there is a certain warmth in both tone and expression that few others manage to collect from him.

"Zanna," he says quietly in greeting, using that familiar nickname from when they were much, much younger. "Thank you for making the time. I know you don't have all that many evenings off so I appreciate you spending one of them with me," he notes, falling in beside her as they start to move over towards that roaring fire and the comfortable chairs arrayed there in front of it.

Like her, Bruce sinks down into one of those seats, a brief smile lighting on his expression. "That sounds more like I should be asking you that," he points out, a dry note creeping into his voice. Few people can draw that side out of him, but she often finds a way to manage. At least if he doesn't have the cape and cowl on.

Zatanna Zatara has posed:
Settled in, Zatanna's lips quirk up into a smile once more and she gives a slow shake of her head.

"It is hardly an imposition Bruce, you should know that," the witchy woman scolds her host, leaning forward in the chair just a little towards him instead of that bright, merry fire that dances across the logs nearby, spreading it's crackling warmth and dancing light throughout the rest of the room

"Though I probably don't take quite as many evenings off as I shoulder," she admits with a small shrug and a smile. "What can I say? I do love show business and if you're out of sight for too long it is all too easy for you also to become out of mind. And I certainly can't have that, now can I?" she points out with mischevious levity.

"So, why don't you tell me what it is that you called me over for and I'll see what I can do for you," the dark-haired magician suggests with a low, rich laugh.

Batman has posed:
"I suspect that you don't exactly have a hard time making and leaving an impression," Bruce counters drily.

It's not as if he doesn't have a little theatrical flair himself, but of course like so much else in his life it is entirely channelled towards his crusade and protecting his secret identity. Being a consumate actor helps a great deal with that little problem. Afterall, not very many people have seen through his charade, now have they?

"Please don't think that this is the only reason that I asked you over. I did want a chance to catch up. But this seemed like it might be worthwhile looking into as well," the dark haired man admits, brow furrowing ever so slightly.

"You know a little about the extensive collection of books here at the Manor and oyu've mentioned in the past that some of them have real power associated with them," Bruce points out. "I was hoping you might take a glance at the collection and see if there is anything in particular that stands out. Something that someone might go to some significant lengths to get their hands on."

Zatanna Zatara has posed:
Zatanna only dips her head at the compliment, that little smile still playing over her lips.

She is one of the few who has gotten to see Bruce Wayne before Batman completely came to dominate his life, though obviously the seeds were sown at the moment of his parents death. It lends her a better insight to the man then most and is one of the reasons they've been able to remain close, to remain friends over all the years. Despite the occasional disagreement.

Still, she is at least a little taken aback by the request. It's not often that the Dark Knight asks you to curate his bookshelves for him and she arches a brow his way at the request. "You want me to go through your shelves and let you know what might be potentially dangerous?" she asks archly. Definitely not what she expected, but then he didn't ask her to come to the Cave, or meet at the Hall or Watchtower. It stands to reason that the favor wouldn't necessarily have anything to do with the superheroic side of things.

"Of course I will," Zee assures him without hesitation. "You collection is rather extensive," she points out, shooting an amused look around the room. "But I can start going through it. If I stumble across anything truly dangerous maybe you'll finally let me take charge of it, or at least work a spell or two of protection," she suggests, wiggling her fingers mysteriously at him as that smile quirks up a little more. "Hopefully you'll tell me what brought all of this on as well," she suggests pointedly, though that seems mere curiousity and not a condition.