1213/Seeking Out The Strange

Seeking Out The Strange
Date of Scene:	29 June 2017
Location:	Sanctum Sanitorium
Synopsis:	Traci 13 gets a message from Doctor Strange and visits his home to find Artemis there and the reason for the summons.
Cast of Characters:	Traci 13, Artemis

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Traci 13 has posed:
This is an emit so the scene doesn't idle out.

Traci 13 has posed:
    The strange card she'd recieved had not been delivered by postal mail, but had somehow wound up in her mailbox, just the same. No address. No envelope. But, the writing and runes and glyphs depicted on it certainly caught her attention. And the fact it had -not- set off any of her wards when she carried it over the threshhold into her apartment was a -good- sign that it, at least, in of itself, was not of malicious intent.
    "Well, Leroy, we have ourselves a mystery," Traci told her iguana, and had opened the card, to study it. Some of it, she immediately understood. At least, in base translation. Traci - for a mostly self-taught Sorceress, was -very- clever, afterall. But some of the puzzle was completely foreign to her, and thus what she did understand would not let her make heads or tails of the puzzle.
    It'd taken her several days to sort it all out, between research, and application of the laws of magic, and a very complicated ritualistic spell to reveal the innermost secrets of the riddle, so that she could cast the spell that unraveled, and revealed the intent of the message, and the location.
    That was enough to stir Traci's curiousity. Either someone was being earnest with her, and it was a chance to learn -more-, or someone was baiting her into a trap. Either way, she had to go. She couldn't turn down a chance to have access to the library and teachings of the Sorcerer Supreme - and if it was a trap? They already knew where she was. How to get to her. Best she find out what she can now. Taking some precautions, and setting Leroy on her shoulder, Traci teleported to New York City, finding herself in Central Park. A bus ride later, and she was walking up the steps to the manor, and knocking, several times, on the door.

Artemis has posed:
    The door isn't answered immediately, which probably wouldn't come as a surprise. The loud female voice calling out from within probably would, however. "I won't get there any faster just because you keep knocking!" Heavy footsteps follow, and then the door is flung open wide.

On the threshold stands a warrior. A woman. Standing over six feet tall, she is clad in light armor and holds a broadsword in one hand as easily as she might hold a ballpoint pen. Looking the girl over with a critical eye, she declares simply. "You're late."

Traci 13 has posed:
    ... Not what Traci was expecting. Or, for that matter, Leroy. The iguana, sitting literally on top of of Traci's head, tiny feet resting against her hair while his long tail, curled, rests at one side of her head opens his mouth and flickers his tongue at Artemis.
    Whatever Traci -was- expecting, though, it wasn't a six-plus foot tall warrior woman. Still, Traci's not unaccustomed to surprises. Or, adapting to unusual situations. It's certainly one of the things that separates the good sorcerers from the poor. The ability to react, and think on your feet. "No, I'm not," she says in response. She holds up the card with one hand, points at it with her index finger at the other. "The invitation didn't state a time, or date. Not even in the small print." Then, it's her turn, to look back at Artemis, with a nearly matching critical eye. Sure, Artemis could wallop her in a physical fight. Maybe even a magical one. But Traci has a backbone. "You're not Stephen Strange."

Artemis has posed:
    The imposing redhead doesn't need to read the card, and she replies with a satisfied smile. "The Doctor said you were a clever girl. And brave as well. Come inside, and be mindful of your pet. The carpet is older than I am."
    Taking a step to the side, she'll close the door behind the guest before making introductions. "I am Artemis, Shim'Tar of the Bana Mighdall. You are here at the request of Doctor Stephen Strange, who you will address either as Doctor or Doctor Strange. Whatever else, do not neglect to call him 'Doctor'."

Traci 13 has posed:
    Traci pauses, only a heartbeat, before she nods and follows Artemis in, "Leroy's really well behaved. Don't worry about him," she says back to Artemis. Strange may also have told Artemis that Leroy was Traci's familiar. "I'm Traci 13," she tells Artemis, cautious, but also alert. Interested. Her eyes rove over the various adornments, and dressings the room has, trying to not only take in everything, but memorize, study it as well. She does not ask the woman if she assists the Doctor, it's already clear she does, in some way, shape, or form. "That won't be a problem," she assures Artemis. "This is Leroy."
    Leroy again opens his mouth, eyes swiveling to focus on Artemis. "Yes, Leroy," she says quietly, "I know. Thanks."
    An apologetic look to Artemis, "Sorry. First invitation like this we've got. He's a bit nervous." She reaches up a hand to scritch the iguana on the side. "I have to admit, I certainly wasn't expecting anything like this."

Artemis has posed:
    Artemis doesn't exactly -glare- at Leroy, but she does give the lizard a stern look. Then she squints at Traci when the girl makes introductions. "Thirteen? Where are the other twelve of you?" And her expression is deadpan. Yeah, the Amazon is either very naive or has a dry sense of humor.
    The sword swings up with a soft whirr of steel before being slipped quietly into the scabbard across her back. It's a practiced move, like tying shoes. "Good." she declares, on the subject of expectations. And the touch of a smile shows that she's pleased by that. "Doctor Strange believes in testing his students, both physically as well as mentally. I'll let you guess which part he leaves to me."

Traci 13 has posed:
    "Leroy does enough physical for two of us," Traci maintains. Then, taking Artemis' comment as a dry joke - perhaps it's one she's even heard before, "My father is Doctor Thirteen. You might've heard from him. He got very famous, really rich, off debunking supernatural events, and magicians." The irony is obviously not lost on her. She looks around a little more, after observing, keenly, the way Artemis handles her weapon.
    She looks back to Artemis, "I'm just curious how he even heard of me." Sure. She's been doing things. Such as the banishment of the evil spirit she did for the homeless man, just as she'd done for her father a year or two back. She'd prevented an evil magical entity from trying to kill Sue Dibny, Elongated Man's wife - the two people who'd raised her while her father had gone 'missing' after his wife's, her mother's, death. But in her mind, she's done nothing to warrant such attention.
    Another question comes to mind. "How long have you known him?" Not worked with him. Known him. There's a huge difference.

Artemis has posed:
    "The Doctor does not explain his ways to me anymore than I explain fighting to him." The tall Amazon declares. "He will tell you when he thinks you are ready. Or he won't. It's not my place to say. But you did *something* to attract his attention, if that is a comfort to you." The woman starts towards the back of the house. The kitchen, perhaps?
    Shrugging, she trusts the girl to follow without further instruction or invitation. "Food and drink are this way. I only met the Doctor several days ago, but the time does not matter."

Traci 13 has posed:
    Traci seems to consider this, filing it away as she attempts to perhaps gain an understanding of Strange's motivations and personality. Or at least, begin to speculate. She nods as she, and Leroy thus in tow, follow. "Well, I look forward to meeting him," she admits.
    She walks quietly, despite the heaviness of her platform boots, "I suppose that depends on your perspective," she suggests, about time. She doesn't ask, either, about when she would be meeting the Doctor. Already figuring the Doctor will, in fact, see her when he is ready.
    Instead, Traci ventures, "He must've left an impression on you if you're already this dedicated to him," she observes, casually.

Artemis has posed:
    Artemis nods, the long crimson ponytail swishing about her calves. Pushing the kitchen door open, the half-turns on one heel to regard the shorter girl. "We are aligned in our purpose, so it only makes sense that we align forces as well." She points to the fridge and the pantry. "Help yourself if you are hungry, Miss Thirteen. Have you had any formal combat training, or are you self-taught?"

Traci 13 has posed:
    "Just Traci is fine," she offers to the older, and much taller woman. She gives Artemis a comfortable sort of smile, then inquires, "Tea?" Looking for something that might look like tea leaves, and some sort of kettle. She looks surprised at the inquiry that follows, though, pausing, shaking her head, and causing Leroy to slightly move. She picks him up, as if sensing his thoughts and sets him on her shoulder, instead. "No combat training. No combat at all. I'm a sorceress. I call the chains of Hecate down on people. I don't punch them. That's the tanks job." She again suggests Leroy, by pointing a finger at him. As if the tiny iguana could beat someone, or many someones, up.

Artemis has posed:
    Artemis smiles wryly. "Very well then, Just Traci." she quips back. Okay, so now she's doing it on purpose. "Combat is not your job? I did not think you so foolish at first sight. Tea is in the cabinet to your left. I will put a kettle on." She steps up and fills the kettle, setting it on the stove.
    "I was captured by the demon prince Dalkriig-Hath, where I learned magic. But when I discovered his weakness and slew him, it was not with magic but with cold steel. You need to learn both."

Traci 13 has posed:
    Traci doesn't look entirely dubious, she can see the sense of it, but ventures, with a bit of a grin as she goes to make tea, "Magic is my life. If I have to learn to throw a few punches, I suppose I will. But," she shakes her head, slowly. "It's not my style." She's pretty certain of that, in the same way that Artemis knew in so short of time it would be 'right' to align herself with Doctor Strange.
    After some scrounging, she comes up with all the components to make tea, and sets the kettle to boil. "But as far as magic? I'm pretty much all self-taught. I had my mother's library to go off of, to start. I've come across other books, here and there."

Artemis has posed:
    Artemis reaches into the fridge to pull out a water bottle. "You will." she declares. "The Doctor insists that his students be well-rounded in all arts." Wait, did she just stay -student-? Twisting the cap off, she takes a few deep swigs before she speaks again. "The library here is like none other you have seen, Traci. That alone is a treasure worth the price of admission to this house."
    But exactly -what- that price happens to be, the Amazon doesn't seem to be forthcoming with the information at the moment.

Traci 13 has posed:
    "Without understanding where the power comes from, or how the spell works, ... you're just slinging magic. The wealth of knowledge in his library is legendary. Knowledge doesn't come without a price. Time, one of those prices. And patience. But, not all prices are worth their prizes." Of this, too, she's certain of. She doesn't figure it's Artemis' place to tell her what Stephen's price is, and imagines she'll learn that, soon enough.
    But one thing -is- clear to her. "So, he wants to mentor me?" Traci, for the moment, forgets about the kettle of water, and the tea leaves. "That's why I'm here?" Yes. She caught onto that word 'student'.

Artemis has posed:
    Artemis sips from the water bottle, perhaps mostly to hide the small smile. "That is between you and the Doctor." she replies softly. "Part of the price of being in this house is to follow His rules. You do not harm anyone in this house, and you do not harm this house. I have also added my protection to this place."
    If there is more, she keeps it to herself. "Until the Doctor chooses to see you, you will remain under my escort. You may leave the house anytime you wish and return the same. But if there is ever evil in your heart, the house will expel you."

Traci 13 has posed:
    Traci nods, "Wards," she acknowledges. "Your terms are acceptable. I have no problems with that. I'm here to save people. And, while I live in Metropolis, I've combatted darker forces all over the world. Mainly in Central City, where I grew up after my mom's death." Traci frowns, momentarily.
    She exhales, and turns to grab the whistling tea kettle by the handle, and pour the steaming water. "That won't be a problem. I thank you for your hospitality. And the Doctor, also." She has proper manners, it seems. Or, close enough as makes little difference.

Artemis has posed:
    Artemis lifts an index finger to that. "The terms are His, not mine. And, I believe, the terms of the House. The magic of this place is strong." Finishing her water, she crushes the plastic bottle. Lengthwise. The ball of plastic gets tossed into a recycling bin, showing that Strange keeps up with the times.
    "Relax and make yourself at home. Entering the Library, however, will require the Doctor's permission." And the tall woman with the sword looks fully prepared to enforce that, should it become necessary.

Traci 13 has posed:
    Raising her hand, and smiling, Traci offers, "I know all about boundries. Trust me. Grew up with a father who hated the fact I was praticing magic, after it led - somehow," she frowns at that, briefly, "To my mother's death. Forbade me to do it. Not that I listened to him. I needed, ... maybe need, but, at that time, I needed to know." It's not necessarily, any longer, what drives her though there's still a flame in her to find the answer to that out. "So, I know all about respecting boundries. He wanted me here. Which means that unless I do something stupid, I'll get in there eventually. I'm not going to mess that chance up."
    She pauses, "Thanks, Artemis." She means it.