13410/Ferdinand's Dilemma

Ferdinand's Dilemma
Date of Scene:	31 May 2021
Location:	Themysciran Consulate, Senreville
Synopsis:	A funny thing happened on the way to lunch.
Cast of Characters:	Captain America, Wonder Woman, Scarlet Witch, Winter Soldier

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Captain America has posed:
After having worked out at Fogwell's Gym, Steve Rogers and Diana Prince had arranged for lunch at the Themyscarian Consulate, as she could best teach him about her culture there, and he would enjoy a fine meal as well.

However, this meal was impromptu. The head chef, Ferdinand, who was a Kithotaur, and often mistaken for a Minotaur, but he was from Kithira, not Minos. He had to prepare a meal for Captain America, and he was not handling it well.

The kitchen of the Consulate had not known such disorganization in many years, with a cake having been baked and needing frosting, while he was working on impossible burgers and French fries, since Ferdinand assumed that Captain America would enjoy that most American of foods, and since it was close to summer. It didn't help that Diana had suggested that they might dine in the courtyard.

All of this was made from scratch by the frantic Kithotaur, who was a strict vegetarian, and preferred when the people dining would follow suit. He could make exemptions, but it was with great difficulty, as he saw it as akin to cannibalism.

Steve Rogers approached the Consulate, dressed in uniform, as he wasn't too certain what this was, but she was an ambassador, and he was treating her with full military respect, which meant uniforms. He was in the closest thing he had to a dress uniform.

Wonder Woman has posed:
Sometimes, impromptu meals were some of the best meals that ended up happening. The princess of the Amazons never had any complaints over the meals that came out of the kitchens of the Consulate, or any of the other Themysciran establishments either. There had been no promises offered as to what the meal would be made up of, as it largely depended on what Ferdinand settled on making. Given that it was a beautiful day with delightful weather, the courtyard would be perfect for lunch.

Diana took a moment to visit the kitchens and witness some of the disorganized chaos of the space for herself. But sometimes the kitchen seemed to work best that way. She stepped further in before stealing a moment of Ferdiand's precious time, to give him a few words of encouragement as well as compliment the aromas already in the air, and to reassure him that his cooking was always delicious. Then she'd escaped the kitchen to leave him -- and the rest of the staff -- to what they do best, which is create wonderful food.

For this particular time of day, Diana is dressed comfortably. Her black hair is caught up in a loose braid in order for it to be pulled away from her face. She wears a blue button-up shirt which is sleeveless, a pair of charcoal grey slacks, and a pair of half inch heeled sandals.

Even before he reaches the doors of the Consulate, Diana is aware of his presence. She can hear his approach, and so she makes her way to the door before reaching out to pull it open so that she can watch the rest of his approach. "Good afternoon," she offers in greeting, taking a moment to look him over in his uniform.

Captain America has posed:
Captain America had gone through several uniforms in the past. And S.H.I.E.L.D. always seemed to be coming up with a new one. The version he wore now was more like the one he had worn when he was first thawed. It was less like armour, and more like a uniform, with Velcro pieces, more military stylings, as well as the big and bold colors. It was what he would wear if he were to meet the President of the United States, or any other sovereign state.

There seemed to be a cry of victory coming from the kitchen as Ferdinand waged battle with this ancient American custom of 'barbecuing', though he had managed to find meat substitutes. The meal didn't seem particularly appealing to him, with there being a burger course, a hot dog course, a potato chip course, a nacho course, but he was working his magic to turn every course into a gourmet meal unto itself.

"Hello Princess Diana," Steve addressed her by her title, as again, he had been invited to the Themysciran Consulate. Elsewhere, she may be Diana, but formality suggested that here, she was a Princess. She was royalty. And she would get the respect of her title. "Thank you for inviting me." Upon hearing the cries of the bull-like creature, Captain America raised a single eyebrow and tried to look past her, wondering what was going on in there, but too polite to ask.

Scarlet Witch has posed:
Wanda Maximoff had been to the Themyscira embassy, but she hadn't ever been to the consulate. Her approach to the place is not one that is heard by anyone. Until her magic arrives seconds before the redhaired witch herself does, in a wash of what appears to be scarlet flame. The very signature that gives Wanda her name. Scarlet Witch.

Curiously, it's in the courtyard this bit of magic first appears. Flame which only Diana herself, and Steve would be familiar with. There's a sound to it, for those with keen enough hearing to be able to detect. An almost roaring sound with an overlay of.. bells? Tiny, silver bells. And then the magic clears as Wanda steps through it.

There, she pauses. Looking at the plane on display. "Nice plane," she comments to absolutely nobody in particular. The plane that she knows fully well is invisible to most people. Only then does Wanda take a moment to look around at the rest of the courtyard. "Hmmm. Why did you bring me to the Themysciran consulate, I wonder..?"

Winter Soldier has posed:
    What the hell is Wanda getting him into this time? And here's Bucky with no Asgardian mead to soften the blow of being forced to be social. It was BEFORE the magical trip began that he asked, "Why are we doing this again...?" Where Wanda steps through it, Bucky falls and stumbles and likely runs right into the poor witch. "Sorry," he mumbles as he grabs her around the waist in an attempt to keep her from falling and tries to regain his footing and his bearings. That was awkward.
    ... he pauses to take a look around and asks, "I wonder if they'd let me fly it?"

Wonder Woman has posed:
The door to the Consulate stood open behind her, affording a glimpse of the interior of the building. The details of his uniform are noticed and noted. A smile tugs at the corners of her lips, and she tilts her head a touch to one side as she watches him. She hadn't expected him to come in uniform -- it wasn't anything formal, after all. But she isn't one to offer up an argument over what someone is wearing.

At the sound from the kitchen, Diana raises an eyebrow slightly and turns her head to glance in the relative direction of it. From the sound of it, all seems to be well, and she's not inclined to interfere into Ferdinand's domain again. Her attention returns easily back to Steve, and she inclines her head towards him. "Just Diana, please," she requests, a smile easily coming to her features. "Titles are best saved and reserved for much more formal affairs," she adds, a touch of amusement showing in her blue eyes. "You are most welcome, and please, be welcome here," she adds, moving aside and gesturing for him to enter.

As the scarlet flame, and the witch who controls it, arrives, Diana raises an eyebrow slightly and turns her gaze towards the other woman. There had been the sound in advance of it, which she had heard, and there's a smile that comes to her features. "It is. A nice plane, that is," Diana says. "If you are hungry, then perhaps it brought you for lunch?" she offers, a touch of curiosity coming to her voice. Then her gaze slips to the fellow who had arrived with the witch. "I have a feeling that the answer to flying the jet would be no, alas," she says, though she doesn't seem offended or bothered at all by the wondering.

Captain America has posed:
"All right," Captain America said, making a mental note to refer to Diana as just Diana, unless she were in costume, or there were some other reason to change it. "Diana it is then." Moving in as she gestures for him to do so, and moves aside, giving him the space. He began to walk with her, his eyes darting between the columns, the architecture, the statues, paintings, whatever he might see.

He was used to seeing the Scarlet Witch appear, or disappear, in a flame of glory. He did not expect to see it to happen at the Themysciran Consulate. He also didn't know what she meant by nice plane. Perhaps she meant plane of existence? There was so much about her that he did not understand. She was a good friend, able Avenger, but by definition, a chaotic presence on the battlefield. Thankfully, she was on our side.

He heard her ask why she had been brought to the Consulate, and he looked around, only to see Bucky stumble into her. He couldn't still be drunk on that Asgardian mead, could he? Shaking his head and smiling, he moved over to offer a hand to each of Wanda and Bucky, helping them to their feet. "They're uh... they're with me. Wanda Maximoff, the Scarlet Witch, and Bucky Barnes, the Winter Soldier, this is Diana Prince, Wonder Woman." It was nice that all of them were public about their identities.

Scarlet Witch has posed:
Trouble, of course. Probably of the fun variety. And at a consulate, no less. "Hmm?" Wanda staggers forward as she's bumped into from behind, and she swats Bucky's arms around her waist. "Leggo," she says. "And I don't know. Maybe? Are you a qualified pilot?" She pauses and glances up at the man. "And I did tell you why we're doing this. I need Diana. If I don't find Diana, something very bad is going to happen." She might be being melodramatic. But then she might nooot be....

And then Diana's voice reaches her ears, and the redhead turns about, a smile upon her lips. "Diana," she says. "So good to see you again, and in one piece." Her smile fades a little bit. "I was worried.." So, it really wasn't food that had brought her here. She notices the curious look, though. "Diana, this is Bucky. Bucky, this is Diana. Princess of Themyscira."

She can very definitely be chaotic. On the battlefield or off of it. But she's been known to help, helpfully even, a time or two in a pinch. She grins at Steve. "Hey Steve. How are you?" She takes that help getting up, and nods to him. "Thanks."

Winter Soldier has posed:
    .... "Okay, so you found her?" He asks as he lets go of Wanda suddenly. Does that mean they can go now? No, definitely not drunk on mead anymore. Bucky looks decidedly uncomfortable with being put on the spot with introductions to a PRINCESS? He gets up without Steve's help after a little 'glare' in his friend's direction that clearly says, 'this is embarrassing enough already'! Does he bow? Take a knee? Kiss her ring? He finally just opts for a little, kinda barely there bend at the waist and says, "Uh... your Highness?"
    He's going to KILL a Witchy Woman for this one, maybe not really but he can fantasize about it can't he?

Wonder Woman has posed:
The Consulate has what most would consider to be Grecian tones to it. It doesn't go so far as to be lavish, but it is a beautiful space that's tastefully decorated. There are assorted tapestries and paintings from Themyscira as well as various other art pieces held in recessed niches of the walls. It was perhaps imposing to a point, but it didn't go so far as to be intimidating. Diana inclines her head towards Steve, and a smile tugs at the corners of her lips as he agrees. "Thank you," she says.

Diana's agreement about the plane might have simply lent a bit more confusion to the matter. The plane is, after all, invisible at the moment. There is no clarification that she offers up, in the moment. One of her eyebrows nudges up just a touch, and she listens as the introductions are made and offered, even though in Wanda's case, they're not necessary.

There is a wrinkle that creases her brow at part of what Wanda said, though. "Something very bad is going to happen?" Diana asks, raising an eyebrow slightly. This? This definitely has her attention. "It is good to see you again as well, Wanda. In one piece is always the best way to be found," she comments, a smile easily coming to her features.

Diana's gaze turns to Bucky, and she quirks a smile as she gives a soft chuckle. "Just Diana, please. Formalities, I find, are best left for situations that are formal and call for them, yes?" she suggests in a rather down to earth sort of manner. "Please, come in and be welcome," she offers.

Captain America has posed:
"So, you two know each other," Steve Rogers said, unable to stop from smiling at the state of Wanda and Bucky. Though the urgency in her voice did help to shake him of that reverie. She was seeking Diana, so he hesitated before asking, "what's the problem." Though the grin confused him. It was nice to see her, but if this were an emergency, why was she taking the time to exchange pleasantries. "Oh, uh, I'm well. We were just about to have lunch."

And somewhere, Ferdinand twitched. His hearing was better than that of a human. He could hear they had more guests. And if the kitchen had not already been chaotic, it would be one soon as he had to adjust his plan to accommodate the extra mouths. Fortunately, he always built in a failsafe, but this was going to stretch it further than he wanted. Why did Diana always have to invite more people to meals on short notice? Perhaps she liked to give him a challenge.

Steve backed away from Bucky at the glare, giving him all the time and space he needed to do what he wanted to do. He didn't take the refusal of help personally. He might have done the same thing, actually, Steve wouldn't, but Steve knew many people who would react as Bucky did. And that grin that had been coming and going was here to stay at how Bucky introduced himself to Princess Diana of Themyscira.

Diana dealt with him well, and Steve, with a glint in his eye, decided to add, "Bucky is my oldest, and dearest friend." And then with something both honest and reflective, "I wouldn't be here now if it weren't for him." Bucky had saved him more times than he could count, and he had done the same. Though Steve still seemed to think that he owed Bucky, rather than the other way, as Bucky often said.

Turning to Diana, "if there's room, and it's not pressing, maybe Wanda could explain over lunch, and Bucky, well, he'll eat you out of house and home if you let him, but you'll never find a greater friend." Oh yes, he was enjoying this. Too much actually.

Scarlet Witch has posed:
"So it would seem," replies Wanda with a nod to Bucky. She doesn't make any motions to leave just yet, though. Nope. Bucky, better buckle up. Witchy Woman's at the wheel now! So to speak. She reaches over and pats Bucky on the arm. "Breathe. Diana's not going to bite you. I promise. Now me, on the other hand, I just might." Or worse. But that goes without saying.

Wanda nods to Diana. "Something very bad. But I'm not sure or what, yet. It's more a feeling than anything else. Bucky happened to be with me when the feeling hit and so volunteered to come along. Okay, I may have commandeered him. I have a bad feeling."

She nods to Steve. "Yup. That we do. We go back a ways." She's probably taking time to exchange pleasantries because while something bad is going to happen, apparently, it's not an emergency. Yet. And life is meant to be enjoyed while it can be.

The smile seems to be gone now, though, for the most part, and her brow furrowed. Then, Wanda shakes her head. "Neh. I don't know. This is the problem with my magic sometimes. I wish it could be more precise with warnings. Oh well. Lunch sounds good. And if I'm here, were Diana is, I hope I'll have a bit of warning before things go sideways. If they go sideways."

Oh, and then Wanda? She has to go and join in on the 'put Bucky in the spotlight' parade. "Oh yes. He volunteered to come and help me stave off disaster. And he's a great dancer. You should try it with him sometime, Diana."

Winter Soldier has posed:
    Gods but how he's wishing Diana had a stock of Asgardian Mead about right now! "Sure, Diana," he murmurs, barely a whisper. He's seriously considering putting Nair in Wanda's shampoo bottle right about now. But all his gruff, unpolished, discomfort vanishes for just a second when he directs, "'til the end of the line," in Steve's direction.
    Oh. My. God. Is there a rock that Bucky can just hide under now? There has to be one somewhere. "I don't eat *that* much," he grouses at Steve and then there's Wanda. Sweet, totally nuckingfuts Wanda just going on and on and on and ON and ON. Did she really just suggest he dance with a Princess - not that it's totally unheard of, but any such happening likely took place while he was The Winter Soldier, likely when he was given a mission to kill said princess to start a war between two small countries or something of that nature. Hell, even BackInTheDayBucky would be intimidated by the prospect of dancing with a *Princess*. "Wanda..." he hisses. "Stawp..."

Wonder Woman has posed:
The ensuing chaos that was caused by unexpected guests arriving was something that Diana's ears picked up on. Everything would be fine, she was sure. There was always plenty of food no matter who happened to show up. The Consulate is well stocked and generally well prepared for a variety of outcomes and occurrences. She would have to make a point of finding a way to make it up to Ferdinand sometime later the fact that there were now extra people for lunch. Sometimes, things happened and there were simply more people.

"We know each other, yes," Diana affirms, giving a nod to Steve, a smile touching her lips. Until she knows just what the situation is, though, she's not going to panic at all. Her blue gaze studies Steve for a moment as he speaks of his relationship with Bucky, and she gives a small nod. "Ah, is this the friend who found himself to be occupying your bed the other night?" she asks, one of her eyebrows quirking a touch. Which sounds worse than it is, but to her it sounds perfectly fine. It's all part of being someone who doesn't natively speak English. "True friends are hard to find and keep," Diana says softly, a gentle tone to her voice. "There is room, of course. There is always room, and there is always plenty of food. Explanations can assuredly be had over lunch, if 'tis not a pressing matter," she affirms, giving a small nod.

She laughs lightly at the first part of Wanda's words, and she gives a small shake of her head. "I will not bite, that is true," she affirms, a smile tugging her lips. She sobers somewhat, though, as her attention focuses on Wanda. "That seems a touch troubling and vague. Hopefully the bad feeling will turn out to be nothing, but if it turns into something the rest assured that I will help wherever I can," she says. She considers for a moment, and then she gives a nod. "Sometimes there are warnings without results, and sometimes there are things that come without warnings. It is how things are. In the meawhile... there is lunch, and there is a beautiful day to be enjoyed," she says with a smile. No reason to panic until things take that hop sideways, after all.

"Perhaps it will be something that I will have to keep in mind for another day," Diana says, about the dancing. She's unlikely to forget, given her memory. She takes a moment to look from Bucky to Steve then back again at the oath spoken. "You are all welcome here. Come in, and we can go to the courtyard to relax and have drinks," she offers with a smile.

Captain America has posed:
Ferdinand would understand, sometime long after lunch, and likely after dinner. There was always a meal upcoming. His was a never ending battle against hunger and starvation. But he liked his job. His liked serving Diana, the Themyscirans, and their guests. He just would like a little bit more time to prepare. He was always under the gun, or the sword of Damocles, as he preferred to think of it.

Diana was something else. How she could light up a room with that smile, and crush a man, with but a few scant words. Steve did his best to stifle a chuckle that threatened to ring throughout the courtyard, "Ah, yes, yes he is." It did sound much worse than it was, but Steve was secure enough in his masculinity that he didn't need to elaborate or defend himself. Though he did add thoughtfully, "and if he weren't, I might not have met you, Diana," he smiled to her, then turned to Bucky, "so thanks Bucky. I owe you one." He nodded his head in agreement. True friends were hard to come by, and once found, must be cherished.

Stroking his chin, which had the strap, as he had shown up in uniform, his dress uniform, and that meant for important dignitaries. He decided to take off the helmet, revealing his hair, which never seemed to be hat hair. How the hell did he manage that? He had been wearing a tight helmet, and now his hair seemed to be, well, it looked good. Damn good.

He listened to Wanda flirting with Bucky, and would whisper to Diana, but doing it loud enough that all could hear, "she'd eat him alive." Though that might have been too much for the non-native speaker, hopefully she would follow along via context and tone.

He was more concerned about her warnings, but as they seemed to be more of a feeling, there was little that they could do at this juncture, except be on alert. At her reference to her lack of control, he reassured her, "Wanda, you'll get there. It doesn't matter what it is, whether it's learning to ride a bicycle, build an engine, or control magic, all things come with time and practice. Keep heart. You're getting stronger every day.

And as for Bucky, he ceased his teasing when his best friend said those six magic words. They were as powerful as any spell that Wanda could cast. "Come on, Buck, let's get some lunch. I don't know about you, but I'm famished."

Winter Soldier has posed:
    Yes those six words were so very powerful. And well, they go together like Cap and Bucky, so once the initial Oh. My. God wears off and Bucky comes to realize that this is STEVE and WANDA, both friends, never ones to ever judge. He relaxes a little. He doesn't turn instantly into a social butterfly but he does manage, "Yeah, I could eat a horse..." in return to his best friend and he will manage to eat without making a total fool out of himself. He'll manage some small talk here and there, maybe a wink or two tossed at Wanda. ...even a smile for her once or twice. But he's still reserved, quiet, guarded.

Scarlet Witch has posed:
Wanda Maximoff could probably bring Asgardian mead through the aether and to this location, if she really wanted to. If she were asked. She might not do it, but she probably could. She looks a little sad at the 'end of the line' bit, as she knows what that means. She shakes her head just a little bit and then puts another smile on. "There aren't any rocks to hide behind, Bucky," she says with a more gentle smile. "But you can hide behind me if you like." In fact, she steps to the side so she's very firmly in front of the man.

"But seriously, Diana," she says, hooking a thumb over her shoulder in Bucky's direction. "Great dancer." Wanda's general attitude might be a good way to judge the situation as it unfolds. As long as she's acting alternately happy and serious, it's probably still fine. Probably. But it might be best to keep an eye on the redhead. Bad Situation Barometer!

Wanda wrinkles her nose up, and shakes her head. "I just hope whatever it is doesn't interrupt lunch." She lifts her right hand to rub her temple on that side. "When my head itches like this, anything could happen." It is troubling, indeed. She huffs out a breath, her brow furrowed. "Right. Lunch." She nods, and steps inside as bidden. "Thank you for the welcome, Diana," she says more formally.

Either Wanda didn't catch the innuendo, or whatever was making her head itch was sufficiently distracting that she didn't rise to it. Not this time, at least. She doesn't even react to the tease about eating Bucky alive, though she does glance briefly to Steve as he says it. She'll probably remember that for the future. And quiet, now, she follows wherever the others lead. Content, perhaps, to stay where her magic had warned her trouble would come.

Wonder Woman has posed:
No matter how many people randomly show up, Ferdinand always understands. And he always makes it work. It's said that an army travels on its belly -- the consulate might not travel, but it wouldn't get far without food being prepared! Diana would have to remember to thank him later.

The Themysciran princess is fairly good at fitting puzzle pieces together, and so sussing out from what was said -- and how it was said -- that Bucky had bee in Steve's bed hadn't been too hard. "It was very good of you to give up your bed for his comfort," Diana says as she looks to Steve, a smile coming to her features. One of her eyebrows quirks up at his logic which follows, and she chuckles softly before she gives a nod. "There is that, yes. Or at least, it would not have happened that night in the gym. Perhaps another, instead," she says, a thoughtful tone to her voice. True friendships definitely deserved to be cherished.

She watched him as he removed his helmet, and there was a brief moment in which she noticed the lack of helmet hair. Though perhaps it's not such a strange thing to her, given that the Amazons often wear helmets into battle as well. She raises an eyebrow slightly and chuckles softly at the whispered words from Steve, her blue eyes showing a sparkle to them. "Perhaps," she agrees, amusement to her voice.

"All things come with practice, this is true," Diana agrees, giving a small nod. "And we all, in our own way, grow stronger each day, even if it is in the way of experience," she comments. She quirks a smile as she looks from one to the other of the trio, and then she gives a nod. "By the smell of it, it is likely almost ready," Diana says. Her gaze settles on Bucky, and she winks at him. "It will not be a horse, alas, but there will likely be more than enough food to make up the weight of one," she comments, a note of amusement to her voice.

Diana turns her attention to Wanda, and she tilts her head a touch to one side at the witch's teasing of Bucky. Which she seems to approve of, judging by the smile that tugs at the corners of her lips. "There is no need for hiding," she says softly to Bucky, a gentle tone to her voice. Then her attention turns back to Wanda, and she gives a nod. "I will bear that in mind, I promise you," she says, a smile easily returning to her features. "And, well... if it interrupts lunch then it has poor timing but we will deal with it when or if it comes up. We will weather it," she adds.

There's a moment then before she makes a slight gesture for them to follow, and the she turns to head on the way through the Consulate to bring them to the inner courtyard where lunch is intended to be.

Captain America has posed:
"I'm not so sure that give is the right word. As I recall, I came home to find him curled up, and snoring like a howitzer, or was that Dr. McCoy? I think my ears are still ringing," so the teasing was back, even if briefly. Then back to Diana, "still, I'm glad it happened like it did." Diana seemed to get him, and he got her. Both were soldiers. Both were altruistic. And as it turned out, both were somewhat strangers in this land, and much older than they looked. It was nice to have made a friend he had so much in common with. Though no one could ever take Bucky's place; Captain America and Bucky went together, period.

The helmet rested under his right arm, since he didn't have anywhere to set it down yet, or attach it. The closest he would have would be to thread it through his belt, or buckle it to it somehow. As Wanda talked up Bucky's dancing ability, there was a subtle, but present, shift in Steve Rogers' body language. He had never learned to dance, something he had always meant to rectify, but had never found the time, or the right person, to teach him.

He nodded in agreement with Diana's assessment of Wanda's warnings. "Until we know what it is, we must remain vigilant, but there doesn't seem to be much more than that we can do for now."

Walking along with the group, Ferdinand stood beside the dining table, which had several tables, each with white cloth. The Kithotaur was hulking, towering over all present, but he looked rather distinguished in his chef white's. Like Gordon Ramsey, only hairier. He even wore his jacket with the top button undone, as did Ramsey.

There were several tables, each with women, Amazonian women, who lived or worked at the Consulate. They were seated, but rose when Diana and her party approached. At each table, there was a plate, cutlery, glasses, most having drinks poured. A few women were assisting Ferdinand, pouring drinks, serving food. It had been a set menu.

It was easiest when feeding this many people. And in the center of the tables, there was a central one with a three layer cake of some kind. This one seemed to be made of marble. Actually, was it marble, as in the stone, or just expertly crafted cream and chocolate. And the Kithotaur did love to show off.

Not only had he made a three layer cake, but each layer depicted the Amazons and the Avengers. It seemed like every Avenger or Amazon of note was shown. Among them, Bucky would find himself on the second layer, standing beside Artemis. Scarlet Witch appeared on the bottom layer, alongside the Vision, while Captain America was on the upper layer, alongside Wonder Woman.

Scarlet Witch has posed:
That's actually a true thing, though. No food, means an army neither travels, nor fights. "Horse is actually very good," says Wanda, seemingly out of the blue. "Leaner than beef, and a bit sweeter." Wait. What? She does nod about lunch and potential interruptions. Of them dealing with it she had no doubts whatsoever. The four of them would be able to handle almost anything that could be conceived of to throw their way.

As far as a friend like Bucky goes, Wanda only truly has one of those, and that is her twin brother. But she notices that subtle shift in Steve's body language. "Actually, before Tony's party, I hadn't danced with anyone but my brother for quite some time." She looks thoughtful. "You know, I can't actually remember the time before that. I want to say it was a halloween party a couple of years ago." She studies him for a moment. "If you ever want to dance, let me know. I'd be happy to dance with you." She might not know he doesn't know how!

As for the Thing. Whatever it is. Wanda nods. "Always." Except maybe if she happens to be unconscious. Even asleep she's always vigilant to the magical energies around her. She walks along with the group, on one side of Diana. And keeps an eye on Bucky.

But then? Then she sees Ferdinand. Wanda's eyes go a bit wide, and a smile blossoms. She walks over to him and rests her hand on his elbow if he doesn't pull away. "My, aren't you handsome," she says to the hulking Kithotaur.

Wonder Woman has posed:
"You left him there, yes? You could, perhaps, have awakened him and made him find another bed to occupy or you could have otherwise moved him to another space to sleep," Diana suggests, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. She lifts one of her hands, catching her braid and lightly slipping it to her back, and she gives a nod to Steve. "I am glad that it happened as it did as well. It was fun to spar with you, that night," Diana says, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

There is a moment where Diana's gaze lightly flicks over Steve, perhaps taking in that shift of his, that different body language that speaks for him. "For all things, there comes a time," she says softly, a gentle tone to her voice. Then she gives a nod. "Vigilant, we shall be. This place is not without guards, and should anything with ill intent at least approach through normal means then it will be noticed and an alarm will be raised," she says, a thoughtful note to her voice. Not that she felt it necessary to share such information about the Consulate's security, but she felt and hoped it would put the trio more at ease.

Diana turns her gaze to Wanda, and she gives a nod. "It is, that is true, though I do not believe it to be on the menu for today's lunch," she agrees, a smile coming to her features. She chuckles softly, and she gives a small nod at what the witch shares. "It has been some time since I have danced as well. It is not one of my more practiced skills," she comments, a hint of amusement to her voice. She knows how, it's just been a while.

As the assembled group of Amazons rose with the entrance of herself and her companions, Diana lifted a hand to gesture for them to be seated. "Be at ease, Sisters," she says with a smile. It is, after all, an informal sort of lunch. Her gaze turns to Ferdinand, and she gives a nod to him, pleased with his efforts. "You have outdone yourself, my friend," she says softly, a warm note to her voice. Then she turns to her companions before lifting a hand to gesture towards the empty table that is intended for them.

Captain America has posed:
Captain America says, "Of course I did. He needed the rest. I could wait. And besides, it led directly to our meeting. I should be so lucky." He again noticed her playing with her hair while talking to him. He briefly wondered to its meaning, and seemed to briefly lose himself. "I'm not sure if sparring is the right word anymore. Sounds more like you were just toying with me." She had great abilities. He never did get to see her at full strength, but then, she never got to see him either.

Her words of encouragement and the directives to her fellow Amazons were comforting to Steve Rogers, as they likely were to Bucky and Wanda as well. The Consulate was a veritable fortress. They were safe here. The real question was who was their enemy, and when would they be able to face it. Her prolonged gaze as his body language spoke towards his lack of dancing ability did not go unnoticed, but it did go unremarked. He was highly observant as well.

And just as he had, not exactly sulked, but seemed to be saddened and defensive, there was a similar rise as he heard Diana talk of her dancing ability, and an admittance that she had not practiced it as much as she would have liked.

Ferdinand replied to Diana's praise, "that remains to be seen, Lady Diana, for you have not sampled today's fare." His voice was deep, gruff; it suited his visage, though there was a kindness in his eyes, and a softness to his body language. He was very much the gentle giant. He was approached by Wanda, who rested her hand on his elbow, feeling the strength in the muscles beneath the chef coat. "Why, why, thank you," he stammered out, not used to compliments, or... was she flirting with him? This was new. He did not pull away. And if not for his skin tone, those present might have sworn they saw him blush.

Steve had listened to Wanda going on about food before she went to Ferdinand. He chose to be diplomatic and say nothing, but he had no plans to sample horse, by choice, in the near, or distant future. There were some animals that he simply did not believe in eating unless necessary. Although today's menu included no meat products, only facsimiles. Would they be able to tell the difference? Time would tell.

"What did you go as for Halloween, Wanda?" Steve asked, as he and Bucky made a coordinated effort, with Steve moving to pull out Diana's chair, and Bucky moving to pull out Wanda's, before both men would take their own. It was clocklike precision, practically a military maneuver. As for Wanda's offer to dance, he said "thanks," but didn't really want to broadcast that didn't know how. His body language was doing that all on its own every time it was mentioned."

Scarlet Witch has posed:
For Wanda, at present, despite the place practically being a fortress, it's not much of a comfort. She knows just how easily this place could be ripped to pieces with the right circumstances. Too easily. The enemy is something she isn't aware of just yet. Never the less, despite her preoccupation, she pats Ferdinand's arm. "You're welcome." She turns away then, moving to join the Amazon Princess and the two men at the table indicated.

She sits where she's pointed at, which happens to be to Diana's left. She smiles at Bucky pulling out her chair and nods her thanks to him.

"A mummy. Sort of." She grimaces. "If you consider bandages barely covering you to be being a mummy. It was a friend's idea." And she hadn't been overly thrilled about it. Normally, she wouldn't have been caught dead in something that skimpy.

The 'thanks' to her dance offer is nodded to, but not spoken on further. She can read body language, oh yes, and she can see he doesn't want to talk about it. Perhaps there will be chances at some point in the future, when it's not so public a place.