14756/Is This Austere

From United Heroes MUSH
Jump to navigation Jump to search
Is This Austere
Date of Scene: 05 March 2023
Location: D'Vine Wine Bar in Morrison Colorado.
Synopsis: O
Cast of Characters: Superman, Zatanna Zatara




Superman has posed:
Maybe it's for the stage? Maybe it's for memories of the stage? Maybe a call for -real- magic? Maybe it's just a desire to unwind? Whatever the reason, Zatanna Zatara is in Morrison Colorado. Morrison is home to a famous Red Rocks ampitheate. Also, it's not far from one of Colorado's cities, Bear Lake. Any number of reasons can bring all manner of people here. And magic can go anywhere.

What gets Zatanna to stay? No one knows the -exact- reason except her. Yet, as the sun begins to set she finds herself in D'Vine Wine Bar. Is open and inviting, but the interior does strive for something welcoming. And thanks to various seating can make the place feel smaller, initimate or even private. Warm hickory floors sprawl across one place to another. The light colored wood spreads uninterrupted and peeks out from parts of the ceiling. The interior of the place almost feels like three separate rows running practically from front to back. Each giving guests something unique.

The first is a series of small tables that can sit four people comfortably. Each table top matches the floor. Black wooden chairs sit at every appropriate spot fitting the metal stands and foundations to the table. Also, there are a few booths that hug the black halfwall. These corner spots can make feel separate from the seemingly never-ending number of tables.

Next is the center row. At a glance it's not much different than the first. Only when someone notices that -all- the tables connect together. It's less of several longer tables and more one long continuous one. Each side furnished with the same chairs. Clearly, this is the area meant for larger parties, groups that want to chat or people that don't mind sitting so close to total strangers.

And finally there is the actual bar. It's black with a white-granite like counter top. Despite being a bar, the actual chairs have small backings. They're also a little plush despite only reaching up to the middle of the back. This wine bar is 2/3rds the length of the other rows.

Outdoor lighting's strung back and forth over the center of the ceiling, creating a warm atmosphere. The lights look like several uncovered light-bulbs held togther by black wiring similarly to Christmas Lights. While the bar welcomes hanging lights that glow like old fashioned pub lights from centuries ago. A soft yet dim glow surrounded by heavy black metal frames.

Tonight, the place isn't super-full, but far from empty. They're probably slow, but still maintain about half-capacity. Plenty of room to be private or another face among the crowd.

D'Vine is home to several options and even have some offerings that hold a price tag of, "If you have to ask, you probably can't afford it." Whatever someone's wine profile may be, D'Vine should have it along with some food pairings to compliment the drink.
Zatanna Zatara has posed:
Why is Zatanna here? The wine, of course. ... Okay, fine, she's in Colorado of all places because she had a show in Denver and decided to take a little time in the mountains. When you can teleport more or less at will, going places is easy. Trivial, almost.

The magician is currently tucked away in the back, in one of those booths that can seat four, but really are mostly used for two people. She's dressed down from her show outfit, but classed up enough to be in a place like this. Namely, the little black dress. Her hair is loose and swept away from her face, falling down past her shoulders in obsidian waves. Her makeup is light and tasteful, just a little eyeshadow and lipstick. Her legs are bare, crossed under the table and her heels sensible.

Currently, she's drinking from a glass of decent red. Not quite the you can't afford it stuff, but good enough. On the table is a small platter of expertly paired cheese, cured meats and dried fruit. She seems happy and relaxed.
Superman has posed:
The entrance are large wide open winows with big black frames separating them here and there. Chatter starts to pick up as eople look toward the front. And the cause is standing there.

What -few- caught is the cause floating down. Before landing, eyes are glued to the window. The figure walks toward the door and camera phones come out.

Entering the place, the commotion continues. "H-H-Ho-What can I do for you, Superman?" one of the staff members ask.

Yes, Superman is the cause and he's standing inside. A soft smile comes to his face, "I'm here to visit a friend. I believe she's toward the back," and he'll give a simple wave toward Zatanna. "I would like a wine list, too. I might need a bottle to go." He smiles, "I know a few wine afficiandos," it's the hero being socialable.

There's a method to his madness. Superman was gone for so long and now he's back. He's trying to remind the world of one simple thing, "I'm still here and can be anywhere." People spreading stories throughout the globe be it rescues, conversations or something else, it still spreads that message. And he does have business with Zatanna. Two birds, one stone.
Zatanna Zatara has posed:
The commotion makes Zatanna come out of her reverie, looking up to see what's going on. Blue eyes widen slightly as she realizes what it's about and who it is.

She still doesn't get up.

Instead, she settles back in her seat, sips her wine and waits for him to come to her. It's not out of arrogance, more like the fact that he's the one hunting for her, she knows this, and thusly he'll get back here when he does.
Superman has posed:
He walks through the place, waving to people and giving soft smiles. "Zatanna. It's been too long," he says quietly. "How have you been?" Superman is genuinely curious about these questions. Yes, there -is- a reason he's here. That doesn't mean that there's not curiousity about her.

"May I join you?" Superman asks Zatanna. She does have the power to say, "No." And he would respect that. He will wait for compliance to sit down.
Zatanna Zatara has posed:
Zee smiles politely, even warmly, as Superman approaches. She gestures to the other side of the booth. "Please. Have a seat. Should I have a glass brought over? I probably shouldn't finish this whole bottle by myself." She pauses, grinning. "But that's a challenge I'm willing to take." She swirls her glass a bit, thinking.

"So what brings you all the way out here? It couldn't be just to talk to me, is it? I mean, I'm sure you have many other things to do besides find me."
Superman has posed:
"Thank you," Superman says and nods hsi head in thanks. Sitting down with her. A small chuckle leaves his lips, "Should I interrupt the challenge?" he grins to Zee.

"Actually, it was. And the teleporting makes you hard to pin down," while he's not sure how Zee does it. The fact he hears her in one spot then it takes a good five to ten minutes to find Zee. Also, she's in an entirely -new- spot when he does. It tells the kryptonian she's teleporting.

"I spoke with Wonder Woman. We're talking about the League. Reaching out to members, letting people know. Things will be happening -very- soon," those blue eyes look into her own. "I'm trying to see if we can count on the best magician I know," and he's being honest with that compliment.
Zatanna Zatara has posed:
Zee favors Clark with one of her dazzling, stage ready smiles. "A side bonus of being able to go wherever I want, I guess. Well, I'm fine with you finding me, but some people just can't take a hint." Fans. She's talking about fans. At least they can't find Shadowcrest.

She leans back a little, draining the little bit of wine left in her glass before going to pour more. She's doing the challenge alone, it seems. "Quite a compliment, C--Superman," she says, catching her mistake quickly. She frowns to herself and wiggles her fingers. "Ekam siht htoob teiuq." Superman can likely feel the surge of magic, and it's suddenly silent, beyond their breathing and whatever words they speak. Sound from the outside does not reach in, and vice versa.

"In any case, you absolutely can. I'm always happy to help out when you need me."
Superman has posed:
Superman catches the small slip. However, the spell comes up before he can comment. That thrum of magical energy fills the booth and then takes shape with the spells completion. Sky blue eyes just watching the magician.

"Good. We're considering a recruitment drive. If you know of others, let us know," Superman keeps that gaze on the woman. "You're going to be the subject of a few news stories," he admits and looks back out toward the people.

"Someone will probably say we're on a date. Sorry about that," he says with a small sigh. The one big flaw to his plan tonight. It does bring about an unintended side-effect.
Zatanna Zatara has posed:
With the magically enforced silence bubble, she seems to relax just a bit more, sipping her wine thoughtfully. "I've been accused of dating worse, Clark. Believe me, the public eye doesn't bother me at all. I'll make do, maybe even turn it into a positive for my career," she says with a shrug. She's dated worse, too. But that's not a story for now.

"I will keep an eye out for ... potential, but really, I don't get out much. I do my shows, I go home to Shadowcrest. There's not too much social life for me anymore, and I almost like it that way."
Superman has posed:
Seeing the relaxed features, "I still feel bad about it," he admits. Yes, Superman knows she's had a few bad relationships. Between the tabloids and a couple of coworkers, Zee's name has popped up.

"I'm trying to get out more. if you ever want to leave the mansion, ask," he offers. While he understands that desire for solitude. Too much of it can be a bad thing. So, he will try to offer a happy medium.
Zatanna Zatara has posed:
"I'll think about it," she says, still drinking wine. She shakes her head a bit. "I get it, I do, but with my ... day job, it's sometimes incredibly draining to have to be out more than I have to, if that makes sense." She is really making a dent in that wine. Maybe she has a hotel nearby.

"Even so, you're probably right. Being locked up in my free time with only those old books and nasty ghosts as company probably isn't healthy."
Superman has posed:
A nod comes from him. "I get it," some days his own day job is hard. Superman can't save everyone. That obit column is a constant remidner of this. To be so powerful yet so helpless. A hand will reach out and offer a friendly squeeze if its' needed. There's an understading of that weight an identity can bring.

"You might want to ease up on the wine, or I might have to fly you to your room. That will just bring -more- attention," he warns Zatanna. Superman doesn't mmind because there's always random "Superman is my. . ." articles in the tabloids. This would be in that same vein.

"I just don't want you to turn out like Batman," he gives a friendly wink.
Zatanna Zatara has posed:
"One bottle of wine just means I can't drive, Clark," Zee says with a grin. "I can still walk, call an uber, to get to my hotel room," she says with a laugh. "Now two bottles? Then it's naptime." She laughs at her own joke, but she does that a lot.

"Well, unlike Batman, I don't spend my free time brooding in a cave. I spend it reading in a library." She will insist that there is a difference. There is, but it's honestly a very small difference.
Superman has posed:
"I can still worry," and then Superman will grab the wine list. "Can you pick me out a bottle -you- would pick. Money's no object," he says knowing that it will cost a pretty penny.

However, hearing that small comment aobut differences will draw one comment from Superman. "Is there a difference?" and it's a simple question that defies her previous statement.
Zatanna Zatara has posed:
Zee, despite her outward flippancy, appreciates the worry. It's nice to have someone legitimately care. Parasocial relationships are a chore and, at their core, ungenuine. "Of course. I'm happy to help." She pauses. "Red or white?" Can she afford the real expensive stuff? Sure. Does she need to splurge like that often? No. But she still knows about it.

"I'm...I'd like to think there is, but honestly, the only real difference is that I'm not on a crusade like he is. I'm not -driven- like him."
Superman has posed:
"I don't know. I'd picture red," but e's not entirely confident in that one. "They're gifts," he says again, just trying to empahsize that. Superman would spend less on himself were it for him. Or add in some parameter about price.

He pauses for a moment, thinking. "How about coffee after one of your next shows. This way we both know you're getting out?" he offers out of concern. Not doing anything grandiose, but making sure she gets some contact with people outside of promoters, stagehands, and all the others that would help make her show a success.
Zatanna Zatara has posed:
Zee nods, and peruses another copy of the list, because of course there's two. "I'd say...the Beaulieu Vineyard Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, 2017"

Granted, it's not -obscenely- expensive, only around two hundred a bottle, but that's still a pile of money for a bottle of wine.

She empties her glass again, and smiles. "You know what? Sure. That sounds great," she says, smirking a little bit. "Is it a date?" She's teasing, of course, but, well. You almost have to.
Superman has posed:
Superman nods and makes a note of that wine. Yes, knows this will hurt the wallet. Although, it's worth it.

Then he's a little stunned. Clearing his throat, "I'm surprised there wouldn't be someone uspet at me, if you called it a date," he says thinking that Zee has probably broken a few hearts. It's a question he asks to fend off a blush that doesn't come. However, it does take him back.
Zatanna Zatara has posed:
Sometimes the wallet must be sacrificed on the altar of Getting Friends Cool Gifts. Sometimes this just has to happen. Whether for ego or, in this case, genuine affection, you have to spend the money. You can't take it with you, anyway.

"Oh, Clark," she says with a tinkling little laugh. "I don't have time to date. Not anymore. I'm married to the job. Both of them, honestly. I'd be more surprised if someone wasn't mad at -me- about it." She grins. "Luckily, no one can hear us."
Superman has posed:
Shaking his head at himself. "You should make time for yourself. Even if it's not to date. It could do you wonders," he says to Zee being married to two jobs. His face goes into a frown, "You deserve better," the words are soft and filled with some sadness. Superman sympathesizes with the situation, even if she doesn't share the emotion.

"You should find someone to help change that. It could expose you to people without needing to greet people," it's a happy medium.
Zatanna Zatara has posed:
"Maybe you're right, Clark," she says, emptying the bottle into her glass. Uh oh. "The only people I know are glad-handers, in showbusiness, weird wizards or capes." She shrugs. She's probably feeling the wine a bit now.

"We all deserve better." She leans forward a bit, resting an elbow on the table. "We risk our lives, our sanity, and what do we get? Some of us are deified. Some of us spend our days with dusty old books." She shakes her head, sighing. "Forgive me. It must be the mountain air that's got me melancholy."
Superman has posed:
"Capes aren't all bad," superman defeinds himself. A small smile comes ot his lips. Then he will stand up and offer her a hand. "How about I take you to your room. And I will give you the gift I had picked out."

"You can sleep and try to push past the mountain air, or vent to someone you trust," he says just offering to be helpful. Sometimes it can be lonely putting on a cape.
Zatanna Zatara has posed:
Zee looks at her now empty wine glass. And empty bottle. She sighs. It's short lived though. Superman stands up and offers her a hand. She looks at it for a moment, tilts her head, and the smile comes back.

"What kind of lady would I be to say no?"

She takes his hand and lets him help her up. She waves a hand, and the silence bubble drops, the murmurs of the room flooding back to them. "I suppose we'll have to see if I fall asleep on the way, hm?"
Superman has posed:
Superman will take her hand and indeed help her up. Walking toward the exit, he will make sure Zee isn't staggering. He will say, "Wait here," and go to a counter to ask for a purcahse. They'll move with efficiency and will pay for everything with cash. They hand him a few sacks and the clanking of multiple bottles can be heard. Only then does he go back to Zee. Taking her hand, he will walk with her outside. "Just show me the way," and begin to lift her before flying off.
Zatanna Zatara has posed:
Zee is not staggering. She's a little pink in the face, but not wobbly or anything, even in those heels. She waits patiently for Clark to make his pricy purchase, and then once outside, she's lifted and ascending.

She just points in the direction of the hotel she's staying at. "You can't miss it. ... And thank you. For coming by to see me. For caring."
Superman has posed:
"Everyone should be cared about. Even if we don't feel like we matter in the world. Everyone is stronger than they think," Superman speaks from the heart and he genuinely means this. He'll fly with Zee toward her room. "Should we enter from the window or throught he front?" he asks unsure if she wants to take the chance in an elevator or not.
Zatanna Zatara has posed:
The night air is cool, almost cold, but she is fortified by wine. "Oh, hell," she says. "The window works. Walking through the lobby with you would definitely end up on the internet in ten minutes," she quips. When they reach the hotel, which clearly doesn't take long. She points out the window of her room. It's, of course, on the top floor.

"Wodniw nepo."

Of course, the window opens, giving access to the plain, but nice room.
Superman has posed:
The cool air doesn't hit him so much. Before Superman can ask, Zee uses the magic to open the window. He'll float inside and look about. Setting Zee on a chair, Superman will move to the fridge of this place. Then he will slip something inside of it. A gift she can find later.

"I'm happy to know you're safe, but I am going to find the manor. You do have me worried," he says and just wants to help out a friend. His heart does break a little bit for her.

Superman hasn't really seen how metas, capes, heroes, wonders, whatever they're called deal with burnout on a level like Zee. He knows she's not the first nor the last, just the first he's seen.

And so Superman will listen to the woes of a colleague. Being therapist for someone that needs an ear.