14757/A little guidance and advice

A little guidance and advice
Date of Scene:	05 March 2023
Location:	Themysciran Embassy - Manhattan
Synopsis:	Wanda seeks out Diana for advice
Cast of Characters:	Scarlet Witch, Wonder Woman

---

Scarlet Witch has posed:
Wanda Maximoff is conflicted. Her teammates unknowing of her early appointment at the Themysciran embassy. It was simply too complicated to broach with them. She wasn't sure if she was worried they'd dismiss her concerns, or accept them. She's been having dreams. Visions, really. Tortured glimpses in the middle of the night of herself but not herself. Her face. Her body. And yet something about this her is not /herself/. Rising at the head of a dark army. Another time simply ushering in a wave of formless, chilling darkness. Every night a new dream, every night the same nightmare. A loss of control. Her powers in control of her, not her in control of her powers.

And then, one morning, attempting meditation using an app on her phone, and finding it so frustrating that only a swift cast of a spell saved her phone from being thrown out the window, it struck her. She needed someone who understood something of her problem. Something of magic and the heavy, crushing responsibility of power. Wonder Woman. Diana Prince. Diana of Themyscira. Princess of the Amazons. So many names for one concept. stability. Resolve.

And so Wanda finds herself waiting in the lobby of the embassy. She's practically incognito, that lovely hair done back in a tight braid, a pair of wire rimmed glasses perched on her nose... that ponytail is tied with a scarlet ribbon. A cream blouse and grey pencil skirt strike a tone of young professional, deep red leggings disappear into a pair of laced, knee high brown leather boots with a slight heel. Her teeth almost pinch her lower lip as she strides forward past reception upon being given a gesture of admission. and for a moment, she ponders. This is an Embassy. Will Diana be dressed as a heroine or a diplomat? It's an idle curiosity. But Wanda is desperate to think of those. To not dwell on her purpose for visiting. Her fear of losing control.

Wonder Woman has posed:
Diana Prince had a full schedule for the day. In the morning there were a number of meetings, then an afternoon session at the UN, and more meetings followed by a formal dinner being hosted by the South Korean embassy. She was, of course, on the VIP invitation list. No doubt there would be attempts to, as they say, soften up resistance to resolutions that were being pursued with regard to industrial polution and waste that might be detrimental to the technologic juggernaut that has grown in the nation.

But then one of her aides came to speak with her. There was an unexpected visitor asking for Diana's time. The name was known to her, of course. Wanda Maximoof, one of the Avengers and one the highest profile champions of increased rights for Mutant-kind.

It was perhaps out of the ordinary, but if Wanda was here for an unschueled meeting Diana would infer that it is for an important reason.

Having her staff rearrange her schedule, Diana has arranged to meet with Wanda.

Dressed in a smart business suit of gray with a blue blouse, her hair done up into a bun, a few strands falling from her temples. Meeting her visitor in the reception area, a smile is offered, "Ms. Maximoff. Welcome to the Themysciran Embassy." Offering her hand and a firm but polite handshake. "Please come this way. Ellen said that you asked for a private meeting - my office will be as secure and private as we can offer. Is everything all right?" she inquires as they make their way down a hall lined with Amazonian art and scultptures on the way to her office.

Scarlet Witch has posed:
If anything, Wanda might be surprised that Diana dresses for business so... expectedly. Fashionable certainly. And Wanda cannot fight back the smile that takes over her lips as Wanda nods in greeting, even as she steps in close to return that handshake, "Ms. Prince. Princess. It's a pleasure to meet you. I... yes. I did. I was.. surprised it was arranged so swiftly. But I truly appreciate it."

Her voice is ever so slightly hoarse, She swallows, her lips pressing in a thin, severe line. "Nothing has happened... yet. But I am having visions. Of myself. It is..."

She trails off and loses herself for long moments, admiring the various examples of Amazonian art and sculpture, her worries seemingly lost until Diana's office is reached.

"I am having visions of myself. I have always had... concerns. Instabilities. My powers lend themselves to reliance and... loss of control. And now I find myself haunted by visions of succumbing to these urges." She draws a slow, deep breath. "I have tried to calm my mind using modern techniques. But it is not working. And I thought... perhaps your people may help me. Perhaps you may. You are so very clearly in control of yourself."

Wonder Woman has posed:
Diana Prince smiles, "Diana. Please" she requests with a gentle gesture. "And as a peer and member of the Avengers and Alpha Flight among many other accolades, I am honored that you would seek to meet with me. My meetings will be rescheduled. It is a common situation as an Ambassador - and a member of the Justice League." One never knows when an emergency will arise.

As they enter the office, she closes the door and turns to offer a seat to Wanda while listening to her.

"Visions.." her voice is soft and thoughtful. Moving to sit as well, she continues to listen, her brows furrowing softly. "Do you know this to be the future? A future?"

"Having visions.. I'm certain you know as well as any. It isn't a promise what will happen. But often an indication of something else in our lives that must be examined. An indication that perhaps there is an imbalance? Some stress or worry."

She smiles reassuringly, "It does sound as though you have been trying some of the best approaches. To order and still your mind." She pauses then looks down. "You're words are kind. And carry a great faith in my sisters and I. I can only hope to live up to that faith."

"I, of course, cannot promise success. But I will do all that I am able to help you find peace. Ms. Maximoff."

Scarlet Witch has posed:
Wanda practically deflates within Diana's office, her head shaking slowly as she tries to slow and steady her breathing. "No... they're... never the same. It's not a future. I don't think it's even possible futures... I think it's... me. Just... my worries. Manifesting as visions of what I would do uncontrolled. If my own control slipped."

She laughs softly, ruefully really, cheeks flushed as she murmurs out dryly, "Well, so far I've discovered that... free meditation apps do not help me. Not measurably."

She perks her eyebrows and smile a touch wider. "And come now, I'm sure for someone as inspiring and heroic as yourself, reassuring me is... not a difficulty for you. But I appreciate your willingness to help. I'm sure there are some Amazon trainings that may help me." She huffs out a little breath and shrugs lightly, "or perhaps I simply need to get away from the city and... take some time. But I just... couldn't do nothing."

Wonder Woman has posed:
Diana Prince watches and listens. Reflecting on the details offered of the troubling dreams. "And has your control slipped before? Have you .. seen what that is like?" She imagines it cannot be a good thing to even consider.

"No.." she smiles sadly. "Free apps do little to truly ease a troubled mind." Leaning forward, she thinks a moment on the other words. "There are methods of meditation and centering oneself that are unique amongst the Amazons, yes.." She stands, walking over to Wanda. "I can sense your anguish and disquiet. I may be able to help you find solace. If only for a few moments, while we search for a more permanent form of respite."

"If you will trust me, please close your eyes. I will touch your temples and head. No more."

Moving to stand behind Wanda, she reaches out gently, fingers hovering but not touching till given the affirmation.

Scarlet Witch has posed:
Wanda's eyes trace the motions of the amazon princess as she begins to move closer. She draws a sharp breath, a quick inhalation, eyes widening ever so slightly... but there's clearly a struggle there as she exhales slowly, winning over some part of herself as she nods solemnly. "It... has. Not recently. But I have seen visions of myself when it does more... dramatically. Not dreams or premonitions, it is..." She trails off, lips quirking in a sardonic smile as those bright eyes close. "Complicated. That is something you get used to hearing around me, I am afraid."

Those rounded shoulders are hunched, Wanda's back straight, stiff as those fingers hover near her temples, as she tries to will herself to sink back closer to the strong presence behind her. "Thank you for this, Princess. I can only imagine how many requests you get for guidance like this."

That sardonic smile relaxes a little, more... generally bemused as she murmurs dryly, "Even if they are not always from witches. We tend to be a solitary lot."

Wonder Woman has posed:
Diana Prince nods softly. "The lives we lead are always complicated. More so by the addition of our abilities beyond the normal. A blessing and a curse sometimes."

"Diana. Please." She offers with a smile. "We do not need to stand on formalities when we are speaking as friends and peers."

Gently, her fingers close and touch Wanda's temples, over and behind her ears and gently to the joint of her jaw. Applying only light pressure, Diana begins to massage in small circles.

"Let your eyes close. Focus on my voice" she says softly. "Let go of the tension. Let it flow out through my fingers." Keeping her voice quiet, almost a whisper, she seeks to set Wanda at ease and help her relax. Of course none of this is unique from other methods of relaxation and meditation, yet.

Scarlet Witch has posed:
Wanda laughs softly and sighs out, voice low, accent pouring out, voice thick with it, the attempts she makes to suppress it for those rare public appearances for the Avengers forgotten.

"Very well, Diana. And please, call me Wanda. I would... like to have a friend. Peers are plentiful, but... friendship is rare, yes?"

She inhales slowly, deeply as those fingers apply pressure, her cheeks pinken ever so slightly, her breath draws deeper, back arching, a little more of a proud posture to her, less relaxed, more... regal and trying to match the atmosphere of being personally attended to by the princess. Even if she insists she is merely 'Diana'.

And while this is not different from the apps she's tried in concept... it is not so isolating. The touch of those fingers does indeed help center her as she prepares herself for the next step, breath deepening and slowing.

Wonder Woman has posed:
Diana Prince smiles. "It can be difficult to find true friends, agreed, Wanda."

As her fingers continue to slowly massage along the sides of Wanda's head, Diana's breathing slows as well, as if showing Wanda, offering herself as a guide.

"Focus on my voice. Let your cares slip away. Troubling thoughts have no place in your mind" she offers softly as her fingers continue to massage at Wanda's temples.

"Good. I am going to use my lasso, Wanda. I will place it in your hand. You only need hold onto it, but you may let go at any time if you feel uncomfortable."

When was it that Diana's hands had moved away from Wanda's temples? It might not be clear, but in a moment she is instead holding her iconic lasso as said.

Taking one end, she reaches down and places it where Wanda can hold onto it if she agrees.

"The lasso will help you see the truth, if there is any, in your visions. Guile and deceit cannot linger while touching it."

Scarlet Witch has posed:
Wanda lets out a low noise, something of a relaxed, agreeable murmur. It might be hard to find true friends, especially ones who can understand their particular stresses. But already she's fairly certain she has.

Especially as that voice fills her mind, washing away stress, silencing that cacophony of her own thoughts bit by bit. Her fingers uncurl, reaching out blindly, offering her hands up almost on instinct.

As her fingers wrap around that golden lasso, her breath catches for a moment. She can see magic... see the hidden things of the world. But her eyes are closed. But some things?

Some things are so powerful she can /feel/ them. And as her fingers curl and grip that lasso tighter, the magic filling it washes over her and she murmurs, "Thank you, Diana. I appreciate this more than I know how to explain."

Wonder Woman has posed:
Diana Prince holds the lasso in her hands, her will controlling the flow and power of the magical cord. "You are welcome Wanda" she murmurs softly so as to not disturb the measure of relaxation Wanda may have achieved so far.

"Slowly, think through the visions and dreams that have troubled you. Allow the Lasso to guide you. With it you will know which of them may be true and which may only be speculation or deceit. Let your breathing remain measured. Allow the thoughts to come as they may. There is no hurry." Her free hand rests gently on Wanda's shoulder as her other holds the Lasso's coiled length.

Scarlet Witch has posed:
Wanda's breath is slow, deep, rhythmic and relaxed, almost trance-like as her fingers curl and squeeze, feeling the fine braid of the lasso, as she lets that magic infuse her being, thinking... recalling those distressing visions. They're violent, chaotic, impossible to discern. But slowly they brighten, soften, harsh edges and dark shadows fading, replaced by that golden glow of warmth and support.

Her voice murmurs out, soft, almost purring. "I... the visions are not /me/. They're... other versions of me. Other possibilities not taken. Choices not made. But they're... out there. Somewhere. One wrong spell, one.. slip, and if I were to trade places with her... me...? Myself?" Those full lips press into a stern little frown, "I do not think... there is a true potential for that. Certainly no... plan to cause it... but... I wish to continue learning your lessons, if you will teach me."

Wonder Woman has posed:
Diana Prince listens, her hand warm and giving a gentle pressure to Wanda's shoulder.

Nodding, she smiles. "Visions and dreams are difficult to understand in the best of circumstances. When powerful and dangerous outcomes might be the result, knowing the truth is the only way to free oneself from the shadows they may cast."

"Listen to my voice. Slowly come back. Let your thoughts order themselves. When you feel ready, open your eyes and return to the present."

"If you believe it would be of benefit, I would be honored to visit with you regularly."

Scarlet Witch has posed:
Wanda's mind draws back, visions fading, until nothing's left but a warm, suffusing glow, a near buzz in her mind from the lasso's magic. She rolls her shoulders slowly, back arching, head rolling back.

Her lips are quirked in a serene smile, eyes blinking open, pupils alert, but calm. Expression considered and content, none of her earlier stress or fear.

Her tongue wets her lips, her voice low, softly murmuring. "I would like that. I think it would be quite beneficial. Perhaps you can visit me at the mansion. I am sure you have your own stresses and responsibilities to escape from time to time. And I surely owe you such."

Wonder Woman has posed:
Diana Prince eases away, and nods. "I hope that you feel better in some small way." As Wanda focuses again on the present. A sincere smile is offered. "There may be a time I will need to seek out such a refuge. Thank you, Wanda."