584/Introductions

Introductions
Date of Scene:	24 May 2017
Location:	Unknown
Synopsis:	Natasha Romanoff approaches Ysabelle to be a consultant for SHIELD.
Cast of Characters:	Athenaeum, Black Widow (Romanoff)

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Athenaeum has posed:
It's an early summers eve as Ysabelle sits in a small townhouse within the city subburbs. From the outside the little building looks just like any other single story bungalow, small and ordinary.

Inside however, the Magician sits in a grand library, a single window showing the front garden with it's collection of lavender and jasmine along with less easily placed wildflowers.

Alone, and thus, in a more casual dress than is her wont outside, the paper white woman is in a simple, full length (and full sleeved) royal blue dress, made of cotton and tied at the waist with a sash.

As she turns another page, a look at the grammarphone accompanied with a flick of her finger returns the needle to the beginning of a selection of classic Celtic folk songs.

Black Widow (Romanoff) has posed:
The black SUV that pulls up outside is completely nondescript. For most people, it wouldn't be worth looking at twice. For others, it would scream Government Vehicle <tm>. The door on the driver's side opens, allowing a small woman to step out. She's wearing a light jacket made of leather over a white, button up blouse. Straight legged black slacks and a pair of black short heels complete the outfit. Her red hair is left loose, hanging down to the middle of her back. A pair of dark sunglasses cover her eyes.

She pauses to glance at at the post-it note stuck on the outside of a manila folder then back up to the building. Once confirmed, she walks up to the front door. Looks like the IRS has come a'callin' for those tax returns.

Behind the glasses, Natasha is scanning the area, on high alert even though this is considered a low risk contact. She reaches out and pushes the doorbell button to announce her presence.

Athenaeum has posed:
Of course with a front facing window, Ysabelle /should/ have been watching the short, red headed woman's approach. But she was lost in her book so that when the 'ding dong' of her doorbell goes, the magus jumps with surprise.

Standing, a leather bookmark is carefully placed into the old tome she was reading, the heavy binding closed before she starts to make her way on velvet slippered feet to the door. There's no peep hole, and no high tech security, leaving her with the only option of just opening the thing to see who's outside.

"Ah, good evening Miss." Her voice is an odd lilt of an accent that at best could be called 'Western European'. But the smile on her burgandy lips is genuine, reaching all the way to those dazzling, gemlike turquoise eyes. "Can I help you?"

Black Widow (Romanoff) has posed:
As the door opens, Natasha takes a quick glance behind the woman opening the door. A brief casing of what she's walking into.

Natasha reaches up to take off her sunglasses, revealing her green eyes. She folds the legs shut and tucks them into a pocket of her jacket. "I'm sorry to disturb you, Ma'am," she says in a smooth voice, a smile lighting up her face. Her hand comes out of the pocket holding a flip identification holder which she opens with a twist of the wrist, revealing her SHIELD card with name and various bits of information to look official. "I'm Natasha Romanova, an agent of SHIELD. I was hoping we could speak for a moment?"

Athenaeum has posed:
Ysabelle's answering smile is warm and... maternal? It belongs more on a grandmother than on the apparently young woman standing before Natasha. "Ahh yes, I thought I might have a visit from yourselves sooner or later." She takes a step back opening her door wide. Her voice takes on a more resonant tone as she offers; "Please, come in and be welcome in my home. My hospitality is yours to enjoy, for as long as you wish." A soft pulse, noticable to most as a popping of ears as something shifts.

The magician's voice takes on it's earlier, amiable tone as she offers belatedly. "I'll put the kettle on, do you drink tea?" Though she's still holding the door open for the other woman.

Black Widow (Romanoff) has posed:
The hair on the back of Natasha's neck goes up as her ears pop. The formality of the invitation isn't lost on her. That was a show of power, even if it was just shutting off some sort of security system. Not Natasha's type with digital keypads and alarm panels. She has the feeling this is something way more dangerous.

Outwardly, there isn't a change in her expression as she nods. "I would love some tea, thank you." She takes a step across the threshold, mentally holding her breath as she waits for something to happen. "May I help you with it?" That will give her a chance to scope out more of the building, pick up information from the environment and furnishings about the person who lives there.

Athenaeum has posed:
Ysabelle smiles brightly, closing the door behind the agent. Though nothing odd happens when Natasha enters, she can now see through the open doorway to her right, revealing the grand library. Over three floors of shelves upon shelves upon shelves. The magician turns and begins to walk along a corridoor towards a small looking kitchen. For whatever reason, it seems she only extended the one room, the rest of the house falls easily within the outter boundaries of the property.

"It's okay Ms Romanova, you can ask any questions you like, I have nothing to hide from such an esteemed establishment." Her voice, still warm and welcoming, her eyes shinging as she leads the Avenger into the kitchen. A kitchen with simple, plain adornments. A solid wood table, matching sideboard and windowsills. Of course there's an aga cooker, but that alone doesn't stand out. The solid copper kettle that gets filled with water from the tap however, does. Ysabelle puts it on the gas cooker, turning the dial to bring the heat to life. "Do you prefer bagged or loose? I don't have guests often I'm afraid, so the selection is somewhat limited..." A cupboard opens, twenty boxes of various teas, both fruit and black, loose and bagged, even a variety of mints. Apparently the woman likes her tea.

Black Widow (Romanoff) has posed:
That library is amazing. Three stories of books. The information contained within is probably phenomenal. Then there is the second show of power although this one is not active. To fit something that size in the building would be impossible without magic. Technologically, the outside could be made to look like it is a different size but the building itself would be static. This goes from one level to another between rooms seamlessly which shouldn't happen.

Once in the kitchen, she sets her manila envelope down on the wood tabletop. On the outside is that post-it note with just the address on it. The tab has her name.

At the question on the tea, she looks at the offerings and she can't stop herself. "So few choices. Whatever will I do," comes the dry quip. Her smile is still in place and she shakes her head. "Anything that you would like will be fine, ma'am. I'm not picky."

She looks down to the folder as she continues. "We have your name as Ysabelle Orion of Greece originally." But the accent doesn't quite fit. She's still trying to figure that one out. She opens the folder, revealing some sheets of typed information as well as some photo images of Ysabelle at various times. "From the data we have received, you are a practitioner of the magical arts?" She poses it as a question. "Seen assisting the hero codenamed Steel in the past. Facial recognition places you on two other occasions assisting others in danger."

Athenaeum has posed:
The woman listens dutifully as she collects an old earthernware teapot with a brown glaze from a separate cupboard. Leaves go in, dark and fragrant but nothing special. She turns to lean on the counter, placing her hands gently on her midriff, like one might expect to see a nun doing in an old photograph.

"Please Ms Romanova, you're in my home, you may call me Ysabelle." Her brightly coloured eyes take in the manilla folder with that same small, knowing smile she had when Natasha first arrived. "Ah yes, Sir Steel, he's a good man. Quite by Kismet that, I was just in the area..." Which seems to be the case most of the time. "Yes, I'm a practitioner of the Arts. We had a lovely conversation about the similiarities between magic and the advanced technologies he had at his disposal." Apparently when she said she had nothing to hide, she meant it. "You don't seem so sure about my being from Greece though." The kettle starts to whistle, causing the young woman to collect a thick cloth and collect it. "Be a dear and get the milk and such from the fridge please? It's just over there." She indicates a small white fridge under part of the counter.

Black Widow (Romanoff) has posed:
"Only if you agree to call me Natasha," she says in return even as she walks over to the fridge. The folder is left wide open. Nothing to hide in their files and a showing of trust. Sort of. For those that would recognize it as such.

Outwardly, nothing odd going on. Inwardly, please don't let there be crazy animal parts in the fridge. Eye of newt, tongue of frog. Her own ideas on magic do not lead toward it being anything like technology. She opens the white door and takes out the necessary items, pushing the door shut with her hip once she's done. She places them on the tabletop, pushing the folder over to the side out of the way for the moment. With guidance from Ysabelle, she gets a pair of cups as well, adding them to the collection.

How did she know the confusion on her origin. Another tingle of unease. Third show of power? Maybe. "Your accent seems unusual," she admits. "I pride myself on being able to recognize such things and you don't fit the typical patterns for the country."

Athenaeum has posed:
"Aha, so the great and powerful SHIELD doesn't know everything about me." There's a note of levity to the woman's voice that takes any snarkiness away from the comment, espcially when she adds; "I find that oddly flattering, I'm not as bad at keeping myself hidden as I was starting to worry." A lemon is added to the milk, sugar and single cream that she makes sure is on the table before the tea pot is added, having had a pale blue knitted tea-cosy placed over it to keep it warm.

"Please, help yourself Natasha." A simple statement that proves she's willing to meet the agent half way, having poured them both a cup each. "You sounded unsure was all, only a little, but it was there." Apparently not a magical trick, just being able to read people... Something Natasha probabaly understands well. "But you've still not asked me a question, only stated fact." Taking a seat at the table, not opposite but at a 45 degree angle from the other woman.

Black Widow (Romanoff) has posed:
Natasha smiles at the comment about SHIELD even as she sits carefully. She pulls over the cup of tea closer to her, adding two sugars and a cream. Then she looks to Ysabelle once more. "SHIELD seeks information. We like to understand what is going on in the world around us," she finally says. "We try to keep up with who is there to help the world. And who is there to threaten it." She pauses there to take a cautious sip of the tea, not wanting to burn her tongue. The cream brought down the temperature just enough so it's safe. In her mind, the tea is likely safe. The woman wields magic. If she wanted Natasha gone, she isn't likely to be using poison to do it. It's also another sign of trust on the side of the agent, a showing for the other woman.

"This is excellent. Thank you," she says as an aside before continuing, her left hand curled around the cup and feeling the wamrth against her palm. "First, we wish to know your intentions. We seem to be on the same side but appearances can be deceiving. Are you on the side of the angels or...?"

Athenaeum has posed:
"The big question first." Ysabelle agrees, her smile slips away as the topics become more important. To her own tea the magus adds a little lemon and a single sugar. She stirs the cup with one hand, resting the other besides the cup on the table. See? Nothing up my sleeves...

"I don't really consider myself on anyone's /side/, at least not presently." A hand comes up, forstalling any words on Natasha's lips for the moment. "But. I work for the betterment of mankind and indeed, creation as a whole. So if I see something dark, or destructive happening, I will stop it if I am able." For all the world, if someone were only reading the woman's body language, she might be talking about the weather, or the news. She's certainly not lying. "In my experience, a cause must be worth the cost for me to align with them."

Black Widow (Romanoff) has posed:
Nothing seems off. Or she's as good as Natasha at hiding herself behind the fascade. Impossible to know. By the evidence, the woman isn't lying. She is completely at ease with having a federal agent sitting in her kitchen sipping tea asking questions that are, quite honestly, pushing the boundaries of propriety. It gives Natasha the impression the woman has already seen a lot in her life to take such things in ease.

Well, Magic. Of course she's seen a lot but this is more life experience than wielding otherwordly type powers. It's as though Ysabelle has lived a long time. Like Natasha herself. Her age not matching her apparance. She knows many magic users are older than they have appeared though source material at SHIELD more than personal experience so she has to wonder but that is not a question she needs to have answered. Besides, it's rude to ask a woman how old she is.

"I can respect that," Natasha says with a nod. "Which leads to the second question. Your area of expertise being magic, would you be interested in being a consultant for SHIELD? If we have situations that involve your skill set, we may wish to call you in for information on how to deal with a threat. Or, in a worst case scenario, to assist with neutralizing the threat."

Athenaeum has posed:
Ysabelle seems to consider this for a while. Those bright turquoise eyes pick up the light from the window, reflecting it back like a cat's. She seems to be weighing not so much SHIELD, as the agent herself. If there's any magic to it, there's no outward signs, just a woman (however oddly coloured) watching another. Over twenty seconds pass before she speaks again.

"Perhaps. I must admit it seems I'm being pushed of late to be more active in the world again." Her free hand comes up, massaging the bridge of her nose. "It has certainly been a while" The words are accompanied with a half sigh, finally letting her hand fall back to the table. "May I ask you a question first Natasha?" Her gaze returns to meet Romanova's, no dissembling, but it's rude to ask without checking first.

Black Widow (Romanoff) has posed:
While Natasha is being open, there is always an underlying level of secrecy to her should she be scanned using some mystical means. She isn't lying and there is no plot to her visit. She is here for exactly what she is saying. It's just her nature to always have something hidden.

At the request, Natasha nods. "Of course you may. I've been asking you plenty," she says with a smile as she picks up her cup to take another sip of tea.

In a situation like this, it is always a give and take. One doesn't expect a person to just be agreeable without wanting to be sure that SHIELD is on the up and up. Her assumption is that it will be about the group she represents, not herself.

Athenaeum has posed:
"You've been with SHIELD for quite some time I would imagine." Ysabelle opines, her painted lips returning to their earlier smile. "Otherwise they wouldn't be sending you out to do recruitment like this, it shows they trust you." That's not the question of course, she sips her tea, whetting her tongue before continuing.

"And you must be competent, otherwise they wouldn't send you into such a potentially dangerous situation." Whether Ysabelle is saying all this to prove that it's not magical delving, or whether it's just so rare for her to have a visitor that she's enjoying having conversation... Well that's anyone's guess.

"So, my question is. Are you happy? With what you do I mean. With the things they've asked you to complete." She pauses, then adds as an afterthought; "Not that I'm asking /waht/ they get you to do, I imagine that's all classified or top secret or whatever the governmental label is now. But are /you/, Natasha Romanova, happy in the employ of SHIELD?"

Black Widow (Romanoff) has posed:
The assumptions aren't too hard to reach. Natasha listens to the summations, impressed with the skills of the woman before her. It was a given Ysabelle was intelligent. Stupid people studying mystic arts were dead people. The skill didn't work without some brains to fuel it. Throw in she is known publically as the Black Widow so it is possible the woman already knows of her by reputation through the media. If she owns even owns a tv. Natasha sips her own tea while listening, knowing where this is headed but not sure how she should answer.

The lie might be detected and ruin negotiations.

The truth is complicated.

Natasha does what she does best. She walks the tightrope in between, choosing words carefully and making sure she isn't telling an untruth while maybe omitting some details.

"I don't know that happy has anything to do with it," she admits. "I believe in what I do. I believe in what SHIELD does. Do I approve of everything they do? All of their methods? No, not in all cases. Sometimes I feel that more tact is needed. Others, I feel force would be the better option." She sets her cup down, looking directly into the other woman's unusual eyes. "I believe SHIELD is trying to serve mankind, and I use the term loosely to include all inhabitants of the planet, in the best way they can. It is why I continue to serve."

Athenaeum has posed:
"A diplomat's answer, but that doesn't make it any less true." Ysabelle smiles gently, that knowing one from before. Another sip of her tea and she too sets her cup down. "But I've not answered your question have I." It's a statement rather than a question, the young looking woman settling back in her chair as she rests her hands in her lap, her brow furrowing ever so slightly in thought.

"A consultant... As long as I retain the right to say 'no' if I have moral issue with the request, and make not mistake it would /be/ a request. Then yes, I will align my works with yours whilst whatever's about to happen, happens." She continues to watch Natasha; "Of course, you can always dismiss my help should I say no at a point that SHIELD dislikes."

Black Widow (Romanoff) has posed:
"We don't force consultants to do anything beyond what they wish," Natasha says with a nod of her head. "You are not at our beck and call though, should we ask for your assistance, the situation may be dire but we would make sure you understand the circumstances to the best of our abilities and within the allowance of clearances. While you will be monetarily compensated should you assist, you are not required to do so. If at any time you wish to separate from us, it would be without hard feelings on our part."

Some others might disagree with that point but it is one that is important. They are asking for help from people with more knowledge in a certain field. It would be rather idiotic of them to bite their own hand off by treating that consultant poorly.

And now, she is about to go off the rails, having to go into territory and make it sound like she has a clue. "I do have to ask another question to clarify when we would call you though. While I know you use magic, is there are particular area of expertise that you are most comfortable with? Or should you be a general consultant for anything of a mystical nature?"

Athenaeum has posed:
"Ah yes, that." Ysabelle smiles gently reamining in her seated position, hands laid gently in her lap. The furrow of her brow smoothes as the questions turn less difficult again. "I think you may call me on anything of a mystical nature. If I don't have it to hand..." One hand comes up and taps her forehead before letting it fall back to her lap gently. "Then I can likely lay my hands on it, either in this library, or one of my others." That's right, there's /multiple/ libraries belonging to the old magus.

"I have no private identity, before that comes up, I need no code names." Her smile blossoms, her eyes twinkling with mirth. "Though I imagine you, or someone like you will give me one anyway. I remember people have a penchant for that sort of thing." And there's that hint again, that she's been away from the world a spell, and it's been a long spell at that. "Do you have anything that you personally wish to ask? Now that you've got my agreement for SHIELD that is."

Black Widow (Romanoff) has posed:
"Not everyone has to have a codename," Natasha says with another smile. "Director Fury certainly doesn't have one. Most of the agents. A few of us got named long before we ever joined SHIELD." A story for another time. No, not really. That's a private one she won't be tossing out there for anyone to know. Too many already do. She does take a sip of her tea while watching the other woman carefully.

She considers the offer, having picked up on those few hints. "You make it sound as though you haven't been around for a while," she finally says, although it isn't any of her business. Technically, the woman opened the door though. "If you perfer not to answer, I understand. And if you do answer, it can be on or off the record. Your choice."

Athenaeum has posed:
Ysabelle giggles, the girlish noise sounding a little odd amongst all the heavy discussion. "You're trying very hard not to upset me, and I do appreciate that, but I promise you, I'm very hard to upset. Would you like a refresh?" The magician reaches out for the teapot, careful not to spill any of the tea as she refills her cup, and Natasha's as well should she desire it.

"I was born in what is now termed 'Ancient Greece'." Ysabelle explains, putting the teapot back down and retaking her seat. "I narrowly avoided being taken as a slave by the Roman invasion of the time. My Master found me there." She adds a sugar cube and lemon again, slowly stirring it with the same spoon. "But in the time between? Well I've spent as much time in the libraries of the world, or in places long forgotten with no people. It can make it... difficult to relate to current culture. But I try to keep up." She grins, giving Natasha an honest to goodness wink. "I even have wireless internet." But apparently, not a grasp of the abbreviations thereof.

Black Widow (Romanoff) has posed:
Natasha listens closely to the explanation, nodding vaguely when offered a refill of tea. She adds more cream and sugars, stirring distractedly. That explains the accent. Greek but so long ago it has changed. It's why it was familiar but wasn't. The weird combination. But the concept of being as old as the Roman Empire? It boggles the brain. Natasha is old. Well, she thought she was old. Now she's a spring chicken compared to Ysabelle. It's kind of a nice feeling while being completely insane at the same time. What is it like to have lived that long, even if it was on another plane? It's tempting to ask.

There is a beep from the pocket of her jacket.

Natasha pulls out her phone. Something on the screen makes her frown. "I'm very sorry, Ysabelle. One of those situations has cropped up and I am going to have to leave." She gets to her feet, picking up the manilla folder. The phone disappears back into the pocket."Thank you for your hospitality and your assistance. I believe it will be a good partnership."

Athenaeum has posed:
"Where do you need to go?" Ysabelle asks, standing with her guest. "I could have you there far quicker than your vehicle, which I'm sure you can send someone for." Her warm, genuine smile is directed at the redhead as she explains; "It's the least I can do considering your politeness."

Though she doesn't force the issue, not everyone is okay with the idea of instantaneous travel. The magician will just as happily follow Romanova to the door if she declines...

Black Widow (Romanoff) has posed:
For them to call her, when she's on light duty, Natasha knows it's a big deal. She's torn though. Agreeing to a consulting gig is one thing. Trusting the woman to send her molecules across the cosmos like some human teleporter off Star Trek? Not so much an enticing prospect. She considers a moment, knowing the SUV can certainly be picked up later. If there is one thing that can be said for Natasha, she will face her fears. She also knows that the sooner she is back, the sooner the team can respond to the crisis.

She takes a leap of faith. She gives a final show of trust to their new ally.

"I need to get to SHIELD headquarters. The Triskelion building."

Athenaeum has posed:
"Of course. I think the helipad will be safest yes? Or at least the roof..." Ysabelle asks rhetorically for no sooner has she said it, than the woman's looking back at the free floor space in the kitchen. In her first /intended/ show of skill, the porcelin hued magus extends one arm, hand outstretched. Words in a langauge that should by all rights be long dead spill alive and well from Ysabelle's lips, causing the air to humm with energy.

Starting small, a tiny dot of bright violet light hangs in the air. Nevertheless, the dot becomes a line in short order, twisting open with a popping sound to produce a doorway in the air, an open doorway that leads to the clear helipad of the Triskelion building.

"Don't forget your file dear." The woman advices softly, collecting the manilla envelope and handing it to Natasha. "Go in safety as you came, I will look forward to your next visit Natasha." And still that warm, open smile.

Black Widow (Romanoff) has posed:
Taking the manilla envelope, Natasha returns the smile and just acts like she sees people open portals in their kitchens every other day. "Thank you again. Until then."

Steeling her will, Natasha squares her shoulders and heads right through the portal, exiting what has been a most interesting meeting.