603/A chance meeting...

A chance meeting...
Date of Scene:	24 May 2017
Location:	Unknown
Synopsis:	Summary needed
Cast of Characters:	Athenaeum, 285

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Athenaeum has posed:
Another day, another book hunting adventure for the classically dressed magician. And sometimes you have to look in the oddest of places. In this case, it's an old, near derelict looking house within the Bronx. Something inside was itching at her senses, an itch the magician intended to scratch.

Today wearing a dress of deep green silk, the deep hood pulled up to hide all but her mouth and chin. With the dress covering from a high neckline just under her collarbone down to the floor, a square neckline and subtle boning in the corset date it. From within the dark recesses of the hood, turquoise eyes examine the building, ignoring the people walking past, or that gang all wearing red bandana's that are sitting by a muscle car, staring at the woman in green.

Alexa (285) has posed:
The aging Brooklyn two story is a perfect place for Alejandra to step out through from her home in Spain and into the city of New York. It is spacious but utterly decrepit. No one comes here, not even to remove the dust. It is also painted an auspicious shade of green, however faded and peeling it might be. Green is the colour of the day, after all. This is why the tanned Spanish beauty who emerges from that shimmering portal is wearing a deep burgundy dress with a scooped neckline and short sleeves, a tucked bodice and flowing skirt that reaches to mid shin. Complementary colours, darling. She gestures casually, the jade ring she wears glinting briefly as the portal shuts. Then Alejandra takes a deep breath- and coughs, stirring up dust in great waves around her. Sighing, the sorceress proceeds out onto the street.

Another spell with a spark of pink has the dust collecting itself into piles and shuffling away behind her and the shapely blonde emerges out onto the street proper. She is frowning thoughtfully as she surveys the street, blue eyes intense as they study every person nearby. To another magician it is not so much Alexa's presence that would alert them as the quiet flare of magic behind her. Being observed here is quite rare. Perhaps she is being sloppy.

Athenaeum has posed:
And notice the green dressed woman does. That dark hood turns to watch as the burgandy blonde arrives onto the street through way of the side of the house. Had it not been for that little cleaning spell, Ysabelle might have missed her completely so intent was she on the sudden surge of a teleportation effect.

Taking several steps to close the distance between them, the snow white woman offers quietly; "Welcome to New York, have you travelled far?" A simple comment, easy to dismiss to the passerby, but those in the know might pick up the sublte undertones...

Alexa (285) has posed:
"Mmm. To certain definitions of far," Alexandra responds. She has a rich, smooth mezzo-soprano voice with all the lilts of southern Spain and no attempt at all to hide them. She offers Ysabelle a beatific smile when she is greeted, blue eyes casting over her briefly. She notes the choice of colours and how she holds herself, frowning thoughtfully. Then ALexa takes a deep breath.

"It seems as though you've come a long way," Leja notes after a moment, idly curious to judge by her tone. "But perhps not long. Have you been in New York City long?" It's a similar level of understanding, a clear meeting of the minds. "My name is Alejandra. It's ap leasure to make your acquaintance." There's that smile again. Brilliant to look at.

Alexa too makes no note of the watching gang members positioned nearby.

Athenaeum has posed:
"Not long, though I have a feeling what with the current climes I might be here more regularly." Ysabelle responds, inclining her head in a show of respect for the other wielder of magic. A call comes from one of the gangers behind her, "'Ey mama sita! Wanna go for a ride?" The young man, no more than his early twenties and already covered in gang tattoo's pats the bonnet of the car he's perched against.

"Perhaps we should find somewhere more... Pleasant, to converse? Ah, and I am Ysabelle, it's a pleasure to meet you Alejandra."

Alexa (285) has posed:
When Ysabelle introduces herself Alejandra gives a light curtsey, nodding as she does. "Relocating does seem appropriate under the circumstances," she agrees in agentle, soothing voice. A glance is spared for the men positioned on the car nearby but to hercredit Alejandra does not really pay them any more heed than one might to a buzzing fly. Ysabelle has her full attention both in theory and reality.

"Do you have a good suggestion? I'm afraid I am much more familiar with Manhattan than Brooklyn." The catcalling doesn't even merit a second glance from Leja. She simply takes a deep breath and indicates the road with a brief inclination of her head. "Either way I think we should probabl keep going." With that Alexa intends to start wlaking, though she does allow a moment for Ysabelle to take the lead if she chooses.

"I hope my arrival didn't cause you any trouble..."

Athenaeum has posed:
"I think your arrival is what caused me to stop by." Ysabelle offers, turning to fall into step with the other woman. The gangers all start laughing, though they don't persue the two women. Without thinking, Ysabelle falls into Spanish, of a Valencian dialect - apparently unknowingly taking cue from Alexa's accent.

"I felt your arrival, considering some of the things that have been turning up lately I considered it prudent to just check in." Her warm smile shows despite the hood. "I am glad that everything is alright."

Alexa (285) has posed:
Alejandra follows suit, dropping into Spanish as easily as breathing. Given that she is acually from Spain it makes a certain amountof sense. Her dialect is close enough to Valencia to be mistaken for it but she is, in fact, from somewhere a bit further south and west and it would show to keen ears. The blonde rolls her shoulders lightly, nodding in response to Ysabelle's words.

"Yes... Most everything is alright," the owman agrees quietly, though her expression devolves to af aint frown. "I came to check out some of the recent occurrences as well. There was a great- disturbance- earlier. When the terrorists assaulted the bridge. I felt it but I wasn'able to come at the time. Now I am simply- investigating." Alejandra breathes a rather quiet sigh at that.

"You wouldn't happen to know anything about the incident, would you? I'm just checking bases." This is asked without any malice as the two women continue to walk.

Athenaeum has posed:
If Ysabelle notes the difference, she doesn't shift the dialect of her speech, though perhaps it's more a 'close enough' that she hasn't picked up the other more modern shifts in the language. Either way, she continues to walk, listening as the blonde explains her reasons. When Alejandra is done though, Ysabelle shakes her head.

"Alas not, I'd only meant the creatures that seem to be coming through more frequently here. I'm still not sure if they're fae or from another realm yet alas, too little information. Too many possibilities..." The words hang in the air, a subtle note of expectation giving a sense that the magician expects that Alexa would understand all about that particular issue. "I was... Travelling last night, something happened on the bridge?" More and more seemed to be passing her by it seems. Time to do something about it.

Alexa (285) has posed:
"There were bombs set on the bridge. Once there was mass panic anddestruction demons apparently emerged from the wreckage and began to attack the heroes who had come to deal with the tragedy." Alexa breathes a quiet sigh, shaking her head in turn asseh does so.

"I cannot even begin to guess at what might have caused such a thing precisely but I can only assume that a great deal of magic was involved." Alejandra somehow manages to keep her hands folded neatly behind her back despite the various Spanish urge to speak in gestures as well as words. She walks alongside Ysabelle politely.

"I apologize for bringing such terrible news even though we've only just met. I'd have preferred a more... Pleasant greeting." Alejandra shifts her weight form left to right as she murmurs these words.

Athenaeum has posed:
"Not at all, all knowledge is worth having." Ysabelle answers, her voice having a slight distracted quality to it. Demons? Even more worrying than the old Greecian had thought. Her chest rises and falls with a sigh of her own.

"I'll have to go and investigate myself later... Maybe once the inevitable hubbub of governmental forces has died down. Demons breaching our plane is something that needs resolving." Her voice remains in that calm, soft tone with no note of panic or worry making it into the words.

"But perhaps we can still take a small amount of time to meet each other properly? I'm sure there's a cafe or the like around here /somewhere/..." The hood turns this way and that, casting about for something, but finding nothing. "Otherwise I know a lovely little place by the Seine?"

Alexa (285) has posed:
"I'm sure there's a cafe somewhere but it would be a terrible amount of trouble to walk," Alejandra responds somewhat loftily, though there's a grin hidden among her words as she does so. "I suppose the Seine shall have to do. It's been some time since I was last in Paris. If you would permit me to do the honours for us?"

Alejandra is already lifting a hand. She extends her index finger first. Ysabelle would notice that the woman has quite a few pieces of jewelry. Small rings with gems of various colours, a pendant... None of the colours repeat, though the gems are restrained enough it might not make itself immediately clear. Blue light is first, gently projecting in front of them and slowly forming into a dome that soon dissipates into nothing. "To ensure any onlookers look elsewhere," Alexa notes gently.

"I wonder if we are thinking of the same place in Paris. Looking out toward Dijon and the basin, toward the north of the city?"

Athenaeum has posed:
"Where they serve those delightful little pastries?" Ysabelle agrees as she does indeed watch the magic going on before her. Of course, it's quite rude to quiz a magician whilst they're casting, so for now she just watches, hands clasped before her lower belly.

"I tend to find the alley just behind is almost always empty, if you stay not too far from the entrance, you shouldn't end up standing in refuse." A distinct possibility otherwise, considering the ablutions of the Parisians.

Alexa (285) has posed:
"Just the one," Alejandra agrees. More colours join blue then. Green and violet, to be specific. They weave together, layiring as they spin about the two women in grandiose gestures. A capsule tocarry them both totheir destination. Ysabelle can feel the pull of magic as the tripartite rainbow forms, encsconcing them both in power.

The ears pop first and then the rush of the universe coming back into focus, all at once. The pair are standing in a cobbled alley, trashbags just a couple meters away. The lightts disappear like sparkling dust and leave Leja to stand besdie Ysabelle behind the cafethey had chosen, looking around carefully. The blonde gives a firm nod, apparently satisfied with the results. As she should be; it was a neatly executed spell, if somewhat ostentatious.

"Mmm. Excellent," Alejandra remarks, having swapped to excellent French. "Shall we, my dear?" Ysabelle is offered a hand then, as well as a grin. "I am afraid it is now the middle of the niht back in New York... But I think the meal should be worth it."

Athenaeum has posed:
"Sympathetic? Or colour?" Ysabelle can now ask, now that the flashy show is over. She's fairly sure that some of the show was for her benefit after all, and who doesn't like to be asked about their craft now and then? Especially from someone in a position to appreciate the effort involved.

"Ah well, what's a few hours between friends hmm?" She adds belatedly responding to the time comment. "As you brought us here, you must let it be my treat." Resting a hand on the other woman's arm (how modern!), she falls into step again, heading around to the bright white iron work tables outside the cafe. Taking a seat she disdains the menu, already knowing her order. "I normally have the pastry platter with a pot of Darjeeling, but please order what you'd like." She too having slipped into French to match her companion.

Alexa (285) has posed:
"Colour is sympathy," Alejandra responds with a soft laugh. "Column A and B." She rolls her shoulders lightly then, taking a deep breath as she does. This seems to simply be her way; plenty of steadying breaths and perfeced posture. "It's flashy but it definitely gets the work done."

As Alejandra accompanies Ysabelle toward the front of the cafe she easily takes her companion's arm, showing no resistance whatsoever to a gesture that might well be taken to mean more than it does. She's actually awarding the people they pass with incandescent smiles to match their pairing, to be safe.

"Well, we could have arrived faster but I presumed you would wish the cafe to be open," Alejandra continues with no small amount of mirth glowing in her gaze. "Pastry platter and darjeeling sounds lovely," Leja chirps before relatng this to the waiter who comes to take their orders.

"Weaving colours is more complex than it looks but- it works, in its own way. How do you prefer to cast? You have the air of a classic hermetic but I've surely been wrong before." Leja may not make it obvious but she's quietly made certain no one is listening in. No one even looks their way.

Athenaeum has posed:
"Hermetic Elementalist would be more accurate I suppose. I can Ritual with the best of them, but if it's off the cuff it's normally Elemental. Though for my style, nothing beats a good Hermetic Barrier in a pinch. Quick to summon, easy to dispel and done /just/ right, can be explained away as a trick of the light. Something becoming more and more useful in these days of phone cameras and the uh... The uh.." The vaguely anachronistic mage has to cast about her mind a bit as she tries to work out what the word is; "Action cameras? The ones people use to track their cars and the like. Either way, it's getting harder and harder to avoid notice. I've already had a visit from SHIELD recently." The waiter comes over and Ysabelle finally pulls down her hood, revealing that porcelain white face and oddly reflective turquoise eyes.

It's obvious that this /is/ a favourite though as the man doesn't seem surprised, instead calling her by name and offering the usual, to which she nods; "For the both of us please Pierre."

Alexa (285) has posed:
"Mmm. Ritual magic. I can do rituals but they can be exhausting. But I have a lot of tools at my disposal for quuicker incantations and spells." Alexa's musical voice greets the ears easily, conveying both her exotic accent- unusual even for Spain- and the sensual way with which she shapes her words. She's a creature who likes to be heard, andprefers it is pleasant for the listening. It helps that she has perfect pitch, perhaps. The musicality is quite apparent. "SHIELD will likely visit me soon. Let them come," she continues wiith a shrug of her shoulders.

"I am... As I've mentioned, very much a woman of colours. Light, really. But light forms so many different things..." Leja slowly shrugs her shoulders. "It's hard to be sure there's a relevant difference and it isn't just my own failing that shapes my spells."

Athenaeum has posed:
"It's no failing if the magic works." Ysabelle answers fluidly, resting her hands in her lap as she discusses the why's and warefores of their craft. "Light patterns are certainly something I have to take into account when I'm working on a ritual. And in a way, I imagine we both work mainly with resonances." Her smile broadens as the waiter comes back to deposit a white teapot along with a selection of cakes and pastries on a shining silver stand. "Merci." With his thanks, he departs just as quickly.

"SHIELD visited me a week or so ago, so I wouldn't be surprised if you're next on their list. You seem quite adept, considering the ease of casting you displayed earlier."

Alexa (285) has posed:
"Most of my magic is actually unique in that way. As far as how and what sort of power I draw upon." Alejandra almost seems to be musing as she speaks, casually tracing nothings in the air with her fingers. It's a more restrained way of talking with her hands but means much the same thing. "You'll likely pick up on it if I continue to cast in front of you, so no point in attempting to disguise that it is a very different sort of magic from what you are used to. Ah. Merci."

Alejandra prepares her tea for herself easily, nodding as she considers the array of cakes in front of heer with a thoughtful expression. Rather than answer about her skill she asks, "How do you take your tea?"

Athenaeum has posed:
"A dash of lemon and one sugar please." Ysabelle let's the other woman be Mother for this. Her own forehead just a touch crinkled as she herself works out the differences of what she does, with the hues that were used to bring them here. Finally the old magus just spreads her lips into another accepting smile.

"Regardless of all the whys and wherefores, it's quite refreshing to be learning something new isn't it? I do love that there are as many different ways to cast something, as there are people doing the casting." Not /strictly/ true, but the sentiment is real.

Alexa (285) has posed:
"Mmm." Alexa nods at that, setting Ysabelle's tea up in front of her and then beginning on her own. She hums softly as she does so, her movements perfectly precise and measured to within millimeters. She's made a lot of cups of tea... Or that music is a meter. There are little hints in everything Alexa does to show how she orders her life. WHich is not, of course, the same as how anyone else seems to do it. "So many people and different ideas. Different sources of power. Different thoughts. I've seen so little of it, truly. Compared to you, at least. Would it be gauche of me to ask you how old you are, YSabelle?" Now Alexa looks up from her tea and offers a quiet smile.

Athenaeum has posed:
Ysabelle takes it in stride, collecting her cup and blowing on it gently before sipping. All this before she answers the question, those bright gemlike eyes watching Alexa during those moments.

"I've been around quite a while, I watched the Tower of London getting built, if that helps." The smile is polite now, not forced, but lacking the ready warmth of previously.

"I've seen quite a few different ways of doing things, but I've /read/ about a lot more. Book knowledge isn't always infallible alas, but it always gives me somewhere to start." She pauses, another sip, and a question carefully selected to bring the conversation back into the realms of decorum. "And yourself? Did you study under someone, or self taught from books?"

Alexa (285) has posed:
"I was taught," Alexandra offers helpfully. "BUt a woman wo might even be as old as you are." Alexandra draws a deep breath and holds it for a long moment, still considering Ysabelle carefully from her place across the table.

"I've read of many ways to do things but I've only really seen a few. My teacher, of course, showed me how she preferred I do things and nearly only that. So I am always fascinated when I encounter something that matches what I've read." The young woman shrugs her shoulders slowly at that.

"I'm sorry if I offended. Ordinarily I would not ask, but.." Alexa takes a deep breath and then slowly exhales. A beat. Two beats. Three. "Anywa. Thank you. This place really is quite lovely." Alexandra selects a cake now.

Athenaeum has posed:
"It's your place too." Ysabelle smiles, the warmth returning. "As for a more specific time frame, as I see your curiousity has other reasons..." A pause, a sip of tea and a surrupticious look around to make sure no one is within easy listening distance.

"I was born in Greece, a few years before they invaded. The first time, at least in recorded history." Which puts her somewhere between 100-200BC going by the current Calendars. She waits a moment herself, letting it sink in for a few moments before continuing.

"It is always the job of the Master or Mistress to teach what they think is best, but sometimes I've seen people too blinkered to realise that another way is better for the student. Should you wish to study some, I have at least one Library you might use."

Alexa (285) has posed:
"I've read quite a few but it... Isn't quite the same as seeing, is it?" Alexa flashes a brief grin at that and then she takes a deep breath and nods her head a few times. Slowly. "The White Lady would never tell me where she grew up or when, only that it was a place long gone and I had no real need of it in any case."

The silence is allowed to return for a moment as the young woman is going through the process of collecting her drink and taking long sips, shifting her weight slightly from left to right in order before she finally picjs a position in which she would like to sit.
    "I was born in Spain in ninety-seven, in the more rural areas near the city of Navarre, in the south." the brunette licks her lips lightly then, drawing another slow breath that causes her form to fill her dress in ways some would describe as fetching without really hampering her modesty. She pauses for a moment, considering.

" I am not sure there is much special to say about it as it was only twenty-eight years ago. I have six older sisters but only five uncles older than my father and my mother was an only child, so I managed to fail utterly to full that old tale."

Finally Alejandra gives a quiet shrug and then offers one more of those beatific smiles she seems to have carefully mastered. She takes up her cup and sips at her tea before continuing to speak. "I'm- glad to have met you," the woman states seriously. "And thank you for being so- open. You've already showed me a deal more trust than I've any right to expect."

Athenaeum has posed:
Ysabelle's own tea gets a careful sip once it's cooled enough. A saucer in one hand, cup carefully plucked in the other, the epitome of decorum. If she takes note of the other woman's impressive physique, propreity keeps her from making any outward sign of it.

Nodding along, a warm smile blossoms at Alexa's greatful words. "I find I trust until proven otherwise for the most part, being forever paranoid just leads to wrinkles after all." A soft, almost girlish giggle chimes from the magician's painted lips - giving the joke to the line. Though for others, wrinkles might well be a real consideration!

"I've always thought Spain was a lovely country, the people a little rough on the edges towards outsiders, but that's not exactly limited only to them." No, /that/ was a human failing through and through, one of the true joining's of any race, gender or creed. The ability to form bias. "What brought you to the US? Just travelling, or hoping to lend a hand?"

Alexa (285) has posed:
"Given the number of times outsiders have proven thoroughly untrustworthy throughout htedecades I almost find it more awonder that anyone doe, in fact, trust outsiders with anything to speak of," Alejandra responds earnestly, sipping her tea again as she does so.

"It matters not. We seem to be in agreement. Trust until given a reason to do otherwise. Which leads to your question, of course. I am in the US traveling for a variety of reasons. Part of it is just that i wnated to see what all the fuss is about and ended up liking it here enough to stay for a time." ALex's green eyes settle on Izzy's studying her features and the way she moves s if she might be committing it to memory.

"I've come hunting shadows," the young woman states then, straightforwardly. "Darkness personified, possibly demons--- dangerous, life force destroyinh malevolent apparitions that room in the annals of most kinds of evil magic and people's nightmares as well. Mmm, one moment." Alejandra sets down her cup to take up her napkin and lightly dabs her lips before taking her drink again a formal way to match Ysabelle.

"As I was saying," Alejandra continues quietly. "A few such things were wandering about here and I dispatch them but I an into some hint of more around the area of New York City so I've stayed awhile. And also, as it happens, Metropolis. I've found a few stray demonic entities as well." She shrugs her shoulders lightly.

"And... What brings you here?"

Athenaeum has posed:
"Much the same." Ysabelle admits with a soft smile, those gem-like eyes note the change in Alexa's manner, her smile deepening without comment. "Now and then I stop hunting for old lore to come and see what society has done with itself. I just happened to feel something dark, which ended up in helping out Sir Steel. SHIELD stepped in shortly after asking me to be a consultant; then, well..." She pauses, one hand gesturing the gravity of it away lightly. "It doesn't take long for the hooks to be set and to end up actually /involved/ in the current struggles."

There's a resigned cast to the milk-white woman's eyes, a hint that this pattern is one repeated more than once. A great many more times in fact. Enough to become both accustomed, and dismissive of the pattern.

"Besides all that, I am glad to have met you also Mi-" She pauses, a tiny shake of her head shifting the lay of her hair. "Alexa. Appologies, old habits and the like."

Alexa (285) has posed:
"I say that and I have only had twenty-seven years upon this earth to become set in my ways. I assure you I'm not going to be offended by the occasional slip." There's some merriment twinkling in those jade eyes as they once agian briefly study Ysabelle's face and Alexa finally breathes a quiet sigh. Long, slender fingers take up one of the pastries and the young woman takes her time in careuflly deconstructing it for consumption.

"This might be presumptuous of me but I would very much like to spend more time with you. A visit to your library to see some of the books you have there would be wonderful." The young woman looks up from her pastry and then takes another careful, deep breath with all of the subtle moements and adjustments that ultimately entails.

"It seems we've just about finished our tea. Shall I return you to New York City or is there.. .Somewhere else you might prefer to be?" Alexa asks curiously then, canting her head to the left. She lifts her right hand and delicately draws it through her dark tresses, carefully straightening them. She's watching Ysabelle's reaction with a somewhat more than passing interest.

Athenaeum has posed:
"A visit to a library can be arranged." Ysabelle smiles warmly, placing her own teacup and saucer on the table, the dregs left in the base, dark spots showing where some leaves made it through the pot's strainer.

"We could go back to the island for now, if you wanted to spend more time together. I have no pressing concerns presently." She slips a folded note from her sleeve, placing it on the table to cover their repast. "Though if that's the case, I'm afraid I'll need to be the one to take us there. Would you prefer a doorway, or instaneous transfer?"

As she talks, the young looking magus stands, taking a moment to adjust and smooth her skirts, ensuring as few rumples as possible from their time sitting on the wrought iron chairs. "Or else, I'm happy to give you my telephone number, as of yet though I only have the uh... 'Land. Line.'" A pause, the tiniest of lines settling on her pale brow as she considers it. "Yes, that is what the man called it."

Alexa (285) has posed:
"I don't think we've any need of phone numbers if that's the care," Alejandra responds, a soft, rippling laugh similar to the peal of chimes being struck accompanying her words. "Here," the woman murmurs then, warmly. "Rather than deal with phones a simple communication spell will surely suffice. If you need a sypathetic connection to me you will probably find enough of what you need if you wield something in the colour green."

Alejandra comes to her feet and then she moves around the table to place herself beside the youthful magus who has become her companion. Alexis is taller by an arm but she wears that height easily enough. "Conveyor's prerogative," the woman chirps then, no doubti n response ot the question about mode of transportation. She offers Ysabelle her arm.

Athenaeum has posed:
"Green, of course. I appologise, you're right of course. I'm more used to people that aren't that comfortable with a soft rapping on their mind. But you are welcome to communicate with me in such a manner as well, I think we've probably spent enough time in each other's company that resonance shouldn't be that difficult."

Placing a hand lightly on Alexa's arm, the two young women make their way back towards and into the alleyway they came from. Not two steps into the shadows and they seem to pull into themselves, Ysabelle's free hand having made some finger-twisting gestures just beforehand. The women's forms suck into a fine point, a soft 'pop!' the only outward sign of their passing...

The spell ports them back into existance on a sandy beach, nearby a white villa stands proudly, with a warm breeze blowing off the lapping waves to ruffle the women's hair. "And here we are... Be welcome here Alejandra." A pulse of power echo's the words, wards accepting another individual onto the island.

Alexa (285) has posed:
Alexa does not immediately find herself showing her delight, thoguh there's a faint tension through that almost vibrates as she finds her enthusiasm building. Green eyes cat back and forth across the island laid out before her and she draws one quick, deep breath as she turns slightly to orient herslef upon the villa in the distance.

"I take it this place is well-defended, to require that you be the one to teleport us here?" There's a pause while Alejandra considers this, her gaze casting over the vila in the distance. She grants it an od thn, her gaze quickly shifting to phase.

"In either case I love the view," the woman offers in a musing tone. "I can't wait to see the rest of this place." Alexa does not yet step away, either from Ysabelle nor the position where she first alighted upon the island.

Athenaeum has posed:
"I've had a good while to work on the wardings here, they're the most intricate of my properties." She gestures out into the shallows of the sea; "Placed to extend a half mile or so out onto the water, which was the most difficult part. You'll be welcome to visit now, but a word of caution, they're not selective, if you try to cast offensive magic here without my permission... Well, I'm sure you're sensible enough not to attempt that anyway." Her maternal smile shifts off of Alexa, back towards the wide white villa, with it's terracotta tiled veranda. Which is where Ysabelle begins to lead them towards.

"The island itself is all the natural beauty I could ask for, there's a forest on the southern slopes, though it's wild and not as lush as say, the British Isles, but it serves for me." The magician talks about the place like one might discuss the weather, it just is. "I'm glad you approve, I do so love it here. Shall I get us some refreshment? Wine or water, or more tea?" A gracious hostess to the last.

Alexa (285) has posed:
"I should bring you to visit my home one of these days," Alexa muses thoughtfully as her gaze follows Ysabelle's across the veranda. She tilts her head slightly to the left and then takes a deep breath, moving to follow Ysabelle toward the building with a fairly sprightly step.

"Oh, I wouldn't want to be any trouble. IF you're having some tea then I would not mind having a cup to hand," Alejandra offers, another of those sweet smiles she seems to have mastered. Likely from an early age. "i would not dream of casting any offensive magic here," Alexa assures, rolling her shoulders lightly as she does. "Admittedly the fact I would have to work quite hard not to be instantly vaporized as I did so is not a small protion of that assessment."

The younger woman's shoes sound a soft report against the tiles as she walks, making it easy to tell without looking that Alexa is following fairly close. "I am not sure I can describe what the home I inherited is like without bringing you there. It's- unusual. Unlike anything on earth. As well as... Colourful." She gives a slow shrug. "If you have particular favourite colour for me to keep in mind do let me know before you visit."

Athenaeum has posed:
"Royal purple and emerald green tend to be my favourites, though amber is another one I tend to like." Ysabelle explains with a smile. "Though you probably wouldn't find them here that much, there's always the habit of just white washing everything due to the heat."

It's not particularlly hot right /then/ of course, thanks to the continuous breeze from the sea. A breeze that ruffles skirts and lifts hair with equal abandon, though never strong enough for it to be unpleasant.

"Do you have a favourite colour? Or does your magical requirements get in the way of that?" Leading them up to the villa and across the veranda, the older magician holds the door open, not even having to unlock it first. "The kitchen is this way, along with a smaller space to sit." She explains.

Alexa (285) has posed:
"Well, my colour is emerald green," Alejandra responds, laughing softly. It isn't the first time she has said that. The young woman takes a deep breath and holds it then, tilting herh ead slightly as she studies Ysabelle with some intensity.

Eventually the pair are heading toward the kitchens. Alexa bows her head slightly as she passes, offering quiet thanks to Ysabelle for holding the door, and thensteps aside to allow for her hostes to lead the way. SOmehow having her hair ruffled suits the girl nearly as well as being perfectly made up, though that might be due to the product she uses.

"Favourite colours are something of an odd quetion for me, as it seems you've gathered. But- that's close enough for now. Mostly, I like it because it matches my eyes. In any case... It seems we've foudn another thing in common. Hmm. How about... Green tea or black?"

Athenaeum has posed:
"I was going to make Assam, which is a black tea. But I do have a few teas here..." When they make it into the kitchen, it's no different than any other modern villa kitchen you might find. Other than the large copper kettle which the magician fills with water and places on the stove to boil.

Two porcelain cups are set onto a tray with a small plate of biscuits, honey and lemon, sugar and milk. All arranged by the woman's own hands, there's no servants here. "The teas are in the cupboard there..." Ysabelle gestures to a pale wood cupboard door that opens onto jars and jars of teas. Every type, style or flavour seems to be in the cupboard somewhere, a cupboard that goes back just a little bit too far...

For her part, Ysabelle's aura is one of calm. Tinges of colour show amusement and warmth in equal turns, though the amusement is always in line with an actual joke or quip from the other woman, there's no hint of maliciousness in it. As the kettle begins to boil, a cloth is used to keep her hands safe as she lifts it to the teapot, an old thing that may once have had a bright red glaze, now darkened with years of use.

Alexa (285) has posed:
"Assam is a lovely choice. No, I was just- continuing the conversation. Don't put yourself out in order to- is that Da Hong Pao?" Alejandra took the bait, immeditely moving over to the cupboard in order to lean in slightly and study the innumerable containers of tea arrayed there. The brunette inhaels deeply throug hehr nose, green eyes intense as they dance back and forth.

"I wouldn't want to be presumptuous, but... Well. I would love a cup, to be honest." The young woman retreats from the cupboard then, taking a deep breath as she does and twisting lightly from left to right as she finds her way back toward the nearby seats. "Is there anything I can do to assist you?" Alexa asks then, taking her sea and carefully smoothing her skirt as she slides into it.

"I could probably pester you for he net year ust about the things you've seen and places that you've been," Alexa muses after they've managed to get their drinks together and find their way to their seats. "But instead I'll ask simple questions. Such as... do you dance, Ysabelle?"

Athenaeum has posed:
"Dance?" Ysabelle actually goes so far as to have a look of mild surprise at the question. Still she sits with the new pot of requested tea, having had a warm smile at Alexa's reaction to the 'tea chest'.

"I've been known to dance, on occassion." The cream white woman states quietly, pouring for them both as they talk. "Though I suppose it depends on what style you mean, ballroom for instance, I can do. The new clubs with their loud bass and odd lyrics..." She shakes her head. "I wouldn't even know where to start, and that's if you could even get me through the door. I don't exactly conform to their 'dress code'." She laughs at that, eyes sparkling. "And I haven't worn the veils in... Oh I don't even want to /think/ about how many years."

Soft pink stains the otherwise bright white cheeks of the woman, a very brief stain of embarrassment in her aura, there and gone just as quickly as she pushes the question back; "And yourself? Do you dance?"

Alexa (285) has posed:
"You look taken aback? I suppose that was a far more personal question once upon a time," Alexa notes, a smile flickering across her red lips when she notes how Ysabelle reacts to her words. She sips at the cup of tea in front of her, her gaze still trained onto Ysabelle's face, glittering in the woman's favoured colour.

"I should apologize then," Alejandra continues, a slow breth taken and then carefully exhaled. "Ballroom- yes, precisely. I wouldnt' really fit in at one of those clubs either," Alexa agrees immediately, nodding her head firmly. "A ballroom, on the other hand... Mmm." The Spaniard takes a moment to sip her drink while she seems to be mulling her thoughts over.

"I've never worn the veils so that you would certianly have to teach me. But yes, I dance. Quite extensively, in fact. I've gone clubbing on occasion despite what I said- but I am much more comfortable with a Viennese waltz... Or perhaps a tango." The half shrug that Alexa gives so insouciantly is almost an entreaty, her expression one of quiet amusement as she slowly lowers her gaze.

"I find you can learn a lot from someone by how or if they dance. Or sing... Or drink tea."

Athenaeum has posed:
Ysabelle shakes her head a little when Alexa first mentions about taking her aback. "It was just such a drastic change in topic..." She explains, after Alexa's appology, whilst the green clad woman takes her breath.

And then Alexa's talking about being taught to wear the veils and Ysabelle inhales her tea rather than drinking it, coughing as she quickly places the cup on it's saucer to cover her mouth. She waits both for Alexa to finish, and for the coughing to subside before she responds, her voice somewhat croaky from the ordeal.

"Y-yes you can." She agrees, picking up a napkin to carefully dab at the sides of her mouth. That stain of embarrassment is back, albeit briefly as she explains; "The dance of a hundred veils is a /very/ old dance, but it's one I picked up whilst travelling the Arabian wastes. It's uh... For entertainment, for the onlookers, each veil is discarded at an exact point... It's not something for modern polite company I think." The explanation seems to bring her back to herself, if her cheeks are still pleasantly stained pink, the rest of her demeanor is it's normal calm mask, waiting on Alexa's response to this news....

Alexa (285) has posed:
Alexa just starts to laugh. She laughs and laughs for a long moment then, leaning her head back and just shaking it firmly, a motion which is accompanied by the swirl of long brunette tresses. She is flushed faintly as well, bu the tanned Spanish woman seems to find more amusement in Ysabelle's reaction than she does reason to be embarrassed.

"I realize. I'm sirry, I shouldn't tease." Despite that offer of an olive branch the smile Alejandra is wearing is more cheerfully amused and impertinent than actually contrite. She takes a deep breath and then quickly shakes her head, tilting it slightly leftward as she does so. A deep breath is taken and then carefully exhaled.

"In any case, it is probably a good thing that I am not particularly modern or polite, as it happens," the young woman finishes somewhat loftily. She takes another sip of her coffee afterward, perhaps to forestall complaint. "It is a drastic change in topic. Favourite colours, where you've been, if you dance, what you like to drink... There is a common thread here. It just isn't the one you are expecting me to follow," the younger sorceress assures quietly.

Athenaeum has posed:
"Oh, I'm aware I'm a curiousity in and of itself." Ysabelle offers, her voice smoothing as she continues to talk, another tentative sip of tea before she smiles warmly. "It's difficult to tell what is and isn't couth these days, there are people having quite frank conversations about the topic, but then there's just as many people frowning on it." She pauses, has to laugh too; "It's a far cry from when I was a girl I can tell you!" She continues to laugh with Alexa, apparently not perturbed in the least by the woman's more relaxed nature.

"Clubbing? Is that the term for going out to tav... no, /bars/ these days? A far cry from the clubbers of only a hundred or so years ago. But probably a lot less violence too, and that can only be a good thing." She laughs softly again; "Maybe I /should/ visit at least one, just to see what it's like. I can always leave again if it's too much."

Alexa (285) has posed:
"It is liable to be- too much. IF you are comfortable with close contact, movement, and loud noises it can be a lot of fun. Part of the poitn seems to be sensory overload, I think, which makes it something of a unique experience. There are also music clubs and so forth, the smae root word as the hunting clubs many decades past." Alexa shrugs slowly at this statement and then moves to take another gulp of her tea.

"Mmm!" A second to allow steam to curl from her lips and then Alexa swallows, nodding quickly. "I can accompany you to oen of them, at least. See if you find you like it more than you expect?" That smile brightens and then the Spanish girl has set aside her more or less empty cup, studying Ysabelle's features intently. "With me you can assume nothing is uncouth as long as you ask earnestly and make no assumptions of my character. I won't be offended, I promise."

Alejandra's green eyes seek out Ysabelle's now and her expression softens while she is considering her opposite for a moment. "There are bars as well, still. Taverns. Clubbing specifically refers to the activities that people get into at dance clubs and he like. socializing, dancing close, listening to loud music... And drinking too, but it's- an inherently social affair. Are you free this evening? IF you'd like to see."

Athenaeum has posed:
"This evening?" Ysabelle's dark brows raise ever so slightly. "I'm not sure that I have anything suitable to wear. But I have no plans." Shopping for a dress was rather disasterous the last time she attempted it, but that wouldn't put her off trying again.

"I think I've seen some women wearing long skirts to such places, so it shouldn't be too hard to find something I can at least 'get away with'." A pause, a little grin showing fine white teeth. "I hope I used that right. It's getting easier, and I've even signed up for a course at Miss Frost's academy. Soon I shall know how to use these mobile telephones and laptop personal computers just like everyone else." Her aura spikes with excitement at this, the thrill of the unknown.

Alexa (285) has posed:
"Oh, my dear, if you've nothing suitable then I will assist you. All I ask in exchange is thaty ou give it an honest try beforey o umake your decisions. You might be a bit shocked when we irst begin." Still offering quiet amusement more through her eyes than anything else Alexa picks her cup back up and finally finishes her tea entirely.

"Let's take a look at your closet," Alejandra offers briskly. "And we can always go shopping if we prefer. The lovely thing about clubs being all over the world is that it is always night somewhere, and we both have a few languages to choose from..." Another laugh follows and then Alexa comes to her feet. "If you would attend me, Ysabelle? And I will gladly show you how to use such things. TO be honest, if you visit the Frost Academy it might be my job to do so in any case. I've actually taught there upon occasion."

Athenaeum has posed:
Such a whirlwind! From tea and biscuits to wanting to see her wardrobe in a matter of moments! Though what rises through Ysabelle's aura is a blossoming rose colour, a sense of near maternal warmth. The older woman stands with a soft laugh, taking a moment to smoothe skirts and check that the teapot and cups won't fall off the table before her eyes return to Alexa, smile deepening.

"Well now, already trying to get into my bedroom hmm? How about a compromise, I shall change, and then show you. You can give me pointers if I get it wrong. Do these clubs prize any colour above the rest?" She is of however, already moving.

The kitchen gives way back into a tiled floor hallway. Dark marble clad steps lead upstairs to another hallway, several rooms leading off. There's also an ottoman, where Ysabelle herself stops. "Here we are Alejandra, if you'd just rest here a moment?"

Alexa (285) has posed:
"Oh, no. Not at all. And colours are less important than the person wearing them. A lot of people wewar brighter colours to be noticed... But anything should be fine, I think." To someone like Alexa, who grew up in the last thirty years, seeing a wardrobe is not a particularly big deal as might be to Ysabelle. Still, she undeestands immediately when asked ot wait outside and nods, cheerfully stepping into place beside the bedroom door and waiting patiently while the woman is away.

Having been seated upon the ottoman Alejandra folds her hands politely in her lap and waits, skirts carefully placed. Her gaze remains trained firmly on the door to the bedroom while sqhe does so. The young woman starts to hum to herself, something at which she is actually quite skilled- her voice is sweet and pure, taking full advantage of the woman's perfect pitch.

Athenaeum has posed:
Once inside her bedroom, Ysabelle moves quickly. Her current dress is unbottoned and laid out carefully on the bed. Her shift beneath is more silk, white this time with lace of course.

Moving to open a wide double wardrobe, she frowns at the dresses, neatly hung up and waiting for their next wear. All of them have similiar themes, high neck, long sleeved. Or if not that, summer dresses she's sure are not suitable. Finally she pulls out a hanger that still has a dry cleaning bag and tag on it. "I suppose there are no coincidences..." She sighs gently.

What follows is at least ten minutes of putting on, taking off, re-donning and adjusting. Makeup colour is changed with a few words and a little concentration, after all, re-doing it would take a lot longer! Finally though, she looks in a full length, ornate mirror and nods to herself.

Finally, the magus steps out to be viewed. Her lips down a deep red, eyeshadow a simple dusky grey. And her dress... Well it's certainly not /her/ dress, even if it does fit well. A sweetheart neckline shows some snow white clevage, if only a tad. The skirt is full length, but tight, the dress made of some softly shining fabric that stretches over the wearer, but reveals the curves beneath even if nothing is really /shown/. The soft flush in her cheeks gives tell to her thoughts on the garment, even if the mixed determination and embarrassment in her aura didn't give it away. On her face though, only calm. "How do I look?"