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Post by Beriadan on Aug 16, 2024 20:38:55 GMT
There weren't many places in the world where a fully garbed wizard in a flowing cape wouldn't arouse attention, but New York was certainly one of them. Leylines not withstanding, Strange often mused this must have been why the Ancient Ones of old had first chosen it as a place to call home. People were too busy with their everyday lives to stop and take note of others, even someone as distinctly dressed as the Sorcerer Supreme, so he went about his morning routine relatively normally.
Of course, he was getting recognised. The battle against Enchantress had been a global event, and even his actions saving citizens from Jamie's New York had been posted on Yewtube, garnering a few million views. People enjoyed a good Superhero story, and while he preferred the term sorcerer, Strange didn't mind people stopping and waving as he passed.
It also helped when he could enter his local barrister, where they served the only coffee he found palatable in New York, and have the staff recognise him, ready with his favoured double expresso with a dash of cream and one single sugar. It made him feel good about himself, in a way that selfessly saving the multiverse didn't quite. Not that he wanted to only protect Earth for the praise, but it was nice to get a smile and a fresh cup of good, dark coffee.
Strange took a seat, facing outwards, and had a moment to himself. No cat, no monkey king's son, no threat against the universe or weird alternate dimensions, otherworldly beings or... nothing. Just him, a good coffee and his view of the streets of New York.
He often wondered what his life would be like if he had stayed on the road that night. If he had accepted his fate, rather than hunting down the Ancient One to fix his hands. He took a sip of coffee, watching the shaking digits as they rose to his mouth. Was it worth thinking about? No. Did he do it anyway? Well, the mind was Strange like that.
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Post by Countess on Aug 16, 2024 21:02:35 GMT
Diana has a very different street presence than Strange. While they are recognized in the same way, as well as by the same amount of people, Diana is so much more... approachable. More than that, she relishes and welcomes it. Even now in the most casual of clothes, ones she chose for a quick workout, and there are people stopping her on the street. It doesn't bother her- if she wanted to bypass it, she could fly. Instead, she craves this, making sure to slate out time with as many of the mortals as she can. It matters- to her and them. She is of the earth- just like them, according to some myths. It is why she left her home, and why she fights relentlessly for this one.
It is in a moment of respite that Diana spots him- Doctor Stephen Strange, in full regalia, enjoying a coffee. She smiles, earnestly, she had just spoken about him to a young man in London. Her opinion of him remains the same as it ever was, though she did not tell the Monkey Prince that she also found him arrogant, sarcastic, and dismissive. All a part of his charm, she supposes. Diana has seen him at his gentlest, however, and something about knowing that side of him exists... How could she do anything but love him? Not in spite of his flaws, but in celebration of them.
Diana pauses, considering approaching him. They weren't on bad terms, to the contrary... in the fallout of Fate's unilateral decision, Strange had made his feelings very clear. Two egos at play, Diana could see, and she wisely made sure to be on good terms with both men, despite her own personal misgivings. At the end of the day, their work was not about personal glory, perceived responsibilities, or pride... it was about the people. All the people they protect. The two would see that, in time, so she remains a bridge between them.
If he notices her, she waves. He looks at peace- if she shouldn't intrude, she won't...
Though...
She does love that little line he gets between his brows when he is annoyed.
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Post by Beriadan on Aug 16, 2024 21:16:46 GMT
How could one not recognise Wonder Woman? Strange's absent gaze came into focus as Diana walked into view outside the shop. He felt an odd mixture of emotions rush through his chest. She was partially wrapped up with his view of the Justice League, of Fate and Superman, but... she was also someone more than their respective factions.
He rose, downing his expresso and waving a grateful farewell to Janine, his favourite waitress, before he stepped out onto the street. Before him, Diana, and Strange couldn't help but feel some twang of regret and guilt about their situation. She and he hadn't spoken much since Enchantress, and he had a view of Justice League that had been tainted by Fate. Yet seeing her in the flesh... he was smiling in the suave way that he did, stepping towards her and pausing with a small space between them.
"Diana, I didn't realise you were in my neck of the woods. It's been... too long. Are you here on business, or do you have time to catch up with an old fool like me?"
Strange felt warmth at the base of his soul. He forgot how strongly he felt for his old friend and ally, a fierce comradery built on the adventures they had been on, before their respective factions split and went seperate ways. Yet even here, he didn't tar her with the same brush he held for Superman or Doctor Fate.
"I was just on a coffee run, myself, so Wong is managing the Sanctum for, oh, an hour or so. Only if you're not too busy, of course. How have you been?"
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Post by Countess on Aug 16, 2024 21:48:58 GMT
"You are not old, and you are no fool, Stephen," Diana says, easily and kindly. "I will always have time for a friend, however," she says, smiling at him. Its like the stars themselves have shifted just to look at Strange in this moment. Being around Diana is always a whiplash- she is so larger than life, yet profoundly humble. In a way, she is very similar to Clark- but with a very notable difference of her Divine nature.
Without much warning, Diana envelops Strange in a hug, her arms tight, but not painfully so. "I missed you. Dearly," she tells him, unabashed by the emotions she is feeling, nor in sharing them. She lets him go, at just the right moment. Maybe it is a super power- knowing just how to time a hug.
"I was here, hoping to run into you," Diana says. Honest, as always. He can see her rope at her hip, a testament to her dedication to the Truth. If she is to demand it of others, she must also demand it of herself.
"I am good. My work with the Justice League and the United Nations keep me busy. My daughter, Lizze, is doing well, and I am certain she sends you all of her regards," she says, laughing. It was no secret that the young girl had found Stephen Strange to be anything but strange, and for a while, she had considered him the coolest person alive.
"What of you? How is Wong? I miss our carousing. He knows the best places," she says, sighing wistfully. "And Cloaky!" she continues, patting his shoulder kindly, though more for his cloak's benefit. "As handsome as ever," she starts, then adds with a wink to Strange, "Elevating all of those around you."
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Post by Beriadan on Aug 16, 2024 22:06:09 GMT
Strange was very much taken aback by the hug. He hadn't expected it, not after three years of resentment that he had held against the Justice League, and had assumed they felt the same. Diana? Diana was a ray of starlight, however, in a sky of darkness. He smiled, and after a few seconds returned the gesture, two arms around her muscular shoulders. It felt like a lifetime melting away between them, and he withdrew as she did.
"Is that so? Well, how lucky I am here to be ran into."
Strange grinned in that mischievous way he did, but at the mention of Justice League... Diana wouldn't need the Lasso of Truth to see the flash of anger that lashed across Stephen's face. Pain, hurt, it was all there, but it melted away as he seemed to will it from existence.
"Well, please don't hesitate to tell her I send my best regards. Is it big headed to offer an autograph? Ah, I don't care if it is, here..."
He scribbled something on the back of a blank piece of paper that he seemed to draw from midair, though as he did so, the paper seemed to shimmer in rainbow colours, and even some that defied logic, unknown pallets from a different realm.
"I hope she appreciates it. Both as a fan, and a daughter of... a close friend."
He smiled at Diana, though he felt hesitant still. It had been a long time, and there was a rift between the groups they represented... but he felt, even now, that their bond went beyond that.
"Wong is... Wong. Doing well, with the growing members of Darkwatch that make their way to my door. Some of them even seem to know where they are going..."
Strange gave Diana a knowing look, but he was smirking at the same time. Whatever had been set in motion towards his cabal, he had an inkling she was somehow involved.
The cape gave a ripple of affection as Diana patted it, and Strange couldn't help but roll his eyes.
"This battered old thing has been stitched up more times than you can count. It's reckless, foolhardy and doesn't know when to back down. The amount of times it's leapt into danger, just to try and save my skin-"
The cloak suddenly shot backwards, pulling Stephen with it, and he relented.
"Okay, okay! It's a loyal, honourable piece of outerwear that, without it's aid, I would be dead ten times over. Happy?"
It settled happily, and Stephen gave Diana a haphazard grin, and a shrug.
"So you're here for me? Or just hoping you'd run into me? Either way, do you fancy a coffee? Or something stronger, perhaps? It's 6pm in some multiverse, after all..."
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Post by Countess on Aug 16, 2024 22:25:41 GMT
Diana could feel her own relief as Strange returned the hug. It is a good start. A step in the right direction. "Indeed, though you aren't exactly hard to find," she says, laughing, though it fades as she sees his own turmoil. Her face is gentle as she regards him.
"I will not hide behind false words or truths better left unsaid, Stephen. I am sorry for what happened, I am regretful of how we split, and I am thankful you are doing well. I could not leave, and I think you understand that. You had the luxury of it- one I am glad you had- but I did not. They needed me, like they needed a lighthouse in a storm. What happened cannot be changed, but the mistakes made can be learned from," she says, cutting to the meat of the matter as she always did.
"Please. I hope, dearly, that you understand not only my position, but my responsibility to the people who stayed behind. Though a cloth is cut, it can be mended. The seam will always show, and I bear it with humility," Diana says, giving him every ounce of respect that she can. She does not think he was wrong for leaving- to the contrary, she preferred it. Fate...
Fate...
"I look forward to the future, as even Destiny's book is not yet written," Diana says, diplomatic as ever. She lets that fade, lets him say his piece, but at least.. she finally got to say hers.
Diana meets his gaze with a mischief of her own. He knows that look, and it feels like a giddy secret between the two. "Lizze will be overjoyed- you're allowed some pride, friend," Diana says, taking the autograph with a fond smile, looking at it with awe as she did every creation of Strange's. Funny- it is almost like for her... their friendship was merely on hold, no steps missed. "Though, you and I both know you far surpass that allotment."
Diana listens to his list of answers, sharing with him that knowing look. She would never say it- but he seems to know the truth regardless. Of course she sent people his way. There is no competition for her, not in others. The only person she needs to be better than is herself the day before.
Diana laughs at the antics the sorcerer and his cape indulge her in, finding herself as charmed as she always is with him. "Careful, they might find a new Sorcerer Supreme to protect and love," she says, teasing. "How about something stronger? Meetings like these, they are... auspicious. I also have a delicate matter to discuss with you, and I would love to have you drunk and amenable to my proposition."
Her eyes crinkle with mirth.
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Post by Beriadan on Aug 17, 2024 21:14:22 GMT
Diana always had a way with words. Strange felt warmed by them, felt them fill an empty hole that had been inside him for so long. Since Enchantress, he had been festering in his own paranoia, stewing in resentment and anger. Yet it had never been for her, though her affiliation with the Justice League had given him conflicting thoughts about it. No, when he really picked apart the weights on his mind, it was Fate, Superman and others who had decided that Strange and Darkwatch were removed from the final decision of the crisis. Diana had stood somewhere in the middle, pulled by both sides, but Strange had felt pain when he retreated to the Sanctum, leaving her and others behind. Still, that she could speak so freely to him after three years, without any hint of anger towards him, made his heart just that bit lighter. "We both have our responsibilities to bear, and our lives were never truly our own. Still, I did feel an immense sadness, to leave you behind in the wake of that terrible time. What happened cannot be undone. Believe me, I know."Strange gave her a half-smile, and he felt that thread of friendship that he had assumed was torn, but had merely been unwoven for a time. Now it was reweaving, even as they spoke. Nothing lost, nothing gained, just two people who were seperated by fate, or Fate. He nudged his head, and began to walk. As he did so, Strange's strange garb twisted and changed, becoming a smart jacket, shirt and jeans. Of course, the cape remained. What was the Sorcerer Supreme without his cape? "I hold no resentment for you, and that is the truth. Others... well, we don't need to dwell on that now. As you say, what happened, happened. We have to move forward."Strong words, for a man who had been mulling over the event for three long years, but recently his dark musings had become less and less. Light was beginning to shine through the walls he had put up around himself. He still had fears about the Justice League, and Fate especially, but they were less and less as new life sprung up around him. Strange glanced across at Diana as he traversed with direction and purpose through the busy streets of New York. People gave Wonderwoman and Doctor Strange space to move unheeded. Not many would stand in their way without purpose.
"You know I can't resist such matters, Diana. Something must be afoot if you've come looking for me. An adventure, like the old days, perhaps? Or a frightful foe, for which you need a powerful, dare I say handsome wizard to help?"Strange smirked, a flash of that old charm across his face. "You can ask of me anything, over a drink. Ah... my usual place is down here."Strange had stopped on what seemed like an ordinary sidewalk, where steps led down the side of an ordinary block of apartments, into what seemed like a basement. He began to take the steps down, motioning for Diana to follow. "You'll love it in here. Quiet and discreet, but they have a wine bar that is out of this world. It's not a place many would know to find. Ah... here we go."
A simple door lay at the base of the steps. Strange knocked, a rhythmic rapping which was answered by a click, and the portal swinging back. Inside was a small establishment, no more than a dozen seats, most of them empty. The bartender nodded at Strange, glanced at Diana, and pulled out two glasses and a bottle. The wizard was apparently known well enough here to have a usual, without words or signals for him to have to ask. He pulled a seat back for Diana, ever the gentleman. "I saved the owner's family from Nightmare, before I became Sorcerer Supreme. He said he owes me an unpayable debt, which I tried to refuse, but... honestly, Diana, you have to try the Merlot. It's the best wine I've ever tried, and I've tasted wine across so many dimensions that I lost count."On queue, a waiter brought them across a bottle, a glass each, and poured a little into each as Strange sat, smiling across at his old friend, fingers laced together as he did so. "So. Please, indulge me on delicate matters. Don't worry about being candid here, either. They work off extreme discretion in here, and they're used to me talking to friends and allies about all sorts of topics." |
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Post by Countess on Aug 18, 2024 0:36:56 GMT
"As did I, dear friend," Diana empathizes, her hand on his shoulder once more. She had always been a touchy person, conveying more of her deep emotions with a touch than others could with words. This one signifies their connection, and more importantly, the mending and reaffirmation of it. Her eyes, he can see it clearly, are filled with pride in him. A grand thing, to have Diana so proud. In her heart, she feels he has come a long way, and this only affirms her words said less than a week ago: he is a good man.
Diana moves in step with him, eyes opening just a touch in wonder as his clothes change. The things she would do to have a bit of magic like that, but Hecate and Freyja gave her no such gifts. She still thanks them, and every other Goddess, for what they gave her. "Mind giving me a makeover...?" Diana asks, looking down at her workout garb. "I will always pale in comparison of you, but let's at least even the playing field, no?" she says, clearly teasing.
As they walk, Diana gifts Strange with a laugh, closer to a chuckle more than anything. "If that were the case, I would certainly have come to the only powerful, handsome wizard I know," she starts, letting a beat pass before saying the punchline, "Constantine." She laughs louder now, pleased with herself and her wit. Her hand goes to very, very lightly slap his shoulder, humor shared between friends. Another blessing of Diana- things are rarely awkward with her.
"No, nothing so dire, though I would never say no to an adventure with you," Diana says. "Though, I worry this request may test our bond. I want to say... I do not ask this as Wonder Woman, I ask it as Diana of Themyscira," she says, now perhaps making him wary. She hopes not.
Diana follows him through the apartment block, down into the basement. "Should I be afraid, Stephen?" she asks, but there is no worry in her tone or face, but rather humor. Truly, after everything, she trusts him with her whole heart.
Diana beams upon entering, deeply pleased at this welcome surprise. "I admit, I think I missed you for this the most," she says, breathing out deeply, then looing to him. "Your capacity surprise, delight, and ease," she finishes. Taking her seat as it is pulled out for her, she is the picture of a lady, albeit a rather tall and muscular one.
"Then, to get to the point, I wish to train Sun Nao in the ways of the Warrior," Diana says, sampling her glass. Strange wasn't kidding when he said it would be lovely. For a moment, to let her request sink in, she savors the wine. "He and I met by pure chance in London. I felt a deep kinship with him, and he opened up to me. While I offered to help him speak with his mother, I did not offer to help train him, as he mentioned he was your pupil in those regards. In no way do I want you to think that I, and by extension the Justice League, were overstepping any boundary you may have. This is something I offer as a Warrior myself, and the concern I have for him and the demons that are targeting him."
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Post by Beriadan on Aug 18, 2024 10:28:01 GMT
Strange took the challenge in his stride, and Diana walked through into the dark wine cellar wearing something familiar, perhaps, to her and anyone else that had seen her on the news recently. Strange certainly had. An interview, not a few months ago, where he had seen her as an ambassador for the Amazonians, discussing something political that flew right over his head. Yet her appearance had certainly made an impact. Diana had looked strong, yet comfortable, imposing in her outfit but approachable. It was this that she wore now as she sat down at the table.
The conversation was certainly one that piqued Strange's interest. He gently sipped his wine after a few minutes of it being allowed to breath, mulling over the topic with careful thought.
"Sun Nao... he is a boy of interest, that's for sure. For him to cross both of our paths means there's probably more at work here than I thought."
Strange paused, tucking his hands under his chin, pensivelly staring at a point over Diana's head. Truly, it had been a source of worry for him, and perhaps why he was pushing him so hard in the magical arts.
"I have been thinking a lot about his father, as well. Monkey Kings have been known to be brutal, violent and fearsome. If Sun Nao is being targeted by him, and on top of that other beings that mean him harm..."
Strange lowered his gaze to Diana. He was smiling slightly, but he couldn't hide the look of trepidation in his gaze. Then he shook his head, releasing an exasperated sigh. His dark eyes glinted with a playfulness then, as if he had shaken off the dark thoughts that had festered and swollen within his mind.
"How can I say no to you, Princess? To be honest, it would do the boy good. He's talented at magic, and it makes him cocky. I can't throw anything at him that he can't find a work around. Getting the snot kicked out of him by the one and only Wonderwoman might beat some humility into him."
Strange grinned at the thought. Sun Nao would find her lessons far harder than his. He took another swig of wine, the flavours dancing around his mouth, before he frowned as he recalled her earlier jest. He made a face, comically contorted.
"Constantine, really? Rugged, sure, but he's always seemed a bit too rough for me."
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Post by Countess on Aug 18, 2024 15:45:04 GMT
"Well well well, if I didn't know any better, I would say you liked me, Stephen," Diana says, looking down at the outfit he had pulled out of the ether for her. She had worn it a few months back during an interview with Clive Myrie on BBC News regarding the continued isolationist stance of the Amazons, day to day living on Themyscira, and the growing number of immigrants to and from the island. It was done in hopes to shed more light on the mysterious place, and why they continued to bar men from entering. "I didn't know you kept up with my work. I'll have to give you a shout out the next time I have a chance," she says, chuckling a little.
As conversation shift, Diana watches Strange closely, reading him as well as she always had. She was right to speak with him first- even with their reunion going very well, still his knee jerk is wariness. She allows him time to think, to air out his reasoning, and to come to his own conclusions. Diana isn't here to be pushy, after all, but make a request of someone who she knew may not like said request. She will ultimately respect his decision, wholly. There is no reason, yet, not to.
"You can say no, Stephen," Diana offers him, gently at that. "I won't beat him into humility, however. There is no honor in that- but, in helping guide him? Much like you have done, what I can tell. He looks up to you, greatly. I would be lucky to earn half that respect," she says, making sure he knows she regards him as the authority in this. "If you allow it, it would please me greatly. Teaching others has always grounded me," the demigoddess says, looking into her glass with somewhat misty eyes. It isn't sadness- but perhaps something between loss and pride. Her daughter is old enough now to be on her own.
Diana laughs at the change of subject. She had been quietly wondering if Strange would comment on her bit of fun. "What can I say, Stephen? When you've been around as long as I have, you grow to love all types. Glad to know I don't have you as competition for our rough friend's heart," she says, still laughing, settling only to sip at her wine. "Call me a romantic," she says, and truer words had never been spoken. She is from a place where women could love freely, without shame, and it shows.
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Post by Beriadan on Aug 18, 2024 16:42:04 GMT
Strange was quiet again for a minute. The flattery wasn't meant to sway him, of course, but it certainly made him feel better. Knowing how Sun Nao viewed him made him swell with pride. How far had that kid come, since he walked through the door mistakingly looking for the ice cream museum? He smiled, fond of the memory.
"Yes, well... it's not like I can deprive him of the opportunity to be trained by you, can I? That would be putting my ego before his future, and I wouldn't want to be remembered like that."
He shrugged, watching her with eyes of certainty. It wasn't exactly like he was being poached for the betterment of a rival gang, or stolen away to gather the secrets of Darkwatch. Here was a friend, worried about the safety of a boy, just wanting to do the right thing. Strange spread his hands in front of him, palms up, lips twisted into a smile of certainly.
"Of course you can. Sun Nao is a free spirit, but needs all the training he can get. He is a boy trapped between worlds, unfortunately stitched into a weave of destiny that will come for him, sooner than later. With my magic and your martial prowess, I don't see how even someone like the Monkey King can beat him."
Stephen finished his glass, and refilled them both from the bottle. Diana had been around far longer than he. He wondered how she viewed him, as well as others. Were they blips in a longer timeline? Or did she carry with her the weight of thousands of lives that she had loved and lost?
"It has been too long since we last spoke, and all I seem to hear about you on the news is your incredible exploits and work, but... tell me, Diana, how are you?"
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Post by Countess on Aug 18, 2024 17:06:19 GMT
"Thank you, Stephen. I mean that. Perhaps I could meet with him in the Sanctum? Not permanently, but the first meeting. It would send a message of not only our cooperation, but your overall authority in the matter. If I am pushing him too hard, and I have done something to foster his distrust in me, he needs to understand he can go to you," Diana says, giving Strange a look into how she thinks, how she only wants to have the young man feel safe in all regards. More than that- even if Strange made a joke about it, she is all to willing to appease his ego. She knows how to work with him, so they both walk away happy.
Diana holds out her glass to him, thinking. Perhaps she is regarding him as how he used to be, and not how he is. Not too long ago, he might have put his ego before the child. She needs to be more open minded, more willing to accept changes in her friend, so that she can better celebrate them.
"I am tired, Stephen," Diana says, honest. "Do not misunderstand, I am very happy and fulfilled in the work that I do. There always seems to be a never ending geyser of it all and... I miss having someone to share my life with. There are so many I call friend, and I am well and truly blessed by all of them. Never mistake that- I simply..." Diana says, and there is a wistfulness about her as she sighs, taking a bit more than a demure sip of her wine. "I love everyone, dearly, I miss being in love. The thrill, the partnership, the... everything. When Lizzie's father passed..." she says, trailing off. It was years ago, Lizzie had just been a child.
"What of you? How have you been? Sorcerer Supreme is no walk in the park, either," Diana asks, changing the subject. She wasn't here to list her loves and mourn them. She knows and misses all of them, every last one written into the book of her name. "Any lucky people call you home?" she asks, raising a single eyebrow in conspiratorial glee.
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Post by Beriadan on Aug 18, 2024 17:44:48 GMT
Strange tapped a finger idly on the table, then he nodded.
"Yes, that would be for the best. If it worked for you, I could even show you a place where you could train, unhindered and undisturbed. A location that you and the boy could go all out and not have to worry."
He wondered about how the message would seem to others. Fate, and members of Darkwatch... perhaps pondering was not the best thing to do, but to throw himself feet-first into the situation and see the outcome. Sometimes it was just best to make consequences, not to try and guess what they might be.
"Okay. I consent. I want Sun Nao to be the strongest he can be, and you are the best person to hone these abilities that I simply cannot. I trust you, Diana, and the kid should too."
Strange listened to her words, which echoed his own sentiments mostly to a tee. There had been some, of course, who had nearly entered the world of Stephen Strange as a romantic partner more than friend, but in truth there was nobody he had met who could fully understand everything he went through. The weight of the multiverse, of Earth, the perils of his daily life and the weird, wild world that he stepped through without cease. So he was certainly sympathetic with Diana.
"Yeah... when was the last time I slept? Or had a holiday? I have gained many close allies over the years, and Darkwatch has become full of practitioners who share my want to keep this world safe... but I cannot stop. Not for anyone."
He drank of his merlot, allowing a silence to hang briefly over them both.
"I seem to have those I care for, and protect, but I have yet to find anyone who I could settle with, in that sense. You know how it goes... it's hard for anyone to truly understand the kind of life we lead. But... you know, I can't complain. I have a purpose, a selfless drive to follow. I'm not spending my days just thinking about myself anymore. It's about everyone else. And I guess that is what keeps me going."
Strange's eyes revealed a part of what he didn't say. There was a loneliness there, a sense of being one step away from most of the rest of reality. Yet... a happiness, that he was here sharing a drink with one of the few who did. He smiled, and then grinned with a full set of pearly whites.
"And, you said it, I can allow a bit of pride now and then. Who else can say they've saved the world from multi-dimensional calamities as much as I have?"
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Post by Countess on Aug 18, 2024 18:15:05 GMT
As if she read his mind, Diana opens up hers to him. "I would appreciate that. I tire greatly of the almost antagonistic relationship that has blossomed between our respective groups, cultivated by our own actions and rightfully deserved. We are not rivals, we should be peers. I cannot understate how I chafe at how things are... But I also understand and respect individual's feelings. In letting things settle... there is a hope I have that this can help others come to this same conclusion. I do not think that we could one day be one again- I think we are better divided- but it would be good to be able to work together if the situation demanded it of us. Eventually, our enemies will take advantage of this animosity. I look forward to rising to the occasion, and proving them wrong," she says, throwing caution to the wind, as well.
What is life without a little risk for love?
Diana laughs at his assessment of it all, but it rings hollow and sarcastic. "You ever got a holiday?" she asks, jesting in her way. "Can that be our adventure? Self-care, letting the other adults babysit for a while?" she asks, laughing now more honestly. "Surely there has to be a Rest and Relaxation dimension somewhere. It doesn't have to be Risa, but somewhere, where we can both relax... and not be worried about wasting time," Diana says, finishing out her laughter with a sigh. "Know any Time Wizards? Time Dilation?" she suggests, though it isn't too serious of one. Just a wish and a dream.
"It is... hard to give yourself fully like that to another person," Diana says carefully. "When there is so much demanded, as well as freely given, by us, there is... so little time left for... us," Diana murmurs, finishing off her glass and holding it out expectantly to the Sorcerer. "You know, I had pursued a relationship a few years back, something more serious than mere stress relief... Our lives got in the way. She and I were too busy, and that... I think that hurt more than being rejected for compatibility issues. We just didn't have... time for it. Even if we wanted it," she murmurs, voice low as she calls to mind that conversation with Susan. It had made sense at the time... That lonely weight settling on them both.
"Losing oneself into work to stave off the cold bed?" Diana says, laughing at them both. "Certainly not the first time anyone has done it... The hero community is also... so insular for the reason you outlined alone. No one understands it, aside from us. But... if there is anything I understand, it is the martyr we can all make ourselves out to be. We deserve love, too."
Diana lets that linger for a moment. "Well, Constantine, for starters..." she teases, eyes twinkling.
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Post by Beriadan on Aug 18, 2024 18:33:14 GMT
Diana's eagerness and perseverance was inspiring, but Strange was still too wary of those still within the Justice League to break. What if Fate decided that Darkwatch was too dangerous to continue? What if their paths crossed on the wrong sides? He couldn't help but worry about all this, after the Enchantress crisis.
"I would like to see the rift repaired... when the time is right. I think it needs more time."
Strange spoke candidly, giving a little shrug as he did so. As she reached out her glass, he filled it, and finished the rest into his own, then motioned to the barkeep with a single finger.
"I know the world is worse off for our two factions being so... at odds. But some wounds heal longer and harder than others. Far longer when you talk in terms of magicians and wizards."
He smirked at the idea of a holiday dimension. Of course, such a place did exist. Sandy beaches, endless oceans and running waterfalls of pina colada, but truly he couldn't relax in himself. There was always something to do.
"Well, there are a few, but I never feel settled. Like as soon as I walk out of the proverbial front door, the world will collapse behind me. I haven't been able to settle since I took up this mantle, and perhaps not even before then. I would love to relax. I just haven't found a moment to do so."
Strange felt a pang of sadness for Diana as she spoke of lost love. How long had it been, since he had even tried? A few witches and mages here and there, an extra-dimensional being or demon on occasion... but nothing that could weather the storm.
"I'm... sorry to hear that. I know how that feels. No time for anything... even ourselves. I do often wonder of such things. Perhaps those who become Sorcerer Supreme are destined to remain alone until Death takes them. Not to be morbid, or anything, but... if I could find someone who could keep up with my lifestyle, then I would."
"And let me tell you about what I know of Constantine - that man does not need any more love."
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