19051/Royal-Tea

Royal-Tea
Date of Scene:	17 September 2024
Location:	Gardens - Kanagawa Teahouse
Synopsis:	Meeting with Di, Meggan and Lorna to discuss Nilaa, things take a turn, but there is still hope that an alliance will be forged to force back Opal and retake Nilaa.
Cast of Characters:	Amy Winston, Meggan Puceanu, Lorna Dane, Diana Prince

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Amy Winston has posed:
Amy stands by the entrance of the teahouse garden, her posture poised but relaxed, with a warm smile lighting up her face as Diana, Lorna, and Meggan arrive. Her eyes gleam with excitement as she gestured to the path leading to the secluded table she had arranged amidst the carefully tended flowers and greenery. Her dress ?exudes ethereal grace, her long, flowing blonde hair framing radiant amethyst eyes that gleam with warmth and intelligence. Her fair skin enhances her otherworldly beauty, while a soft lavender dress with delicate lace and a flowing chiffon skirt gives her a dreamy, regal presence. A subtle mist-silk shimmer adorns her ensemble, catching the light with each movement, adding a touch of magic to her look. She completes the outfit with gold strappy heels and a wide-brimmed lavender hat adorned with a dramatic bow and swirling feathers.

"Welcome, my dear friends," she said, her voice carrying the soft cadence of royal grace. "I trust the journey was pleasant?" Her hands rested gently at her sides as she led them to the table. "Now, I must admit, this is not the style of teahouse I'm accustomed to, but I couldn't resist. It's simply adorable, don't you think?" She gave a small, almost playful smile, her gaze sweeping over the garden around them. The soft glow of lanterns and the tranquil hum of nature created an atmosphere of serene charm. "I thought this corner would offer us the perfect bit of quiet to speak freely, away from prying eyes."

The atmosphere was cozy, welcoming in a way that felt almost informal, with the soft clinking of teacups and muted chatter filling the air. Amy's mind briefly drifted back to the marble floors and finely etched glass teacups of Nilaa's royal chambers that she used to run across as a two year old - before the war. Instead of dwelling on what next, she smiled, her fingers delicately adjusting to stroke the silk at her wrist, and with a light shrug, she embraced the charm of this new experience.

"I do not know if the three of you know of each other, we can make introductions, if you wish." she offers with a small curtsey. "But I thought it would be best to bring the three of you to date on the events that brought me here the first time - for Queen Meggan, this is information she may only need a refresh for - and what has caused me to return." She gestures to the table for the others to take their seats as she waits to elegantly sink into her own seat as well.

Once settled in, she settles her hands, folded together, on the table. "I am Princess Amaya Amethyst. Last member of House Amethyst. On this - what we call the First Home - I am Amy Winston. I am a magic user and looking to free my realm from Lord Dark Opal. It is a pleasure to meet you formally." She offers a warm smile.

Meggan Puceanu has posed:
Were it anyone other than Amethyst, who radiates a charm and good-hearted purpose, Meggan might have offered her farewells to the greenery and excuses to Diana before reversing course. Alternately, she might have become one with the splendid camellia bushes or vanished among the stones meandering through the gardens beyond the teahouse proper. If any practicing Shinto devotee wandered by and found the spirited discourse of leaves and the realms invisible, surely they might mistake it as a matter of happy kami. Kami in the vicinity, if any, might already be stirring for the inevitable confluence of remarkable women choosing to spend time together under a desultory near-full moon.

That smudged golden eye only rose a few hours ago and hasn't surmounted the high apartment towers and office blocks in Gramercy Park, but she can feel it -- nearly taste the gentle pull on her, bidding her to witness something. All the splendours of the dying season go with her in a halter-necked dress that jealously clasps her throat in glowing detail, silk alive with a floral motif imprinted on burnished antique gold, the cutaway bodice draped in a manner almost reminiscent of ancient Greco-Roman chitons or the Winged Nike's marble raiment. Flowing skirts chase an A-line that doesn't quite get in the way of her being nearly barefoot, the thinnest suggestion of sandals wrapped around her ankles anyone could find to count as shoes. Really, she'll shuck them the minute it's deemed acceptable to pad over the grass and through the gravel in hello. "It's a far cry better than a stuffy hotel so I couldn't possibly raise a complaint about the gardens," she admits in a chiming note of sheer, bright happiness in Amy's direction. Again; the joy is infectious, hard not to swallow down like a honey stick. Her dress swishes around her, uncaring about breezes or gravity.

She soon enough perches comfortably to the side in a seat, toes tucked discreetly near the closest patch of greenery. Flowers droop in her direction once they figure out she's there, and it's fully possible a confused and drowsy bee ends up discovering blossoms opened up when it expects them to be closed. More work before autumn quiets the hive! It will only be a matter of time before she rises and genuflects without the perfect courtly manners to each woman present; Diana, well known, Lorna, mostly through television. But what isn't there in courtly practice is made up for in undeniable confidence and sunny enthusiasm, which counts for something. "I am honoured to be here today with you. Thank you for arranging this."

Lorna Dane has posed:
Lorna only really knows Amy, of the gathered group. Meggan, she simply has yet to encounter; Diana, she last saw during the UN's military lockdown of the Atlantic Starport over what turned out to be a Galactus-induced refugee crisis.

Since then, she has learned to swallow and accept that which can't be changed-- at least in this limited regard.

Pale skin sharply contrasts the deep cadmium green of Lorna's dress. Shimmering subtly in the light, it features intricate floral embroidery in shades of pink and coral arranged along slender, writhing, golden-brown branches. Beginning from a singular point at the upper right of her bodice, the floral spray branches down the Queen of Genosha's dress, developing into increasingly complex bifurcations until the hem's practically spattered with flower-lined tendril tips disappearing past it. Its gathered, hip-hugging A-Line skirt falls to her ankles, neatly flitting just inches from strappy black heels with deep coral accents.

Since it's tea, she is of course wearing a hat to round out her outfit: a fascinator-style headpiece with a small, oval-shaped base set at an angle on the right side of her head. A pink mesh crisscrosses the base, adding a touch of natural texture beneath the main feature of the hat: large, lush, life-like orchids and leaves rambling all around the base, redolent with hints of fragrance. A smattering of green butterflies nest amidst the orchids, their burgundy and mauve markings making it seem as if they bloomed from the hat itself.

"Princess," she offers to Meggan, curtseying between steps.

"Princess," follows with a moment of lingering eye contact for Diana and a small, deliberate, understanding nod to go with the requisite curtsey.

"... Princess..." is barely muffled by Lorna's lips meeting Amethyst's cheek upon her closing in and loosely coiling an arm around one of Amy's. Butterfly wings gently flutter among the orchids.

"... indeed," she then adds, glancing between Amy and Meggan with a firm nod and edging away towards her own chair. "Friendships in this dark hour are precious."

Diana Prince has posed:
When Diana had first met Amy, it had been under initially hectic circumstances. They had quickly eased up, however, and what was soon discovered was that Amethyst represented another case of a foreign kingdom under the threat of an opposing, potentially evil, force. Something similar had happened to Diana 20 years ago, when she had acquired the Lansinarian Morphing Disc, which served as the 'Invisible Jet' for the Princess today, but this scenario seemded a bit more wide spread through Amy's world.

Diana had told the Queen, that she would see to it that she, and the Amazons, would help however they possibly could. It was their duty to help those good of heart, afterall.

For this gathering, Diana opted for a sleek, royal blue dress, fitted at the top with a slightly flared skirt that falls just above her knees. The fabric has a subtle sheen, catching the light in a way that adds depth to the rich color. She pairs the outfit with silver sandals and a thin, jeweled belt that cinches the waist, accentuating her athletic build. Her hair is swept back into a braid that rests over one shoulder, and she wears small, sapphire-studded earrings to complement the outfit.

When they all seemed to arrive just on time, the Themysciran Princess was quick to show a smile on her ruby painted lips, and a glance given to each attendee tonight. "Yes," she started her response to Amy. "I am familiar with Genosha and Queen Lorna, as well as Meggan, who has been quite a positive impact on the Justice League. This is the first time we've had a chance to meet like this, thus... Queen Meggan, it is a delight." She said to her JL associate, and to Lorna, she gave a warm expression. "I would love to know more about Genosha too, and yourself, as well." She added, before she followed Amy toward the table, casting her eyes around the surroundings of this locale. "Serene, and beautiful. I very much love it." The Princess stated, her natural voice a husky flavor, laced with an accent from her secluded island, one that had evolved over time to seperate itself from the standard Greek accent, due to so many factors, of time, and exposure to other dialects.

When she sat, she smoothed out her dress, and sat with her back straight upon the chair, her eyes continuing to dance around their immediate surroundings, as she took in all the bits and baubles of the presented ambience, clearly in a happy mood from it all. However, as Amy began to speak on her ssituation, Diana put her full attention upon her, leveling her slim pointed chin, and listening closely.

When Amy concluded, Diana glanced to the other two women, before back to Amethyst again. "I look forward to the time where I get to speak to this Opal individual..." She softly said, attempting to convey some measure of kind sympathy for the plight of Amy's home, and its people.

A second after saying that, a small grin crept across Diana's visage, as she swept her gaze around the table once more. "But, it would seem that Amy is putting together quite a force, to potentially push back on that front..."

Amy Winston has posed:
Amy beamed as the three remarkable women approached, each carrying an air of grace and strength. Meggan's warmth was like a breeze, impossible to ignore. Her words, tinged with the joy of someone deeply connected to nature, pulled an even brighter smile from Amy. "I'm so glad you like it! These gardens have a certain charm, don't they? Not quite what I'm used to, but they've grown on me in a way that I can't resist. And the moon; well, it seems we have perfect company from all sides tonight." She glanced up briefly at the sky, the soft light playing off her amethyst eyes before she returned her attention to her friends.

Lorna's embrace was familiar and comforting. Amy leaned into it, her heart swelling with appreciation. "Your Majesty," she greeted warmly in return, her eyes reflecting a deep sense of connection. The floral beauty of Lorna's dress and hat caught her eye, and she couldn't help but admire it. "You look radiant as always, Lorna. I couldn't agree more-our bonds are more vital now than ever." Her gaze softened as she met Lorna's eyes, understanding the unspoken weight of shared responsibility. "Queen Lorna Dane, may I present Queen Meggan Puceanu, the Ri of Avalon - which is a land much like my home of Nilaa." she explains.

When Diana spoke, her husky voice filled the air with a sense of calm resolve, grounding the moment. "Diana, your presence is always a comfort. I'm grateful you're here." Her voice softened with warmth, but there was an underlying strength. "I know that with your wisdom and the strength of your people, there is hope for Nilaa. And with the force we gather here," she glanced between them all, "there's little doubt that Dark Opal will meet his match. I think he's yet to understand what true unity looks like." A grin curled her lips in response to Diana's gentle teasing. "You could say we're putting together quite the team, yes."

But now that they are together, Amy settles in, ordering a tea service for the group. "So. I will start with a brief history of Nilaa, from it's creation to present - I promise to try not to be boring! And I know I can use all the help I can get, Princess." she admits to Diana.

"Thousands of years ago, Earth was filled with magic and Homo Magi, humans gifted in mystic arts, as well as fae and mythical creatures. But a distant supernova shifted the stars' alignment, causing magic to fade and gave rise to science. To save her people, the great sorceress Citrina made a pact with the Lords of Chaos, securing the realm of Nilaa as a refuge. The Great Exodus followed, and Nilaa became home to magical beings fleeing Earth. Over time, contact between the worlds was severed, and both Earth and Nilaa faded into legend for each other."

"On Nilaa, twelve noble Great Houses, each tied to a gemstone, arose. The Great Houses-Amethyst, Ruby, Emerald, Diamond, Sapphire, and others-built a society ruled by one Royal House, with House Amethyst eventually ascending. However, House Opal, led by the tyrant Dark Opal, betrayed the established order. Dark Opal made pacts with dark entities from other worlds, gaining monstrous allies and devastating the other houses, some of which bowed to him out of fear or ambition." She pauses there to let the others catch up to her and ask questions if needed. "And I have a few words for the man who murdered my parents as well."

Meggan Puceanu has posed:
Praise from Diana means a lot, whether as Diana in her capacity as ambassador, peerless warrior or inspiring civilian. Meggan raises her hand to her mouth in an attempt to conceal the smile that challenges any of the late-summer blooms carefully and meticulously encouraged to flower by a flotilla of gardeners. She might just overshadow them, eyes shining intensely green on par with Lorna's excellent choice of dress and butterfly-fascinator. Even attempting to suppress the marvelling smile is hopeless by averting her gaze and ducking her head, but clearly that's extremely complimentary and something that she might run home to Mum with.

'Dear Mum, the nicest person in ALL of the Northern Hemisphere said I was a positive impact and now I think I'm going to explode into fireflies or curl up in giggles or die. Please remember this day forever and ever. Love you much, xoxoxoxo, -Megs'

The letter pretty much writes itself in the blonde's head and she tries to suppress the urge to blush. Unlike some, she actually stands a chance to stop the pink from touching her cheeks, instead following the others in briefly admiring the foliage. A leaf pats her temple almost affectionately and a heavy, drooping camellia lands above her ear to lend the impression of the hat she didn't think to wear. One must fit in as they can with what they have available, and not stress over the oversight and lack.

"I've not had the proper opportunity to meet you, Queen Lorna. I admire your work in Genosha and how you've turned it to a unique haven. Meggan Constantine -- or just Meggan is fine, if you prefer." That soft, blithe tone will start sounding Japanese sooner than later, a habit of location subtly influencing her metamorphic talents. For the meantime, she sounds squarely Anglo-Gaelic of some kind.

Her hands rest in her lap, and once settled in, they won't need to worry about interruptions from that quarter. If someone's spinning a story, then their talents demand attention -- and the Otherworld in all its quirks respects storytellers to a nearly holy degree.

Boring? Amy can't be boring, not once she reaches the Great Exodus. The trials and tribulations of people forced into exile of sorts earns a sigh, an appreciative frown briefly touching her lips. It should fly away until orphaning and parental murder get involved, her expression troubled. "I am so very sorry you had to go through that. And your people. It must have been *dreadful*." Mild words, a delicate stress, from someone who can spontaneously turn into a beansidhe if anyone here thinks too hard about it.

Lorna Dane has posed:
"I, for one, am very eager to have a long, hard conversation with Lord Opal," Lorna agrees with a small, taut smile for the Amazon princess. So eager that crackling radiance arcs through floral embroidery, leaving a bright, brief, green-toned glow; butterfly wings flap a touch quicker in its wake.

"May it prove fruitful, when the time comes."

A swift and bracing breath; settling into a seat beside the Nilaan exile she's grown awfully close to, awfully quickly; Meggan's entire existence-- it isn't long at all until the sympathetically dour tone her voice tipped towards lightens. Offering a hand out to Meggan, she warms her smile considerably: "We must discuss the possibilities of establishing ties between Genosha and Otherworld-- and likewise Themyscira." Her eyes flick towards Diana for a beat. "Beyond Mutant, beyond Human, I want for Genosha to be a safe haven for people of all kinds-- regardless of their origin, their nature, their present corporeality-- regardless of anything beyond their willingness to become a part of a community." Exhaling softly, she shifts her attention towards Amy.

"Which starts with learning the story of Nilaa, lest it be the story of all our lands," she softly encourages, a squeeze to the Princess of Amethyst's knee serving as a gentle counterargument to the very idea that such a thing could be boring.

-- And lingering-- intensifying throughout, both to lend the storyteller the strength to continue its telling, and to help herself through the experience of listening without setting her dress alight, her butterflies in vigorous flight...

Such things wouldn't be proper in such a lovely place, after all.

"You will have them," is all she softly offers, when her parents' murderer is brought up.

Diana Prince has posed:
Diana is quiet as Amethyst begins to explain details of her people, and the situation that they are currently enduring. She's heard some of it before, both she and Cassie had an opportunity to pepper the displaced Queen with a number of questions previously, when she had first arrived at the Themysciran Embassy for refuge. Not all of Diana's questions had been asked, though, and more had come up since then... even if there was a lot to deal with these days, from Galactis... to so much more. The Themysciran Princess stayed quiet, though, listening to Meggan's words, and to the following from Lorna. She first showed a smile toward the Queen of Genosha, and when the chance came, she spoke up directly to her. "I really did appreciate your efforts at the Atlantic Starport, those many months ago. The Starport... has been a long passion project for me, from its first concept, on in to its creation. Being that it was a coordinated effort between Themyscira, Wakanda, Atlantis, and Asgard... it truly does represent a union of smaller nations. I would be very interested in adding more to it, based on that, such as all of yours..." She gave each woman a look, indicating her hope to include their homelands in similar fashion.

She finished that thought with a single nod, before adding a bit more. "Themyscira is similar to Queen Amethyst's home, in which I mean how it is a refuge behind magical means meant to preserve the spirit of its residents in a world that otherwise may not have accepted them any longer. I feel a kinship to it, because of this alone."

She shot a small smile toward Amy, before her eyes went to Meggan. "I feel that through learning more of each other's homes, I would likely experience the same connection to each of yours as well. Themyscira is eager to create new ties, as it ventures further in to an era of being more open to the outside world. My mother, the Queen, she has... well, been forced to warm up to these progressive ideas. Mainly because myself, and my rambunxious sisters have been rather adament about it." She said, showing a larger grin as she cast a look around the table once more.

Finally, toward Amy again, Diana quirked a brow. "I do have an immediate question, for you, Amy..." She said, voice soft again. "Based on what you have said, thus far, I am lead to believe that this Opal... is quite old? That the lineages of your people stretch back to perhaps its own inception? I ask this, because I am curious to judge the potential skill, and ability of Prince Opal's forces. Were they short in years, it might suggest less training. Should they be... long in years, well... Then they may present a more challenging enemy to face on the field of combat, such as my own people. We take great pride in our extensive dedication to training for over a thousand years."

Amy Winston has posed:
As Amy settled into her seat, the soft rustle of fabric from the server's uniform caught her attention. The tea service arrived in a quiet, almost reverent procession-delicate ceramic cups balanced on a lacquered tray, the teapot gracefully cradled in the server's hands. Each motion was precise, purposeful, as though the act of pouring tea were itself a form of art.

Amy watched as the server set the tray down, her eyes tracing the fine details of the porcelain. The teapot was smaller than she was used to, and instead of the intricate gold filigre, it bore a simple, hand-painted design of cherry blossoms in bloom. Still, there was a certain elegance to its modesty, one that Amy could appreciate.

The tea was poured in a smooth, practiced motion, the pale amber liquid swirling into her cup without a single drop spilling. Steam rose in gentle curls, carrying the faint scent of jasmine. Amy inhaled deeply, a soft smile playing on her lips as she picked up the cup, its weight familiar yet grounding in this unfamiliar setting.

She gave the server a polite nod. "Thank you," she said, her voice calm, with just a touch of formality. As she took a sip, the warmth of the tea spread through her, and she found herself relaxing even more into the moment. Not royal, perhaps, she mused, but no less delightful.

Amy chuckled softly at Meggan's glowing reaction, catching the quiet joy in her expression. "Meggan, you don't have to say anything. Your smile says it all! I can tell that Diana's words struck you deeply, and rightly so. You have a light that's impossible to miss." Her tone was warm and encouraging, reflecting the genuine admiration she felt for Meggan's positive energy.

Her attention then shifted to Lorna, her smile softening. "Lorna, I couldn't agree more with your vision for Genosha. The idea of a haven for all people-regardless of origin or form-resonates so much with what we've been through on Nilaa. I'd love to help in building those connections. Nilaa, Themyscira, Otherworld, and Genosha, working together-that's a dream worth fighting for."

Diana's words about Themyscira and her own people made Amy's heart swell with gratitude. "Diana, I feel that kinship too. Both our lands, cloaked in magic, striving to protect our people from a world that doesn't always understand us. Your support means more to me than I can say."

When Diana asked about Opal's age and the nature of his forces, Amy's expression grew more serious, her voice lowering. "Opal is ancient, as far as a house goes, older than most of us can imagine. His power has grown over centuries of dark magic, and his forces are just as experienced. Many of them have served him for generations, bound to his will. They're highly skilled and relentless." Especially after he added House Onyx a few years ago - and it was really, me learning the truth of my heritage that caused me to react."

"When I was just three years old, my world shattered with the death of my parents. Nilaa, my homeland, fell into the cruel hands of Dark Opal. His dark sorcery spread through our realm like a shadow, corrupting everything in its path and turning our once vibrant world into a land of despair and oppression."

She sighs, "For ten years, Nilaa suffered under his reign. The hope of my people seemed lost, and it was during these dark times that I, having been spirited away to Earth, returned at thirteen. Driven by my birthright and the magic of Citrine that flows through me, I set out to rally those loyal to my family and challenge Dark Opal's tyranny."

"My journey was arduous. I fought tirelessly, forged alliances, and grew into my powers. At nineteen, after countless battles and sacrifices, I succeeded in overthrowing Dark Opal and reclaiming my throne, with the help of heroes that I met here." A smile to Meggan, "But the victory came with a heavy price, and I bore the weight of leadership and the scars of conflict as I sought to rebuild my world."

"But somehow, now, Dark Opal has returned, and he has combined with technology - he actually tried to come through a computer I was working on with a student the other night. "And two years after his defeat... this new Opal. He wants more than Nilaa. I think he's hoping to capture me to access First Home."

Meggan Puceanu has posed:
Meggan is more of a statue of a woman than entirely a normal, living, breathing example of her species type. Beyond her expressions shifting as smoothly as an orchestral movement, she refrains from attracting attention away from Amethyst. Taking the listening bit a little too seriously plays the majority of the reason, but she has to pay close attention to the cast of names, houses, and locations to slot them into a fairly nebulous understanding of Nilaa's power structure and society. The Amazonian princess has the shapely leg up on all of them with past experience and sharp wits.

Still, she shakes off the somewhat serious, focused lines of her countenance to break into a brief and grateful smile; this, turned upon the electric green eminence of Lorna, bodes well. Not an iota of dissembling follows. "Oh, I would very much like to manage something of that sort. We have common interests vested in our work. Beyond that, it's the *right* thing to do, for Nilaa or Genosha or Themyscira. I realize a whole series of realms in a different plane's not the same but we are all rooted in the same garden. The Otherworld requires some tricky diplomacy in places but generally, we take an interest in human cares and successes." Biting her lip while gauging to carry on, she decides to leave the matter there as an open avenue for the quartet to walk later, deferring to the wisdom of not interrupting.

Truly a bad idea. She can practically hear Brigid sighing for the impertinence. Rather smarter to admire the kinetic butterflies and determine whether Lorna has access to highly talented artisans or some mundane method for producing their sparkling counterpoints. The fluttering presence *does* add to the drama of Amy's narrative.

When Diana interjects with strategic questions, her softly spoken, "Oh, excellent thing, that," sends a small sheen of admiration that way. Further statements are bitten back in favour of thanking the servant bringing them tea, and she just about beams. Taking the small, elegant cup in hand, she turns the vessel three times and pours a dram of fragrant, earthy tea onto the ground by her feet.

"For you and yours, that you shall not wont," she murmurs, scathing over a whisper as not to pull a thread of despair away from the tapestry woven in dolorous, dark hues so expertly.

Her nose scrunches up until smoothed away, lending improbable youth to an appearance that can't and won't age. "I'm not so much of a warrior thinker like Diana is, but I'd ask if Dark Opal got a different signature. Magic has fingerprints unique to each person and even real awful or incredible miracles don't significantly change it. Like... losing your soul does it, resurrection could for a human. Making a pact that surrenders you to a principality or a big P Power. Did you sense anything like that? Might be you're dealing with something puppeting him if he's really 'new.' Like a tool in the hand of someone else? Maybe I'm going about it all wrong, and that's okay to say too."

Lorna Dane has posed:
With a reverence learned from regular sessions with the Professor, thanks to his love of cultural exchange, Lorna takes her cup between her hands and lifts it, gently, for a deep inhale. Her eyes slip sidelong towards Amy with a slight, appreciative smile as she exhales-- though it isn't long before talk of war brings back the intent and steely mask that's rested over her features through most of the story. Since she knows the details to a healthy extent by now, her focus remained evenly split between listening closely and transmitting, radiating assurance to Amy-- and even now, with the question of forces on the table, she can't help drifting back, reestablishing her grip on the blonde princess' knee to better anchor herself.

To remind the twice-exiled Princess that no opponent is too great to be toppled.

"How stable are his forces--? If he's 'new' - REALLY new, changed in the profound way that Meggan's suggesting - is it possible that there are cracks that can be exploited in his armies? Instabilities, jealousies; power vacuums..." Lacking the extensive centuries of tactical reflexes possessed by Diana, Lorna nonetheless slips into contemplating the possibilities at the drop of a dime; another thing to blame-or-thank Charles Xavier for. "The recent union of two Houses seems especially susceptible to fissures. All those generations of service mean generations to build up entitlements, and expectations, rivalries-- imagine the stress that must come from introducing a whole new set of variables to that environment."

Withdrawing her hand from Amy, Lorna takes her cup in both hands once again so she can finally have a sip, taking the due time to savor it-- lidded eyes and low rumbling and all.

"... 'To build a finer world takes many hands,'" she then says, quietly, of the inherent rightness of collaboration as her eyes skate towards Meggan. "'To destroy it takes two-- if that.'"

It sounds like a quotation - the subtle distance, the practiced elocution - but the source is-- wholly, categorically unfamiliar, if so.

"And--" Her attention turns to Diana as a shadow flits across her features. "-- in the spirit of reaching mine across the table in full faith and honesty, you should know:

"While I appreciate your gratitude, Princess, it was-- challenging-- to fight for a cause, a project that I believed in despite my lack of attachment to it, only to see you surrender to the very same forces who threatened it on such a fundamental level as to bring weapons to a symbol of openness, our invitation to the stars..."

Lorna takes a long, deep breath after saying her piece, each word measured and even in tone.

"I understand your position, in hindsight," she adds, gently. "I don't agree, but I understand it-- and in the end, I can't blame you for your decision in an unprecedented moment, nor do I wish to let this difference of perspective stand in the way of community, and the opportunities it holds. I'll fight as fiercely for your people--

"And yours," she tells Meggan, bringing her eyes back to the Fair princess for a resonant moment.

"-- and yours," she promises Amethyst, settling her gaze squarely on the Nilaan princess, "as I did on that day, when the time comes."

Not 'if', of course.

It's never really 'if' in their world - any of their worlds - is it?

Diana Prince has posed:
The response that Diana receives from Amethyst causes Diana to gently nod her head a single time. She didn't immediately reply, since the tea was being served. Instead, she fell quiet again, as she pondered the answer that she got from Amethyst, while smiling with a warm intent toward the Server when the cup was offered to her. Accepted in both hands, Diana held it with a light touch, feeling the gentle heat from the tea within warming her through the smooth cup's surface. She raised her eyes up from its contents, to look toward Meggan, who she smiled faintly toward as well. Her stare returned to Amethyst, after the others spoke their thoughts on the subject.

"After speaking to members of our Amazonian forces, here in New York, many of them are eager for the details of those who have been causing this strife amongst your people. If Prince Opal has done this before, and been thwarted before... then that bares a certain honest hope, that we can do it again. He may be 'new' this time, but I would imagine that he still faces the challenges of whatever weaknesses he previously held. He may be hiding them better this time, but... based on my experience, those weaknesses yet remain, and simply need a light to shine upon them again."

She sampled a sip from her tea, with an expression crossing her features that showcased a clear indication that the taste was well received, and after a light inhale, Diana put her eyes upon Lorna once more. She had to express herself with another smile for Lorna voicing her disagreement in Diana's tactics in that situation, and with it she earned a decisive single nod from the Princess. "I admire you being forthcoming with me on that matter. It... was a complicated affair, to be sure. The goal was to preserve lives, and... well, the Starport is peaceful once more. I am sure more will come from it, but for now, our focus is skyward. After watching this Galactis... do what he did... to Tamaran, it must be where the bulk of my attention goes. At least for now..."

She shot her stare back to Amy, and tilted her head ever so slightly. "That is not to say that I am not ready to place attention upon the situation your people are facing, point of fact, I was hoping to get further elaboration on it all... straight from you, and given to my military leaders. We have already discussed what little we know, and they are eager to learn more. It is part of the process of my people. We build battle strategies. We come at a problem like this from as many angles as possible, in hope of reducing unknowns, and maximizing preparedness. In... this case, however, we will need as many others with great power, as we can possibley get. Being that your world is so rooted in magic, it does complicate matters even more, but, it is just another challenge we must face, and we must discern the solution to. We are good at this, I know first hand." She said, showing a small smile, before she indulged in another sip of the tea.

Amy Winston has posed:
Listened closely to Meggan, Lorna, and Diana, Amy took in their words with quiet contemplation. Meggan's suggestion about Dark Opal being something more than what he appeared stirred a subtle concern in her, but it wasn't something she hadn't considered before. With Lorna's support, her hand still warm from the earlier reassuring touch, and Diana's unwavering attention, Amy felt the strength of their shared resolve.

She let out a soft breath, smiling gently. "You all bring up excellent points. Meggan, your insight about magic signatures is something I hadn't fully explored. Dark Opal? well, his magic has always felt cold, ancient, and cruel. But lately, there's something... twisted. It's possible he's not the one entirely pulling the strings. If something darker is manipulating him, it could explain this shift."

Her gaze then drifted toward Lorna as she sipped her tea. "Lorna, you're right. Cracks within his forces, especially with the merging of two Houses, could be an opportunity. Generations of loyalties don't always shift so easily, and rivalries will fester. That's something we can exploit, but it will take precision and care."

Amy paused, noticing the tea in front of her, the conversation growing heavier by the moment. She glanced around the table at the strong, steadfast women surrounding her. They all had so much on their plates; Galactus, the Starport, and countless other responsibilities. For a moment, she considered the weight of their burdens and how each of them was fighting in their own way.

Her tone softened, a smile forming on her lips. "Perhaps, for now, we should table the heavier topics. We've all been through so much lately. We deserve this moment of peace, even if it's just to enjoy the tea and each other's company."

She picked up her cup, inhaling the fragrant aroma, and let her shoulders relax. "We'll face these challenges together, but tonight, let's take a brief pause. Tomorrow's battles can wait." Amy smiled warmly, the moment of reprieve feeling almost sacred in the midst of their burdens.

"Tonight, let's enjoy the company of new friendships and future alliances." she asks hopefully.

Meggan Puceanu has posed:
Tea has such wonderful qualities beyond the ones obvious in temperature. The weight of the little mug in her palm is delicate, containing a reasonable volume of not-quite scalding liquid that could easily pour over her hand or slosh around with the wrong gesture. Meggan's attention is only fleetingly turned to the beverage confined in a stretch of fragile pink blossoms, their presence a lesson in turn of how beauty fades in moments and the impermanence of existence. Her thumb presses to the slightly raised marks that create the gnarled black pathways traversed by bough to twiglet, the five-point stars bursting in profusion around the circumference of the borrowed cup. She presses the rim to her lips for another taste, breathing in the sensation of soft steam filling her senses to a place far removed from here. Camellia bushes in Assam and wet Indian highlands or Chinese gardens terraced up a mountainside speak secrets to those willing to pay heed to the drink, just as milk tells a little something about the field, earth, and cow.

Her eyes close for a moment to listen to the moods for those present, something as palpable to her as the sea or magnetic fields produced by the Earth's metallic core to Lorna. Watercolour streaks aren't pure figments of imagination borne on currents of conversation or spots of light behind shut eyelids but something deeply indicative of another sort of information, one that rarely gets much attention outside the plethora of psychics present in Xavier's fold or surrounding it. She listens with something other than ears, picking up the chords of disagreement respectfully gauged on matters around the Starport and letting them ebb away in favour of something different.

"They succeed in many battles from a place of unity and diversity. Right powerful way of doing things and prolly why everyone looks in admiration and a wee bit of nervousness when your sisters come by. That is -- they're really good at what they do," she observes, Diana-ward even if her eyes are closed, because it's not hard to guess where the others may be. "If it's much consolation though, you have friends to stand by your side and figure out these things. Not something to tackle alone, which probably isn't what Dark Opal gets to say. In the end, these sorts bite their own tail. Or they get bitten by it."

Her petite smile is ever so pretty with one distinct difference there weren't there before. Her canine teeth form piquant little points dimpling her lower lip, just a suggestion of the bleach-white assassin winter makes of her in the extremis of the season, while her current form is the golden, direct bolt of light into the blue. "So to Lorna's point, you have hope to go with you. With that and people at your back who care about you, let your heart go lighter. Tonight, for friendships old and new. Also, for *flowers!*"

Three of the camellias in partial bloom choose to pop open.