16853/Mystical Mingle - Open Night at the Sanctum

Mystical Mingle - Open Night at the Sanctum
Date of Scene:	13 January 2024
Location:	Sanctum Sanctorum
Synopsis:	Stephen Strange opens the Sanctum for guests for the first time in ages. Mingling was performed and conversations were had, both above and below tables.
Cast of Characters:	Stephen Strange, Mary Jane Watson, Mary Bromfield, Spiral, Belinda Gutierrez, Marie-Ange Colbert, Zachary Zatara, Nico Minoru, Phoebe Beacon, Billy Kaplan, Illyana Rasputina, Daimon Hellstrom

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Stephen Strange has posed:
The Bleeker Street mansion, all three stories of it, is a fixture of Greenwich Village. Everyone in the neighborhood knows that it is there, yet, hardly anyone would be able to honestly give a description of the inside. It isn't exactly clear to most when the residence was built, nor do most people actually know what is within its austere walls. It is, like most things in New York, just assumed to have always been there.

There is one thing, however. The owner isn't necessarily known for hosting large soirees. At least, that is the story.

So, when the doors are open and guests are ushered inside...that is cause for interest. Greenwich Village locals actually pause in their comings and goings as people are let in. What is going on in the mansion tonight? Why are these people being let in when really only a select few have ever been seen coming and going? What's so special about tonight?

And, perhaps the most important question, will anyone other than the guests actually remember anything the next day. The old stalwarts whisper that the mansion has a way of making people forget it is there. If only they knew how right they were.

Indeed, the Sanctum Santorum is open. That itself is unusual. Even more so is the sight of the living room, just off to the right of the foyer, within eyesight of the main door itself. The usual comforts that present themselves there have been replaced with a more formal affair, with small circular tables along one side of the room paired with chairs that conform instantly to the person using it for whatever comfort level desired. And, adjacent to the casual sitting, is a banquet-style long table, adorned with food and drink that never runs out and is always exactly whatever one desires. The center of the room is devoid of furnishings, but a deep red circular rug can be seen, befitting the Victorian ambiance the entire Sanctum provides.

It is in the center of this rug that currently stands the host. The Sorcerer Supreme himself, Doctor Stephen Strange. He waits for a few moments for guests to acquaint themselves with their surroundings and get comfortable before he clears his throat to call attention. "Dear guests. Welcome to the Sanctum Santorum. This evening, the first of hopefully many, is meant to be a social affair. I know that I am a rather difficult person to approach, according to some, and so this is an opportunity for not only you all to establish connections with each other, but also an opportunity for me to make connections with you all. For tonight, consider me an open resource. Should you have a question or a request, feel free to offer. If a tour of the Sanctum is to your liking, feel free to explore. I just ask that we leave the artifacts in their cases. They do not like to be disturbed unless there is special need."

Mary Jane Watson has posed:
Mary Jane si there, large basterd sword slung over her back, and a more formal black dress on. She's wearing flats instead of heels though so it's somewhat saner for her to go along. She's not been to the Sanctum since some.. Chaos of a couple of years before with a Gem that has hopefully not come up since from any perspective. So blade slung over her back, she's glancing about curiously and then over at the buffet table. She heads on towards it after a few moments, going to enjoy the exotic smells coming from it.

As the good Doctor goes to make a greeting, she turns over to listen, joining the others in quiet applause if any comes up. It's new for her to be here as a guest - and she certainly is interested in getting to know more about the place - even if she's not a guest here again.

Mary Bromfield has posed:
It's not every day that there's an open invitation to come to the Sanctum, so Mary definitely wanted to make sure to attend on behalf of the Rock. Of Eternity that is, not the actor/wrestler. But, while Mary wouldn't have much of a reason to be here, Thunderbolt definitely does.

And so Thunderbolt is here, currently fetching a few things from the buffet table for her and her... date? Well, they certainly appear to be dating, as Thunderbolt sidles back over next to Tarot, offering her an appetizer, "They had it exactly the way you wanted it to... magic." She grins crookedly at Tarot, applauding politely for the Doctor when he makes his introduction and speech.

Spiral has posed:
Spiral arrives in time, having spun herself a shortcut to a place further down the street from Strange's sanctum. She's not trusting enough to assume how much of an open-house policy is on the books tonight. To try appearing inside the Sorcerer Supreme's own sanctum would be the kind of thing that may be on her bucket list, but she's heard rumors about the place, the host and consequences of crossing both. And after all, she's just had her nails done. The full set of fingies and toes. The whole cardinal number of them.

Here to stay are the fur-lined boots. Gone away is the iconic helmet. And inbetween those two places she wears gown of white and blue, with very generous openings for all six of her arms. A pattern is made of the two colours that resembles those pesky Stereograms, magic eye images, where an object is supposed to appear if you stare long enough. And maybe need Advil after.

Once she's ventured inside, and the Host has delivered their welcome, Spiral levels her gaze at Doctor Strange. Maybe she's going for some sort of snake-eyes gunfighter sizing up. But if she is, she isn't the only skilled 'slinger in town. That thought makes Spiral feel the need to twitch, the realization that so many weavers and invokers and users of magic are all so clustered. She feels itchy. A wild imagination might even consider this a critical mass of conjurers.

"Mmmmmmm..." she rubs at a few of her forearms to smear away the heebie-jeebies. "...artifacts."

Belinda Gutierrez has posed:
Even in 'merely' human form, Belinda Gutierrez' sense of smell is sharp, keen, and certain habits learned over a lifetime never fade. Deep breaths; another, long and swift. Scents, smells, tastes on the air. Ham and turkey and bacon and spices and literal worlds of things subtle and grand-- overwhelming in every sense of the word!

And almost enough to make one forget the utterly borrowed dress. Small clip earrings clinging to her ears where proper piercings utterly fail to register. The far upper end of Sunday best. Stiff as a steel beam.

"...Dios," she whispers to herself, struggling to keep rampant emotions in check.

Marie-Ange Colbert has posed:
The truth was, for Tarot, a visit to the Sanctum Sanctorum was long overdue; not because she had anything particularly important of a magical nature to discuss with the Sorceror Supreme, although she was certainly starting to explore the magical nature of some of her own abilities.

Nor was she simply here as a +1 for the Rock of Eternity. No, her reason for coming is far more mundane, although spending time in Thunderbolt's company was certainly a welcome event.

The reason in question had to do with the small, purple box tucked under her arm and tied shut with a bright red ribbon. Still, she wasn't the type to immediately pounce the host, so Mary's offering of an appetizer was a welcome distraction. "Merci, mon amour." she replies, taking the food into her hands, and leaning up to plant a gentle kiss on the taller woman's cheek.

Zachary Zatara has posed:
Was there a dress code for tonight's event? Perhaps. Perhaps not. Regardless of what's expected there are some looks which never really go out of style. A tailored tux, tails and a top hat from... Actually Zachary Zatara isn't entirely sure where the hat came from. But his assistant/wardrobe department/magically transformed pet rabbit Bunny assured him it was somewhere very fancy. He looks rather like he's about to stride out on stage somewhere. An impression which isn't helped by the overly dramatic way he teleports himself in with a puff of smoke that dissipates in dove shaped wisps.

So no change from usual there.

The young magician isn't formally here on behalf of anyone. But his family are rather well known in the magical community. So perhaps his attendance is a sign of support from his Uncle and the rest of the family. Who can say!

His assistant follows along beside him. Sparkling in sequins like only a true magicians assistant can. She'd seem out of place if not for the rabbit ears and weak magical aura.

All the effort put into his look is almost immediately undone when his innate ability to sense magic practically overloads. Thankfully Bunny is on hand to ensure he doesn't walk into any of the other guests....

Nico Minoru has posed:
What does she wear to the Bleaker Street Mansion? Does she go for a more formal look? Or does she go for something more casual. After agonizing what seems like forever, a certain Miss Nico Minoru arrives at the door and heads inside, glancing about for any familiar faces.

Tonight finds her dressed in what can only be described as Victorian goth lolita. The dress is velvet in color and has quite a bit of black lace accoutrements. Her arms are sleeveless, that metallic onyx 'armor' of her Witch-arm prosthetic as her right, and her flesh and blood arm as her left.

Spying the sorcerer supreme, she offers a bow of her head before wandering about to mingle.

Phoebe Beacon has posed:
    Swords, Mary-Jane has a sword on. Were you supposed to bring weapons? What even was a dress code from the Mystic. The last time she went to anything like this it was in a bar and someone told her to turn her aura down.

    Gods that feels like a lifetime ago.

    She's wearing a dark blue hair wrap tonight, carefully tucked and pinned. A white black ribbon around her throat that hides a trio of scars, and a bauble around her neck that seems to flicker and glow with its own life, shaped like fire against a black shirt with a trio of three skeletons dancing rendered in green, with matching green found in her pleated, knee-length skirt, followed by warm leggings and knee-high bicycle boots, with a black sweatshirt covering it all. She comes in baring a worn leather backpack -- just in case -- and pauses at the entryway, looking up at the Sanctum's timeless fascade before she makes her way in, scratching at the reworked tattoo on her left wrist that keeps her aura from being too much as she steps in, peering at the other guests in turn.

    Many she recognizes, either from previous encounters, information from others, or even her brief time with a different organization.

Billy Kaplan has posed:
    If any day was the day for Billy's imposter syndrome to kick in, it sure had to be today, didn't it? He's not certain what kind of dress code is in place for this event but he's coming fresh from class, which means he's in his usual get-up: t-shirt, jeans, a pair of chucks, and however many layers of hoodies and coats is necessary to survive the winter weather.

    So of course he ducks into a nearby alley and mutters a hurried spell to change into something a little more fitting. A quick flash of blue light and now he's in... slightly nicer pants and a navy button-up, but otherwise mostly unchanged. Not much of an upgrade, but Billy is trying to slink in under the radar. Though after peeping his reflection in a dirty puddle of half-melted snow, he snaps his fingers and adds a red tie. There. Signature colors in place.

    The expected bump of confidence from that doesn't come. Ugh, people are totally going to know that he has no idea what he's doing, aren't they? Therefore it's with awkward, shuffling steps that he heads in through the open front doors of the Sanctum Sanctorum and plants himself at the table that's most in the corner. All the better to people-watch whilst simultaneously avoiding eye contact.

Stephen Strange has posed:
There might be a slight smirk on Stephen's lips as he notices the looks that everyone is giving one another. Some of those are glances to wardrobes, followed by flickers to themselves. He can only guess that the thought must be on the dress code. Well...Stephen doesn't have to guess, but it would be rude to just go peek. And yet, the thought of dress code amuses him. Specifically because he did *not* state the dress code. And, as if to answer the unspoken question, or at least to quell anxieties, he speaks.

"The main rule of the evening is to relax and be yourselves. You will not find any judgement for anything trivial like appearance. Please, enjoy yourselves however you feel inclined to do so."

With that, Stephen actually moves from the center of the room to mingle himself. Grey eyes cast a glance over towards the six-armed individual. Oh, he noticed the sizing up that Spiral had given him...and in return, a nod and a smile. Yes, Strange is used to the odd look here and there. It comes with the territory.

And the cloak.

Still, there are people to meet. And, apparently, swords to avoid. Imagine if the host had decided a dance was in order. The sheer risk of bruised arms and legs.

Mary Jane Watson has posed:
Mary Jane Watson would glance about over and look at Spiral thoughtfully. Then head over to the buffet to see what was available, giving a light wave at people she recognized - or didn't. Always time to meet new folks. Some at least if there weren't zombie unicorns riding about. Her face softnes for a moment - a few of the ones here she hadn't seen since Doctor Foster's death. Not a highlight.

Large blade hooked on her back, she goes to grab something from the buffet and puts it on her plate,a lmost without looking too much. Much more contemplative now.

Mary Bromfield has posed:
Thunderbolt grins at Tarot, "Well, if you want, I can back you up for the delivery. Though it doesn't seem to be too tough a crowd." She smiles and looks around, surveying the room a bit before glancing back at her date.

"See quite a few people I don't recognize at all, but I guess the nice thing about the costume is that the thunderbolt is hard to miss. Might as well have it be a sports jersey with 'Rock of Eternity' on the back." Her lips quirk a bit, as she nibbles absently on her blueberry-filled sopapilla.

Spiral has posed:
Spiral bypasses the table of food, letting her eyes feast on the other guests in turn. It is so very varied. There are people she knows by reputation, slights both real and imagined, and others that are unfamiliar. There are so many others that she starts to resort of a wider paintbrush of opinion, surface level, rather than spending longer with a fine brush of finesse.

She spies that some have a plus one and she clucks her tongue. Her mouth moves through expression of confusion, distaste and worry. "Oh damn, I wonder if I should have brought blondy."

Spiral raises a couple of hands as she wanders over towards Strange. "Stephen?" A hand reaches down to pinch the fabric of her dress to hoist it demurely as she swishes over. "I can see why they call you Sorcerer surpreme." She gestures. "Whatever spell you cast, it looks like all the eye of boot, and toe of clog was worth it. You can be honest with me though. You can be honest. What's the emergency?" She whispers in that loud stage whisper that's not clandestine or covert at all. "What's the bombshell you're going to drop on us? Are the stockings of the universe about to tear?"

Belinda Gutierrez has posed:
A dance would surely lead to Death by Embarassment. Because Belinda can shuffle. Sort of. Carefully.

"Hola!" she manages to whisper for Billy's benefit, sneaking up besides him in the classic fashion. One wallflower to hide behind/beside/around another. Cloaking fields unite!

That the food tables are nearby is simply happy circumstance."And Feliz Ano!" she adds, smile brightening. "Happy New Year for you!" Short pause as she brushes her neck.

"...forgive me, but that tie looks... /itchy/."

Phoebe Beacon has posed:
    Mages seem to universally either wallflower or like music that is more 'mosh pit' than 'Venetian Waltz'. There's the buffet table that bares investigation (surely there were vegetarian friendly options... other than a vegetable platter), and she takes a deep breath, letting it out she looks to Spiral, and gives a wry smile at the idea of the stockings of the universe tearing.

    "I hope not. I don't think there's a clear nail polish big enough to stop that run." she offers quietly, looking around to the others in the room. "But there is a lot of energy right here. My head is ringing slightly."

Stephen Strange has posed:
The good Doctor does not bother with the banquet table. He knows his role in this evening's foray, and that is as gracious host. While he offers the occasional wave of a hand and a nod to those faces he recognizes, Strange knows that he is there to socialize. Whether he would like to or not. Illyana would approve. Or not. Sometimes she is a difficult one to read.

Still, the approaching Spiral would be greeted with a smile. Even the use of his first name, a rarity for anyone but his closest associates, is glossed over as he responses to the compliment given. "I do appreciate the praise, though this is hardly all my doing." Be it the enchantments of the food and drink or the seating arraignments, it is uncertain. The Sanctum does as it wishes. "But, pardon me. Emergency?"

Strange's face clouds with curiousity. "There is no emergency. Not at the present time. Does there need to be to gather? Granted, the last time I went to a particular bar, the universe resetted itself, but I assure you, there is nothing of the sort that I am aware of this evening." He says that as if it is an everyday thing.

Zachary Zatara has posed:
The best thing to do when your senses are overwhelmed is usually to focus on things that are familiar. So that's exactly what Zachary aims to do. Thankfully at least a few of the attendees are people he's met socially or from former team affiliations. And, in the guise of being chivalrous, he can offer Bunny his arm and let her do a little of the 'not walking into anything priceless' for them.

Always surround yourself with capable people!

"You know I probably should have brought a cane of some sort," he muses. "Except that would have been a little too... Puttin on the Ritz now wouldn't it?"

He shakes his head to dismiss the idea. Bunny just shrugs and smiles. Either she doesn't get the reference or she's learned to simply ignore his musings by now.

He gives a nod of acknowledgement, perhaps even a friendly wave, to Cousin Z's student Balm. Followed by a tip of his hat Miss Minoru.

Is it rude to wear a top hat indoors? Probably yes. So he makes is disappear. Not with any Magic. Just a little slight of hand and a lot of practise.

Mary Jane Watson has posed:
Mary Jane Watson would glance over at Strange and approach with her buffet plate. "Hey Doctor, good to see you. Hopefully nothing's been up.." She meant overw ith that gem that they'd all met over in the first place. Looking interested over in Spiral, seeing if anyone would approach her while moving to bring a fork up to take a bite of whatever it was on her plate.

"I do hope that you and your wife have been doing well. Sorry for having not checked in in the last year or so. It's been a bit busy."

Billy Kaplan has posed:
    There's no way Billy jumps a little when Belinda sneaks up on him. Nope. Absolutely not. He was just... twitching. Sneezing, maybe? Uh huh.

    Either way, with wide eyes he turns around to look at her, and then slowly his gaze drifts downwards towards where she indicates. "Oh, uh... well I kind of... magiced it up," yes he just turned magic into a verb, "So maybe it's the leftover..." Here is where Billy does some mystical jazz hands, "...energy?"

    Yeah he has no idea, which he demonstrates via shrug. Then he freezes up, his hands gripping the edge of the table he's sat at. "I, uh... do we use our made up names or our real names here?"

Nico Minoru has posed:
Fooood. Like every young 20-something, if there's good free food, she's going to take advantage of it. One can only live off ramen for so long.

Nico offers a warm smile in Zachary's direction before she beelines to the food. Taking a plate, she goes for the more normal looking bits, but of course, there's a tantalizing smell every now and then with crudite that is rather difficult to identify from a Earthly perspective.

Picking up what looks to be a tentacle of some sort, she takes a bite and hrmms. "Huh, better than tako." she admits before glancing about to see if anyone else is going for food.

Illyana Rasputina has posed:
A wizard is never late, nor is she early. She arrives precisely when she means to. The truism that; it's not as if Illyana needed instructions to find her way to Bleecker Street. 'Drop in sessions' so very rarely include bypassing centuries-old wards maintained by the masters of the Sanctum.

Her black winter coat evaporates and respools itself upon crossing the threshold, the plumage of a flock of geese and ducks evaporating away and replaced by a scalloped black tea dress and a shimmering green shrug. It's all intact after a second or two. Protective spells slide over her, and she submerges under the mystic weight of a collective of sorcerers, witches, and mages. Slender backswept forks of her crown materialize unbidden and frame her updo.

So it's to be like that.

Enter the Demon Queen. No one would call that stride blithe or shy. The third type present: the bombshell. She has no issue crossing to the unfortunate redhead who invokes her name. "I have, Ms. Watson. But him? I would never dare to presume for the Sorcerer Supreme." Dark lips turn up in a slight smirk, sharp nod elicited for Stephen. "An excellent turnout so far. Have you done introductions or are we to duelling yet?"

Daimon Hellstrom has posed:
Daimon Hellstrom, the Son of Satan, wanders in well after everyone else. He never responded to the RSVP request, and he seems completely unconcerned that he's late in arriving. Anyone who has any experience dealing with the son of an archdemon knows that this kind of rudeness is to be expected. It's not meant as an insult (usually). This is just Daimon's lousy personality at work.

"Ah, there you are, Minoru," Daimon says, clapping a hand on Nico's shoulder. He's wearing a black suit with an equally black collared shirt and a crimson vest. The top button of his shirt is undone, no necktie. He's all matched and accessorized and chic, which is his silent way of saying 'hey, look, I gave a crap about looking nice for this.' "I've been looking all over for you." He's been there maybe twenty seconds.

"Good to see Strange hasn't put any wards up against me. Yet." He looks from Nico over to Zachary. "Zatanna. Looking good. The docs really know their stuff with the hormones."

Phoebe Beacon has posed:
    "Yeah. Unfortunately the bar's a wreck now. I still kind of miss barbacking the Friday rush." Phoebe replies to Strange, and her face gets a little maudlin, and she rubs the back of her neck a moment. Strange and Spiral are getting a little crowded about now, and the young mage retreats a little bit. She gives a puzzled look to Zachary, and an unsure wave to him and Bunny the assistant, before quietly pulling up a section of wall and wheezing out a breath.

    She spots Belinda, and gives a small waggle of fingers over to her. Likely cat's out of the bag for Phoebe being powered.

Belinda Gutierrez has posed:
Belinda bites back a giggle, relaxing by tiny measures. She brushes her palm absently across the front of her dress, sighing as she casts the tables a longing glance. "I feel like that time I was an extra again," she complains, shaking her head. "The dress, it was so tight I was afraid to breathe." She offers a friendly elbow, exhaling with a sharp gusto. "Maybe?" she offers, shrugging helplessly. "I have never worn a tie, so cannot really say. But I have heard they are very not-stretchy, so--"

She closes her eyes for a moment, bending her head as if lost in thought.

"...so many /smells/!" she whispers, quivering in place. "It is like-- like a thousand new places, all at once. Spice and food, aftershave and cologne and--" She pauses, blinking as she glances. "..sulphur?"

Stephen Strange has posed:
"Ah, Ms. Watson. A pleasure to see you again." The shift from Spiral to Mary Jane is subtle. He just adjusts to include both. And...just as he is about to speak, his better half makes her appearance. And answers Mary Jane for him. "Well, there you have it, Ms. Watson. Direct from the source."

Then, to Illyana. "We have not reach the duelling stage quite yet. I do keep establishing that there is no dire threat that compels me to summon everyone. It does seem that the idea of Dr Strange being social is a foreign concept. You were right to suggest we have an open house, as it were."

Spiral has posed:
Spiral cants her head to the side and purses her lips. A pair of hands go to holster themselves on her hips. "Serious?" She nearly salivates, awaiting for a secret to be slipped her way. Not that she'd be someone to necessarily trust with one. Her body language starts to curl, arms counterbalancing, legs supporting the whole business. A coiled spring, safeties on for the social niceties.

"Alright then." Spiral has to do a little easing back and disengaging. "Well...okay then." she murmers, and frowns. "Not at the...present...time." she nods and gives a nod and a look to the Sorcerer Supreme. And he's getting more and more greetings, and this is the perfect time slide stage left. She offers a little see-you gesture with a hand and commits to a disengaging trajectory away from Strange's orbit as he pulls in more guests into his gravity well.

Mary Jane Watson has posed:
Mary Jane Watson would smile over at Illyana, "Thanks for the update. Good to see you. I'm glad that things have been well for you." Illyana was someone that Sonja rather liked. IF only for how enthusiastic the other woman was with a sword and using it in ways that Sonja had taken inspiration from. Which wasn't something very often in this era.

Looking at Stephen's response on the 'threat' she would hmm, "Is there something about your reputation that I should be aware of or it just a stereotypical flair for the dramatics?"

Zachary Zatara has posed:
Zachary Zatara turns when his name is called. His innate magic sense finally tuned such that he can see clearly.

And it's a total stranger addressing him. He blinks a few times, then dips into a formal bow. "Ah I believe you must be mistaking me for someone else," he says with wry amusement. Outside of the outfit he doesn't resemble his Uncle all that much. Certainly no-one is mistaking him for Cousin Z. He didn't even bring fishnets. "My Uncle Giovanni regretfully had other matters to attend to."

He shrugs as if it's no big deal. Then adds "I don't believe I've had the pleasure of making your acquaintance?"

Nico Minoru has posed:
"That's her nephew, not her." That little bit is stagewhispered to Daimon though Nico can't help but let out an impish giggle at the joke.

"It's all good. I think he's just teasing." the Japanese sorceress explains as she looks back to Hellstrom with a bit of a bow. "I've been busy. New job and all." Oh, she's been doing stuff outside of being his apprentice? Oh dang.

Easing on up, she offers the plate as if some crudite might help. "That tentacle is surprisingly good."

Daimon Hellstrom has posed:
Daimon mouths a deadpan 'oh' to Nico when she corrects him.

"I'm just fucking with you," Daimon says, offering a hand out for Zachary to shake. "You have that Zatara family smell to your blood." His lips quirk into a crooked half-smile and he winks. "Daimon Hellstrom." The name carries some weight in occult circles. "Son of Satan. Well. One of the Satans. You know how it is with demons."

Illyana Rasputina has posed:
Spiral's slide stage left gets a marked look from Illyana. Not the type to aimlessly smile at people; she's Russian by accent, very much not American. One taut spring recognizes another. "The dire threats are no more immediate than yesterday. Disappointing. The crystal spiders from the Tenth Dimension are overdue to invade." Information is currency; the little morsel given in passing.

She comes to stand off Strange's left side, almost casual. Traversing the buffet for snacks will come later. A plate of blini are probably her influence, along with thick-pulled noodles that blend Mongolian, Russian, and Chinese flavours.

"Daimon. How is your sister?" One doesn't live among perfectly normal teens and twenty-somethings without being able to socialize. Rarely will she drop her reserve to make it happen. "Introduction time then. Illyana." A beat, only the one. "Strange."

Billy Kaplan has posed:
    The tie gets straightened once, and then straightened again, before Billy loosens it at the neck and retightens it. "I don't know what I'm doing," he admits. "Or why I'm here." He looks towards Belinda only for her to be fully distracted by the onslaught of smells, which of course goes right over Billy's head (or, uh, his nose?).

    Either way, he does the awkward look-around-but-only-vaguely thing, still avoiding making direct eye contact with anyone. Honestly, high school dances weren't this anxiety inducing to him, and he was under real threat of being beaten up by bullies at those.

Stephen Strange has posed:
Mary Jane's question about reputation is fielded rather matter-of-factly from Strange. "Well, Ms. Watson, I am not necessarily known for my lavish parties. People assume that if I call a group together, it is for more nefarious purposes than simply sharing niceties over food and drink. And, to be perfectly honest, for the most part, they would be correct." A glance is stolen over towards the Russian blonde gracing the room. "I am working to change that perception."

Oh...Illyana is on his left. He needs to be more social. "If you would excuse me, Ms. Watson." More introductions to be had.

As Illyana speaks to Daimon, the doctor follows along. And, at the appropriate time, a greeting is given. "Welcome to the Sanctum Santorum, Daimon Hellstrom." Because yes...Strange at least knows of Daimon.

The lamentations of one Billy Kaplan do not fall upon deaf ears. The nervous individual, if he notices, would see that he has Strange's attention, if even for a moment. And...if Billy does notice as such, he might see Strange mouth a single word to him.

Relax.

That is...if Billy notices. It is a subtle gesture.

Zachary Zatara has posed:
"We do share the same tailer," Zachary says with an amused grin. "And there are bound to be a few attendees who don't quite understand the mortal perspective on time and existence." Not that most mortals really understand it either. Especially not when magic gets involved.

He shakes the offered hand. Daimon Hellstrom is a well known name all right. But it's probably safe under whatever protections and safeguards are in place.

Right?

Probably best not to make any promises or agreements just to be on the safe side.

"A pleasure to meet you." He glances between Daimon and Nico. "I see you found a teacher for that arcane lore you were interested in. My offer to stop by for a tour of the library at Shadowcrest Manor still stands Nico."

Spiral has posed:
Spiral's progress degrades in the passing wake of tasty info tidbits delivered by different individuals. It's a kind of salve, to know that things are a-brewing. That maybe her itchy-witchy senses aren't all just baseless paranoia. No matter how normal that might be for the multiverse. There are spiders apparently, and this ticks the right boxes when it feels like one needs to scratch at things underneath the skin. The cosmic abacus isn't completely unbalanced and just needs some flicking.

Spiral's tongue reconnoiters her upper palate and she makes a note on paying a visit to certain souls later. The six-armed sorceress sidles around, mingling as others do. Having an obnoxious amount of hands means being able to hold multiple drinks. All for herself. Everything in moderation.

Belinda Gutierrez has posed:
"Well..." Belind abegins, eyes sparklikng with warm humour. She watches Billy's attempts to adjust his tie, biting back the urge to giggle-- more for fear that it will devolve into helpless nerves more than anything else! "I asked mi Abuela about what she knew on werewolves and such," she continues softly. Stress, slowly fading-- she leans over for a friendly bump of shoulder. "There was not much," she continues, sighing wistfully. "While the Candle is a wonderful place for many things, it is not a library-- regardless of how many 'magickal'--" Fingerquotes hang in the air as she gestures. "--books it carries. They are all for the mundane minds, or so el Capitan reminds me. So!"

She straightens, crossing her arms-- and drawing a sharp breath! Grimace. "So," she manages, releasing her arms, to better let the dress stop squeezing her! "Who better than el Hechicero Supremo, Doctor Strange? I hope."

Pause.

"I did not have the ingredients for cornbread."

Phoebe Beacon has posed:
    Phoebe recognizes the awkward, looking to Belinda and Billy, and she rubs at the back of her head again, brushing off her skirt, and siddles up to the awkward person with the neck tie that Belinda had accosted, and she softly states:

    "Is it all the magical miasma in the air, the startch, or the neck tie?" she asks Billy, zipping her sweatshirt up so she can stick her hands in her pockets as her eyebrows rise up.

    "Or just all the people ever?" she adds as a joke.

Nico Minoru has posed:
The mention of the invitation to the library causes Nico to smirk. "As long as there's no surprise bunny tails." Maybe that's an inside joke between the two, and she chuckles, just continuing to take bites here and there of the appetizers.

"And it's hard finding a teacher in the magics I'm most interested in." Primarily understanding blood and darker magics. "So we'll see what there is to learn. He's already been quite helpful." Nico says with a cheery smile.

Daimon Hellstrom has posed:
"You should take him up on that, Minoru," Daimon says, gesturing toward Zachary. "Shadowcrest Manor's library is known from here to Tibet among serious scholars and collectors. Make time for it in between bartending shifts or whatever job you found." Daimon's handshake has no ill effect on Zachary, no burning sensation, no boils forming, no stigmata. Though Daimon's skin does run hotter than the average bear's. And he does have those creepy red eyes.

When Illyana and Stephen greet him, Daimon offers his hand out to both of them in turn. Like Illyana, he's not much of a smiler when he doesn't need to. Though he doesn't have the excuse of Russian cultural norms. "Mr. and Mrs. Strange. Congratulations on the whole..." He gestures vaguely, probably meaning 'marriage,' but his thought trails off without being completed. "If I forgot to send a gift, I'll try to make it up to you sometime." He absolutely forgot to send a gift.

Asked about his sister, Daimon says, "Satana? I think we all feel happier and safer /not/ knowing what she's up to." This is, by all appearances, not a joke in the slightest.

Illyana Rasputina has posed:
Dimension-hopping aggressive crystalline spiders on a crusade. Not the kind that hang with -Man, -Woman, or Ghost spider types either. Their hour comes at another day.

Illyana hooks her thumb beneath the shrug wrapped around her shoulders, the cooling memory of boreal forests winding in a limpid twist. Her lidded gaze follows Belinda and to a degree Billy. "Several good bookstores selling some authentic grimoires, if you know where to look or ask. The real ones keep to themselves. The last faire was some time ago, but mid-winter may bring one. Worth looking, da?"

Daimon's explanation for his sister's whereabouts earns, "Excellent," out of her. "Thank you. Congratulations on your apprentice. That brings to mind an interesting proposition, Doctor."

Daimon Hellstrom has posed:
"Well, don't congratulate me yet, she's just started," Daimon asides. "If she's still alive in a year, congratulate me then."

Nico Minoru has posed:
Ahem. Leaning in against Daimon, Nico mutters, "SHIELD." a beat. "I work for SHIELD."

An then the mention of her potentially dying also gives her a bit of a frown. "I'm not a complete apprentice." Just mostly one; at least not without the Staff of One boosting everything she does.

Zachary Zatara has posed:
Zachary Zatara has appeared on stage often enough to not show any hesitation or discomfort at the handshake. If you can shake hands with a Las Vegas Casino lawyer you can shake hands with almost anyone or anything.

"No surprises at all," he assures. Chuckling at the in joke. "I'm ninety percent sure none of the tomes we'll need are cursed." A beats pause. "Too badly anyway. But then that's half the fun of a good library. Almost getting eaten alive by the books."

And then the hosts are over in this part of the party. The young magician steps back and to one side. Giving a little bow for the good Doctor himself. "I thought it only right I bring a token gift for our host." He beams his most winning smile and then, with a little more magic with the lower case m, proceeds to pull a vial from somewhere. Probably up his sleeve.

A vial of beard oil. The brand? Beard Sorcery. The japes and jests of youth.

Billy Kaplan has posed:
    The way he's sweeping the crowd means that, yes, Billy definitely notices that Dr. Strange's attention has shifted to him, however briefly. Though for a second or two Billy's gaze drifts past, only for his brain to catch up a second later and snap back to the host of tonight's party. He throws up a thumbs-up to the mouthed word, clearly understanding, and even adds a couple of enthusiastic nods. Yeah, he'll totally do that!

    At least that's the impression he gives in the moment, though as soon as all eyes are off of him, Billy turns around and slides off his chair in one smooth movement, ending up crouched on the floor and hidden by the table. "I live here now," he laments, red-cheeked. "Wait, was it a potluck and I didn't get the memo?"

    This immediately drives him straight into a panic. "Oh god." He looks up at Phoebe's approach and lifts his hands to offer a "Who knows?" sort of gesture. "I have no idea what I'm doing. I learned my magic from my mom's self-help books! They probably went to... like... Hogwarts or something, except hopefully one without all the problematic stuff." After a moment, he leans around Belinda to look towards Illyana, then he looks up at the other two now at his table. "Wait," he stage-whispers, "Was she talking to us?"

Belinda Gutierrez has posed:
Belinda has the good grace to blush at Illyana's remark, nodding quickly (MadredeDiosshenoticedmeHIDENOW) as she casts a quick wave-- the whole demeanor changing with Phoebe's appearance.

"Milkshake!' she says with a squeal of laughter, the awkwardness abandoned for exhuberant delight.

"How-- what-- why--?" A dozen questions are cut short as she refrains frm the flying tacklehug of doom <tm>, grasping Phoebe's hand with a firm joy instead.

"Thank you," she says again, more reverently. "The Foundation... it means a lot. Gracias, mucha, muchas gracias. I am grateful, forever. Oh!"

Her cheeks warm as she grins, gesturing to Billy. "This is a dear friend. Mr...." Pause. Where--? Down there! By table?

"...King?" she adds, so lamely. "...Burguesa," she adds with the (un)sly grace of the Totally Hopeless Fibber.

"I think talking to me?" she adds, equally sotto voce. "Wait. Tu madre went to Hogwarts?"

Stephen Strange has posed:
Daimon's mention of a gift for the nuptials is greeted with a soft chuckle. "Do not trouble yourself. The acknowledgement itself is enough." Not that Stephen was looking for acknowledgement anyways. Still, it was a nice gesture. Or at least a nice attempt.

The fact that Stephen sees that Billy is at least attempting to relax, however briefly, does bring a bit of solace to him. Just as Zachary catches him with talk of a gift. "A gift. Really, there was no need." Didn't Stephen already go through this with Daimon? Still, being gracious, Stephen does accept. And has the common sense to laugh at the jest. "Oh, how did you know I was running low on my supply?" Does Stephen actually use the product? Of course not....but it is amusing, nonetheless.

"A proposition?" Illyana's comment pulls Strange back to the conversation at hand. "With apprentices?" Yes, he was caught slightly off-guard.

Phoebe Beacon has posed:
    "IF it was a potluck I would have definitely brought something, but--" Phoebe eases herself down to join Billy on the floor under cover as she purses her lips, taking one last look at the gathering before she lets her breath out.

    "It wasn't a potluck. This was supposed to be a bunch of mages talking shop, I believe but... I don't think that's what's going to happen." she states, and then looks up as Belinda recognizes her, and she gives a little handwave before her hand is grasped.

    "It's... it's OK Belinda! I actually know your other side too." she gives an embarrassed smile. "I'm Phoebe, but I'm also known as Balm. I used to lead this group called the Justice League Dark. But Things happened." she explains, glossing over any explaination that could be given as she settles.

    And then to Belinda she gives an awkward smile. "I met Belinda over milkshakes at a place called One Fell Scoop. It's a Shakespere joke. It's really dumb." she explains, giving a small wave of her not grabbed hand.

    "I uh... the last of a bunch of mages who were supposed to be really skilled in healing, exorcism and stuff like that." she rubs the back of her head. "What're your  stories?" she questions, and then her nose wrinkles. "Hogwarts is definitely not real. I know some of their deals, just... take a breath. They can't even see us."

Daimon Hellstrom has posed:
When Illyana replies 'excellent' to his comment about Satana, Daimon laughs. An actual laugh, like her response was the height of some kind of comedy. "She's a keeper, Strange," he says to Stephen, and seems to mean it.

"You'll be a full apprentice by the time the dangerous stuff kicks in," Daimon says to Nico, as if this is meant to be reassuring. But then his attention is caught by...

"Hey," Daimon says, mostly to Nico and Zachary, as he looks over at Billy Kaplan. "Who's the kid who just fell out of the chair?"

Nico Minoru has posed:
There's a worried look at the mention of proposition about apprentices. "Just remember, I'm not sleeping with anyone for under one million dollars." a beat. "Make that ten million US." Nico says, as she isn't exactly sure what's going on, but if there's an indecent proposal, she might as well profit.

"I want the first ten. Anything above that, you split 50/50 with me."

Daimon Hellstrom has posed:
Daimon looks over at Nico for a long, long moment, but says nothing. Then he looks to Stephen and Illyana and shrugs.

Zachary Zatara has posed:
"Sadly I have no idea," Zachary says with a frown. Bunny leans in and whispers something to him. "And neither does Bunny." A beats pause. "Ah yes. This is my assistant Bunny. Bunny, everyone."

He glances between the group. All the proposition talk seems like it might be getting personal. Especially when Nico starts bringing up 'Pretty Woman' style arrangements. "Perhaps I'll go make my introductions."

With his be-sequinned assistant on his arm he waves and heads over to gathering of fellow young magic users.

There's a brief pause to secure carrot sticks from the buffet. Before he goes to investigate Billy and his new home under the table. Not that he'd ever mess up the tux to crawl down there himself. But he does knock on the tabletop a few times rather like he's making a house call.

Illyana Rasputina has posed:
Illyana takes the opportunity to help herself to a blini and steal a few slices of fruit. Nothing too messy and whatever fits on a small plate, the better to keep a hand free on the odd occasion she needs to flip someone off.

The strawberry survives a moment. As a casual bystander to conversation or apprentice jokes, the better she can read those subtler currents. "Formal education for people with magical talent," she says in that cool tone to Nico. "A seminar on subjects. Supporting a class, if demand is there, or arrangements to pair a teacher and a student. We do not go to Sorcerer School and earn our degree. Kamar-Taj is not a lifestyle for everyone." Do you like scrubbing floors?

Stephen Strange has posed:
Can't even see them? Not if Strange has anything to say about that.

Daimon does earn a chuckle and a retort. "Oh, that I know. Illyana is most certainly one of a kind." Then...a quick apology given before Stephen detaches himself from one cluster to join the other.

The other under the table. Of course Stephen could call out the fact that they are not really hiding from anyone, certainly not one that has the all-seeing Eye of Agamotto, but that is hardly fun. So, what does Stephen do?

He joins the group under the table.

"I couldn't help but overhear, Ms. Beacon, that you believe that you and your compatriots believe yourselves invisible?" Oh...he was listening and, judging from the smile, he knows exactly that the table was supposed to be their cover. But, Strange doesn't seem upset at all. Certainly not on the floor like he is now. "I assure you, it is quite the opposite."

Then, with a turn, Strange regards Billy. "Sadly, a magical castle with moving paintings and students with robes and wands is within the world of fiction. I had thought to perhaps start an institute of learning myself...an academy of the mystical arts if you will...but I fear I haven't gone much farther with it than initial considerations." A beat is taken. A moment of respite for Billy as Stephen actually bothers to do what he did not do in the beginning. He introduces himself.

"Doctor Stephen Strange, Sorcerer Supreme, at your service. Who do I have the pleasure of speaking to?"

Sure...get Billy more nervous. That isn't Strange's intent...but may very well be the end result anyways.

Daimon Hellstrom has posed:
Daimon watches Stephen go under the table. He gives it the same look he gave Nico's ten million dollar asking price.

To Illyana, Daimon says: "You know, I've always been of the stance that... the ones who walk this path do so because they're meant to walk it. If they find their way, it's because they were always going to find their way." One arm casually rests on Nico's shoulders so that he can lean in and steal a piece of fruit from her plate. "What I'm saying is, I hope you don't plan on going too easy on 'em. Holding their hand too much."

Billy Kaplan has posed:
    "X-gene-activated magic," summarizes Billy up pretty succinctly, and thus that is what he says when Phoebe prompts the story of their mystical origins. He's not sure, again, where things should fall on the whole secret identity versus truthfulness here, so the rest of his history goes unsaid.

    At present he's weighing the odds of how successful a teleportation spell would be inside the Sanctum Sanctorum when someone knocks on the table, which causes him to look upwards sharply. Then, in slow, horror-movie style, his head turns to look towards Dr. Strange. Well, now he's caught, and for some reason this prompts him to let out a long exhale. "I guess I'm caught. Uh, I'm Billy Kaplan, nice to meet you."

    Why he's more comfortable now that Dr. Strange is on the ground with him is a mystery. "So uh... who does your interior decorating? Love the rug."

Belinda Gutierrez has posed:
Belinda listens with care, eyes widening faintly as her lips part, and Everything Falls Into Place. Realization!

"...Dios!" she murmurs again, lips twitching. Then joining the others-- kneel down, the better to hide beneath the table!

After retrieving a plate of edible dainties. Priorities.

"Trying to learn more about where... certain Silver comes from." She gestures over herself, frown briefly wrinkling her brow. "It feels very improper to just... ask him for things, as if el Maestro Mistico was no more than the world's greatest bibliotecario, a librarian!" She grouses quietly, glancing at her plate-- ooh, mini tacos!

"...historia de la familia," she continues, glancing up. "Old, evil history. It is uncomfortable to ask about. And unpleasant."

She takes one of the mini tacos, sniffing at it with a sigh. "Should still have brought cornbread. Maybe a steak. Do Mighty Magnifico Magery Ones enjoy steaks? There was not time to hunt one..."

The knock, the appearance of--!

"Ah," she begins, with all the care and skill of her seventeen year's life experience.

"--ahem," she announces, nudging Billy. "You have a visitor, Rey-Debajo-de-la-Mesa."

As stilleto-sharp as a bowling ball.

"Belinda Gutierrez, sir," she returns respectfully. "It is a very nice rug. Very... ruggy. If I may?" She pause, gazing intently at the doctor. "...Beef or venison? Delmonico cut, Strip, or Filet Mignon?"

Zachary Zatara has posed:
As if on some unspoken signal Bunny returns over to where Daimon, Nico, and Illyana are standing. She makes a little coughing noise to announce herself. Then nervously says "He's Billy Kaplan and he likes rugs."

She glances around the trio. Nods and then dashes back to Zachary. Mission accomplished.

Zach meanwhile pulls out a chair and sits himself down. The Sorcerer Supreme might not be above crawling under a table. But Zachary isn't.. Well lets face it he's too vain to risk scuffing his shoes.

"Anyone down there need anything passing down? Food, drinks, or I think I have some smoke pellets used for onstage vanishing acts..."

Illyana Rasputina has posed:
"My methods would leave most broken or dead," Illyana replies. Deeply matter-of-fact, because she cannot claim to possess her older brother's innate goodness or some of her friends' gentle spirits. The proof is written in the fractured stained glass of her soul, plain as day to anyone who glances sideways at her aura. "The point stands, of course. Do not spare them the lessons that failure and wisdom teach."

However, even Hell-Lords care for rabbits. She nods to Bunny. "Good evening. You *are* charming." More would be inappropriate as she bounds off to her companion, who is offering smoke pellets. "He is a spoilsport for invisibility, be warned," she says to Zachary.

Phoebe Beacon has posed:
    It is more comfortable with Strange on the floor rather than in the air. For one thing, better eye level. Phoebe gives a wry look at Strange as he joins them under the table, and she shrugs her shoulders before she leans out, and looks up to Zachary Zatara.

    "You know the password?" she asks, looking up at the tuxedo'd one, and then motions down. "I know a cantrip that'll clean your fancy pants off if there's anything that gets on there. Apparently the party is happening down here too."

    nd she ducks back under the table, with Billy, Belinda, and Strange, and Phoebe, and she takes a deep breath, breathing out.

    "I was just introducing myself to Kaplan and properly to Miss Gutierrez. Turns out she and I fight in similar circles." Phoebe explains, and she leans against a table leg.

    "A magic school? Sounds like... a really good opportunity to get attacked." she states dourly, and rubs the back of her head. "But man, that would have been handy when I was fourteen."

Nico Minoru has posed:
That's when she remembers something. There's a low bow to the hostess and the host as she puts her now empty plate on the side. "I forgot, I have some previous commitments that need to be taken care of. It was nice meeting you all though." Nico tells the group, as she runs her fingers through her hair and starts to head back out as the talk of magic school continues.

Daimon Hellstrom has posed:
When Nico starts to exit, Daimon takes another piece of fruit for the road. "Gonna walk-and-talk with the apprentice a bit," he says. "Good seeing you. Give my regards to Strange when he gets out from under the table." Maybe he's saying this to Illyana, maybe he's saying it to Bunny, who knows. Either way, Daimon's off!

Stephen Strange has posed:
"Yes...I couldn't help but notice young Mr. Kaplan's distress. And, rather than draw attention to him, I felt it prudent to bring the mountain to Mohammad, as it were." Stephen's comment to Phoebe is given with all due seriousness. "After all, I wouldn't be a good host if I didn't cater to my guests."

With that, Stephen turns back to Billy. "The rug was Illyana's idea. As far as execution, I typically let the Sanctum decide such things for itself. I am pleased that you approve."

Then...to Belinda. "A pleasure, Ms. Gutierrez. As far as steak, it is really a matter of what would be best at the time. All that you mention are fine selections, though I will admit it has been some time since I had venison."

With all three addressed, Strange shifts to the idea of a school. "That was the thought. A safe place to learn without the hazards. It would be relatively simple enough with the proper wards in place, though the location would need to be just right. To ensure no one gets attacked.