19115/Message in a (fairy) Bottle

Message in a (fairy) Bottle
Date of Scene:	18 September 2024
Location:	Washington Square Park
Synopsis:	Mercy comes across Amy getting a message from home - and the Curious Coyote checks it out and gets an invitation to assist.
Cast of Characters:	Amy Winston, Mercy Thompson

---

Amy Winston has posed:
Amy stepped out of the NYU building, the autumn air crisp against her skin as she slung her bag over her shoulder. She smiled, offering quick goodbyes to a couple of her friends standing by the entrance. "Catch you later!" she called over her shoulder, adding a casual wave. But as she walked across the parking lot, weaving through cars and pedestrians, her expression shifted, her mind already moving elsewhere.

She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, her thoughts heavy with the weight of her responsibilities. The city's noise faded into the background as she made her way forward, her steps quick and deliberate, but even she couldn't ignore the tingling sense of magic beginning to gather in the air.

Suddenly, a portal shimmered into existence just ahead of her, swirling with energy and casting soft light across the pavement. Before Amy could react, a small figure emerged-a fairy, wings iridescent under the city's dull light, her delicate features lined with urgency.

"Princess Amethyst!" the fairy called out, her voice carrying more weight than her size suggested. "I have a message for you! Most urgent!"

Amy froze, her violet eyes narrowing slightly. Her hand instinctively tightened around her bag strap. She glanced around to see if anyone else had noticed the magical arrival, but New York's rush hour wasn't so easily distracted. Turning her attention back to the fairy, Amy stepped closer, her expression shifting from the casual college student to something much more serious, regal even.

"Tell me," she said softly, her voice steady. "What's happened in Nilaa?"

Mercy Thompson has posed:
    Mercy was just waving farewell to a friend in a parking lot nearby. The needed a bit of a jump and she came out to bail them from their situation. As she watches them start the car and drive off she gets that... itch? She never knows how to explain when she senses magic. It's like the feeling you get when pepper tickles your nose. But it is on your skin or something.

    She rubs at her nose and is looking around, suddenly a lot more alert. That's when her keen ears pick up a high and distressed voice. If tiny sounding. With a sneeze she misses some of the reply. Yet it turns out the sneeze helped clear her nose and made her aware of a new scent.

    Far too curious for her own good, Mercy Thompson starts to quietly creep toward the source of all three things. Something is up, hopefully something interesting and worth the sniff as it were. She takes slow measured breaths as she moves toward what seems to a young woman looking a bit sus. "Oh definitely gonna be nosey," Mercy says to herself while slowly walking closer as casual as she can manage.

Amy Winston has posed:
Amy's eyes widen at the fairy's words, her heart pounding in her chest. She takes a deep breath, reaching inside to the well of magic she's kept hidden. With a soft incantation, her body begins to glow with a faint violet light, and in an instant, the transformation begins. Her NYU sweatshirt and blue jeans dissolve into shimmering energy, replaced by the regal, gleaming armor of Princess Amethyst. Silver and violet plates cover her form, adorned with gemstones that sparkle as the last remnants of her human guise fade away.

Her hair cascades in soft waves, glowing with a faint lavender hue, and the weight of her amethyst crown settles on her brow. She stands taller, radiating the power and authority of her true self. Turning to the fairy, she speaks, her voice now deeper, filled with royal command.

"What is this urgent news?" Amethyst asks, her tone resolute.

The fairy flutters closer, her wings shimmering in the light of the portal. "Princess," she gasps, "Ypsolis has been captured. Forces loyal to Dark Opal have taken him to be auctioned off to the highest bidder!"

Amethyst's heart tightens. Ypsolis, her pegacorn, and more importantly, her loyal companion-was in danger. Dark Opal's forces were making their move, and this was no mere coincidence. Her thoughts race, but something pulls her from the moment, a chill that runs down her spine, a sense of magic in the air. Not from Nilaa. Something else. Something close.

She pauses, her senses sharp, scanning the parking lot. The ordinary sounds of the city seem to fade as her eyes search the space between the cars. There, a ripple of energy, a presence cloaked but not hidden enough to escape her magical instincts.

Amethyst's hand extends, and with a flash of violet light, her amethyst blade materializes in her grasp. The sword hums with power, its gleaming edge ready. She takes a slow, cautious step forward, her eyes fixed on the disturbance.

"Show yourself," she commands, her voice steady, the blade held firmly in her hand, poised for whatever lurks in the shadows.

Mercy Thompson has posed:
    Well that isn't something you see everyday. She can't help herself as Mercy stands there with a big grin and the expression that says 'Yeah I totally saw that.' Some people can hide who they are better, but most don't think about scent and it can make it easier to know things a mechanic probably doesn't need to know.

    The news of someone being kidnapped isn't so good. And whoever calls themselves 'dark opal' can't be all that of a good person. That or they are horrible in branding.

Seeing as something is up and she doesn't want a sword being swung at her Mercy clears her throat and steps out. "is that a long sword in your hand or are you just excited to be here. Princess was it?" Giving a casual wave to the armored woman.

Amy Winston has posed:
Amethyst's eyes narrow slightly as she assesses the newcomer with a critical gaze. The casual tone and knowing grin are met with a flicker of both surprise and suspicion. She holds her amethyst blade steady, the sword's magic crackling softly in the tense air.

Her gaze softens slightly as she takes in the other's demeanor, trying to gauge whether this person might be an ally or merely an observer. "Indeed, it is a sword, and I assure you, it is very much necessary at the moment. My companion, Ypsolis, is in grave danger, and forces loyal to Dark Opal are involved. But it seems you may have heard that."

She takes a step forward, her posture relaxed but vigilant. "As for who I am, you may call me Princess Amethyst. I am dealing with a situation that requires both urgency and discretion. So, if you have information or assistance to offer, now is the time."

Her gaze shifts back to the shadows where she sensed the magic. "Otherwise, if you have no stake in this, I suggest you make your presence known more formally. I have little patience for surprises in these circumstances."

Mercy Thompson has posed:
    "I say that is some impressive improve but," she motions to the fairy and the outfit. "That's clearly authentic and not just costume. That and the air buzzes with magic as it were." Mercy nods her head and will take a few steps closer but staying out of weapon reach. Thank you Amazons for training.

    "I got good ears and I heard some of it. You want me to use your title too? I mean I get you might be real visiting royalty, but Americans generally aren't versed in royal etiquette."

    Mercy will shrug her shoulder and says, "I don't know what help you need. I mean if you're going to another dimension I may need more warning. I don't do that so often. If you need help tracking I can say I'm pretty good at that." She will motion to the two before her. "Either of you got something that belongs to this Ypsolis? Who or what are they also?"

Amy Winston has posed:
Amethyst studies Mercy for a moment, her gaze sharp yet measured. The mechanic's observation about the authenticity of her appearance and the magical aura resonates with her. She nods, acknowledging the accuracy of the assessment.

"Your perception is astute," Amethyst replies, her voice calm and composed. "This is no mere costume. It is a manifestation of my true form, forged through the magic of Nilaa. And yes, the air indeed hums with the energy of my world."

She takes a breath, her grip on the amethyst blade loosening slightly as she assesses the mechanic's willingness to assist. "As for titles, while I appreciate the formality, you may address me simply as Amethyst if that is more comfortable for you. Royal etiquette is not a requirement here-what matters is the urgency of the matter at hand."

Amethyst's gaze shifts to the fairy, then back to Mercy. "If you are skilled in tracking, that may indeed prove useful. My companion, Ypsolis, is a pegacorn, a magical creature of immense importance to me. He has been captured by forces loyal to Dark Opal, a malevolent entity who seeks to exploit him for their own ends."

Reaching into her bag, Amethyst pulls out a small fabric bag and unties it. "This is a spell component that allows me to teleport directly to Ypsolis if I am on Nilaa." She pulls out a small grouping of mane-hair, light blue in color, tied with a lavender tie, "I plan to head to Nilaa by the middle of the next day on Earth, if you feel you are up to the task - I will have others - your skills as a tracker will be invaluable."

Mercy Thompson has posed:
    "Kinda makes me think of white pepper," offers Mercy about the 'magic that fills the air. She seems to consider the whole 'title thing' and finally offers, "If you want me to call you Princess Amethyst, or just one of them, that's fine. Like I know there's even a thing for Majesty verses Highness in this world on royalty some."

    She is purposefully trying to exude calm. In her experience panic can lead to mistakes and those can be dangerous. Especially when magic is around. More then once she's glanced over at the fairy near the armed woman. "Okay. So it's a male... equine of sorts? I'm guessing you have a safe way there and back also."

    Mercy will get closer and lean in toward the bit of mane there and take as subtle a sniff as she can. "How would I contact you? That outfit doesn't look like it has pockets for a cellphone. Also I don't know what your world, and all that magic, may do to 'me' specifically. I sometimes get.... atypical reactions around this stuff."

Amy Winston has posed:
Amethyst considers Mercy's remarks with a thoughtful nod, her gaze steady but appreciative. She notes the mechanic's calm demeanor and careful approach, recognizing the value in her composed attitude.

"White pepper, you say?" Amethyst muses, a faint smile touching her lips. "It seems an apt comparison for the unique essence of Nilaa's magic. I understand that the nuances of royal etiquette can vary, and I appreciate your flexibility."

She observes Mercy's curiosity about Ypsolis, her expression serious. "Yes, Ypsolis is a male pegacorn, what you would call a unicorn and Pegasus together, an equine creature of remarkable grace and strength. And indeed, I have methods for traveling between worlds."

Amethyst watches as Mercy leans in and subtly sniffs, raising an eyebrow at the unusual behavior but remaining focused. "As for communication," she says, pulling out her cellphone with a small Sailor Moon charm on it, "I do indeed have a cellphone." she says with a little huff of amusement, "My number is XXXXXX. I will keep it accessible."

Mercy Thompson has posed:
    "Ah... my friend's daughter always said that was an 'alicorn' but hey who am I to correct a royal who is a princess with fairy friends." Mercy gives Amy a bit of a casual smile and will step back, reaching slowly into a pocket. What comes out is a business card. "My name is Mercy Thompson, Princess Amethyst. I got lots of friends who deal with weird stuff. This is my card with my number on it. You can reach me here." She will do her best to commit the number to memory. "I'll see if I can make it to your little rescue mission. I'll have some questions before I show up, if I can make it. Otherwise stay in touch, alright? I at least want to know you got your friend back even if I couldn't help."

Amy Winston has posed:
Amethyst listens to Mercy's words with a nod of understanding. The mention of alicorn' brings a faint, approving smile to her face. "An alicorn is indeed another term for such a creature, though my understanding aligns with pegacorn in our world. Nonetheless, the distinction is noted."

She accepts the business card with a graceful gesture, her armored fingers careful not to crumple it. "Thank you for providing your contact information, Lady Mercy. I will certainly keep it on hand and reach out if I need further assistance or updates."

With a deliberate motion, Amethyst turns toward the portal still open behind the fairy. She raises her hands, and the energy swirls and intensifies, the portal expanding to accommodate the fairy's return. "Before you go, allow me to prepare a safe return for you."

The portal's colors shift and dance, a vortex of swirling hues that reflects the magic of Nilaa. She gestures toward the opening, her expression sincere. "Thank you for your willingness to assist and for your support, even if your involvement is uncertain. I'll ensure you are informed of any developments. Rest assured, I will do my utmost to recover Ypsolis, and I'll keep you updated on our progress."

As the fairy flits into the portal, Amethyst's gaze shifts back to Mercy. "Feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns. Your assistance is greatly valued, and your well-being is important to us. I look forward to hearing from you, and I hope to bring good news soon."

With a final nod, Amethyst watches the fairy disappear through the portal, then turns back to Mercy, ready to continue the mission ahead.

Mercy Thompson has posed:
    Mercy grins at the friendly honorific. "Lady Mercy. That sounds like some sort of super charity worker or something. Just Mercy is fine, unless that makes you uncomfortable. It's actually a nickname anyway. My full name is a mouthful to say the least."

    All the magic makes Mercy's arm hairs stand up on end and she rubs one arm a bit while wiggling her nose to try and not sneeze again. She's getting used to it a little. "Good luck out there, Princess Amethyst. Definitely fun meeting you." Gods she loves living in a city like New York. She stays there watching as they fade away before turning to walk back. A bemused expression on her face, "Lady Mercy... yeah right. Like I'd ever be someone that important." Laughing she heads home.