19313/Two Tickets to Nilaa!

Two Tickets to Nilaa!
Date of Scene:	18 October 2024
Location:	Nilaa - Other Dimensions
Synopsis:	Amy links Clarice up with the Nilaa destination to add to her teleport list. Don't be surprised if she ends up here in a fishing hat and rod, sitting on the shoreline.
Cast of Characters:	Amy Winston, Lorna Dane, Clarice Ferguson

---

Amy Winston has posed:
The skies above the Genoshian Embassy are a dusky color as the sun starts to set. Princess Amethyst soars downwards, mounted on her alicorn, Ypsilos, making her arrival nothing short of regal. The golden light of the setting sun catches in her hair, illuminating it like spun sunlight (instead of her natural lavender locks), while the wind plays at her royal attire, mist-silk armor reflecting both her title and her warrior spirit, layered with hints of practicality from her time on Earth.

Ypsolis descends gracefully, his powerful wings folding as his hooves touch down so that Amy can dismount easily. Settling on the ground and spying Lorna, the young woman reaches up, fluffing out her hair a bit as she approaches and offers a respectful curtsey, but a warmer smile of friendship. "Your Majesty, I believe I have found a spot that may serve the needs that we have been discussing for setting a small embassy on Nilaa as a start to our relations. And I believe all is in order for me to take you and your entorauge so that you may have a more secure footing?" she asks, before straightening back up.

A final flick of her hand through her hair turns it back to it's lavender hue. "Which is a fancy way to say, 'Ready when you are!'" She quickly amends with a wink.

Lorna Dane has posed:
Accommodating a flying, intelligent mythological creature is a work in progress for the Genoshan Embassy. While it occupies a significant footprint on its block of Bushwick, the fact remains that it is in Bushwick-- a slice of a city famed for the fleeting and precious nature of its real estate. Space is at a premium; the only way to make more is to look up.

Lorna's waiting on the roof when Amethyst arrives, shielding her eyes with one hand to better observe the approach and landing. Still mid-construction, a small addendum atop the Embassy features stabling and remarkably lush turf for Ypsilos, with a doorway leading inside for anyone who isn't a winged steed. Shades of flowing green drape the Queen's regal figure, and while her forest green gown is both shoulderless and backless, the diaphanous emerald shawl wrapped around her shoulders offers a semblance of coverage in its stead. She waits for the curtsey - admires the curtsey, the ease with which the Princess slips in and out of the tangled web of protocol that defines royal existence - only to intercept her fellow noble before the explanation ensues.

The kiss that follows is plenty warm, if not precisely friendly.

It's also brief, because--

"... I've got an entourage of one, today: meet Clarice," she murmurs as soon as she's given the rundown. Stepping back and turning, she gestures and smiles--

warmly, fondly--

at the bright-hued, elf-eared woman accompanying her.

"Bodyguard; friend; cute elf whose portals you might've seen, here or there."

Stepping into place beside Amy, she lays an arm over the Princess' shoulder and holds the other out for Clarice, still beaming.

"And I'm very ready to see where we're going to plant the seeds for our shared future."

Clarice Ferguson has posed:
It's not every day that Clarice finds herself socializing. Well, short of 'Seeing the usual faces in the Asteroid cafeteria' socializing. But going out and about for reasons not involving some sort of urgent alarm? It's been awhile.

And then Lorna told her to dress for diplomacy. Well, she said to dress to represent the Queen of Genosha, which is a surprisingly broad definition. And it's why Blink's quarters on Asteroid M look like some sort of clothing-based explosive recently detonated.

And it's why, in a moment of levity and self-deprication, that the mutant freedom fighter often called Blink is one iconic hat away from dressing like Robin Hood. At least insofar as the backless green dress with high slits on either side that go up past her hips (for maneuverability, she assures), and thigh high brown leather boots are concerned. She hasn't got any visible weapons, but then, that's what makes so many humans fear mutants isn't it?

But any concerns and ongoing angst about the plight of mutants in general and herself specifically are swept away by beating wings. Well, less by the beating of wings and more by bright green eyes turning up to catch sight of... "Huh."

Really, if anything, the lack of sardonic quip speaks to Clarice's general impression of descending royalty and her magical mount. She's quipped at killer robots, mutant zombie hybrids, she's made faces during important briefings by Magneto himself. But she's not representing Magneto now, she's representing Lorna Dane, who has her absolute loyalty.

And so Clarice is on her best behaviour.

As Lorna's glancing skywards, a little bit of snark does slip free as Clarice murmurs, "You know, I think 'meeting a princess with her own mystic flying mount' counts as an appropriate event to bring a parasol to. Just for future reference."

And then she's smartly shutting up as Amy lands, and as the two monarchs embrace and Clarice definitely doesn't have anything to say about that!

But she does offer a little roll of her eyes at her introduction, "Pleased to meet you, highness. I'm not really an elf. Just very elf-like. ...Minus the skills at archery. Or any particular natural gift for woodland tracking."

She sighs and shrugs, "It's pretty much just the ears. Since I don't think most elves do portals... but... speaking of portals..."

She cracks her knuckles and murmurs out softly, "I am /so/ getting nachos when we're back in town... this is going to..." She draws a slow breath, bright eyes closing, brow furrowing, sweat beading, and then a pink-edged portal blossoms to life, offering a view of a picturesque portion of Nilaa.

Clarice exhales slowly, clearly a little strained, but then she eyes Ypsolis... and fingers flex a little and the portal expands, "Here, don't want to be the jerk who made the majestic steed have to hunch his wings to fit!"

And that's about when she realizes of /course/ the magical flying unicorn can just get back home on his own.

Smooth, Clarice. Real smooth.

Amy Winston has posed:
Returning the kiss with a warmth that speaks of shared battles and unspoken trust, Amy luxuriates in the brief touch from Lorna carrying both affection and a subtle acknowledgment of the weight of her and Lorna's titles. The moment passes quickly, her gaze shifting from Lorna to Clarice as the queen introduces her.

With a soft smile, Amy dips her head in acknowledgment as Clarice steps forward. "Clarice, it is an honor to meet you," she says, her voice calm yet welcoming, laced with just enough formality to signal the importance of the moment. "I am Princess Amaya of Nilaa, though most call me Amy here on Earth. Lorna says you've got quite the reputation with your portals."

Amy can't help but chuckle softly at Clarice's murmur about the parasol. "I'll keep that in mind next time I make a royal entrance," she replies with a hint of amusement in her tone, her eyes twinkling. But as she steps away from Lorna, she cannot help but to drag one well-manicured nail up Lorna's exposed back, before releases across her shoulder to make her way over to Clarice properly.

As Clarice introduces herself, Amy smiles warmly, appreciating the elf-like quip. "Well, elf or not, it's an honor to have you here. And don't worry, I won't be asking for any archery demonstrations anytime soon," she says, her tone light and welcoming.

She steps closer to both women, feeling the steady presence of Lorna beside her and the energy Clarice radiates. "I'll make this quick," she adds, slipping into her royal rhythm with ease. Amy raises her hand, summoning the magic to form a portal. "Once we arrive in Nilaa, I'll ensure you're properly attuned, Clarice. Then you'll be able to move between our worlds as easily as you can here."

When Clarice's portal blossoms to life, Amy watches with admiration. And then she steps forward, casting a spell and standing next to Clarice. "I'm going to telepathically link with you..." and her voice sounds in both Lorna and Clarice's head. "And now... for the portal..." As she opens it, she combines it with Clarice's own portal. The two intermingle and...

The air hums with magic as the portal begins to open, its edges shimmering like liquid gold, casting a soft glow over the surroundings. Slowly, the swirling energy expands, revealing a breathtaking view of a tranquil lakeside on Nilaa. The lake itself is a serene mirror, its waters a deep, crystalline blue, reflecting the sky and the towering trees that line the shore.

On the far side of the lake, a dense, vibrant forest stretches into the distance, the trees unlike anything seen on Earth-some have bark that gleams like polished gemstone, while others bear leaves that glow faintly with soft pastel hues, almost as if they are charged with magic. The air here feels alive, filled with the hum of nature and magic intertwined.

In the center of the lake rests a small island, its surface dominated by a single, towering formation of pure crystal. The crystal rises from the ground like a natural spire, its many facets catching the light from Nilaa's twin suns, sending prismatic beams dancing across the water. The island itself is small but lush, covered in soft, verdant grass that contrasts with the sharp brilliance of the crystal formation.

Lorna Dane has posed:
"And," Lorna slips into the talk of parasols, "she's even got that famous elvish sense of humor going for her," with a playful grin and hushed tone intended for Clarice as much as Amaya.

Echoing the brief scraping across her back, Lorna drags her fingertips along the Princess' shoulders for a beat before separating. Since she has no part in portal-opening, she dutifully steps back to make room for the experts to ply their trade, eyes drifting from Clarice to Amy and back again as each layers their gifts atop the other's until--

The image of a lake so tranquil that she'd be hard-pressed to remember the turmoil surrounding it stretches out and sharpens into clarity before her eyes. A crystal tower standing tall like a lone sentinel over the lake and its central island seizes the breath in Lorna's throat while the warmth of twin suns leaks through to kiss her skin.

A beat of admiration later, she lowly tells them, "... I'll go first," as the distant sting of a lingering scar across her stomach reminds her that danger's never all that far. A beautiful picture alone isn't evidence of the absence of ugliness beyond the margins; protective emerald swims through the air around her as she walks through the portal, in case a hint of that festering ugliness awaits them.

Clarice Ferguson has posed:
Clarice instinctively scoffs at the idea of meeting her being any sort of honor, especially for a no fooling Magical Queen of Magic Stuff. But she buries that innate scoffing to instead somewhat awkwardly smile and attempt her best curtsey without that dress doing anything unexpected.

The mixture of her mutant abilities and Amy's magic is... shockingly smooth. Almost comfortable really.

Maybe because she's so used to dealing with telepaths, having someone's abilities mingling with her own doesn't raise her hackles. Though, maybe, she allows, that's because Lorna vouches for her. But when things are done and the portal's stable and ready for them to cross, and that view is crystalized into clarity, it draws out a soft little unbidden gasp from the elf.

Hey, she might watch a lot of big budget special effects movies, but they don't compare to the reality of how unreal things can look. Also, you know, it's a picturesque wonderland in the middle of Bushwick, and promises serenity and warmth and no loud bus horns. Too good to be true, surely.

But hey, she'll take too good to be true over Bushwick. Even over Manhattan.

And then Lorna's taking point and Clarice heaves out the most melodramatic sigh and leans towards Amy to chime out, "I'd argue with her, because I'm her bodyguard. But then you'd have to stand here for ten minutes of us fighting, followed by her going first anyway."

She rolls her eyes at the headstrong nature of 'the boss', and once Lorna's through the portal, she follows along, eyes alert, and only... partly distracted by the literally otherworldly beauty of this new land. ...She's definitely going to have to try and make a good impression so she can vacation here a lot.

Amy Winston has posed:
When Lorna's fingers brush along her shoulders, Amy feels the brief connection, a reminder of their shared strength and history. She steps aside as Lorna moves to the portal, giving her space to lead, though Amy remains ready, magic still humming beneath the surface of her skin, always prepared for what lies ahead.

As the portal stabilizes and the tranquil lakeside view sharpens into perfect focus, Amy takes in Lorna's reaction. She can see how the beauty of Nilaa pulls at her, the twin suns casting a warm, inviting light that belies the world's underlying wildness. But Amy knows better than anyone, Nilaa's beauty is powerful, but it hides a fierce, unpredictable magic, always lurking just beneath the surface.

"See you in a moment, Lorna," Amy calls softly, her tone steady but tinged with concern. She knows Lorna is more than capable, but Nilaa's wilderness has a way of testing even the strongest.

As Lorna steps through, Amy feels the familiar tug of the land. She watches her queen's connection to the raw, untapped metals deep beneath the earth, the richness of Nilaa's untamed resources. There's a wildness here that reflects the very core of the world, a primal force always at the edge of things. It's why Amy loves her homeland so much, but it's also why she's always vigilant.

"You would have had to argue with me as well." Amy comments to Clarice with a cheeky smile. "After all, it is my home." she points out with amusement as she starts to make her own way into the portal. "Come, Clarice," she says, her hand raised to the portal, magic still shimmering faintly around her. "Let's make sure the beauty doesn't hide any unwelcome surprises." With a final glance at the serene scene, Amy steps through after Lorna, ready to see what awaits them on the other side.

-----

The trio steps through the portal, the familiar hum of magic fading as they cross into Nilaa. Immediately, the warmth of the twin suns embraces them, the air carrying a gentle breeze that smells faintly of wildflowers and magic. The landscape unfurls before them, soft grass beneath their feet, the tranquil lake shimmering nearby, and the crystal spire at the heart of the island gleaming in the sunlight.

Amy pauses for a moment, taking it all in. Even though this is her homeland, it still fills her with a sense of awe each time she returns. She glances at Clarice, who is already absorbing the otherworldly beauty of the scene. "Welcome to Nilaa," Amy says, her voice soft but proud. "It's even better in person, isn't it?"

The forest that lines the edge of the lake hums with quiet life, the vibrant trees towering like guardians of the land. Strange birds with iridescent wings flit from branch to branch, their songs unfamiliar yet soothing. There's a palpable energy here, a quiet power that courses through the earth and air, as if the very land recognizes the presence of its princess.

"We're in Amethyst - near it's border with the lands of Emerald and Moonstone. I considered putting you in the middle of Amethyst and it's castle, but to be honest - I want you to feel what Nilaa //should be//, not what Dark Opal has turned it into."

Lorna Dane has posed:
At first, she's still.

Her first time on Nilaa was a quest: rescue Ypsilos from the clutches of poachers -- slavers, really, given the intellect of their wares -- looking to sell slices of Nilaa's natural splendor off to the highest bidder. The imperative to free him and the necessity of safeguarding her Princess and her Princess' chosen allies kept her laser-focused on the task at hand; the raw, alien, primal familiarity tugging at her consciousness from the depths of Gemworld quietly reinforced her determination, but there simply wasn't room to get lost in it.

Not so, this time: protective emerald gently roars outwards, flaring and coursing in dual tones. Deep, dark, crackling electricity dances erratically around the pale and steady thrum of a warbling magnetic sphere; excess leaks from lidding eyes and spills between splaying fingers as she takes a long, indulgent breath.

"Does he know about this place?"

The solemn quietude of the question's in stark contrast to the scintillating display that orbits the Matriarch of Magnetism. As soon as it leaves her lips, a steady exhale sees those swirling energies sink inwards, suffusing themselves with Lorna's being once more and leaving her a degree warmer than before.

"Is it safe here--?" follows in a louder, more present voice, followed by a shivering sigh. She turns to face the princess and the rogue/bodyguard, smiling warmly despite the everpresent shadow of danger looming over their mere existence on the face of Nilaa.

Clarice Ferguson has posed:
Clarice narrows her eyes at Amy and grins, a little less reserved, more natural. "Oh, I've got no problem arguing with two monarchs. I mean, you and Lorna seem to get along very well, so I bet the same tactics would work on both of you. And I'm going to remember that."

And then they're through the portal and into this mystical realm, and Clarice is practically vibrating as the air buzzes with a unique energy. She's been all over and around the Earth, but this is... so much more. So very different.

Fortunately not so different as to make her swoon and lose any of her precious and totally real 'cool points'.

She glances back and forth between Amy and Lorna, lips pressing into a thin line, shoulders tensing. So there /is/ in fact a potential danger. Some... literal bad guy. Well, she can roll with that.

She nods to Amy and that thin, severe line turns to an angry little frown, "Well, I'm betting 'Dark Opal' is what passes for like... a villain nickname around here. So I'm down for helping stop anyone from making all of this less than the wonder it clearly should be."

arms cross and she half-heartedly glares at Lorna and her display of power, "I mean, I bet I'll have a lot of time to help out because my /body guard employer/ is clearly starting to realize she can handle herself." Eyes twinkle downright playfully. Yep, it turns out Blink /can/ get out of her recent frustrated and grumpy headspace. It just takes literally going to another world!

Amy Winston has posed:
As Amy returns to her home, she can feel the land calling to her in a way that's more personal, more intimate. The deep connection to the world she was born to protect stirs within her as she takes in the scene before her. Her fingers caress her stomach lightly at the thought, as she turns her attention to Lorna stretching out her powers.

When Lorna asks, "Does he know about this place?" Amy's gaze shifts to the distant horizon, the towering crystal spire reflecting the light of the twin suns. Dark Opal's influence has touched so much of Nilaa, but here, at least for now, it feels untouched.

She turns to Lorna, her expression thoughtful but steady. "He knows of it," Amy replies, her voice quiet but certain. "But this place, this corner of Nilaa, is still hidden from his grasp." There's a moment of pause, the air filled with the hum of magic and life around them. "For now, it's safe."

Her eyes meet Lorna's, and a smile tugs at the corners of her mouth despite the underlying tension. "I wouldn't bring you both here if I didn't believe we could hold this ground." The words are spoken with a quiet confidence, her hand resting on the hilt of her sword as if to reinforce the unspoken promise of protection.

Then she hears Clarice's comment and Amy smirks. "Oh, feel free to try those tactics on me. I'm sure it'll be entertaining," she teases, her eyes gleaming with playful mischief. "But just so you know, I've got plenty of practice in dealing with stubborn people, royals or otherwise." She shares a knowing look with Lorna, acknowledging the shared stubborn streak between them.

"Yeah, Dark Opal's as real as it gets here," Amy says, her tone shifting to something more serious. "He's no small threat, but we've got an advantage. This land, my land, still remembers what it's supposed to be. And that's something worth fighting for." Her voice carries a note of resolve, the weight of her duty pressing lightly on her words.

She takes a breath, the faint energy of her own magic swirling beneath the surface, ever present. "Let's make the most of this moment," Amy says, glancing from Lorna to Clarice. "Nilaa might be wild, but it's our wild." Her smile widens, the tension easing slightly. "And I think you'll find there's beauty here worth fighting for."