001 ✶ video

[scarletcast]

[ username reads: wanda ]

​​​​[ Having had time to recover from the fight, Wanda looks no worse for wear. She's outside in the abandoned village, out of the glare of sunlight, moving her fingers slowly. Thin red wisps of hex energy weave around her fingers. A small rock, part of a doorframe, and a water bottle are moving in a slow, lazy circle like they're being turned on an invisible Ferris wheel. ]

​​​​[ She's quiet at first, concentrating. Then, she pulls the water bottle into one hand. The other two objects keep circling. ]

What is this called, where you are from?

​​​​[ Her mouth curves in dry amusement. ]

Is it magic?

Comments

[winces]

Are there others like you in your world...? Mages are not too rare, in mine.

[scarletcast]

There are others with abilities. No one else like me.

... So far.

[winces]

I see...

[ olivia frowns for a moment, one hand rising to her chest. ]

It must have been quite lonely for you.

[scarletcast]

[ That she jumps immediately to say something like that makes Wanda huff quietly. She was never alone — she had Pietro. ]

No doubt there will be another attempt to recreate what made me. I do not think I will be the only one for long.

[ Little does she know. ]

[winces]

[ what made her...

olivia's hand flutters up to her mouth. ]

Were... Were your powers not obtained naturally, either?

[scarletcast]

They were not. I only got them last year.

[winces]

Have you any guidance on them...?

[scarletcast]

[ She hesitates, swallows. ]

I have a little training.

[ Not nearly enough. ]

[winces]

[ tentatively: ] There are many here, with different skills.

Perhaps one can help...?

[scarletcast]

Perhaps. I have to find out more about my power first.

[winces]

Have you any plans how?

[scarletcast]

Are there any groups to train with?

[winces]

I don't know of any official groups, but I know many who would not mind the chance to hone their skills.

I would offer myself, of course, but I'm afraid my own magic isn't quite so physical.

[scarletcast]

That is all right. You have been very kind.

[winces]

I'm sorry. [ she still apologizes anyway. ] But there are many of us, with great powers. I'm sure you'll be able to find someone.

[scarletcast]

I will try. And thank you for speaking with me.

[winces]

Of course. Should you need any further help, please don't hesitate to ask. I would do what I can.

I am Olivia, by the way.

[scarletcast]

Wanda. I am new to Audentes.

[winces]

Welcome, Wanda.

[scarletcast]

Thank you. How long have you been here, Olivia?

[winces]

Oh... [ she laughs a little, a hollow sound. ] Upwards to two years now?

[scarletcast]

I'm sorry, that is a long time to be away from home.

[winces]

It is, but... we have done good here.

[ a pause. ]

I have to believe that we do.

[scarletcast]

Then you have.

[ It's blunt — hardly comforting — but she thinks it's what Olivia needs to hear. ]

[winces]

[ her smile is soft. desperate to believe her own confidence. ]

...Thank you.

[ she certainly hopes so. ]