Back to the Beginning?

February 10, 2017:

Elinor runs into Morgana in Central Park and diverts the sorceress's attention enough that she doesn't cause havok! Has she managed to set Morgana on a path that will lead her back to where she started? Only time will tell.

//Central Park - New York City //

Sitting on 843 acres of public land, Central Park is one of the
most famous sight-seeing spots in New York, and is considered large enough
to have its own police precinct (the Central Park Precinct) dedicated to its
protection. The Park boasts several lakes — all of which have been created
artificially — extensive walking and bridle paths, two ice skating rinks, a
variety of outdoor theater spaces, several playgrounds, and a considerable
collection of whimsical statuary. It is home to Belvedere Castle, the
Carousel, the Central Park Zoo, the Conservatory, and Cleopatra's Needle
(one of three, 70-foot Egyptian obelisks from the Temple of Ra in Helios,
its mates residing in London and Paris).
On the east side corner of Central Park, the Manhattan island zoo
might be considered small for a zoo in such a famous city. The animals in
residence skew toward those that are able to put on shows, perhaps in an
attempt to draw crowds through cute tricks as opposed to variety. Past the
gift shop and the cafe, the largest open space is occupied by a manicured
garden and the slightly raised sea lion tank surrounded by seats and a slate
courtyard. The sides of the tanks are made of thick glass to give visitors
greater visibility into the depths of the water.
Many of the other exhibits, like the penguins and the tropical
birds, are in enclosed buildings to the east and west. Mimicking the feel of
the vast park that surrounds it on three sides, the zoo feels more like a
large green courtyard and meeting space. It is a playground that happens to
have exotic animals living nearby.

Characters

NPCs: None.

Mentions: None.

Plot:

Mood Music: None.


Fade In…

Central Park is one of the last places to clear out for the evening and as such, there's all kinds of people milling about. Of course, that many people tends to draw the attention of a sorceress. Especially when she's bored. Which, it would seem, Morgana is this evening.

Of course, one wouldn't know it's the sorceress of legends to look at her. Tonight, her hair is short and blonde. Her eyes eyes a rich blue and she's dressed in a pair of jeans with a rich, brown leather coat on as she wonders along the sidewalk, looking just like anyone else.

There's an energy that comes from her though. most avoid her, some are drawn to her and kids, oddly enough, seem almost enchanted with her as if they can sense the underlying magic or see through her disguise.

There's no so visible people following her as well. Two women and a young man, an elf and a little flying creature of some sort. They all whisper to her but if she knows they're there, she isn't showing /any/ signs of it.

Night is Elinor's favorite time to be out in a park. Less people to stare at her when she starts talking to the dead, and there are plenty of long forgotten dead people to have conversations with. Tonight she is following a couple who ar wearing Victorian clothing as they are out for a lover's stroll. She doesn't disturb them, as they appear to not realize that the world has changed around them, they simply enjoy eachothers company and tour the park speaking of their plans to elope.

Even though she's enjoying the story, something tugs her attention away, perhaps it is Morgana herself, or the ghosts that follow her. The darkly clad woman is pulled away from the lovers and changes her direction to slowly follow Morgana. The shadows wrap around her and cling to her skin as she slowly fades from view. For now she's listening, trying to see what the ghosts are saying, and gauge if she's going to interfere with the group.

'Please, my Queen, the world has changed' - The elf.
'Not all hunt us now, Mistress. Can you not see?' - The pixie.
'Bitch! I wouldn't have hated you if you hadn't attacked us for no reason!' - The young man.
'Hush. Her life hasn't taught her any better, Johnny.' - The younger of the two females.
'Some will still hunt you but not all of us. I can't imagine hating someone who can do what you can. If you'd just see you could change things a different way.' - The elder woman.

And Morgana seems oblivious to it all. She continues along her way only for a child to come rushing up to her, her mother not far behind. "Annie! Get back here," the mother calls. The little girl skids to a halt in front of Morgana who draws up short, regarding the child with curiosity and distaste both. "Shoo, monster," is whispered at the girl.

The girl only giggles. "You sparkle! It's pretty!"

Elinor listens carefully to the ghosts that follow the woman, trying to decide if she should speak up. Some people welcome insight from those who have long passed, while others would rather not hear what has to be said. Still something continues to draw her to the small group, and she almost steps out of the shadows when she spots the little girl dashing up to Morgana. There is a smirk on her lips over the small exchange between the two, and she decides to slide out of the shadows out of sight of the little girl. No sense in scaring her as well. Still she's a little worried at what the girl might see when she's looked at, but she decides to speak up.

"You don't walk alone." She says quietly, looking toward the ghosts who surround her, giving them each a nod to show that she does see them. Sometimes that's all they need, to be recognized, and not feel as if they've been forgotten. Turning toward Annie she gives her a light smile. "You should return to your mother, it's not safe in the dark by yourself."

Despite Morgana's best efforts, her lips twitch. "Run along, beasty," is murmured with a little more warmth.

"I'm not by myself, silly!" The girl says as she turns around to look at Elinor. She frowns for a moment then looks back at Morgana just as her mother reaches the group. "I am so sorry! Annie, that's enough." The child is scooped up and taken away, the girl waving over her mother's shoulder.

For a heartbeat, nothing and the tiny motes of pink lights are floating near the girl. Morgana then looks over at Elinor. "Given the way the realms cross, one is never truly alone. I assume you refer to something specific." There's a lot less warmth there than there was with the child.

Elinor smiles politely to the young girl and her mother, though as they walk away, she shakes her head lightly. "She'll be a handful when she's older." Still she turns her attention back to Morgana, also dropping the polite facade she was using with the child. "Well when you put it that way, I suppose you're right, none of us are alone. Which makes taking a shower rather disturbing." She shakes her head, returning to the topic she began.

"I can see and speak with the spirits that linger on Earth." She says, cutting to the chase and figuring with the amount of power rolling off this woman, isn't someone she has to sugar coat her words with. "I'm used to seeing maybe one, or two ghosts following a person, but five is a new record for me. And such a range of spirits as well, I have to say it is facinating to see it. Though probably less facinating for you." She clears her throat and gets back on track. "I could translate if you'd like, one or two of them seem insistant that they speak with you. It might help them to move on with their death."

Morgana arches a brow as she listens to Elinor. "Only five? I would have expected more. I have been around for quite some time."

Her head tilts off to one side. "I could force them to move on if I were truly concerned about it." The blonde haired woman smirks, eyes glinting in the darkness as a small wave of power rolls from her. "By all means, however, relay their words. I could use some amusement this evening."
"Not all are strong enough to follow people around, and several might have moved on already." Though as Morgana agrees, Elinor gives her a breif nod and looks the group over. "You have an elf who calls you Queen, and asks that you see how the world has changed. A pixie who begs the same, to say that you will not be hunted. A woman who says that you could change things for the better, if you would only see that you could. The other two seem less fond of you, saying that your life has not brought you any clarity." She's paraphrasing that last bit, figuring that she doesn't have to repeat all of what was said.

The amusement drains from Morgana's features and the disguise falls away, leaving behind a woman that could only be described as regal. In a gown that looks more authentic than any found at even the best Renn Faire, her emerald green eyes seem a whirlwind of emotions, framed by amethyst colored hair that nearly brushes the ground and is crowned with an elegant circlet.

"You tread on dangerous ground presuming to say such things, mortal." Her tone is steely and bordering on cold. "If you wish to beg for your people, do so properly. Do not use my own as an excuse. You hunt your own and expect me to believe mine are safe?"
Elinor stares as this transformation takes place and her pale eyes go wide. "Well.. I." Elinor begins before she clears her throat. "I have obviously picked the wrong person to address, I'm sorry." Nervously she starts to pick at the dark nail polish on her hands and clears her throat. "Look, I don't hunt anything. Spirits come to me, whether I want them to or not. Sometimes it helps to hear what they have to say, and obviously sometimes it doesn't. I'm not trying to beg for anything, I don't even know you or what sort of powers you possess. I was only relaying a message." She finally stops picking at her nailpolish and holds hands plams up.

"Oh do quit fidgeting." Morgana seems to huff before she narrows her eyes at the woman. "I am Morgana le Fay."

She regards the woman silently for a moment, peering as if looking straight through to her soul. "I see. You're a medium then. Interesting. Not many humans have that particular ability. Perhaps you have fae or witch blood in your line somewhere."

Her demeanor thaws slightly. "Very well. If you can help them move on, so be it. I have heard what they wish to say and I will give it thought." Perhaps not much but she'll give it thought!
Elinor acts as if she's been scolded at school and hids her hands behind her back. Though hearing what her name is she narrows her brows. "As in, The Morgana le Fay? Really?" There is some exasperation in her voice. "I really don't know wheen to keep to myself it seems, I apologize for disturbing you." While someone may doubt Morgana, seeing who is following her and how quickly she changed her form, she can't help but believe her.

"My mother had some talent, but she abused it. I got to pay the price for it. I'm like a medium, but it goes a little further than parlor tricks and fake possessions. Still I will do what I can with those who follow you, but I admit to not working with many elves and pixies. It's mostly human spirits that seek me out." She is a becaon to most of them, something to be drawn to.

"If you would like to speak with one of them I may be able to get one to fully manifest, but that would be the extent of my abilities for the evening."

"I am only aware of one in the history of humans and I am she." Morgana seems almost amused by this. "You are not witch… Nor fae… And yet I sense no malice from you." She starts to circle the young woman, as if looking at something most can't see.

When she comes to stand back in front of Elinor, she seems almost curious. "I sense no attempt to manipulate… No subterfuge… No desire to own or enslave." She leans in. "Fascinating." When she straightens, her smile is faint but genuine.

"I do not believe that will be necessary. Bringing you here has made their point quite well. You have my word, they have been heard and their words will be weighed carefully." There's a heartbeat and she summons forth an amethyst crystal which is held out to the young woman. "I would speak with you more when there is time… For now, I must return to Avalon. When you have time, speak my name and it will be answered."

Of course, that may mean that Elinor finds herself in Avalon but… details.

"Yes I have no doubt of that." Elinor says as she clears her throat. When she is examined, she again reaches to pick at her nailpolish but stops herself. It's a touch unnerving but when it is over she relaxes just a touch. Morgana can easily sense the magic that ties her with the dead, but something else is there, something dark, but not evil.

"No I don't wish to do any of those things. I know there are those who practice and wish to bind spirits to do their bidding, but I find it unnatural." Still when Morgana seems to take the ghosts words into consideration a twitch of a smile cracks over her lips. "I am sure they are pleased to hear that." She looks up to the elf and pixie, and gives them a quick nod. When the crystal is handed over, she takes it in her hand and holds it up to the light to try and see throughit. "Oh, yes of course. I'll call for you sometime in the future." She tries to say casually, but she is standing in front of a very powerful sorceress and it's hard to really be casual in that situation. "I will let you get on with your journey, good day." She gives an awkward half bow as she takes a few steps back.

Morgana smiles, nodding her head. "Until next time then." She bows her head and disappears in a swirl of purple and gold mist.

Unless otherwise stated, the content of this page is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 License