[ Two or three days after that network post she made, a message shows up in her inbox: ]
Paige,
I hope this message finds you well.
My name is William Vangeance. I spoke to you very briefly before, but I'd like to discuss something with you in person regarding your Krakoan plants. If it wouldn't trouble you terribly, may I ask for some of your time?
To be direct, I'm a mage with a strong affinity for plants. I wanted to ask for your permission to study a small clipping of your plants.
I understand the plants have personal value to you, so I wouldn't wish to be disrespectful. But I feel there's a chance I'll be able to find something that will be of interest to everyone here.
[ Thankfully, it's relatively quiet when the time comes, with just a few people passing through the gates at random intervals.
Vangeance is already there whenever Paige arrives, leaning against a lamp-post a short distance away and gazing off towards the flower garden, seemingly in thought. Though that obnoxious mask might make it hard to tell. ]
[Paige doesn't really know what he looks like, but since he's the only one there, she walks over.
She's a tall woman, easily 5'10" and built with a strong and sturdy frame. Her clothing, mostly tight-fitted mesh peeking out from underneath a tan cloak and shawl, looked like it was as much armor as anything else.]
[ They sure are going to make for a weird-looking combo if anyone spots them.
Vangeance looks over as soon as he realizes someone's headed his way, the drape of his cloak rustling around him. ]
Paige. It's good to meet you. [ A polite smile and a nod. ] Thank you for making the time to meet me.
[ Only a short pause as he glances around at their surroundings, checking for any other people in earshot, before he starts getting to the point, speaking calmly: ]
Though I'm uncertain if I'll be successful ... I'd be attempting to break the rules of this island. I felt speaking in person might lessen the chances of the Administrator noticing.
[ He glances aside to hold his hand over the ground. After a moment, the ground emanates a faint, green glow as a sprout emerges; it rapidly grows into a sapling as he explains. ]
My magic allows me to absorb and channel mana from and into different sources, usually in the form of trees. And while I can't promise anything ... I wonder if enhancing the Krakoan plants' transportive traits might give us some chance of leaving this island. Of opening a gate in the barrier that keeps us here. [ Vangeance withdraws his hand when the sapling's about as tall as he is, vibrant and healthy. ] And even if that isn't possible, I feel being able to imitate those gateways could be helpful to everyone here. Gathering people to a central location during a crisis, for example.
[ A soft exhale as he finishes that lengthy answer for now, then gives her a respectful nod. ]
-- but I understand if you have reservations. You mentioned plants are considered sacred to Krakoans?
[ He's not the type to pry, but it's a gentle invitation for an explanation, if she'd like to give one. ]
[Paige watches, intrigued but hardly stunned. She knew people that worked with plants. Lin mostly. One of her students at the Academy before Xavier had disbanded it, so it wasn't new, but it was interesting. Magic, he claimed.
She regarded him in silence for a moment, letting him talk, get out what he had to say. His demeanor went a long way towards easing her concerns, but she still had them.]
The unique plants Krakoa itself produces are sacred to Krakoans, yes. Technically, we're called Mutants as a species, or Homo-Superior if you want scientific terminology. Krakoan is the demonym for members of the Mutant Nation. And...yeah, they're important.
I said before Krakoa is an island, and it's alive. It is our home, but it is more than that, too. It's the only safe place for Mutants on my world. Humans are afraid of us, because we all have abilities that set us apart in some way. There have been decades of conflict, mostly just isolated incidents of racism, murders, and that kind of thing...but a few attempted genocides as well.
[She blows out a breath, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear and looking down at her clenched fist. Memories of cemeteries, of watching on the news when the first mutant nation was destroyed by Sentinels, and a host of other tragedies have made it hard to let go of some things.]
Which, as you might imagine, has made us all a little wary. Krakoa agreed to take us in, to shelter us and protect us. When we established our nation, we agreed to three laws. The first of which was to protect Krakoa, and to honor it for giving us a haven.
So, you'd be the first human allowed to mess with Krakoan plants, if I agree to this. And no offense meant, but it's...kind of a big deal to me.
[ He listens quietly, taking in everything she says. And while there are certainly details he can't picture in vivid detail, it's not at all difficult for him to understand the general picture.
Humans really are the same across all worlds, aren't they?
A prickle of sympathy works through his chest when he watches the way she averts her gaze for a moment, when he notices the clenched fist. They're quiet signs of hurt and frustration, and Vangeance only nods in understanding at first, after she's done. He takes a moment to gather his thoughts before answering quietly. ]
You have every right to reject my proposition.
[ Vangeance dips his gaze aside, looking at his little sapling as he continues gently. ]
I wouldn't presume to fully understand your circumstances. But ... [ His cadence remains steady, but his voice lowers just a touch into something more solemn. ] ... back in my homeland, someone very dear to me was terribly hurt by humans. Human history has been exceedingly cruel to his kind, yet most of us remain ignorant of it. So ... if you'd hesitate to trust me with something so important to you, and to your people, I understand.
[ Vangeance looks back to her, maintaining steady eye contact before he nods to reaffirm his words. ]
I've no intention of forcing the matter. And I promise you I won't act without your approval.
[His solemnity, and his story, speak volumes. She meets his eyes, her blue gaze heavy and serious, unblinking. He has his story, of course, and she's not going to pry. But it helps mitigate some of her doubt. Genuine sharing and sympathy go a long way, but she still has questions.]
...How does your magic work? Is it something that will alter the plants, or just boost their function?
[Altering them would be...she's not sure...but she has a feeling Krakoa wouldn't approve. But boosting them? That seems doable.]
[ Vangeance gives a brief hum in thought, looking down at his hand; thin wisps of light pull from his fingertips. ]
I cast spells by manipulating mana -- energy present in myself, the atmosphere, and in all things.
[ The glow fades, and he lowers his hand. A slow exhale before he continues, keeping his answer plain and honest: ]
I would attempt to channel mana from the environment and use it to enhance the plant's mana, making them stronger or duplicating them. But ... I've never attempted to combine my magic with something from another world before, so I'm unsure how they'll interact. And mages of my kind are somewhat limited in our abilities unless we can manifest our attributes. Completely preventing my trees from mingling with your plants may be difficult.
[Paige replies after a moment's thought, going over what she knows of Krakoan flora...]
Krakoa itself has plants from all over the world, and some from alien planets. It should be fine, I am not worry about yours overtaking it or anything. That sounds fair, too. If it has a chance to work, then I think the island would be fine with it.
I also think that if the gate plant manages to link with a 3rd seed from my world, and we can get there, then we can send people home. Dimensional travel is a known thing where I am from.
[ Not that he intends to second-guess her decision. He'll ultimately accept her judgement, whatever it may be. Vangeance gazes at her quietly, assessing her reactions, searching for any signs of doubt or duress.
Because once he does start his work, there's no taking it back. The decision will have been set in stone. ]
Of course, I'll do my utmost to find a way to transport everyone here to their homes, whether directly or through your a seed in your world. And I intend to preserve your plants' integrity to the best of my abilities. But ... I understand this isn't an easy decision for you to make. I wouldn't wish for you to regret it in the future.
[Paige nods firmly, arms crossing as she looks back over at the gateways.]
If it gets me home, or anyone else, then I think Krakoa would consider these seeds purpose well fulfilled. I don't think you're the kind of person who would maliciously try and harm my kind, or the seeds. Not the vibe I'm getting.
[ There's a heartbeat's pause before he smiles softly. ]
Very well.
[ Then he gives a half-bow, his posture impeccable as he dips his head. Given his rank back home, it's not often that he has to make such a formal gesture, but here, it feels appropriate. ]
Thank you for your trust, Paige. I promise I'll do my best to make it worthwhile.
[Paige inclines her own head at about the same angle. She's not really used to bowing or anything, but it seems polite, and he's being formal. It's the least she can do.]
I hope so. So...do you need anything to make this happen?
[She's used to being able to help out, but magic is way outside her depth. At least, magic outside of the Charter, and that is super recent.]
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text ; un: vangeance
Date: 2020-12-05 09:27 pm (UTC)Paige,
I hope this message finds you well.
My name is William Vangeance. I spoke to you very briefly before, but I'd like to discuss something with you in person regarding your Krakoan plants. If it wouldn't trouble you terribly, may I ask for some of your time?
text, UN: Husk
Date: 2020-12-07 12:17 am (UTC)Yes, I recall us speaking.
And I'd be happy to talk to you. What can I do for you?
no subject
Date: 2020-12-07 01:07 am (UTC)To be direct, I'm a mage with a strong affinity for plants. I wanted to ask for your permission to study a small clipping of your plants.
I understand the plants have personal value to you, so I wouldn't wish to be disrespectful. But I feel there's a chance I'll be able to find something that will be of interest to everyone here.
Apologies for my slowness. Been out of town on holiday business
Date: 2020-12-07 05:24 am (UTC)Krakoan flora is considered sacred to mutantkind, and Krakoa itself is guarded about what it allows. So I would want to know, first.
I'm not saying no, of course, but I am not saying yes without knowing your intentions.
it's fine, no worries!
Date: 2020-12-07 03:05 pm (UTC)May I ask to meet with you in person to discuss this? I feel a small demonstration of my abilities might be more efficient than an explanation.
And discussion over the phones feels a little discourteous. I'd like to treat the matter with the respect it deserves.
If there's any location that would be most convenient for you, I'd be happy to go there.
no subject
Date: 2020-12-07 10:10 pm (UTC)Can you give me perhaps twenty minutes? I need to finish a couple of quick chores.
no subject
Date: 2020-12-08 12:13 am (UTC)[ Thankfully, it's relatively quiet when the time comes, with just a few people passing through the gates at random intervals.
Vangeance is already there whenever Paige arrives, leaning against a lamp-post a short distance away and gazing off towards the flower garden, seemingly in thought. Though that obnoxious mask might make it hard to tell. ]
no subject
Date: 2020-12-08 03:48 am (UTC)She's a tall woman, easily 5'10" and built with a strong and sturdy frame. Her clothing, mostly tight-fitted mesh peeking out from underneath a tan cloak and shawl, looked like it was as much armor as anything else.]
Hey there. William, yeah?
no subject
Date: 2020-12-08 05:53 am (UTC)Vangeance looks over as soon as he realizes someone's headed his way, the drape of his cloak rustling around him. ]
Paige. It's good to meet you. [ A polite smile and a nod. ] Thank you for making the time to meet me.
[ Only a short pause as he glances around at their surroundings, checking for any other people in earshot, before he starts getting to the point, speaking calmly: ]
Though I'm uncertain if I'll be successful ... I'd be attempting to break the rules of this island. I felt speaking in person might lessen the chances of the Administrator noticing.
no subject
Date: 2020-12-08 05:51 pm (UTC)Alright. I understand the concern.
[She's intrigued now...this certainly has her attention.]
What do you intend to do?
no subject
Date: 2020-12-08 08:10 pm (UTC)My magic allows me to absorb and channel mana from and into different sources, usually in the form of trees. And while I can't promise anything ... I wonder if enhancing the Krakoan plants' transportive traits might give us some chance of leaving this island. Of opening a gate in the barrier that keeps us here. [ Vangeance withdraws his hand when the sapling's about as tall as he is, vibrant and healthy. ] And even if that isn't possible, I feel being able to imitate those gateways could be helpful to everyone here. Gathering people to a central location during a crisis, for example.
[ A soft exhale as he finishes that lengthy answer for now, then gives her a respectful nod. ]
-- but I understand if you have reservations. You mentioned plants are considered sacred to Krakoans?
[ He's not the type to pry, but it's a gentle invitation for an explanation, if she'd like to give one. ]
mild cw for discussion of racism (against Mutants)
Date: 2020-12-09 01:28 am (UTC)She regarded him in silence for a moment, letting him talk, get out what he had to say. His demeanor went a long way towards easing her concerns, but she still had them.]
The unique plants Krakoa itself produces are sacred to Krakoans, yes. Technically, we're called Mutants as a species, or Homo-Superior if you want scientific terminology. Krakoan is the demonym for members of the Mutant Nation. And...yeah, they're important.
I said before Krakoa is an island, and it's alive. It is our home, but it is more than that, too. It's the only safe place for Mutants on my world. Humans are afraid of us, because we all have abilities that set us apart in some way. There have been decades of conflict, mostly just isolated incidents of racism, murders, and that kind of thing...but a few attempted genocides as well.
[She blows out a breath, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear and looking down at her clenched fist. Memories of cemeteries, of watching on the news when the first mutant nation was destroyed by Sentinels, and a host of other tragedies have made it hard to let go of some things.]
Which, as you might imagine, has made us all a little wary. Krakoa agreed to take us in, to shelter us and protect us. When we established our nation, we agreed to three laws. The first of which was to protect Krakoa, and to honor it for giving us a haven.
So, you'd be the first human allowed to mess with Krakoan plants, if I agree to this. And no offense meant, but it's...kind of a big deal to me.
no subject
Date: 2020-12-09 02:30 am (UTC)Humans really are the same across all worlds, aren't they?
A prickle of sympathy works through his chest when he watches the way she averts her gaze for a moment, when he notices the clenched fist. They're quiet signs of hurt and frustration, and Vangeance only nods in understanding at first, after she's done. He takes a moment to gather his thoughts before answering quietly. ]
You have every right to reject my proposition.
[ Vangeance dips his gaze aside, looking at his little sapling as he continues gently. ]
I wouldn't presume to fully understand your circumstances. But ... [ His cadence remains steady, but his voice lowers just a touch into something more solemn. ] ... back in my homeland, someone very dear to me was terribly hurt by humans. Human history has been exceedingly cruel to his kind, yet most of us remain ignorant of it. So ... if you'd hesitate to trust me with something so important to you, and to your people, I understand.
[ Vangeance looks back to her, maintaining steady eye contact before he nods to reaffirm his words. ]
I've no intention of forcing the matter. And I promise you I won't act without your approval.
no subject
Date: 2020-12-09 05:53 am (UTC)...How does your magic work? Is it something that will alter the plants, or just boost their function?
[Altering them would be...she's not sure...but she has a feeling Krakoa wouldn't approve. But boosting them? That seems doable.]
no subject
Date: 2020-12-10 01:17 am (UTC)I cast spells by manipulating mana -- energy present in myself, the atmosphere, and in all things.
[ The glow fades, and he lowers his hand. A slow exhale before he continues, keeping his answer plain and honest: ]
I would attempt to channel mana from the environment and use it to enhance the plant's mana, making them stronger or duplicating them. But ... I've never attempted to combine my magic with something from another world before, so I'm unsure how they'll interact. And mages of my kind are somewhat limited in our abilities unless we can manifest our attributes. Completely preventing my trees from mingling with your plants may be difficult.
no subject
Date: 2020-12-10 04:48 am (UTC)[Paige replies after a moment's thought, going over what she knows of Krakoan flora...]
Krakoa itself has plants from all over the world, and some from alien planets. It should be fine, I am not worry about yours overtaking it or anything. That sounds fair, too. If it has a chance to work, then I think the island would be fine with it.
I also think that if the gate plant manages to link with a 3rd seed from my world, and we can get there, then we can send people home. Dimensional travel is a known thing where I am from.
no subject
Date: 2020-12-11 03:38 am (UTC)[ Not that he intends to second-guess her decision. He'll ultimately accept her judgement, whatever it may be. Vangeance gazes at her quietly, assessing her reactions, searching for any signs of doubt or duress.
Because once he does start his work, there's no taking it back. The decision will have been set in stone. ]
Of course, I'll do my utmost to find a way to transport everyone here to their homes, whether directly or through your a seed in your world. And I intend to preserve your plants' integrity to the best of my abilities. But ... I understand this isn't an easy decision for you to make. I wouldn't wish for you to regret it in the future.
no subject
Date: 2020-12-11 04:47 am (UTC)If it gets me home, or anyone else, then I think Krakoa would consider these seeds purpose well fulfilled. I don't think you're the kind of person who would maliciously try and harm my kind, or the seeds. Not the vibe I'm getting.
So, yes. Go for it.
no subject
Date: 2020-12-11 05:14 am (UTC)Very well.
[ Then he gives a half-bow, his posture impeccable as he dips his head. Given his rank back home, it's not often that he has to make such a formal gesture, but here, it feels appropriate. ]
Thank you for your trust, Paige. I promise I'll do my best to make it worthwhile.
no subject
Date: 2020-12-11 06:15 am (UTC)I hope so. So...do you need anything to make this happen?
[She's used to being able to help out, but magic is way outside her depth. At least, magic outside of the Charter, and that is super recent.]