Summary:Two former villains meet and chat at the Institute… Log Info:Storyteller: None |
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It's early evening, and today finds Emma out side for a change, sitting at the Gazebo, a bottle of wine and a glass on a table next to the seat she's chosen for herself. She stares off into the distance, at the various topiaries, drinking as she does. As is usually the case, no one is around her, as many prefer to keep their distance from the powerful telepath with a history of questionable decision making.
Erik is unusual, even for a mutant. There is no latent mental activity detectable by a telepath. There is no warning of his arrival, no presence or whisper of thoughts to announce his presence. Such thoughts certainly exist, but with brain activity ultimately falling into the realm of the electromagnetic, none is projected without him wanting it to be. Tonight, he does not want it to be.
He emerged from the mansion to stand on the back porch and look out at the vista. But there he sees a solitary blonde. He tilts his head to the side and a small smile plays across his lips. He makes no great effort to surprise her. His feet crunch softly on the loose stone of the pathway leading to the gazebo. He approaches, his own relaxation-assisting drink in hand. "Miss Frost, I believe, isn't it?" he asks. There is a vaguely Eastern European inflection in his voice, but it is subtle.
He is dressed today in black slacks, a white and blue collared shirt, and a grey jacket with a herringbone design. A handkerchief provides a dash of complementary colour on his chest.
Emma is about to pour herself another glass of wine when she hears the voice of the master of magnetism, and it gives her a pause. It's momentary, and she finishes her task and lifts the half filled glass before she looks over towards Eric, and offers him a small smile, "It is. And you must be Erik Lehnsherr. The minds here at the school are all thinking thoughts of you. It's not unlike my own arrival." She gestures towards one of the seats near her, and then leans back in her own, "Care to join me? I'd offer you a drink but I'm afraid I only have the one glass."
Emma, as she so often is, is dressed in all white, from the knee-high boots and leather pants, to the bolero over her shoulders, and the corset beneath.
Erik Lehnsherr dips his head in a gracious nod of acceptance to her offer. "I am guilty of that identity, I suppose, in addition to all the rest," he observes with a twinkle in his eye. "I brought my own drink, actually, so am well-equipped to join you." He steps up into the gazebo and moves first to stand before her. He offers a hand for her, his palm curled inward slightly, more inviting her to lay her hand in his than to offer a traditional shake.
Emma takes the hand in hers after taking a drink from her glass, "Guilty, hmmms? Do not like your given name? I suppose a man like you would prefer the name he's chosen for himself, wouldn't he. I'd find out for myself, but it seems you prefer a more traditional conversation." This leaves her smirking, "So. Would you prefer Magneto, with all that entails? Or something else perhaps?"
He bends to lift her gloved hand toward his lips, though he doesn't actually make contact. It's all a bit of a theatre. He then steps past her to take a place on the bench a conversational distance from her. He crosses one leg over the other, to better angle himself toward her. An arm drapes on the back of the bench, leaving his hand near to her but not touching. His other hand holds his glass balanced on his knee. "I admit I am in a bit of a state of flux with my identity. A few years ago, I surely would have answered yes. But Magneto was a persona I tailored to the needs of the day. It seems that, or at least Charles has convinced me that I should assume that violent resistance is no longer needed. I may wish to keep that persona for the day that it is needed again, and not tarnish it with what I do now." He waves a hand slightly. "All that to say, right now, perhaps I am guilty of being *merely* Erik, and not Magneto. But… don't hold me to that. It's all still very new." He offers a subtle smile at that and cants his head to the side slightly. "And you, my dear Miss Frost? How are you adapting to your new role?"
Emma finishes her glass of wine and then refills it before looking back up to Erik, "Well then Erik, welcome to the Xavier school. Tell me, do you really believe that? That violent resistance is no longer needed?" She arches an eyebrow, "I have to wonder. If that truly was in our past, then why would Charles suddenly welcome the likes of us into our school? Purely out of altruism? To help reform us, maybe?" She shakes her head, "Or maybe we are something that has been lacking here. A very particular perspective. I was curious before. I'm only more so now that you've joined us."
Erik takes a sip of his own drink, expression thoughtful as he does. He offers another nod in response to the words of welcome and he says, "Charles made a convincing argument. We were on the path of mutant repression, but in recent years there has been progress the other way. It is, perhaps, more a matter of civil rights now than active war. I don't hold the same level of hope for the future that he does, but… I do not think continuing to fill graves with humans was going to advance our cause." He draws a breath, once more swirling his drink though his attention is on Emma. "As for Charles' motivations, he and I are old friends. He may have a sense of altruism toward me paticularly. I can't speak to your relationship to him, but… I would put little past the kindness of his heart." The last is said with a faint air of reproach, as though an overly kind heart was not necessarily a good thing. "You've tactfully dodged my question for you," he notes with a small smile.
"Oh did I?" Emma asks, amusement in her voice, "I suppose you could say I'm adapting about as well as anyone could. We are, after all, nothing if not adaptable, aren't we?" She smirks again, "More seriously, I think I'm starting to find my place here. There will always be some apprehension, and I've accepted that. I am who I am and I make no apologies for that. Even here. Even now." She shrugs, "In the end, though, I'm an educator. And I care about young mutants. I care about making sure they are as prepared as possible to face the world. That can't be denied, and that is, I think, the only reason I've been able to make any progress here."
Erik Lehnsherr nods slowly to that. He tilts his head to the side slightly, observing her for a moment longer, a moment of silence that rests comfortably with him. "Times change and so we must change with them," he offers by way of solumn agreement. "And you and I have histories that were informed by and influenced by the times we lived in. I likewise make no apologies. That was one of the terms of my armistace with the government." He lifts his glass toward his lips, pausing before drinking. "But we certainly agree that young mutants must be prepared to face the brutality of the human world. Even if armed resistance is not necessary now, it may well be in the future." Now he takes his sip, watching his companion over the rim of his glass.
"I always respected you and what you were trying to do. I may not have always agreed with some of your methods, but you were doing what had to be done." Emma grins, and crosses one of her legs over the other. She sets down her glass and folds her hands over her knee before continuing, "There was even a brief moment, when I was younger, where I wondered just what would have happened if the likes of us had worked together." She waves a hand dismissively, "But then, the reality set in, and I'm nothing if not practical. The two of us are likely too similar. Neither of us, back then, would likely be able to relinquish control. Funny that here we are, not all that much later, doing just that. Times change, as you said, and so do we."
Erik offers Emma a conspiring grin and bows his head. "Why thank you, Miss Frost. Hearing that you respected me, at least, means much to me. I value you immensely as a comrade and know that your respect is something to be treasured, if earned." He lifts his glass then, extending it toward her in invitation of a clink. "And it seems fortune has smiled upon us, to have us meet now, then, as we have grown more moderate with time. Here is to you, my dear."
Emma smirks and lifts her glass, "To all of us." She finishes her drink and sets it back down, pouring another, "It's almost funny how things can change as you age. What is important to you. What lengths you're willing to go to. What you're willing to sacrifice." This leaves her almost expressionless for a few long moments, but a shrug brings back her smile, "Some change is slower than others, though. I'm here. I'm teaching. But there will always be a part of me that remembers what it's like to be something else. I suppose that's why I haven't given up on the White Queen just yet. She is a part of me. She's who I am. Others can learn from that. That is my true value here, I think."
With the clink, Erik retracts his glass and sips lightly from it. He nods thoughtfully. "True enough. We all are the collection of things from our pasts, for better or worse," he agrees. "I'm not sure you could give up the White Queen any more than I can *really* give up being Magneto. It's just… I don't want to identify myself as that. Not here. Education is too sacred to tarnish with something so militaristic." He pauses then and offers a smile bordering on the apologetic. "Forgive me if I ramble a little. But I think I agree with you. Perhaps I need to reconcile that I am all the things I have done, noble and terrible all at once, and all the things I have yet to do." He lifts a shoulder in a slight shrug. "I may continue to seek your advice on this - you're farhter along this path than I. If you'll indulge me, of course." His tone suggests some confidence that she will.
"No need to apologize. I tend to get talkative when I drink as well. One of the few drawbacks." She doesn't seem all that concerned, and in fact takes another drink before setting the glass down next to the bottle, "This place is a place of learning and growth. Not just for the students, but for us as well. I may be further down the path than you are, but I've still a long way to go. There are days when I think just how much easier things would be if I were to abuse my gifts. Or use my gifts to avenge some poor mutant that was hurt or killed just for being born. That anger is still there, and there are times I have to cheat to push it away." her skin shimmers and turns to diamond, and when she speaks again, there's a flatness to her voice, "If only we all had such ways to dull what we feel."
The expression of Emma's power draws no reaction from Erik. His eyes roam over her, assessing the visual impact of that display, but he does not shrink away. He does not chide, even with a look or a paused breath, this expression of who she is. The only reaction comes after a moment, when his rich voice dips low, nearly purring at the expression of power. "You are a phenomenal creature, Miss Frost," he tells her. "I had heard reports of this form, of course, but to see it in the flesh? Striking." He leans forward slightly and he lowers his volume, addressing the nigh-invulnerable figure next to him. "I think you and I shall have to become friends. We can share these thoughts and feelings we have, without a risk of confusing students or being drawn into debates with our peers. We can have a safe space, you and I, in our friendship. Perhaps that will help. Give us an outlet in one way or another." His eyes glint again, though this time there is a subtle, powerful danger to the look. Here, in the look of this genteel man at least, is some trace of Magneto, who made the powers of the world tremble.
"It has it benefits to be sure. But with any gift, there are drawbacks as well. Emotions are dulled, but so is Emapthy. And I can't get drunk." There's little humor in her voice, and just like that, she's back to flesh and blood, "It might be nice, though, to have someone around that understands. That has seen the world through our eyes. And frankly, it might be nice not to be the biggest villan at the school for a change." At this, she grins, and there's no denying her amusement, "Friends though. It's been quite a long time since I've had one of those. No one worth a damn truly trusts a telepath. With you, that doesn't appear to be an issue." she winks, "Can't blame a girl for trying though, can you Darling?"
He listens attentively, nodding slowly to the confession of a drawback by the diamond-shielded woman. The comment about an inability to get drunk makes him laugh richly but quietly. When Emma reverts to her fleshly form, she has Erik nodding along to her thoughts, the last of which produces an amiable shrug. As promised, he doesn't run from what he has done. "Friends then, Emma," he tries her first name, his look and a lightly lofted brow gauging her reaction, to see if she consents. If corrected, he dips his head in gracious acceptance, but if not, he smiles a little larger. Regardless, he adds, "I would no sooner blame a bird for flying or a flower for blooming. It's not really a conscious effort on my part. But… perhaps sometime I'll let you in." His smile warms a touch then and he jousts back to her comment, "Can't blame a guy for wanting to keep an air of mystery, can you?"
"There is something intriguing about finding one who's mind is protected. There's so very few I've encountered. I would never admit this outside of this conversation, but it can be so boring dealing with lesser minds. Almost tedious at times. Knowing what they'll say before they say it. What they're really thinking. A tiny lapse in concentration, and thoughts can just flood in." Emma shrugs at that, and then lets out a sigh, "Such is the price we pay for being exceptional, isn't, Erik." It's about as much permission as the telepath is likely to give. She takes her glass again and lifts it, "Here's hoping our new-found friendship isn't seen as cause for worry among our new peers."
Erik Lehnsherr takes the permission for what it is, granted by her reciprocation of his familiarity. He chuckles and leans toward her a little, to lightly clink his glass against hers once more. "Well, I hope that I can continue to hold your interest," he ventures. "To at least lessen part of the burden you bear for your exceptional quality." He takes a sip from his glass and offers a wink in response to her last thought. "I'm content to let them worry if they will. I imagine you too don't care much what others think of you."
"Would I truly dress the way I do among children if I did?" Emma asks with a gentle chuckle of a laugh, "No, I don't have time to worry what others think of me. Not when I can make them think whatever it is I want, if it ever came down to it. Truth be told, I rather like how I'm seen around here. It's amazing how much more attentive students can be if they are a little afraid of you. It's quite a motivator." She smiles at that, and then cants her head ever so slightly to the side, "And speaking of which, have you decided on anything you would like to teach, while you're here? Some facet of mutant development that interests you more than the others?"
He chuckles to her comment, dipping his head and giving a quick once-over to the woman dressed as she is. It is less an eyeful for him as a motion of his eyes to signify what he's referring to. "I didn't want to say at first, but I must admit, a teacher looking as you do would have been quite a motivator when I was a young man." He smiles wryly at that, already refocused on her eyes. "Charles and I spoke on it. We agreed I should teach science and modern history, although there may be others here better-suited to teaching the former." He draws a breath and notes, "Perhaps, after a semester, I could add to my courseload. I wanted to limit my time here, to also explore helping our kind in the city. I'm established there now, and I could always expand my offerings there. Somehow I doubt Charles would be thrilled with me teaching civics or anything combat-oriented, however." He grins wolfishly at that.
"I am who I am and I make no apologies for that." Emma repeats her early sentiment, "And in the end, I think it's important for our students to be able to focus and work through distractions. Half the reason I dress the way I do is because it often gives me a slight advantage in a conflict. Even the smallest distraction can provide an opening to be exploited. If you looked as good in heels as I did, you're surely see their value." There's something mischievous in Emma expression then as she teases the man, and one might think she's picturing him heels that very second, "Pity though. Traditional education is important, to be sure, but there's something to be said about the more non-traditional offerings we have here. Sometimes it's important to have a different perspective to help people realize their full potential. There is a girl here who can alter and modify fabrics, for example. She was content to believe that was the extent of it. But she could alter and control leather. Leather is basically just treated flesh. No one here would have ever suggested, or even thought about, that possibility. She could be so much more now. That is what we offer. That is how we can best help this current generation. By removing the limitations they place upon themselves."
Erik nods with certitude at her proclamation of her individuality - it is a look that needs to words to emphasize that this is as it should be. Her talk of tactical advantage and of whether he could exploit the same earn her a chuckle and a shake of his head. "I suppose I'll leave the distracting to you if we ever must fight side-by-side," he answers. "I'm certain I couldn't pull of the look as you can." Then it's on to her talk of education. He nods slowly, thoughtfully, and smiles gently in response. "It is true that our upbringing, our narrow perceptions of science or of identity result in self-limitation. Mutants so often only try that which a narrow perspective tells them they can do." He lifts his chin slightly and he adds, "You must be a phenomenal teacher, Emma. I have tried to limit myself here, as a means of reassuring Charles, mostly. But surely, you are right, encouraging our students to explore the limits - or lack thereof - of what they can do would be in everyone's best interests."
"Don't fret, Darling. Very few can make this work as well as I can." She holds out her arms and looks down at herself, and then lifts her gaze with that knowing smirk on her lips. She opens her mouth as if about to continue, but is interrupted by the ringing of her phone from the inside pocket of her bolero. She extracts the phone and glances at the screen before sighing out, "I'm terribly sorry to do this to you, Erik, but I'm afraid I really must take this. I hope you won't take my sudden departure as another well timed evasion." She rises up then, and offers a little bowing of her head, "It was a pleasure to finally meet you, you have no idea. I look forward to getting to know you better. Until then…" she offers a wave, and then heads out of the gazeebo, accepting her call as she goes, "This better be good news…" and then she's gone.