16557/Return to Splendor

Return to Splendor
Date of Scene:	02 October 2024
Location:	First Floor, Avengers Mansion
Synopsis:	Summary needed
Cast of Characters:	Hercules, Scarlet Witch

---

Hercules has posed:
His chariot descended from the 'heavens' and touched down within the rear lawn of the Avengers Mansion. Just another thing to see when living in Manhattan with all the heroes and villains flying or swinging overhead. So what's different? Well, it's the Prince of Power, the mightiest of mightys. Tis Hercules! Once landed, he stepped off the chariot and then entered the rear entrance of the mansion. He calls out, "HO! AVENGERS! HERCULES has ARRIVED! LET THE MERRYMENT BEGIN!" And he was expecting a great celebration. Though, got nothing within the first few seconds, so he moved deeper into the mansion's walls to seek people that he may celebrate with.

Scarlet Witch has posed:
A crimson portal yawns open, showing behind it the vision of beautiful Santorini and its bustling streets, a singular foot stepping free followed by the rest of Wanda, wearing a summer getaway outfit that is the epitome of elegance and comfort, perfectly blending with the stunning backdrop of the Aegean Sea. She wears a flowing maxi dress made of lightweight, breathable fabric in a soft, ethereal white that reflects the island's iconic architecture. The dress features delicate embroidery along the neckline and hem in vibrant shades of cobalt blue, reminiscent of the sea and sky. The neckline is a tasteful off-the-shoulder style, allowing the gentle breeze to caress her skin and adding a touch of romantic allure.

The dress cinches at the waist with a braided belt made of natural fibers, adorned with small seashells and beads, highlighting her figure while maintaining a relaxed fit. The skirt of the dress billows gracefully as she moves, offering both freedom and a sense of whimsy.

Wanda accessorizes with a wide-brimmed straw hat, providing shade from the sun while exuding timeless glamour. Her footwear consists of elegant yet comfortable espadrille sandals in a matching shade of white, with ties that wrap around her ankles. She completes the look with a pair of oversized sunglasses with delicate gold accents and a simple gold anklet that catches the sunlight with every step.

For her jewelry, she opts for a pair of statement earrings featuring intricate designs of gold and blue gemstones, evoking the colors of Santorini. Her makeup is minimal, with a touch of bronzer, a hint of blush, and a swipe of coral lip balm, enhancing her natural beauty and ensuring she looks effortlessly radiant.

With her she carries the spoils of her great getaway, in the form of shopping bags draped about her arms. The portal winks itself out of existence once she has returned to the mansion's proper, and the witch sets her things down onto the ground at her feet, and lifts the hat off of her head to give her reddish brown hair a shake.

The last thing she expected to see when she arrived was a fragment of the place she just left from. With a moment of silent pause, she eyes Hercules with scrutiny, and points a waggling finger in his direction. "Excuse me, did you-- Did I-- This isn't--" finally she finds the question she can ask in a full sentence, "I didn't bring you back with me, did ?"

Hercules has posed:
Hercules wears his traditional leather boots, a loin cloth, a belt and chest strap and bracers. For the most part his skin is bare and golden tanned with the muscles upon muscles of the god of strength and power.

"Nay beautiful Wanda." he intones as he crosses the expanse between them bearing a broad smile. He'll note, "Though, you smell of the Aegean, with its endless sun, eternal blue waves, and immaculate food and strong peoples." Then he'll place his massive hands on her hips/waist and lift her into the air and says in a more boisterous tone, "It hath been far too long, Scarlet Wanda. Mine eyes have not gazed upon such beauty in what seems eons. My sister, Aphrodite, hath truly blessed you with her kiss of radiance. Now that we have returned, we must have a celebration. Where are all the other Avengers?"

Scarlet Witch has posed:
Wanda barely had a moment to register Hercules' presence before she found herself swept off the ground, her body lifted effortlessly into the air by his mighty hands. Startled, her lips parted slightly in surprise, her crimson coat fluttering gently as she was raised. For a brief second, her delicate fingers instinctively brushed his arm as though to steady herself, though she quickly realized there was no threat---this was simply Hercules' exuberant way of greeting.

"Ah... Hercules," she managed with a breathy laugh, her elegant composure returning as she looked down at his beaming face. His compliments---bold and sincere as ever---brought a warm, appreciative smile to her lips, her cheeks flushing ever so slightly at his comparison to Aphrodite. "You are far too kind," she replied graciously, her tone soft yet poised. "It is good to see you as well."

Trusting him to set her down, Wanda waited until her feet were firmly back on the ground before delicately smoothing her attire, adjusting the folds of her flowing coat and brushing a few strands of wind-tousled hair from her face.

"Welcome back to the mansion," she said with a graceful nod, her voice returning to its usual calm and measured cadence. "As for the others... well, it seems the Avengers have scattered to the winds of late. There's been a stretch of quiet---no major crises requiring our attention, thankfully---so everyone's taken to... occupying themselves elsewhere."

Her hands folded gently in front of her, the faintest smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "It's a rare moment of downtime, though I'm certain it won't last long."

Hercules has posed:
He does indeed sit her gently upon her feet in a matter of a second after lofting her in his joyous manner. His bright eyes watched her smooth out her attire and recenter herself. Then as she explains the current situation of calm and peace he thinks ahead and says, "Downtime? Peace? Aye, the nefarious are up to something. Plotting their next move. Their villainous plans soon to be hatched. Shall we be ready for their launch? Nay. Not if we do not prepare. Long have we been away. And oft times, in these moments of peace, do we get caught with our ... what did Cap say? OH. '...pants down!'. We cannot let that happen again. We must prepare. That is of course between celebrating our glorious reunion."

Scarlet Witch has posed:
Wanda watched Hercules with the same calm patience she had mastered over the years, her soft smile never wavering despite the boisterous nature of his words. While others might have met his exuberance with exasperation, Wanda's approach was one of quiet empathy. She let him finish before tilting her head slightly, an amused glimmer dancing in her eyes.

"Hercules," she began gently, her voice as soothing as a summer breeze, "you speak of being caught with our 'pants down,' but I must remind you... you are not actually wearing pants." She allowed a brief, playful pause, letting her words sink in with a small, teasing smile.

Her tone shifted back to its usual composed warmth as she continued. "I understand your concerns, truly. You thrive in battle, in the midst of chaos, where the stakes are high and the world needs you most. But there is wisdom in these moments of peace---this is a time we should take for ourselves. As they say, 'all work and no play...'" she gestured subtly, hoping the idiom would resonate.

"Sometimes, allowing ourselves to rest is the best way to prepare for the next storm. The villains will always be plotting, that much is certain, but we can't be constantly vigilant. We need to recharge, to enjoy life in the quiet moments so that when the time comes, we are truly ready."

Her smile softened, a touch more playful as she added, "And perhaps, during this downtime, you might consider revisiting something from your childhood. Or... dare I suggest... acquire more of an actual wardrobe?" Her eyes sparkled with amusement. "If you'd like, I could help with that." She gestured to his traditional attire with a raised brow, clearly offering a playful suggestion.

Hercules has posed:
Hercules looks down at the green and gold skirt/cloth he wears and then laughs at the observation. Though, when she continues his eyes return to her own and his smile grows and grows. He comments, "Hercules does indeed excel in battle. In things of might and power. In putting down that which may befoul others. Aye, you are true in your words." Then his tone turns to more peaceful, "You are true to your word, Scarlet one. Perhaps you would be interested in recharging with yours truly. It has been many a moon since I hath 'recharged' with one such as yourself. Then afterward, you could help the mighty Hercules pick out a nice set of leather pants - that would show off the muscles of a god."

Scarlet Witch has posed:
Wanda let out a soft, melodic chuckle, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "I just returned from a recharge of my own, actually. Santorini, no less. A much-needed retreat," she explained, her tone light and filled with fondness for the peaceful getaway she had enjoyed. "But," she added, her smile growing a touch mischievous, "for the sake of a comrade in need, I suppose I could sacrifice a bit more of my downtime."

Her gaze remained warm, her tone playfully teasing as she continued, "Now, as for this 'recharging' you speak of, it all depends on what you have in mind. Would it be something simple? Perhaps a quiet luncheon somewhere exotic or quaint? Or," she paused, her brow arching slightly as her grin widened, "more up your alley? A bit of head-bashing to fuel your need for physical conflict?"

She lifted her hand, fingers faintly glowing with a swirl of crimson magic as she offered, "I could always summon something terrible for you to vanquish, if that's more to your liking. Purely casual, of course." Her tone was casual, yet there was an undeniable gleam of amusement behind her words, leaving the decision in his hands.