Backdated to last Friday

[x-mactaggart.livejournal.com]

Dr. Strange and Moira finally get together to join forces in order to help Amanda. Not only do they make a good bit of headway but, probably much to their surprise, they get along fantastically.



It was a wonderfully sunny day. Perhaps, Strange thought, almost too nice to be inside his offices cataloging the two crates' worth of artifacts on loan from the Museum of Culture in Penong Penh. But only almost - the artifacts were a rare acquisition, and whilst the owners didn't fully grasp their mystical importance he did. He made a note to keep an eye on Amanda's reaction when she came to their next session; there was a substantial amount of power in the objects. Perhaps it was a good thing he thought of Amanda just then - with a start he remembered he had an appointment with Doctor MacTaggart about her training, and here was his office, all over dust and packing straw. He was in the midst of clearing up some of the mess when there was a knock on the door.

When a muffled "Enter" met her knock, Moira opened the door. It had been a hectic day at the Mansion, so she'd been grateful for some time to duck out for a bit. It had also allowed her the time to change out of stained clothes after having experienced an experiment that didn't quite go correctly. Quickly, she took in the room and Dr. Strange, whom she had met briefly once but hadn't really gotten to know. "Am I interruptin' somethin', Dr. Strange?" she asked, blinking at the site of him.

"Stephen, please," he said, straightening from the crate he'd been stuffing packing straw into with a smile. "And no, you're not. I'm afraid time ran away with me - you know how it is when you have a new project." He dusted off his hands and gestured to a battered but comfortable-looking easy chair, recently cleared of books. "Please, have a seat. Can I offer you some tea, perhaps? I have some excellent English Breakfast..." As always, Strange was wearing a suit, a lightweight navy blue one this time, but he'd hung the jacket up on the coat rack in the corner of his small, untidy office and the sleeves of his white shirt were rolled up, the tie loosened. As Moira took the seat offered, he moved to the small alcove where a sink, kettle, and several mugs sat.

Aye, tea would be lovely. Especially after a day like today." As she sat, Moira couldn't help but look around and smile. It was interesting to see how various doctors kept their offices and it was nice to know that she wasn't the only one who had a cluttered environment to work in. Though this clutter, she mused, was much more interesting than her. Some half-put away objects caught her eye and, once more, she wished she knew more about archaeology and the like. "We'd never be able to get Nathan out o' yer office," she commented.

Strange made a non-commital noise. "He's interested in archeology and ancient artefacts, is he?" he asked politely, privately thinking they'd never get Nathan into his office. And he wasn't entirely sure he wanted to extend the invitation - the mercenary hadn't been shot lately, but the whole Askani language business had been unsettling, especially since it had interfered with Amanda's session with him that week. Magic was a delicate business, and random insertions of a language from the future had somewhat unexpected effects. It had taken days to get the smell of brimstone out of the carpets.

Noting the noise, she filed it away for later. Nathan was apparently as quick to gather people who didn't like him as much as he was people who did. "Aye, quite a bit. But we're 'ere ta talk 'bout Amanda." She smiled when he handed her the cup of tea. "Thank ye kindly, this'll 'it th' spot nicely." Moira watched as he gathered a cup for himself and then sat down in a chair across from hers. "'Tis good tha' we're talkin' 'bout this, I've nay 'ad a whole lot o' experience wit' magic before Amanda. Nay much at all, actually."

"I can imagine it's been as much of a learning curve for you as it has for me," Strange said with smile. "I have had little experience with either mutants or teenagers, and Amanda keeps me on my toes. Her potential..." An oddly-affectionate look came into his eyes. "She studies hard, and her capacity for learning is impressive - it's almost like she's been waiting for this set of circumstances, and has thrown herself into training wiht a vengence."

"She certainly doesnae let any chances pass 'er by." An answering smile was on her face. "Then 'tis seems like we're th' perfect ones ta work wit' 'er on this. Neither o' us really 'ave any prejudices 'bout wha' we dinnae know an' God knows, I think we're bot' as eager ta learn as our students sometimes."

"Agreed." Strange relaxed somewhat in his seat - Moira was refreshingly direct, not unlike Amanda, and she clearly intended to help Amanda reach her potential as much as he did. "Well, the obvious difficulty we both have is this control issue, with her mutation. Until she can control the amount of power she absorbs, she must continue to be restrained with Romany's charm. And I have to admit, that frustrates me as much as it does her. We're rapidly reaching the point where her knowledge is exceeding her power levels, and I'm concerned she may eventually do something rash - she understands the need for the charm, but she wants very much to be able to do 'soemthing useful' as she puts it, with her magic."

"Aye, I know. We're tryin' ta keep an eye on 'er at the Mansion wit' 'er 'ealin' people. 'Course it would bloody well 'elp if they stopped gettin' them 'urt in th' first place but tha's nay 'ere or now." A look of irritation and concern crossed Moira's face but she smoothed her features as she leaned back, thinking. "'Tis been me experience tha' almost all mutants 'ave th' ability ta shield themselves from 'arm from their own powers. So far an' from wha' I've seen, Amanda's one o' those, it jus' may take some time remindin' 'er body tha' addiction is 'armful ta th' body. Verra."

"Ah, yes, I've met one of the mansion's more accident-prone residents, after that Orb of Fortis incident..." Strange didn't bother hiding _his_ irritation. "I've been trying to impress on her that importance of using those spells sparingly, but she's stubborn. I do appreciate your help, though." He sipped at his tea, meditatively. "Tell me, mutants whose power is to absorb certain forms of energy and convert that into something else - sunlight into laser beams, for example - they are able to train themselves to limit the amount of power they take in?"

Moira thought for a moment, tapping her chin as she mentally went through the information in her head. "'ard ta tell sometimes. It seems ta be tha' they may nay be able ta control it but th' body itself doesnae allow more than it can take at one time. Probably th' reason tha' th' one who turns sunlight inta laser beams doesnae implode after sunnin' on th' beach." Setting the now empty tea cup down, she crossed her arms as she became more relaxed. "It might 'ave ta do wit' th' magic aspect...or it might be tha' Amanda can absorb so much more than we thought, tha' 'er body needs time ta adjust."

"That would explain the difficulty she has been having with this classes she's been taking at the school, the ones for energy manipulators? The emphasis seems to be on output, not input. And input is the problem." Strange considered the problem. "Amanda's powers were accelerated, deliberately, by Rack, so that she would be useful as a power source all the sooner. That could be the reason why her power outstrips her body's limits. Romany's charm is providing her with a baseline level of power, and will cut her off if she starts getting too much, but that's only a temporary situation. I was thinking... perhaps gradually increasing her tolerance? Under supervised conditions, of course - the last thing I would want to do is trigger another episode with her addiction."

Moira couldn't help but smile at him. "Stephen, we seem ta be readin' each others minds. Me thoughts exactly. I'm nay sure if'n there are different degrees o' amulets for this type o' thin', but I was thinkin' somethin' similar ta wha' she 'as now. Bumps up th' baseline, allows 'er body ta get used ta it." She shook her head. "Sometimes I'm th' stupidest smart person, I swear. I should 'ave thought 'bout it this way. Amanda does 'ave an addiction if thin's get out o' 'and an' while some people can cut off cold turkey, there's a 'igher chance o' th' body goin' inta shock."

"I promise, I'm not cheating. Well, maybe a little - I can read auras, and sometimes minds, but it takes effort." Strange gave her an almost-bashful smile - it had been a very long time indeed since he'd been in the company of such an intelligent and attractive woman. Not that he'd ever actually do anything about it, not when she was spoken for; he was content to merely enjoy her company. "And you're hardly stupid. The situation is... complicated, and as you said, we're both dealing with issues outside our experience." He leaned back. "The amulet can be adjusted - Romany was most accommodating and gave me the controlling spell. I've already had to make some adjustments, after the Mexico incident. If you monitor her addiction, ensure she is not experiencing any difficulties, I can gradually increase the amount of power she is allowed. With full consultation, of course. And because her power is the addiction, we must be very careful... You saw the results of her withdrawing from this power source in the mansion, I believe?"

Moira blinked. "Tha's interestin'," she commented on his abilities and meant it. Outside of Amanda, who was using her mutation to channel magic, she had very little contact with magic users. Even if she had, it was probably was without her realizing it. "An' aye, I remember. I also believe she remembers 'ow I dealt wit' some o' tha'." Amusement laced her words as she shook her head. "I dinnae think she wants ta go back there. An' I dinnae want ta see 'er even slip a wee bit. I can monitor 'er well enough, I've got some equipment back at th' mansion tha'll be o' great 'elp. Even some tha' are portable, jus' in case."

"I believe we have a plan, then, Dr Macaggart," said Strange, looking pleased. He'd been hoping he wouldn't run up against the usual science versus magic issues. "I'll confer with Ms Wisdom and come up with a schedule for the weaning process, and once we start, we can keep each other informed. And Amanda, of course." He nodded, satisfied. "Now, if only we can avoid any more disasters revolving around Mr Dayspring, she'll actually make some decent progress."

Moira winced slightly. "We can always 'ope," she said, suddenly looking tired. "But in th' meantime, we can work wit' Amanda wit' this, especially once Romany agrees. I know Amanda will be pleased, she's been workin' so 'ard lately."

Strange caught the wince, and the accompanying change in her aura. "I'm sorry," he said. "That was tactless of me. It's just... frustrating for me. And for Amanda. Everytime we start making progress, something happens that restricts her use of her powers. And she came so close to permanently damaging herself with the healing spells." He spread his hands a little apologetically. "Perhaps I was a bit harsh when I spoke with Mr Dayspring about it. Amanda makes her choices, and he is not responsible for his various misadventures."

She shook her head. "Nay need ta apologize, really. 'Tis...'ard, I know. Th' last thin' anyone wants ta see is Amanda put 'erself in danger, Nathan especially. Times I jus' want ta put them bot' in bubbles for their safety..." Moira smiled. "An' our sanity."

Pausing, she thought for a second. "Stephen...'ow much 'as Amanda told ye 'bout Nathan an' myself?" For some reason, despite the immense amount of power he had to be able to wield, Moira trusted him not to use the knowledge of the link. But if they were to work together, especially since Nathan was a focal point in her's and Amanda's life, then it was probably better that he knew. If he didn't already.

"Bubbles... Now there's a thought. I must look into that." Strange allowed himself an amused chuckled before continuing. "She's told me that you are old friends, and that recently you have... ahem." Suddenly the floor became very interesting - if Strange wore glasses, he would be furiously polishing them. "I won't give you the exact quote, but yes, I am aware there is a relationship between the two of you."

Normally Moira's hair was the reddest shade to be found but she figured her face had to be fairly close as she put her hand over her eyes, a little more embarrassed than she had thought. "Amanda's quote...o' Lord, I can only imagine." Clearing her throat, she shook her head. "I dinnae mean...'ere I thought th' kids needed lessons in nay puttin' their foot in their mout'..." She smiled. "After Nathan first got 'ere, 'e 'ad an...incident, as 'ard as tha' is ta believe I know. I was tryin' ta calm 'im down an' 'e reached out telepathically. One o' th' rare times 'e 'ad done it at tha' time. I...'onestly I dinnae think I can explain wha' I did. I reached, tryin' ta calm 'im down, 'elp 'im. An' come th' next day we find out we've managed ta set up a telepathic link...one tha' I apparently started but it deepened as time went on."

Strange's own discomfort eased inthe face of new and professionally interesting information. "You're linked? Like Amanda and the de la Rocha boy? I must confess, telepathy of the mutant kind is something of a mystery for me, but I understand the concept. There are spells... like the healing ones, for example, that can create links between people's thoughts and emotions if over-used."

Feeling relieved that the rather embarrasing situation had been passed by, Moira nodded. "Aye, much like their link. I dinnae 'ave a whole lot o' control over wha' th' link does, obviously since I'm only 'uman, but I can send thin's down to 'im an' receive as well. Because o' th' nature o' th' bond, we tend to share limited emotions tha' go with thoughts, if tha' makes sense. An' Nathan can shield th' link if need be. There are upsides an' downsides ta a link, thankfully more upsides, though."

"So when you tell me that Mr Dayspring doesn't wish to cause Amanda further stress... you're speaking from authority?" he asked, raising one eyebrow.

A small smile passed across her face. "I'd like ta think so, aye. Nathan does care for th' lass, as do I. An' 'tis rather amazin' 'ow large 'is guilt complex can be."

"I shall bear that in mind, then," Strange said with a nod. "I don't wish to be seen as being difficult." He gave Moira a somewhat bemused smile. "It's strange, how quickly this girl seems to work her way into your heart. I've been a teacher for a good many years, and whilst I've nod had a student of magic before, I'm finding the experience is far more worthwhile than I'd thought. I have to admit, when Romany asked me to consider taking Amanda on, I was reluctant. Moreso, when I met her. But there's something about her that makes me want to do my best..." He realized what he was saying, and shook his head. "Now I'm sounding sentimental. You must excuse me."

"Dinnae apologize, at all. Amanda 'as tha' affect on us all as much as it does embarrass 'er at times, even though it makes 'er 'appy. Part o' ye wants ta shake some sense inta 'er, part o' ye wants ta protect 'er from everythin'. Aye, tha' sounds about right. As much as she may nay realize it, she's 'elped me as much as I've 'elped 'er."

"Yes, that's it exactly." Strange gave another wry shrug. "If I didn't know better I'd say it was some other power of hers, to turn normally-sensible bachelor types like myself into overly-protective bachelor types. And that's probably not a bad thing - I've been told by various students over the years I need to 'loosen up', I believe was the term. It's been suggested I get myself a pet, but it looks like I've acquired an apprentice instead. I just wish I'd done better protecting her from that monster Rack." He sighed. "I badly miscalculated there. It won't happen again."

"Ye did wha' ye could," Moira responded quietly. "Sometimes it seems like all we can do is sit an' wait for th' ones we care 'bout. An' Amanda seems ta turn normally sensible people completely on their 'eads. Reminds me ta much o' me when I was tha' age an' tha' scares me. Makes me feel old, ta."

"Nonsense. You could never be old." Strange looked surprised at the sudden outburst and looked a little uncomfortable again. He quickly changed the subject: "Well, I'm glad that's all settled, Amanda's training and all that. I'll let you know what Romany thinks, shall I?" He got up, gesturing at the mess his office was in. "I've taken up entirely too much of your time, and I really should continue to catalogue all this, before my session with Amanda tomorrow. Wouldn't do to start the weaning process by overloading her with too many mystical objects at once, which is what all this is."

Blinking, a little startled, she then smiled and nodded. "Aye, o' course...I was wonderin' wha' they were. Yer office is much more interestin' than mine is, tha' I can say." Standing, she shook the creases out of her slacks. "I'm glad we finally sat down an' talked. I think we're really on th' right track ta 'elpin' Amanda gain full use o' 'er power." Stepping around the crates, she offered her hand to him. "Nay ta mention I enjoyed meself, we'll 'ave ta talk again."

Again that bashful, somewhat-pleased look. "Ah, yes, I enjoyed myself too... that is, yes, it would be nice, to talk again. Perhaps next time I visit the school, perhaps?" He hesitated, then extended his somewhat-dusty hand. "A pleasure, Doctor MacTaggart. I do look forward to talking with you again," he said, taking refuge in formality.

"Aye, till then." Turning to go she stopped by the door and looked back. "When I came in, ye told me ta call ye Stephen. Please, 'tis Moira." Closing the door quietly behind her, she paused and shook her head, smiling a little before heading back to try and find the car she had borrowed.