Bamboo Forest Tea Room, Kamar-Taj
Lockhart sat cross-legged on the silk-covered futon in the tea room, his eyes closed in meditation. The subtle scents of incense and aged parchment filled the air, creating an atmosphere of tranquility that belied the weight of his purpose here.
As a former professor at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Lockhart had always placed significant value on proper etiquette. Until the Ancient One arrived, he would maintain this respectful stillness. He had no desire to leave an impression of frivolity or instability in the eyes of the Supreme Sorcerer. After all, reputations were built on such small details—a lesson he had learned painfully during his years of fame in the wizarding world.
After meditating for an indeterminate period, Lockhart opened his eyes to discover the Ancient One sitting cross-legged across from him, regarding him with a serene smile. Her bald head gleamed softly in the diffused light, and her golden robes seemed to capture and reflect the ambient magic that permeated Kamar-Taj.
Despite the surprise of finding her suddenly present, Lockhart maintained his composure, offering a calm greeting with a respectful inclination of his head.
The Ancient One acknowledged him with a slight nod before raising her hand in an elegant gesture. The ornate teapot positioned between them levitated gently, pouring steaming amber liquid into two delicate cups. As the tea flowed, an extraordinary fragrance filled the room—a complex bouquet unlike any tea Lockhart had encountered in either the wizarding or Muggle worlds.
"Supreme Sorcerer," he inquired, genuinely intrigued, "what manner of tea is this? The aroma alone seems to possess restorative properties."
Each encounter with the Ancient One presented new wonders, Lockhart reflected. Whether it was some arcane secret, a fragment of mystical knowledge, or, as now, an extraordinary tea—there was always something that expanded his understanding of what was possible. Privately, he wondered about the extent of treasures hidden in the Ancient One's personal collection.
"This is one of several gifts Odin presented to me during our last meeting," she replied, her voice carrying a musical quality that seemed to harmonize with the ambient sounds of Kamar-Taj. "I have quite a substantial supply. You're welcome to take some when you depart. The taste is truly exceptional."
At the mention of Odin, Lockhart felt a spike of anticipation. The Ancient One had clearly perceived the purpose of his visit, addressing it obliquely but unmistakably.
With practiced social grace, Lockhart offered words of gratitude before smoothly steering the conversation toward his true objective.
"It seems relations between Kamar-Taj and Asgard must be quite amicable, for the Allfather to present such gifts," he remarked casually, as though merely making polite conversation.
The Ancient One's lips curved in a knowing smile. "The relationship is... pragmatic. Odin is fundamentally a realist."
She lifted her teacup, studying the liquid's subtle movements before continuing. "In his eyes, those without power are like ants—barely worthy of notice. Yet occasionally, he demonstrates a condescending kindness toward such beings, displaying what he considers compassion, tolerance, and generosity."
Her expression revealed nothing as she continued. "As for the powerful—any who present a genuine threat to him are destroyed if possible. Those who cannot be destroyed but can be defeated are banished. And when confronted with an adversary who forces a stalemate, or perhaps even poses a greater challenge... then, and only then, does Odin extend genuine goodwill."
Lockhart absorbed the Ancient One's assessment of Asgard's ruler with careful attention. The Supreme Sorcerer rarely spoke without purpose, and her words carried particular significance with Asgardians currently active on Earth.
He contemplated his next approach, sipping the extraordinary tea as he organized his thoughts. The warmth spread through him, seeming to clarify his mind even as it soothed his body.
"I've recently received information from Thor, the firstborn son of God-King Odin," Lockhart finally stated, his tone measured and serious. "The Asgardians have come to Earth regarding what they term 'Celestial embryos.' Thor approached me seeking intelligence on the matter not long ago."
Lockhart leaned forward slightly, his voice dropping lower. "Though Thor was initially reticent about his true purpose, after persistent questioning, he revealed fragments of their mission. It seems Odin foresees some disturbance involving a Celestial embryo and has dispatched Thor to ensure it remains dormant."
He paused meaningfully. "I understand from ancient texts that Odin's right eye possesses certain oracular capabilities—the ability to glimpse potential futures. This mission suggests those rumors may hold truth."
After delivering this information, Lockhart studied the Ancient One's face closely, searching for any reaction. He had not forgotten that she commanded the Time Stone, which allowed her similar prophetic insights.
The Supreme Sorcerer maintained her customary serenity, merely nodding for Lockhart to continue. Disappointment flickered briefly in his eyes at receiving no substantive response, but he pressed onward.
"I've consulted what resources were available to me regarding the Celestials, but the information remains frustratingly incomplete," he admitted. "I hoped the Supreme Sorcerer might provide more comprehensive knowledge to fill these gaps."
At this, the Ancient One nodded with apparent indifference, though the slight tightening around her eyes suggested the topic was far from trivial. Lockhart felt a measure of relief at this tacit agreement to share information.
"Additionally," he ventured, "Thor has inquired whether I know of any passage or secret method to access the space containing the Celestial embryo. He believes Kamar-Taj, having safeguarded Earth for centuries, would possess such knowledge."
Lockhart left his sentence unfinished, watching the Ancient One carefully. Her response would likely determine the course of his relationship with Thor moving forward.
The Supreme Sorcerer regarded Lockhart with penetrating intensity, her eyes revealing a flicker of amusement despite the gravity of the subject. The slight upward curve of her lips suggested she had already discerned Lockhart's thoughts.
Rather than answering directly, she posed a question of her own. "Lockhart, you have been part of Kamar-Taj for some time now. You should understand our core purpose."
"To expel dark entities and protect Earth," Lockhart responded without hesitation, his voice resonating with conviction.
"And which do you consider more important—the first directive or the second?" she asked, her gaze unwavering.
The question sent Lockhart's mind racing. This was a fundamental principle that any disciple of Kamar-Taj could recite—and it clearly indicated the Ancient One's position on the matter.
"Protecting Earth is paramount, of course," Lockhart declared firmly, with absolute certainty in his voice.
The Ancient One took another sip of tea, regarding him over the rim of her cup. "In that case, what action do we take when confronted with an entity that threatens Earth's safety?"
"We eliminate them," Lockhart stated without hesitation, his tone hardening. This answer would define his stance in the conflict to come.
After a moment of consideration, he added a qualification: "And if elimination proves impossible, we banish them from Earth's realm."
Hearing this, the Ancient One's expression softened into a smile of approval. She nodded once, seemingly satisfied with his response.
"Then I need not elaborate on the appropriate course of action," she stated simply. After a brief pause, she added, "Since you detected this potential crisis first, I entrust its management to you."
"I understand," Lockhart responded, rising to his feet with newfound purpose. "I'll address the situation immediately."
He hesitated momentarily before adding, "Regarding God-King Odin's position..."
His voice trailed off, the implication clear in his unfinished thought.
"You needn't worry," the Ancient One reassured him, her tone lightening slightly. "Remember that Odin has gifted me with abundant tea."
Her statement seemed to confirm their earlier exchange about Odin's pragmatic approach to diplomacy and power.
Relieved by the Ancient One's implicit assurance, Lockhart nodded respectfully and turned to depart. His mind whirled with implications and strategies as he walked toward the door, his expression settling into one of grim determination.
So the worst scenario is confirmed, he thought. The Celestials truly do threaten Earth itself.
Just as he reached the threshold, the Ancient One's voice reached him once more.
"Lockhart," she called softly, "don't forget to take Odin's tea with you."
Turning back, Lockhart's gaze fell upon an ornate wooden box positioned prominently on the tea table. The container's lid bore an intricate carving of Odin's distinctive thunderbolt sigil.
He accepted the gift with appropriate gratitude, recognizing it as both a physical token and a symbolic message. The relationship between Kamar-Taj and Asgard remained complex, but in this matter, the Ancient One had made her priorities clear.
Earth's safety would not be compromised, regardless of Asgard's agenda.
Vientiane World, Combat Training Ground
In the expansive training arena of the Vientiane World, four figures engaged in animated discussion. Ian, Wanda, Vera, and Remy had gathered to analyze their recent combat exercises, offering both praise for successful techniques and constructive criticism regarding weaknesses.
Ian's shield-based defensive spells had proven remarkably effective against Wanda's chaos magic, while Vera's command of elemental forces complemented Remy's tactical precision. Their collaborative training had enhanced each of their individual abilities, creating a formidable unit.
As their debate over optimal battle formations grew increasingly passionate, their conversation was abruptly interrupted by Lockhart's voice resonating directly through the magical imprint embedded in their minds.
"Effective immediately, the Vientiane World hereby revokes all preferential accommodations previously extended to Asgardians," came Lockhart's authoritative proclamation.
A moment of silence followed as the implications of this statement registered with the four mages.
"All practitioners under our authority will maintain strict neutrality in interactions with Asgardian entities," continued the mental broadcast.
Wanda and Vera exchanged concerned glances. Just last week, they had participated in a diplomatic exchange with visitors from Asgard.
"The diplomatic relationship between the Vientiane World and the Realm of Asgard is hereby terminated," Lockhart's voice continued, each word weighted with significance. "We do not exclude the possibility of confrontation and conflict between our factions in the future."
The finality in Lockhart's tone left no room for misinterpretation. Something significant had changed in the cosmic political landscape, and they were now being positioned for potential conflict with one of the most powerful realms in existence.
"Well," Remy said after a long silence, his expression grim, "it seems our training just acquired a far more urgent purpose."
Ian nodded solemnly. "If we're preparing for confrontation with Asgardians, we'll need to completely recalibrate our defensive strategies."
"Their abilities aren't like typical magical threats," Wanda added, her fingers already weaving patterns of scarlet energy as she considered new approaches. "They possess both physical might and mystical properties."
"Lockhart wouldn't issue such a declaration without serious cause," Vera observed quietly. "Something catastrophic must be looming."
The four exchanged determined looks before returning to their training with renewed intensity. Whatever threat had prompted this dramatic shift in allegiance, they would ensure they were prepared to meet it.
Above the training ground, storm clouds began to gather—whether a natural phenomenon or a reflection of the cosmic tensions now brewing, none could say with certainty.