Author Note: Scathack is pronounced Ska-hock

As Stephen Strange progressed from arrogant surgeon to reluctant sorcerer, the magical framework of the Earth shifted. Other witches took notice as the Ancient One, who had been guardian of the mystic realm for ages, bequeathed control to a new student. One witch in particular kept a watchful eye on the newest addition to Earth's protectors. She'd known Strange was meant to be next in line as Sorcerer Supreme, she'd known that they'd eventually meet. What Marisa didn't know was how he'd interact with the magical inhabitants of their world and beyond. And Marisa didn't like not knowing.

She pondered as she walked the long, narrow corridors of her fortress. Using her mind vision, she glanced at him, sleeping in New York. Taking a nap, not knowing that others were judging him even now. He was pleasing to the eye, that much was certain. She could only hope he was as pleasant as a human being. Her Council of Three would be wanting a recommendation soon. Would they travel to his Sanctum to offer an alliance, or wait to see just how Strange would shake things up in their world?

Marisa was American herself so she knew Strange might not have the same respect for old traditions. She missed her family. She didn't have many close relatives. The caretaker of enhanced humans, Phil Coulson, was her cousin. There were times she wondered if her family was meant to be in the middle of the weirdness of the universe. She also wondered if Phil had been brought up to speed on the newest addition to the Earth's guardians. She smirked. She had a strong feeling that he was going to be knocking on her door soon to discuss it.

She wondered how Wong was adjusting to the new sorcerer. She mentally sent him a message that she hoped all was well. She was a bit perplexed to hear Wong laugh in her mind. He wasn't known for his humor.

Sometimes she still couldn't believe that she'd moved to Scotland on a whim and found her way to the small village she called home. Arellia would tell her it was fate, but Marisa needed to believe that she had some control over her life. Her cousin would laugh. No one had control over their lives, according to him. Sometimes he annoyed the hell out of her.

"Your Grace, it is almost time", a lilting brogue spoke. Looking up, she smiled as Arellia came into view. The Scottish spirit was as old as the castle itself. She'd been among the first witches to look at humans as more than pets, or enemies. Along with the Ancient One, she'd spent years training those who showed aptitude in the Arts. Now, her soul was intertwined with the very structure she had given her life to defend. If the castle ever fell, her spirit would be destroyed. Marisa quickly banished the thought. They were safe. She turned to smile at Arellia.

"I know, but I have no clue what I am going to say," she admitted. "He's Sorcerer Supreme. We owe him our support if not our allegiance. I wish the Ancient One had given us some guidance on what is coming." She glanced at her friend. "You haven't heard anything? "

"You know I haven't, lass." The words were spoken softly. "You must make your decision based on your own instinct. He may be a guardian of the Earth, but he's untrained in many ways. It's your oath to show him what you can, but only if he is worthy."

Marisa closed her eyes and let her mind lightly touch the center of her magic again. She didn't feel a danger coming from New York, but she did feel a pull to visit. A flash of humor went through her mind and her eyes widened. He was just waking up and...how did the man know she was checking him out? Watching him, she mentally corrected herself. She shut down the connection, blushing. Putting on her serious Duchess of Scathach face, her decision was chose to ignore the memory of seeing him rise from his bed.

"The Ancient One seemed to think he was, so..." Marisa drew a deep breath. "Let's meet with my council and I'll go introduce myself to Doctor Strange."

Dmdmdm

Stephen stretched after his long nap and felt...something. Not a threat, he'd be sure to recognize that by now. But someone was directing magic towards the Sanctum. He sat up and cleared his mind, letting his second sight guide him back to the source of this spy. A woman came into view, short brown hair, hazel eyes, and an intelligence he could sense from...Scotland?

She wasn't the usual beautiful woman he'd associate with witches, she was a bit shorter, a bit heavier, but he found himself intrigued. No one before had been brave enough to spy on him, though Wong had told him the magical world would be watching. Stephen smirked as he let the blanket drop to the floor. Stretching again casually, he made his way to the shower. He sensed a sharp intake of breath and the closing of the connection. His smirk grew to a wide smile and he started singing to himself.

Letting the water run over him, he had the distinct feeling that things were going to be getting much more interesting very soon. How did this woman get into his mind with the wards of the Sanctum in place? Part of him knew he should be questioning that more, but most of him felt like he'd like to learn more about her.

Getting dressed, he went about his afternoon and after lunch, Wong sparred with him. The fighting was brutal by normal standards, yet Wong was almost grinning. That was unnerving enough, but when Wong seemed to smile at him with a mischievous glint in eye, he flipped his opponent to the floor and narrowed his eyes in what he felt was an intimidating manner.

"All right, what's going on? You're positively gleeful."

"I am pleased to be beating you during our sparring. You have much to learn, and soon, another teacher."

A flash of hazel eyes crossed his memory, and he tilted his head as thoughts strayed to the mystery woman. Wong took the opportunity to flip Stephen onto his back. In a corner, the Cloak seemed to giggle. Stephen rolled his eyes and kicked Wong's legs out from under him.

"I hope they spar better than you," he teased. Wong stood up and bowed, signalling the end of the session.

"I'll be very interested to see if she is, and if you are ready to learn what she may offer."

With that, the older man bowed again and made his way to the library to study, leaving Stephen to wonder just what Wong had meant.

Dmdmdm

The Council of Three watched Marisa enter the room. She was blocking her thoughts, and had a serious look to her usual amused face. She made her way to her seat at the small square table and sat down quickly. The table was midnight blue with swirling stars visible on the top. They could watch almost any part of the galaxy from their table. But today, they ignored the shifting pattern of the cosmos and waited for their leader to speak.

"I have been giving this situation a lot of thought, and have decided we should meet Dr. Strange. Before we can fully commit to anything, we must see how he's adapting to his new role. Then we can train him in dealing with the Doorways."

"Marisa, do we really want him traipsing about the cosmos without a guide, or at least someone to keep him out of trouble?" Sian said, twirling a strand of long white hair around her finger. Her golden eyes held a bit of humor in them. She always knew when Marisa used her mind vision. Which meant she knew that Marisa hsd seen something...interesting.

"No one is letting him loose upon the universe," Derek said, grinning. "But I agree that the Sorcerer Supreme should be allowed to defend himself no matter the place or time."

"I for one welcome the opportunity to make his acquaintance, " Penelope said dreamily. "He is quite handsome from what I have been told."

"Keep focused, Pen," Marisa said wryly. "You know how you get around attractive men."

"Or women," Derek muttered. Marisa let that go. Derek loved Penelope, but the witch seemed oblivious.

"Well" Marisa said brightly. "Pack your bags, we're off to New York."