Chapter Two

Stepping into the London Sanctum Sanctorum felt almost like coming home.

Stephen deliberately chose the main foyer for his arrival; it would be incredibly rude to arrive anywhere else at another Masters' home, without an invitation.

Well, a recent invitation.

The foyer was considerably narrower than the one in New York, but it still faced a rather grand staircase.

It was less than a minute before Master Jade appeared at the head of the stairs, wearing a broad smile, the tip of her Staff resting on the floor.

Her hair was grayer than he recalled, but her smile was just as beautiful.

She obviously didn't need eyes to know who he was.

'Stephen! You found my invitation.'

'That would have been Cloak,' Stephen corrected, and Jade chuckled,

'Of course, it would.'

Cloak swirled a quick swipe of its collar against its Chosen's cheeks before hurrying to meet Jade, embracing her in an enthusiastic wrap.

She laughed, then shooed Cloak,

'Go on, then. You two have been away a long time.'

Cloak, however, insisted on escorting her down to the foot of the stairs before returning to it's Chosen.

'Master Jade,' he greeted, fondness shaping his tone. The difficult years had worn her features, but she still stood straight, gripped her Staff Of Bisected Realities with a firm hand.

'Doctor Strange, it's so good to have you both back,' Jade responded, an emotional quaver in her voice, her expression a mixture of relief, and joy.

Stephen stepped up to take her hand, surprised to feel the sting of tears. He hadn't admitted how much of a toll had been exacted from him, personally.

Seeing a dear friend, after so long, made all those feelings just a bit overwhelming.

Stephen smiled, clasped her hand tightly, blinked away those tears, but couldn't find any words.

Jade, as always, perceived more with her senses than most sighted people ever could, and understood his silence.

After a moment, she cleared her throat, sighed, gave a nod, suggested,

'Let's have that tea, shall we?'

The London Sanctum had a very cozy study, nestled just off its Relic Room. Late afternoon sun sparkled in thru its window, dancing across the light wood flooring.

Much like New York, its decor reflected its many decades of existence, and an assortment of eclectic residents.

Stephen rather imagined that quite a few of the smaller, personal details now here could be directly attributed to Master Jade.

For example, the table set for two was burnished oak, protected by a runner of delicate lace, and set with fine bone china, decorated with cabbage roses. The ornate chairs were high backed, overstuffed, and comfortable.

As Stephen poured their tea, Cloak gave a bored ruffle, and Jade heard it.

'Cloak, would you like to explore this Sanctum?' she wondered, knowing the answer would be an enthusiastic swirl.

'Who knows? You might discover some intriguing items.'

Immediately, it hovered excitedly next to its Chosen, awaiting his approval.

Stephen smiled, gently, gave his scarlet companion a small nod.

'Don't get lost,' he warned, with a sly grin.

Cloak wavered its collar edge at him, comparable to rolling ones eyes, or, perhaps, sticking its tongue out, and headed off into the Relic Room.

Stephen rolled his eyes, and stirred his tea.

After a few sips, declared,

'This is the best tea I've ever had,' and Jade laughed,

'Perhaps, that's just because its been awhile since you've had time for tea.'

Stephen shook his head, admitted,

'I've barely had time for anything since I've returned to New York. I actually came here right after Tony Starks' funeral.'

Brow furrowed, he realized,

'I haven't properly inspected the Sanctum. Haven't dealt with any of my responsibilities as Master of New York. I haven't even looked in on Christine. I don't know if she...' his words stumbled, but he took a deep breath, managed to finish,'...If she's alright.'

Jade laid a consoling hand over his, assured, tone gentle,

'Christine is fine. I've kept an eye out, while you were away.'

It took a few seconds, but Stephen managed a grateful,

'Thank you, Jade.'

'Of course, Stephen. I could do no less.

'As for the Sanctum, your fellow Masters took excellent care of it, in preparation for your return. It'll be fine, at least until you finish your tea.'

Stephen rested his forehead against his free hand, eyes closed, admitted,

'I'm so tired. You'd think I'd be well rested after five years of...whatever you want to call it. Sleep. Unconsciousness.'

Jade gave a sharp snort, reminded,

'Battling Thanos would have everything to do with that. I can't imagine how much personal energy, mental, as well as physical, that cost.'

Stephen opened his eyes, glaring at his hand, gripping the teacup. So much had happened, and those memories were still raw.

The cost had, indeed, been high.

After a moment, Stephen looked at her, imagining her sharp blue eyes, confessed, bluntly,

'I'm not sure I'm qualified for the duties as Master of New York, anymore.'

Jade set her cup down, brow furrowed, as he continued,

'I mean, I'm no longer the Guardian of the Eye Of Agamotto. It's been destroyed, as a result of my actions. What does that leave, for me?'

Jade straightened in her chair, but, rather than chide him, advised, kindly,

'Stephen, you are so much more than just the keeper of a rock.'

Stephen twitched a tiny smile, studied his teacup, but didn't reply.

Jade respected his silence for a moment, then advised,

'Give yourself some time. A lot has changed, since you've been away.

'You've changed.'

'Everyone is changed,' Stephen acknowledged, grimly.

'Exactly,' Jade agreed, pouring them both some more tea.

'So, may I suggest... some less morbid conversation as we finish our tea? I have a lot of news to share, and, I'm quite certain there will plenty of new things to keep us busy from now on.'

Cloak came bustling into the study, carrying a few items it had discovered in its explorations. Anxious to share its treasures with its Chosen, it rushed up towards his chair, only to have Master Jade wave a cautionary hand toward it, suggesting a calmer approach.

Cloak hesitated, inched closer, turning attention to Stephen, only to find he'd fallen asleep in the chair.

Jade loosed her astral form, sharing a gentle smile, and mouthed the words,

'Let him rest.'

Cloak floated up a little, gave a nod of its collar.

Turned away, quietly setting its collection on the floor, before carefully draping itself across its weary Chosen.

Stephen stirred, briefly, a smile touched his lips, a sigh, but he never woke.

Cloak gave a contented ruffle, cradling its Chosen, happy that things could now return to normal.

Or, at least, as near to normal as life could be for a Master of the Mystic Arts.

After all, it reasoned; what events could possibly be weirder than those they'd already experienced?