Drenched with a Soaking Joy

[The Cedar Witch]

Zeus listened intently.  This was one of the many scenarios that he had been mulling over since learning of the fledge from one of his contacts in the field.  He had expected Alena to be less patient with her approach, considering the anger he witnessed. 

Perhaps he had seriously underestimated her.

"Assuming this is a simple matter--what then?  We arrange a meeting here under the premise of peace, spring a trap and slay them both?"  Here was the underlying question of how thirsty for blood are you?

[pinkroses]

“Yes,” Alena said simply. “The one he loves first, then him. He should watch,” she added in a matter of fact tone, sitting back in her chair, her blue eyes fixed on Zeus.

McCloud deserved nothing less, but probably a whole lot more. Every demon in the city deserved to have a piece of him and she was sure they would all have their own ideas. She would prefer a swift blow, but she knew a little more patience could make it turn out better for their own kind.

[The Cedar Witch]

"A fitting punishment," Zeus nodded in agreement. 

"But what then?  When his rabble come to revenge the martyrs we've created--do we strike them down as well?  Even still, will the remaining powers in the city look the other way, or will they band together against us out of fear?  How many casualties will we suffer? Who will be left to enjoy the victory?"  His tone was passionate, not patronizing.  She had lost much, and he was all too aware of this.

"We will have our revenge," there was a dark glint in his eye as he sought to reassure her, "But it must be crafted with taking all of this, and more, into careful consideration."  He leaned back in his chair and placed his hands behind his head.

"Will you help me?"

[pinkroses]

“They all follow him, they might all just fall apart once he’s gone,” Alena said, before pouting her lips slightly thoughtfully, “But I guess we can’t assume that. The powers of the city however, they haven’t cared about what he did to us, why would they care if we retaliated?”

She nodded quietly, calmed by his reassurance that they would take action and she was excited to see what would happen. Ekaitz was always better at coming up with plans than she had been, so she was more than happy to take advice and guidance from a more experienced source, as long as it made sense to her.

“Yes,” Alena said without hesitation at his question. That was exactly the question she had come to ask him, so there was no way she was going to reject that offer.

“Whatever you need me to do, I will. I need to be a part of this.” If he had turned her away Alena knew she would have just acted. The demons in the city might have resisted, but maybe she could have made one of them lead instead and lead them into battle. Or she could have just gone with her original plan of sneaking in. Who cared what happened to her once he was dead?

[The Cedar Witch]

"Good."  Zeus pushed back from the desk and stood, walking around toward the front.

"We've only just met, so I have little information on precisely where your strengths lie."  He leaned back against the front of the desk, arms crossed in front of his chest, and looked at her expectantly.

"I have several things I will need, the first of which is to gather those who have been scattered in the West.  The second is gathering intel on the ground."  There were specificities of course, but this was just the beginning.  "Discretion in both is top priority."  His firm gaze then softened slightly.

"Do you have a place to stay?  I have basic accommodations here should you need them."

[pinkroses]

Alena leant back in her chair, resting her hands on the arms of it as he came to stand in front of her, a smile playing on her lips, enjoying him being closer rather than feeling like he was invading her space.

“I can be discrete when needs be,” she said, he eyes drifting over him now that he wasn’t half hidden behind the desk. After hunting so vehemently for him, she hadn’t really known what she was expecting. He didn’t appear out of the ordinary, however the way he held himself, his commanding presence, she was in awe and wanted to be her best to impress him.

“I’m good at getting in where I shouldn’t be, I can get information. I could talk to those in the West, but I’m not sure I’m the look of strength they would rally around to bring them here,” she said, wrinkling up her nose. She disliked admitting weakness, but she couldn’t say she’d do something then let him down. When she’d been hunting for him she’d seen the way the other demons looked at her – a child, on a wild goose chase. Why would they change their minds now?

At the other of somewhere to stay Alena blinked in surprise, before she stood up, pacing across the room and then back towards Zeus.

“No, I don’t…but… If I’m going in there to get information I probably shouldn’t be coming back here afterwards. Not very discrete,” she said, twisting her fingers together nervously. She could really get there and back without being seen – electricity was everywhere, not being seen wasn’t a problem. However Alena couldn’t remember ever being offered a place to stay (which actually had a roof and four walls) and that hit her right in the pit of her stomach.

[The Cedar Witch]

His eyes followed her as she paced, noting the sudden change in demeanor.  Not entirely sure what to make of it, he didn't press her.

"The offer stands should you change your mind."  Zeus was sure that she could get in without being seen, and made a mental note to allow security to permit her to travel through the cameras posted at either gate without interference.  She was in their systems now and would be recognized on sight.  "You could at least wait out the storm."  He offered with a shrug, relaxing his stance.

"To start, I would like you to assess McCloud's presence in the West.  Numbers, weaknesses, signs of unrest within his ranks.  Keep your ears open to any interesting rumors circulating that could be useful leverage."  He paused, briefly searching her face for signs of understanding before continuing. 

"Report back to me when you feel you have made an adequate assessment."  It shouldn't be a terribly long or difficult assignment.  He was interested in seeing what she would find and if she would go above and beyond the basic request.  He began to walk towards the door, assuming she would follow.

"Unless there is anything else you would like to discuss, I look forward to your report." 

[pinkroses]

Alena nodded firmly at Zeus’ instructions. She could do that. Most of the time she paid little heed to what was going on around her with regards to the city and rumours, but that didn’t mean she didn’t have the opportunity to listening.

The demon bit her lower lip gently as Zeus dismissed her. If felt like she’d only just arrived, after hunting for him for so long. Yes, she didn’t especially want to stay, it would feel like being trapped, but he had so much knowledge and experience she could learn from.

Alena didn’t want to be a burden though, so she dropped her gaze and gave a small nod, determined to do everything she could for their cause.

“I’ll leave when the rain stops, I won’t let you down,” she said as she looked back up at him, her eyes sparkling, eager to prove herself to her god. If there was nothing else said then Alena would leave him alone in his office to wander the hallways, exploring as much as they let her before it was time to leave.

[The Cedar Witch]

He smiled down at her, opening the door.  The demon waiting outside stepped aside, ready to escort Alena back to the elevator when she was ready. 

"Thank you for coming in.  It's been a pleasure speaking with you, Alena."  He held out a hand for a firm shake.

[pinkroses]

Alena let herself be led out of the office, and paused her step at Zeus’ thanks. She glanced down at his outstretched hand, but ignored it, instead reaching up and wrapping her arms around his neck (having to jump slightly to reach) and pressing her cheek against his.

“Thank you. I’m so pleased I found you,” she whispered before dropping back down, her hands resting against her chest for a second before she stepped back. She felt like a weight had been lifted. That sorrow and anger were still there and ready to be tapped into when needed, but for now she was full of joy and looking forward to carrying out their plans.