—Zenesha General POV—
After Laura left that morning Zenesha got ready for work, the first thing she needed to do was inform those under her of Laura's absence. Leaving her private residence the fox quickly made her way to her office, sat down at her desk and turned on her work computer. She quickly typed the email she needed to and after she pressed send, she leaned back into her chair and sighed.
"I should get to work." She muttered to herself staring blankly at the ceiling.
Zenesha had a lot of preparations to do. For years the only thing she's done with the White Ash was defend their borders from them. She never tried invading another country before since her focus was always on protecting what her mother left behind.
"On top of everything else Vera was right."
Vera had told her how the soldiers in the White Ash seem to suddenly all have powers. It happened slowly at first, but over time more and more of their ranks seem to gain abilities. This was recent because if this was the case before, they would've sent more for her assassinations.
Meaning sometime between being ambushed and when she left for Dreso something happened in the White Ash. There were far too many people with abilities to be normal. One of the first things she's going to do is figure out how they increased the amount of People with an Es organ.
"If I am to fight New Veroso I'll need all the help I can get."
Zenesha was well aware Empress Vera Veroso despised the other four factions that once made the Veroso Empire. Their alliance was temporary and there was a high chance she'll do something the moment the White Ash was defeated. She wouldn't let her get the chance.
She had her own plans in place to undercut her claim to the White Ash territories. That came later of course. First, she needed to get back to immediate work.
Sitting back up Zenesha got onto her computer and tried to get to work. However, every time she tried to focus her mind would drift back to Laura. Was she doing, okay? Was she tired? Hungry? Is she eating well? Will she sleep, okay? Is she okay? Is she hurt?
Her mind raced with worry. Frustrated by her lack of progress Zenesha stood up from her desk and left the office. She needed to clear her head and only knew one way of doing that. It was time to visit an old friend.
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There was another High tower within the Military compound. However, this one had multiple landing on every level as it reached high into the sky. Flying around such a strange tower were multiple large beasts, some of which flew off somewhere in the distance, or were returning from a far-off location.
They were Griffins, Large animals that were half eagle and half Lion. Despite the fact that griffins were typically found in colder climates high in mountains, the Heart family have been using them for centuries. Originating from the high Opulent Mountains far north.
While the Purified order laid claim to the south side of the Opulent Mountain range, the griffin's habitat was located further north. Their habitat laid firmly in the country of Northeim. There they were considered very sacred and are fiercely protected.
Her family was gifted several griffin eggs generations ago and are now their signature animal. That also meant her family has made it a point to form a relationship with these majestic beasts from a young age.
Using two fingers Zenesha whistled as loud as she could, calling for her griffin. After a few seconds a large, winged beast landed in front of her. It quickly moved towards her and rubbed itself on the fox in an affectionate manner.
"Hey bud." Zenesha spoke fondly.
The griffins made a low rumbling noise in response.
"It's been a while, but want to go for a ride?"
The griffin stopped rubbing against Zenesha to look at her properly before kneeling down. It then made a noise that Zenesha interpreted as, "what are you waiting for?"
With a smile that didn't show on her face, Zenesha climbed onto her griffin. Once the beast was sure she was properly seated it spread its wings and flew high into the sky. With the wind brushing against her face, and the world expanding below her, the fox relaxed.
"I've missed this, Tart." Zenesha sighed. I've been so busy lately, I'm sorry."
While Zenesha had made time to visit Tart whenever she could, she hadn't had a chance to go on a ride with him at all. Outside of her hobbies, one of her favorite things to do was fly in the sky with Tart. If it wasn't such a necessity, she would've used Tart to fly to Dreso.
Since it was still morning it was relatively cold out, but thanks to her ice powers Zenesha was highly resistant. The fox typically preferred the cold at times. Of course, sometimes being warm was pleasant. Like when she laid in bed with Laura
"Damn it, I came up here to stop thinking of her." Zenesha muttered, shaking her head as if that would fling the thoughts from her mind.
She needed to clear her head so she could focus on what's happening in front of her. Otherwise, she'll spend the entire week worrying, which isn't good for her mental health and stress.
"I'll stay up here for just a little longer."
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The next two days went by without much issue, but on the fourth since Laura had left Rachel visited her office. She looked anxious and unsure of herself as she stood in front of the fox. Curious as to why the cat had such an expression, Zenesha waited patiently for her to speak.
"Ma'am… this may be overstepping." Rachel started her hesitation evident in her voice.
Raising an eyebrow Zenesha stays silent and lets her take the time to gather her thoughts.
"I'll be honest Ma'am; I've been investigating Ms. Underwood for a while now." She paused to gauge Zenesha's reaction.
Zenesha, of course, didn't look surprised. She was aware of their investigation into Laura, but figured they'd give up when they couldn't pinpoint her origins.
Rachel couldn't tell what Zenesha was thinking thanks to her stone-cold face, but she got the sense she wasn't surprised. She tried to leave the other Condor's out, but it seems like a pointless precaution. She'll still try to make sure they won't get in trouble, however.
"Anyway, during my investigation, I discovered some… stuff." Another pause, another look. "I just have a question for you Ma'am."
"What question would that be Rachel?"
"What exactly is your relationship with… Laura Underwood?"
"My… relationship?"
"Yes."
"Rachel what does this even mean?"
"Ma'am I'm just worried."
"For what?" Questioned the fox. "Our relationship is no concern of yours."
"Ma'am I can't just let some that could possibly harm you ta-"
"Rachel I can judge people just fine myself. Laura is a lovely individual, and I don't appreciate this slander on her character."
"Even if they are from the void?"
Zenesha sputtered. She probably should've been more composed, but she was completely caught off guard. Rachel looked at her as if she just got the final confirmation she needed.
"Ma'am what did you promise them to help us?"
"I never made a deal with her." Zenesha stated her voice low glaring at the cat in front of her.
"She's a void creature Zee!" Rachel yelled, calling the young woman by her childhood nickname.
"I know that, but we can trust her!" Zenesha yelled back.
Taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly, Rachel calmed herself. She then looked at the young woman she considers her niece and spoke again, calmer this time.
"How do you know they aren't just lying to trick you?"
"I've seen how they act. I've seen what they've done. They put themselves in harm's way for my sake."
"What could hurt her?" Rachel questioned. "Their vessels can be harmed, but that doesn't kill them."
Zenesha was about to retort and mention the Ather but closed her mouth. The less people that knew of Laura's weakness the better. Instead, she opted to just end the conversation.
"Trust my judgment please." She said with a sigh. "Laura isn't a threat to us."
"Where is… Ms. Underwood now anyway."
"She's in the Black Forest looking for something… if it's even there."
Rachel frowned. "Ma'am please, just tell me what you owe her, maybe the re-"
"I already told you we didn't make a deal" Hissed the fox. "Now if you excuse me, I have work I need to get back too. You're dismissed Ms. Ward."
".... Yes Ma'am."
Zenesha watched the half cat Arves leave office and let out a sigh when she was gone. If Rachel was like this, then it was likely the other Condor's were too. When Laura gets back, she'll need to discuss what to do about this with her.
"Why does life have to be so complicated?" She complained.