Grhesus was once again overloaded with information and work, and Zargon was likely due to check up on him five minutes ago.

Between recent news of Sashaz beginning a path of conquest in the mortal realm, recent losses in factional support to power-hungry demon lords, rumors of two angels wandering close to the main operation, and the failure of the search operation for the remaining spiritual energies of Aezophyl, Grhesus was worn out and regretting for the 1000th time ever putting himself under the employ of Zargon.

[i]I do every damn thing around here and my vacation is pushed back another five years. Ripoff.[/i]

He leaned back in a large, specialized demonic chair, spreading a variety of appendages. He rarely took human form and hadn't been in his energy form for years. He found it more comfortable to stay in his traditional form - and four arms instead of two certainly helped. He gazed at the variety of items scattered across a big, dark oak wood table before him in his 'room' - more like a dungeon - with growing distaste. A few rusty swords, various spent cups of communication material, and a bone that he was usually rather fond of seemingly glared back at him.

"[color=darkred]And so this is the third time this week I come upon you leaning back and doing nothing...[/color]"

"[color=yellow]You always wait until I lean back..[/color]" he muttered as he spun his chair around. He almost completely missed Zargon.

While Zargon usually donned ominous robes of some undoubtedly important demonic meaning, he was dressed to look almost... normal. Human. His eyes, however, and his voice, were the giveaways. At his side was a sword with a black hilt, sheathed in a worn scabbard, which in and of itself had a sort of odd radiance to it.

"[color=yellow]Off on a trip, are we?[/color]" Grhesus tried to lighten the atmosphere; it always seemed to drop a few degrees in temperature but make up for it in tension when Zargon walked in. 

"[color=darkred]Yes, I think I'll be going to Waeldeshore.[/color]" He paused to let that sink in.

"[color=yellow]Er... why? Don't you have that orb thing that you use to see everything?[/color]" Zargon couldn't be up to any good.

"[color=darkred]Ah, the Orb. I see much with it, yet I can't quite accomplish the next step with it alone. It is time to personally involve myself in these affairs.[/color]"

His voice lightened up considerably, though it had the familiar undertone, and he spoke as though talking about the weather.

"Their group has grown large, and possibly too large for our interests to be well protected. I intend to spread rumor of the recent efforts of Sashaz, along with hints of her possibly targeting Waeldeshore next. Apocalypse always sets people on the move. I will attempt to find out their plans at a distance and deploy Craxis when the time is appropriate, which is where you come in. Set him up to deploy the Hidden when I need to, which will likely be in the next few days."

"[color=yellow]He's been sitting around for weeks without orders, so I reckon he won't mind that bit of news.[/color]"

"Indeed."

Zargon's voice became more serious.

"Their group is not ordinary. They have grown into a potential threat. That is why I will learn more about them... but on to other matters. [color=darkred]Your report?[/color]"

[i]There drops the temperature again.[/i]

"[color=yellow]Ah... not so great. Chandon's been pestering Scoriellus, who's been pestering me about that alliance offer. Rokyen's been gaining some ground in the recruitment centers. And I've heard from our field scouts that there's been... some of them around.[/color]"

"[color=darkred]The angels?[/color]"

Grhesus nodded.

"[color=darkred]Not organized, I assume?[/color]"

[i]We'd be obliterated if they were.[/i] "[color=yellow]No, just a few lingering energies. Might be scouts or lost fallen. I'll try and call in Uridial, he's usually effective on this sort of thing.[/color]"

"[color=darkred]Do so. The Host cannot know of the plan until it is too late. Although I very seriously doubt they are still organized...[/color]"

Grhesus only nodded. He hoped this would end soon.

"[color=darkred]Disappointing circumstances, but expected. You are in command here until I return. If Jeltheor comes to pester about Aezophyl's performance, give him the usual. I'll kill him soon enough, but he's not one we need as an enemy at this juncture.[/color]"

On that note, Zargon turned and walked towards the fireplace, where a forming portal was already awaiting his departure. He turned at the last second.

"[color=darkred]Don't worry about the recruitment. Artholath has given me interesting information regarding his home dimension which may render the need of recruitment nonexistent...[/color]"

Grhesus, who had continuously leaned forward more and tensed up during the conversation, slumped back with a sigh after Zargon vanished, and his portal behind him. [i]If that damn Jeltheor comes in to pester me about Aezophyl I'll give him something to complain about...[/i]

[hr]

A portal opened in the countryside just outside Waeldeshore. A man stepped out, looking as though he could have come from the center of town, and began walking towards the quiet eastern gate.