[h3] Alice [/h3] The sniper had only been at half attention after her interaction with the Divine. Sure, she had been grateful to meet someone such as herself but it has lost it’s effect on her as Ambrosia’s words came into full effect on the forefront of her mind. [i]’Would it ever be safe enough to go back? Should I just stop thinking about the West all together?’[/i] The thoughts filled her mind as the fog filled the air around them. If she’d been on her normal guard she’d have realized that the area around them was warping and changing into something less than normal. It wasn’t until it was fully upon them at Alice snapped from her thoughts and the full force of the altered space kicked in. She’d glanced behind her where Stark had been riding towards the back. She seemed nervous, scared even. Almost like a caged animal; seeing her like that made the pit in Alice’s stomach grow. Dismounting in such an odd location and barely realizing what was going on with the small bundle that went rip roaring through them all Alice very much so felt herself on guard with a hand brushing the cool metal of her pistols and her head on a swivel to assess their surroundings. Even entering into the mansion with the distorted air she couldn’t help but feel the hairs on the back of her neck standing on end. And yet as she was introduced Alice felt her head tilting to the side in curiosity. Something was drawing her to get closer towards the woman...at least close as would be politely allowed. She took her place near to the Lady’s position as she could manage after the ‘important’ people’ had taken their place. She’d leaned back in her chair simply listening to the deemed ‘Lady of Demons’ before less than subtly looking over the two bards who had wandered their way in singing. A passing thought of climb one of them flashed through her mind before she turned her attention back to the powerhouse in the room and the sight behind her; the red swirling mass catching her line of sight for a few second. She paused a moment, shifting her line of sight from behind the striking woman to the woman herself, before opening her mouth, “Excuse me if I misheard but you’re said to be the Lady of Demons, correct?” Her focus on the woman and not on the two doot doots flamboyantly making their rounds. They weren’t of concern at the moment-she was. To begin with, the Lady of Demons didn’t return the focus that the hired gun was giving her at all. Instead, she was focused on once more drawing the tea set close to her, though she never touched it to move it; instead she just waved her hand slightly, which caused the set to slide over to her without a noise. Another cup was poured, the same substances going in as before. This included the deep red substance, but rather than spooning it over it rose on its own, slowly curling through the air as it went to deposit itself into the cup. Only when the spoon was set to stir the cup by itself did the Lady Renata look up to Alice with a slow blink, followed by a nod. “That is one of the more popular titles for me, yes.” After that she then looked to the older woman who had spoken up just before. For a moment she pondered, quietly mouthing to herself, “A Jasian…” but she never quite finished that thought before she shook her head slightly, saying, “Be patient, Ms. Debove. Those details will come. You are probably correct in assuming our enemies aren’t taking a break as you might be, but you don’t have to stoop to their level to overcome them.” With that said, she slowly looked back to Alice’s direction, as if she expected more. It took quite a bit of her own focus not to flinch back from that odd odd gaze but she managed..barely. “If I may be so bold as to ask...why would the Lady of Demons be willing to help a kingdom on the brink of war? Why assist with Barcea at all? Wouldn’t you be able to take charge and wipe out all those you deem an enemy?” Of course she wasn’t questioning the clearly powerful woman’s ability but it was striking her as odd. Why lend assistance when you should be powerful enough to take care of everything on one’s own? Lady Renata’s smile grew ever slightly as she gave a nod, taking a sip before she replied. “A simple but rational question, with more than one answer. I assist Barcea because I have a vested interest in seeing the Manu Propria’s plans crumble, and since they back H’kelan then I’ll back their enemy. Furthermore, I’ve always had an interest in seeing Barcea flourish; technically, I do live in the land after all. And why I don’t take care of it myself, well…” Another sip was taken, her closing her eyes briefly. Only when she opened them again a few seconds later did she speak, saying, “I took care of everything myself long ago, and it left me spent for a very long time. I had to rest for a long while, and it’s probably part of the reason why the Manu Propria was able to start gaining the momentum they currently have. At the same time, the Crux is certainly just as strong as I am, and unlike them I don’t have as many extremely powerful subordinates to strike with in unison. So, I’m using the resources available to me, setting up for the killing blow.” The smile that was waiting to surface on Alice’s lips was struggling to be hidden. She leaned back in her own seat before simply nodding and letting the smile out. “Playing it like a game of chess and letting the enemies tired themselves out before finishing it. I highly respect that, my Lady. I do wish we can have conversations in the future. I’d love to pick your brain about a few different things.” “Certainly testing their current strength at the very least, and drawing them out.” Her shoulders raised slightly in her shrug, even as she held her tea close and yet not quite yet taking another sip. “Anything else, Ms. Leon?” “What did you mean by [i]gifts[/i]?” “Now now, my dear, be patient. It’d be terrible to spoil the surprise.” “My apologies, Lady Karin.” She gave a small nod before pulling her own tea cup to her lips, after depositing a few sugar cubes, with a clearly pleased expression. “Noted, Ms. Leon.” With that, the Lady took another sip.