It was perhaps ironic and slightly terrifying to see her here. Aranck’s words of why he had killed Moteuh ringing in her ears as she looked at the brown girl. It wasn’t enough that she was shocked to see her, what made it worse was the fact Aranck had some justification to his reasoning… only her words about not being able to handle a child still were true. He could sit on Ceres and stop her from doing anything, there was still no reason to kill Moteuh or anything, but now Zelda was worried for the girl, worried for Orifel. Soon she would tell them both to come back, she worried for them, mostly Ceres now, more than she did Orifel. Zelda wasn’t nearly as stoic as the girl in front of her, or brave or anything like that it felt.
Her face fell instantly her worry etched into her features even as the girl so nonchalantly replied with her words. Saying she was indeed here for Orifel and saying that he just brought her along and it wasn’t entirely his fault. Though Zelda didn’t feel that way. Ceres was a child he could have very well stopped her from going by giving her to her mom or some other member of the pack to hold down if they had too. Clearly he saw something else he never would have taken her along still Zelda was not exactly comfortable with this. Especially with how Aranck acted and what he had said reasons being insanity or not, Zelda could see the girls future if she got caught. Orifel at least could very well could at least defend himself, but Ceres? Zelda remained silent though for the time being, lips drawing back into a thin line further showing her anxiousness at the situation. Zelda listened intently though, this was the information she was waiting for after all, the information she needed before meeting with Matini.
She could tell Ceres was proud of herself, but Zelda worried she wasn’t taking this as seriously as she needed too. Zelda hoped that Orifel was imparting how badly this could go, that she could die if things went very badly… It seemed though Aranck had a lot to worry about right now. Many pups more targets of Tepiltzin or even her Empathy if they chose. Aranck knew now that Zelda could get her mitts into his pack as much as she wanted. She had the resources to steal them and then keep them from him. All the while she was certain they were not entirely upset about being kept in Taviora. That she was feeding them, caring for them, perhaps in a way that they never really had before. She didn’t know that for sure though, and for the moment she continued listening. His den location was surely useful. That was where he rested, Zelda pondered having Tepi leave him a little gift to let him know but perhaps that would be a bit too cruel of her, plus she didn’t want him moving. Best to think the location where he rested his head was a secret for now.
That wasn’t all though, it seemed perhaps Zelda’s games were getting to him, that or he was actually insane. Muttering to himself, saying he was cursed? Cursed in what way that he wasn’t allowed to do whatever he wished and get away with it? It seemed her young assassin’s message was completed and the girl stared with her white eyes expectantly at her. Of course Zelda wanted to praise them in their work but her worries were first and foremost.
”Ceres… you know what happened to Moteuh… right?” She wasn’t sure how quiet Aranck was keeping that little mess from his members, but he claimed his reason for slaying her had been she could have been a spy… that maybe Taviora were using children to their advantage. Zelda… didn’t plan for this, didn’t want this. Ceres had gone without her knowledge and she knew Orifel would get his ears torn off when he was back for letting her go.
”Thank you though… This all will be helpful I am sure. You and Orifel are doing excellent work and you both should be able to come home soon. I am sure you both are looking forward to that. Must not be easy being on your toes all the time.” She comments lightly. Zelda couldn’t help but maybe envy Ceres and her steadfast belief in herself and her abilities. It was inspiring somewhat, but still reckless… She just wanted to make sure Ceres knew what had transpired, that they both did. She didn’t want to lose anymore Tavioran wolves to this monster.