2 Chapter 16: Beautiful

"What a weird feeling." Laura said as she looked over the ship's railing.

"You'll get used to it." Zenesha said. "The rocking of the ship should be minimum on the river.".

Laura and Zenesha were on their flag ship, sailing up river towards the White Ash. They would need to be careful not to get too close to Capitol Lake. While they had the largest naval fleet, the Phoenix Clan had considered the old capitol fleet before its fall.

The Phoenix Clan had complete control over Capitol lake. They had a claim over the old capital itself even if it wasn't inhabitable at the moment. This made them very aggressive to anyone that tried sailing the lake without permission.

Laura and the others would be fine so long as they didn't get too close. They still needed to make an effective blockade of ships however, meaning that no matter what they would still end up being far closer than what was truly comfortable.

Laura stepped away from the ship's railing and turned to the fox with concern. Something just accrued to her.

"What are you going to eat?" She asked.

Unlike when the two of them go on dates in public and hide her identity, or how Zenesha buy's her groceries under multiple synonyms, the only food here was in the ship's kitchen, and everyone knew who she was. There was no clever way around this.

"I have a secret compartment where I keep my own source of food." She explained. "I snuck it on board before departure."

Laura nodded satisfied. "Good. I'll cook for you later."

"Mhmm."

Zenesha hummed a response as she turned away and headed to the ship's bridge. Laura silently followed behind her, putting on her work face. They climbed the outer steps towards their destination, never once heading inside.

The closer they got to the bridge, the more arm guards were on every level. Until they eventually reached the last flight of stairs needed to proceed. The guards had stopped them from continuing until they provided proof of who they were.

Laura rolled her eyes. The two heavily armed men, one human one a bear, clearly recognized Zenesha. The bear Arves in particular looked absolutely terrified as they asked the fox for her identification.

Zenesha didn't seem surprised or annoyed by this. She simply removed the griffon medallion and pulled out her ID and presented both items to the guards. Laura was annoyed but followed Zenesha's lead. After a few seconds they were cleared to head up the stairs.

"Ma'am." Greeted and Elf with a salute.

"Hello, Captain Xavier."

While the Elf was one of the four Condor's and was specifically in charge of commanding the navy. When on a ship Xavier was called captain by everyone, including Zenesha. However, the highest authorities still belonged to the fox even when on a ship.

"What can I do for you Ma'am?" The Elf asked, watching the two of them.

"At ease Xavier, just checking on things here before we make the rounds through the ship." Zenesha explained.

"I see." Xavier said simply. "You're welcome to stay here and watch, but there really isn't much to witness."

"Like I said, I just came to check." Zenesha repeated. "I also just wanted to go over things one final time if you don't mind."

"Of course."

As both Zenesha and Xavier discussed important military details, Laura had turned her attention to the large windows overlooking the outside world. The bridge of the ship was located high on the ship, giving an unobstructed view of the river and the land below them.

The rising sun's light reflected off the water, making it look as if they were gliding over a river of gold. Rolling green hills extended for miles on one side, while the other was covered in a lush forest. It was beautiful.

It was in Laura's nature to hate creation, but then she would see things like this. Stunning scenery always reminded her as to why she stayed. Why she bothered being mortal and pretending to be something lesser.

It was to experience the different types of worlds and the beauty they can offer. At least until she met Zenesha that is. In her eye's the fox was the most beautiful thing in creation. She didn't care what anyone else said, that was an objective fact as far as she was concerned.

Of course, it was nice to be reminded of such wonderful things every once in a while.

"Thank you, Captain, we'll take our leave now." Zenesha said eventually, pulling Laura back to the present.

"Of course, Ma'am." Xavier responded. "You don't have to check on the ship if you're tired Ma'am. IF you wish you and… Underwood can rest in private. We can get you when we reach enemy territory."

"Thank you for the concern, Captain. I'll think about it."

"That's all I can ask for."

With those parting words both Laura and Zenesha left the bridge as Xavier and his crew worked the helm.

=======

After taking a short walk around the ship, Zenesha decided to take Xavier's advice. She and Laura retired to their room. It was different from the captain's cabin, but since this was the flagship, Zenesha still got her own room. It was on the floor below the captain's room. With a direct connection to one of the higher decks with just a door.

Inside was a miniature kitchenette, with just enough room and equipment for Laura to make them a late breakfast. The wolf was glad Zenesha decided to cut their inspection short. They did it the day before, and with the size of the ship, it would've taken forever.

They would be in enemy waters a little over halfway through their day anyway. Laura looked behind her at the fox who was fiddling with the necklace she gave her. It was a habit they picked up, and the wolf couldn't help but smile whenever she saw that pendant in the fox's hands.

"What are you thinking about?" Laura asked as she set two plates on the table.

"Nothing." Zenesha answered immediately. "Everything. I don't know."

Laura didn't say anything as she placed a fork and knife beside both plates of food.

"What if we fail Laura?" The fox eventually said as she sat down at the table. "If I fail, then I lose the country my mother built."

The destruction of the old Veroso Empire wasn't that long ago. It happened during her mother's time. This was her mother's legacy, and if she failed in her plans to not only defeat the White Ash and New Veroso….

"We won't fail." Laura said confidently. "You're one of the most competent people I know."

"You're biased." The fox said, rolling her eyes. However, her tail moved, indicating she was pleased.

"So, what if I'm biased?" The wolf smiled. "Even if you fall short on something, I'll be there to make up for any shortcomings."

"Thanks Lola." Zenesha said, her tail swaying faster in pleasure.

Seeing this Laura of course reached across the table and started patting the fox's head.

Eventually the two of them finished breakfast, and with nothing else to do, decided to take a nap. By the time they finish setting the blockade it'll be well past sunset. They might as well rest so they can be fully alert later.

The two of them snuggled close together, fully embracing the other. Laura was pressed into the fox's chest, while Zenesha rested her head on top of the wolf's. It was slightly war. With summer approaching this was expected, but neither one minded the extra heat.