Marlena listened carefully, committing names and such to memory. Antonio had appeared on the lists of names, though they mentioned nothing of drugs. She had an idea that the former leader had slipped his hand into that honey pot from the beginning. Drugs were one thing she did not wish in Wistvale. Having come from larger towns where they were everywhere in the lower classes, she had no intention to see them ruined as well. She would see what could be done about it. If she had trouble, she didn't doubt Grayell would be interested in this one.
As far as the threats to her, well, she had Kiga and the help of his faction. She could take care of herself to some extent too. The fact that they attacked the church was a worry though. She would need the church. They were to be her eyes and ears in most things.
If you can find me the names of these 'lords' that are calling for attacks on the church, Brother Ansel, I will deal with them if I can. It will be good to know who my enemies are as well.
Ansel turns his head sideways for a moment, a look of confusion in his eyes. Then he snaps, and sits up, having obviously realized something
"Ahh, we did not mean to confuse you. The church was not attack, we were attacked on our way back from the town. Even those lords know that to kill all of the Children or to attack our church would be political suicide in many ways. We believe that the confusion was because of our tendency to refer to ourselves in the plural. When we say 'we' we are in fact referring to 'myself', Brother Ansel. When we speak of the Children of Zalgo as a group, we say 'the Children' or 'our Brothers and Sisters'. So we meant that attempts had been made on our life. We do not worry about such things though, the Blessings of Zalgo give us strength enough to deal with them, so do not worry about us. As for the names of the higher lords who send the attackers, they keep their names well hidden. I can rule out one of them, though, because he has seen the Shadow of Zalgo. Lord Soter is one of the Children, and a fine Brother."
Ansel then stands himself up from the table and finishes drinking. He then motions for Marlena to follow, then begins to walk over to one of the corners of the church that is still steeped in darkness, despite the candle on the other side of the room, and the tiny amount of light streaming in through the windows. He waves his hand, focusing his abilities on dispersing the shadows in the space ever so slightly, making it just light enough to see a tiny trapdoor set into the floor. Ansel breathes through his nose, ignoring the slight headache that he incurs by using his powers.
"Over here is the trapdoor to the safehouse. I figured you would like to know where to find it in case you ever have need of it. We designed the building so that the corner is always in very deep shadow, so that you can't tell where it is unless you already know, and even then it can be tough, as Zalgo protects the space."
She nods as he explains, wondering why it hadn't occurred to her earlier. She reaches for the pin and holds it in her hand as she follows him, the shadows making her uneasy as he leads her away from the light of the candle, and she has to really focus to notice the change in shadows. The change in his breathing didn't go unnoticed either but she looked around her, mainly to the doors to see where the trapdoor is in relation.
Stepping back and turning, Marlena walks a few paces back into the faint light of the candle.
Thank you, Brother Ansel. I'm glad we could come to an agreement and understanding. I hope that with your help, we can keep the Tryst in order.
Kiga dropped from his hiding spot silently, it seemed their business had concluded and there was no threat to Marlena. He stepped from the clutter against the building and looked about as casually as you like, bright eyes lighting up in the noon sun.
He didn't want to invade on her personal space but at the same time; thought it might make her feel a bit safer to see him close by. So he waltzed over to the door of the church and leaned against the wall beside the door. Arms folded, hands tucked into his arm pits, one ankle crossed over the other and him whistling rather chirpily.
Ansel nods, pleased by Marlena's choice of words. He begins to move towards the door to the church, but suddenly stops when he hears the whistling
"Whistling? We appear to have another visitor. Brother, whoever you are, the church is open to all. Feel free to come inside!"
Ansel looks towards the door expectantly, waiting for whoever is on the other side to come in. While he does so he turns to Marlena and raises an eyebrow
"We were not expecting anybody this early. Might this be an acquaintance of yours come looking? Or should we be on our guard?"
As he says this last part, Ansel balls his hands into fists, causing the muscles beneath his sleeves to tighten and ripple.
Marlena turns her head to the familiar sound, a smile forming as she shakes her head. She should have known she wouldn't get far without Kiga. She was happier for it though. Knowing he had been watching, she suddenly felt safer among the shadows of the church. She steps to Ansel and lays a hand on his shoulder briefly.
It's only my guard. I had thought I'd left him at my home, but it seems he followed. No need to worry yourself.
Ansel's eyes quickly shoot to Marlena's hand when she touches him, but he doesn't say anything. Instead he visibly relaxes upon hearing that it was just her guard, reveal just quite how much he had tensed up his muscles for action
"We are glad that it is not one of the assassins we mentioned. It would have been humorous for them to attack right after we finished telling you about them."
Her hand slid from his shoulder as she felt him relax and left his side, heading towards the door, a quiet laugh leaving her at his words. She turns slightly and stops, lifting her hand and looking over the pin that sits in her palm before her gaze goes to the priest.
Humorous indeed. Though no doubt a rather quick and dull fight with you in your element of shadows.
I do not wish to take up anymore of your time, Brother Ansel. I am sure you have things that need doing and a large part of the morning has been lost already.
Kiga didn't bother responding, he had no interest in the cult. Nope, he stayed where he was, more than happy to hold up what he considered a wall like any other - and available to lean upon.
Ansel blushes slightly at Marlena's observation, and then turns his head, clearing his throat rather loudly. He then turns back to her and smiles
"It is true that Zalgo gives us extra strength in the shadows, but we are but His child, and not infallible. If the enemy is skilled enough, and if Zalgo wills it, then we will one day fall. We take solace in knowing that we have spent our life doing his work, however. We have preached on for too long now, though. We both have tasks we must get to, and while small-talk is pleasurable, it does not finish chores."
Ansel makes his way over to the corner and picks up a very basket filled to the brim with what appears to be fruit and vegetables. Carrying this load, he goes to the church's door and uses his free hand to push the door open, accidently causing it to swing outwards and straight at the face of Kiga.
... who wasn't phased in the slightest. When you consider his current occupation and his being highly alert whilst Marlena, something of his new benefactor is dealing with shady, crazy cult types...
Well.
A single huff of breath halted the door quite quickly... and then sent it lazily swinging back the way it came. He pressed off the wall and stood out of range of the door, arms folded and eyes searching for Marlena to exit the church.
Ansel starts when the door stops mid-swing, and sticks his head out, looking around it to the other side, seeing Kiga. Quickly realizing that the door had swung right at him, Ansel blushes slightly and then bows his head at Kiga
"We are sorry, brother. We did not realize that you were directly in the door's path. Are you injured at all? I somehow doubt it, as you seem to have stopped it quite effectively. I can see she is in good hands with you."
Kiga, having no reason to banter with the man; only nods. Expressionless as may well be expected. He is entirely passive in every mannerism, body language without suggestion, his face without emotion.
"I am fine. Thank you."
He has nothing else to say. His purpose here is to protect Marlena and in now way, would becoming acquainted with anyone she had dealings with serve that purpose.
Marlena stepped out of the church behind Ansel and watched the exchange with a rather amused expression on her face before walking towards Kiga. Stopping beside him, she turned to the priest with a smile.
Do not mind Kiga, he doesn't speak much with strangers.
I'm happy to have met you, Brother Ansel. I think we will work well together. This agreement will help us both.
Ansel nods and seems genuinely happy that he did not hurt Kiga. Turning to Marlena instead, he smiles and then shuts the church door
"So we see. We believe you to be in good hands with him as a guard. That said, we agree with your assessment of our arrangement, sister. We look forward to the future. Now, if you excuse us, we are off to feed the homeless in the market district"
Ansel picks back up the basket filled to the brim with fruits and vegetables, and sets off down the road, whistling a jaunty tune, and looking very little like the menacing cultist he had appeared to be earlier