Once they announced the capture of General Vriska the remaining resistance had dissipated and their combined army went to capture the remaining soldiers. With the east now fully under their command the next step would be to capture the west. Which was much larger considering that was where the majority of the White Ash was located.
They would spend some time solidifying their hold in this small corner before they continued their evasion. During this time Laura would take the opportunity to head back home so she can see Zenesha. Before leaving she informed everyone that Kathrin spoke for her, and if they couldn't reach Iris, contact the maid instead.
She got a few stares for this until she explained the rabbit's rank. People still don't fully believe her. It wasn't her problem; they would just be punished for insubordination later.
After making sure things would run smoothly without her presence, she teleported home. To be specific, she teleported to Zenesha using the necklace she gave her. Before she realized it she was mid air, and immediately started falling.
"Ow!" The female voice cried out as Laura landed atop of them.
With blinding speed Laura removed herself and helped the fox woman she landed on to her feet.
"Sorry Zen, I didn't concentrate enough when teleporting." The wolf apologized.
"You're fine." Zenesha said, rubbing her aching back." Welcome back.
"Nice to be back." Laura said, giving Zenesha a quick kiss on the cheek.
The fox blushed of course, but Laura didn't notice as she helped the fox into her office chair. By the time she took a step back to get a proper look at her girlfriend the blush had already faded. A small satisfied smile graced her lips as she got to get a proper look at her girlfriend after so long.
"So what are you doing?" Laura asked.
"I was just going over the reports from the eastern front." Zenesha answered. "You did a fantastic job I must say…."
"What?"
"The mention of a Hollowed One has me worried." Zenesha said. "My people aren't equipped to handle anything from the void, this will cause problems."
"Yeah I had the same worry." Laura agreed. "I can try feeling for them and direct New Veroso troops in those directions so we can minimize damage to ourselves… but I can't be everywhere at once."
"We'll have to deal with that eventually." Zenesha muttered to herself. "But we also don't have the resources to mass produce weapons that can harm void creatures."
"Plus." She continued. "I don't want a large amount of people having access to stuff that can harm you."
Laura was in a hard agreement. She was willing to do a lot for Zenesha's protection, but her life being in constant danger means it'll be harder to protect the fox. She can't do anything if she's dead. Plus if everyone had a way to kill her then she's definitely had to keep her true identity hidden.
Laura looked outside in thought, and noticed the sun setting. She supposed she did arrive fairly late today. She then turned her attention back to the working fox, who was still going over reports. After a minute or two, Laura spoke up.
"I think you should rest for the day Princess." Laura said, placing a hand on the fox's shoulder.
"I'm fine, I'll work for a little longer." Zenesha said without looking up.
Laura didn't say anything at first, but she could tell Zenesha was clearly tired. The fox didn't particularly like wearing makeup, being too lazy to try and apply it every morning, but for some reason she was wearing some right now. It was a poor attempt to hide the heavy bags underneath her eyes.
"Zenesha rest. Pushing yourself won't help you get things done." Laura scolded. "Plus I'm here now, so I'll help you get through your work tomorrow."
"But-"
"Zen you're not even going through the essential paperwork right now. The one next to it is the one you should be focusing on, this is trash." Laura said, grabbing one of the documents and putting it into the shredder.
"I… see." Zenesha said, rubbing her eyes. "Guess I am tired. I thought I was tossing less papers away."
Laura looked at the documents Zenesha was going through more carefully this time, and realized some of this work didn't have to be handled by her and could be done by any other bureaucrat. Simple things that don't need her immediate attention or direct approval.
"Head to bed, I'll sort this out for you."
"Bu-"
"I can and will teleport you if needed." Laura warned.
".... Okay." Laura sighed as she stood up from her desk and walked out of the room.
=======
The next morning Zenesha awoke to a nice breakfast. Scrambled eggs, thick slices of bacon, toast with a side of jam, and even morning tea. She checked the time earlier and realized she slept in, but Laura refused to let her leave their floor till she ate breakfast. The fox did have to admit she did feel much better with proper sleep and food.
By the time she got to her office it was a quarter past nine. It was later than she wished, but it seemed it didn't matter because the large amount of paperwork she had on her desk yesterday was gone. A big, but much more manageable amount of documents rested on the desk before her.
"I love her so much." Zenesha gushed out loud to herself.
There was an obvious amount of care in Laura's actions that Zenesha was overwhelmed with the large surge of affection building in her chest. She wanted to find Laura and kiss her all over, but she knew the wolf was checking her lab at the moment. She should be calm by then.
She sat down at her desk and got back to work. Laura was kind enough to sort everything for her, from not urgent but important, urgent and important, everyday reports, and a few others. Zenesha decided to work on the sections dedicated to the war effort.
As she was working Laura had entered the office without her noticing. The only reason she knew the wolf was there was because Laura spilled some hot tea on herself and cried out in pain and shock. The fox was startled to say the least.
"When did you get here?" Zenesha asked, pretending she didn't just get scared from Laura spilling tea on herself.
"Like thirty minutes ago I think?" Laura answered.
"Lola."
"Yes Princess?"
"Thanks."
"Of course."
Zenesha couldn't thank Laura enough. This woman had done so much for her already and yet she's done almost nothing to deserve it. She couldn't help but wonder what made her so special in Laura's eyes that the woman was willing to sacrifice so much for her.
'What can I even do for her?' Zenesha wondered.
Then it hit her. The Dwarf and the witch. Sure Laura only really needs one of them to make the pure fire, so the Dwarf would suffice by themself. However Laura also needed help combining Void and Celestial energy together and who better to help than a witch.
They have more knowledge on both energies than anyone in this world. Laura wasn't an expert herself after all. Only building off of memory than any real scientific knowledge. Even then what she did know was incomplete and she was winging it for the most part.
Finding that witch could prove useful in her efforts. Someone to help come up with ideas as they try and crack the secret of combing to opposing energies that want to cancel each other out.
Zenesha stood from her desk and made her way towards the door. "I'm going out, I'll be back."
Laura's head snapped up at her words, a worried expression etching her face. "Should I come with you?"
"No, stay there." Zenesha said, shaking her head. "I'll be fine on my own. Plus I still have the necklace so if you need to reach me you can."
"... Alright." The wolf said hesitantly. "Don't hesitate to call if you need help."
"I won't. See you later Lola."
Zenesha then stepped out of the office with those parting words. Behind her a wolf woman looked at the closed door with obvious anxiety.