A/N: I made the decision to go back and completely overhaul this ongoing story line which was suppose to have been a one-shot, it has since grown into something massive and unfortunately due to writer's block and my mojo which has been resuscitated, it was not an easy decision to radically go backwards.
Also, the original title of this fic was, ha! 'The Untitled' to which has been renamed and tweaked here and there but also, an additional chapter has been added in order for a smoother transition into the sequel and probably the newest piece of work from me in months...years?
A thank you must go out to my dear friend and ping pong partner Debbie aka GloriaNewt for advice, ping ponging ideas and for the gentle push to include and write the additional chapter.
Once again, pardon any/all spelling/grammar mistakes after all 'To err is to Human.'
Chapter Once – The Awkward Meeting
"Please, take a seat." She offered a warm smile but it was not at all welcomed. Her smile faltered but she knew this would be the greatest challenge of her career yet, "Would you care for a cup of tea?"
An eyebrow cocked questionably as dark eyes bore into the young woman, who sat safely behind her desk. She wanted to refuse the offer but it had been a long trip, a tiresome day which had started earlier than her usual morning routine and would no doubt continue until the small hours of the following morning, today would indeed be a very tedious and trying day for her nerves and patience.
She nodded and gestured for a cup to be poured, it was not per say a weakness but more so a great fondness for tea to which she reluctantly accepted the offer but for the rest of this meeting, she would maintain her guard and not make it easy for the young woman.
A fine porcelain cup and saucer presented itself in front of her, silently she acknowledged the delicate presentation and the near prefect way the beverage was served which was completely opposite as to how her colleagues would offensively make a brew and loudly slurped their tea from cumbersome mugs, of all things.
There was a heavy silence which made the initiation of proceedings rather difficult, to say this would be a challenge was a polite term but she knew that even the hardest shells could be cracked, it would take a very strategic and critical strike that would eventually expose the inner and complicated workings of the older witch.
She clicked her pen obsessively and placed it carefully to one side of a fresh, crisp parchment that rested in front of her. A rather old discoloured beige folder was tucked under the unsullied parchment to which she hastily tucked the paperwork away and nervously fidgeted with her limbs. It was habit to cross her arms but in this instance, she was careful to not appear as defensive or overly casual, the unrehearsed and rather clumsy display of body image only fuelled the older witch's displeasure and once again, a questionable eyebrow was raised.
"Before we begin...is there anything else I can get for you? Would you care for a glass of water or perhaps..."
Her stuttering question was interrupted by a halfhearted and mocking laugh to which lips formed into a sneer, "Are you trying to insult my intelligence?"
"I...I..."
"I know what clever little mind game you are trying to accomplish here and frankly I am utterly disappointed that you would be so idiotic that I would actually comply willingly like the rest of your patients," she jousted with her finger, "Consider this an honour...after all it was out of my control."
"I know...your colleagues have raised some concerns and as a result, the guild thought it would be in your best interests to...let's say 'have a little chat' with me," she smiled before attempting more pleasantries with the older witch, "I'm Zelda Black...and yes, I am a witch counselor but I'm here to listen...not to judge...I hope that you don't see this as a weakness."
The older witch merely rolled her eyes, "Yes, you listen to me prattle on! No doubt after drinking the 'water'," she gestured with her fingers before snatching the glass and scrutinizing the contents, "In all likelihood, with someone as stubborn as me, that you took it upon yourself to add a truth potion, a very desperate and sly move of you to pull."
Zelda smiled, "The offer of water was genuine however your tea..." her voice trailed off.