Erin heard the words, 'thank you' come out of the sphinx-woman and she gripped her more snuggly fully embracing her. They stayed like that for a good while. Erin wanted to ask how she had been saved? How she had made it out of that fearful prison and to the safety of the coven. But, when Dinah leaned away from Erin and she could see tears down her cheeks; she knew better than to ask the sphinx. Erin had no intention of causing her more pain, even if her curiosity was nearly killing her. No matter how much she wanted to understand the entire situation. But, she kept it all in for the sake of the sphinx in front of her to shield her from needless questions.
The two women separated from the embrace and Dinah's face was red and blotchy from the anger, sadness, and tears that had crossed her face while telling her story. Dinah looked at Erin, but she couldn't bring herself to hold her gaze and it fell to the floor, ashamed. She was didn't realized how ashamed she had been.
Erin bit her lower lip nervously, the lowering of Dinah's eyes did not escape her attention. So, as a proverbial olive branch she asked, "Did you rewrite your histories? You know, to replace the manuscripts and books in the the great sphinx library?" Erin questioned trying to get the woman to open up and forget the pain that she had caused by asking Dinah about her story.
Dinah lifted her gaze from her shoes and a weak smile was on her face. "Yes, I still have a lot to do yet. But slowly I will replace everything! Even, add items to the library with new discoveries and information for future sphinxes to read about!" Dinah spoke exuberantly.
The actions and excitement did not escape the eyes of Erin. However, without thinking she asked, "So there are still sphinxes around?" The moment the question was out of her mouth she realized her mistake. From what she understood about the mythological community, it was becoming non existent. There may not be any sphinxes left or they would be near extinction.
The smile was still there, but the bright sparkle in her eyes was no longer present. "Yes, there are not as many of us as I would like still around. But, there are still more sphinxes around than most other mythological beings. Sphinxes are the most intelligent of the species, generally speaking. So, naturally most of them are cowards and remain hidden for their self preservation." The last she spoke disdainfully.
Erin wanted to follow-up. The woman that stood in front was definitely not the same woman who was so off-putting earlier. This woman could almost be a friend, even a potential coven sister?
"Can we go and search for them? Maybe they'll help with the great battle that I keep hearing so much about? Maybe?"
Dinah snorted. "Thats a joke, probably one of the funniest I have heard in a long time. They are weak and selfish and only care about themselves. Not until their world is threatened, they will not come out of hiding." Dinah balled her fists. Her fingers digging into her palms. She was disappointed in them. Maybe even a little disappointed in herself. But, really she may have been the same if she hadn't been captured. If she hadn't seen the great library burn.
***
Hattie sat patiently waiting for the news that Elizabet would bring back. She was beginning to worry and getting ready to send out another message when she heard footsteps behind her. Hattie didn't have to turn around to know that it was Elizabet.
"I was wondering when you were going to show-up, I was getting ready to send the calvary." Hattie chuckled.
Elizabet slid next to Hattie on the bench. "Aren't I the Calavary?" Elizabet joked.
Hattie laughed, "you are the freaking weapons for the entire army! Nobody can compare with you and your unbelievable brute strength!"
Elizabet smiled and crossed her legs moving her foot, swinging it. Elizabet leaned her head back and closed her eyes, the wide grin still on her face.
Hattie fully turned to the succubus demon sitting next to her, "So? Was your little adventure fruitful?"
Elizabet's eyes shot open, "Oh yes, I found him. I found where they are keeping him. I am sure of it."
"Did you keep it hidden? That we had found out?"
Elizabet rolled her eyes. "Do you take me for a foul?"
Hattie tilted her head, "No, of course not! I was just confirming is all. No need to get defensive."
"When do we lead the retrieval party? For our seeker and the only way we can find our lady and queen?" Elizabet asked looking forward to going out into the world again.
"Soon. We must plan it, I think this is the beginning or at least that is what I believe."
Elizabet nodded, "yes. Shall we go to our 'war room'?"