Art of Warfare (AOW): 2

[Arch-Mage Matt]

Dolores and Cathmore made quite a pair, stepping out of the helicopter. The older, slightly plump was wearing her long, silver dress. Her long black hair fell past her shoulders. Dolores' red lipstick and black eyeshadow, in contrast to her white skin, made her look something like an owl. Cathmore was gripping his camera and Dolores's micrphone nervously, looking around at the guards as he walked.

Spoiler:

Imagine Cathmore looks similar to comic book guy from the Simpsons.

[POMC S117]

They cruised through the city while the driver asked them questions. "So how are things in Zorya?"

[Arch-Mage Matt]

"Our armies are killing each other as we speak. I doubt you care." Dolores responded coldly.

[POMC S117]

"Terrible business. So many people have to die for whatever. Hmmm.. I was thinking of going to Zorya this summer. Are there any sights that I should see?"

[Arch-Mage Matt]

Dolores rolled her eyes. "Try Danica, if you're allowed in the country. You could even visit the SMC headquarters." Which broadcasts in Enaline on a comedy channel. Nice.

[POMC S117]

"That would be nice." He said. "We're here."

[Arch-Mage Matt]

Cathmore got out as soon as the driver spoke the words. He was constantly nervous. Dolores Montgomery casually stepped out of the vehicle and walked towards her destination, head held high.

"Is the camera ready to record live?" She asked her blundering cameraman. Cathmore checked his phone. '

"Text says the techies back home are ready." Cathmore laughed nervously.

[POMC S117]

They were marched up the marble steps and towards the large doors. They were opened and then they were escorted into the Main Hall. Eliwer came from another room. "Hello, Dolores is it?"

[Arch-Mage Matt]

"I'm sure you know my name very well, Eliwer. I'm the reporter that made you the most hated figure in Zorya. Not my work... the President set it up. " Dolores said and extended her hand for Eliwer to shake.

Cathmore fumbled with the large camera until it rested on his shoulder. "Tell me when you want to go live." He said, avoiding eye contact with Eliwer.

[POMC S117]

"Ahhh... That's okay. You're only doing your job. Shall we have lunch?" Asked Eliwer. "You're invited too... What's your name?"

[Arch-Mage Matt]

Cathmore almost dropped his $15,000 camera. "Cathmore! Uh, Paul Cathmore..." He stuttered.

"Excuse me, Mr... Eliwer, but I was hoping for an interview." Dolores said.

[POMC S117]

"I like that name. Has a nice ring to it, don't you think. Okay, how about lunch first and then an interview."

[Arch-Mage Matt]

Dolores hesitantly agreed. As she walked with the Emperor, she sneaked in a question. "May I ask why you invited me here, Eliwer?" Dolores said as casually as she could. Cathmore was walking behind her and had turned on the camera. Any video was being streamed live to the SMC channel.

[POMC S117]

"Because having just one person to talk to instead of hundreds of news reporters photographing you every second allows more questions to be answered and truthfully."

[Arch-Mage Matt]

"So. You're saying that you, being the Pres-, er, Emperor of a nation, couldn't handle a press conference? Is freedom of speech a right not recognized in Enaline?"

Cathmore had to smile to himself. Dolores had a great way of manipulating questions and answers in her favor.

[POMC S117]

"It is. It most certainly is. What I emant was that being in a... calmer atmosphere allows me to answer questions fully and not rush them." He replied calmly.

[Arch-Mage Matt]

"Mhmm." Dolores dismissed the statement. "How often do you host press conferences? You should know that we're very polite at them. We even raise our hands to be called on. It's hardly chaotic. Unless you have a lack of control on your reporters, I can't see a conference as anything but calm."

[POMC S117]

"Whenever the public calls for them. Now, through here is the Dining Room. Don't worry, I've not poisoned the food or anything." Eliwer laughed.

[Arch-Mage Matt]

Dolores looked back to the camera and raised an eyebrow as if to say Are you sure?. Dolores sat at the table and ushered the Emperor next to her.

Cathmore set up the camera on the table across from her and then piled food up on his plate.

[POMC S117]

"There are native foods and foods from Zorya." He informed them, tucking in to his meal.

[Arch-Mage Matt]

Dolores ate little and she ate quickly, only to be polite. Cathmore was eating all the food in sight.

After Dolores finished, she pushed her plate away from her. "Are you ready for an interview?" She asked.

[POMC S117]

"Is your camera man ready?"

[Arch-Mage Matt]

Cathmore nodded eagerly and stood up, regrettably letting the food on his plate go to wrist.

Dolores also stood up. "Where would you like the interviews to take place?"

[POMC S117]

"Anywhere you would feel comfortable." Smiled Eliwer.

[Arch-Mage Matt]

Dolores walked into the main hall, expecting everyone to follow her.

Once she was sure she and the Emperor were in a good location for the camera, she took her microphone from Cathmore and held it up to Eliwer. This time, the camera was not recording live.

"So, tell me, Emperor Eliwer. How did you acquire your power?" She started.