In Which Zachary Tries to Flirt and They Make a Pact<br/><hr/><br/>"The morning might be... no, yeah, we can do this now if you want..."<br/><br/>Zachary was having a hard time staring into those intense blue eyes of hers, with their depths of determination and cheerfulness that made him feel out of place.  He was a moody bastard; he knew that much and embraced it as a necessary part of his nature.  His father was the same way, was he not?  The ocean surged and broke with the fury of his divine father's rage and it was a pale echo of that which often ruled over his heart.  But, just glancing over at the daughter of Athena's excitement over their purposed adventure was enough to make even Zachary lighten up and want to take on the forest and any monster it could offer up.<br/><em><br/>"You sure Terry's not the only one who'd like to have me there? Surely you know I'd be of good use, right?"</em><br/><br/>He nodded to her eagerly, his cheeks flushing further and his features twisting into a mask of hopelessness.  He hadn't meant to insult her by saying Terry would love to have her along but it seems he was tripping over his words once more.  He usually was; life was much more simple when he could keep his mouth shut and just use his blades.<br/><br/>So much simpler.<br/><br/>"No... I... I know you are very useful.  And smart.  And handy in a fight.  And... and pretty. And... Oh Harpy tits..."<br/><br/>He was rambling and he knew it.  He looked down at the worn hilts of his two short swords and pulled one of them loose, taking a sudden interest in making sure the edge was sharpened and ready for battle.  When Terry joined them, a wave of relief washed over him and he was quick to accept the invitation for the trio to head off into the woods together.  The touch upon his arm by Libby was not making things any better for the foolish son of Poseidon.  The woods awaited.<br/><br/>That meant less talking and more fighting.<br/><br/>"Yeah, let's go.  Now."