What to say, what to say...The Rose couldn't place the right words but she had no intentions of sleeping, nightfall wasn't here yet, she didn't want to mess up her body clock more than it already was! She shivered and tugged a blanket around her shoulders, watching the Shade. He'd been here, beside her right through everything as best he could and she was grateful.

At the mention of her victory, she self-consciously tugged the hem of her sleeve and watched him, wordlessly as if it were obvious she was not comfortable with speaking of her leadership just yet. She didn't want to be a leader, she was young, inexperienced and the thought made her recoil slightly. She sighed and looked to her wrists, half willing the added additions to go away, to fade and flicker out of existence but of course, they didn't. They were there until her death day now. And just how long away was that...

She snapped back to reality as she saw Charon turn to leave and she frowned a little, deciding to speak the only word she could, if only for comforts sake and the fact that the room daunted over her. "Stay..."She mumbled and flickered her back to normal gaze to him and chewed her lip. perhaps she was asking a little too much, but then what did the Shade have to go out to in the main Cavern? She sighed, "I don't care if you stay in silence and sleep or whatever you so choose...But please stay with me."She mumbled like a child and kept her gaze level with his. Emerald meeting grey as it had so many times before but there was something a little different in the emerald orbs this time. She was paler than usual although the usual dancing fire still illuminated her gaze, a fierce fire that only herself and perhaps some others could tame.

She tugged the blankets around herself a little more, looking to the crackling fire that offered a little heat to the room, eyes scanning over everything, it seemed out of place and odd. More to the point she felt out of place and odd. Like an intruder and she flitted her gaze back to Charon, offering a weak smile before sitting back a little and flinching, still in a sort of sitting up position, watching the Shade in a silent curiosity and no malice was ejected towards him, she was tired, she didn't want to fight any more. Well, at least not at that moment and she had every intention of fulfilling her agreement and she wondered what it would cost her.

"Please."

Hours on end he had been forced to wait; and the wait only continued after Titov’s death and Vendetta’s subsequent victory. Once his hands were clean –earning him many a ponderous look cast his way in slight concern- Charon felt his own exhaustion set in. There were no injuries on his part, but he had parted with a great deal of energy to ensure the Rose would have enough to last, what with her own waning supply, draining so rapidly due to previous unhealed injuries, lack of sleep and sheer stubborn persistence for her to continue without pause. Watching the hustle and bustle of the women arguing in hushed tones, gathering more material, and gossiping about the recent events the Shade sank down the opposite wall to rest on the floor, tipping his head back to reveal but slits of uninterested grey observing every action. As long as they would mend Vendetta and she would be forced to rest, there was noting else he could do to rush their march towards ‘their’ ultimate goal. Technically his promise to the Rose had been fulfilled though; her vendetta had been absolved, and Charon tried to judge whether or not that would end their immediate interaction despite the bond they shared between them. Surely, with her now finally representing a proper leader to the Roses they could celebrate another high-tide in history.
The Shade within him scowled, as well as the darkness, for being part of aiding their renewed uprising, or at the very least magnifying those chances tenfold by protecting Vendetta and watching over her battles wasn’t something he had intended when their feverish plans had been set.
Tired, clothes stained with her blood, Charon closed his eyes to block out the thoughts and the variety of contemplations in a vain attempt to visualize the near future. Finally though silence punctuated their solitude within this section of the cavern, even though the gentle reverb of sounds in the distance still managed to reach his ears from such a distance –but so did Vendetta’s gentle voice and the crackling of a small fire.
Her call was more than voice alone, it echoed through the bond they shared with need, a desire or perhaps fear –for wasn’t desire ever born from fear of finding something in your life lacking? Stretching his sore muscles Charon shivered, but shook his weariness with a deep inhale and made sure he was composed enough not to bring about any mundane worries within the Rose concerning his wellbeing. With a cocky grin the Shade entered the room and leaned against the opening with his arms crossed, “Maybe you shouldn’t be getting up yet. There’s no where for you to go right now, rest and enjoy the sanctuary Marius created.”
Smirking at his own words, for Charon didn’t think Vendetta would listen even for a scant second to the wisdom he imparted so freely, the Shade prepared himself to force the woman to sleep. She had changed from first they met that fateful day. Vendetta was no longer the confident Rose that loathed aiding without reward the unthankful tainted part of the human population –she was now leader; a position to be proud of, and to be referred.
“Congratulations, by the way. A stunning victory,” the darkness within sought to tempt her to challenge him now that they had become natural enemies. Surely as the spiritual leader of the Roses she was not to be seen with a degenerate lowlife such as the ambitious Charon. That was part of the reason the Shade now kept his distance, fearing any close interaction might be interpreted falsely by an eager Rose thinking he or she was doing Vendetta a favour by attempting to do away with the tainted being’s life, stealing from him the air he breathed and plunging the darkness into a deeper pit of Hell with violence. It wasn’t necessarily fear, but caution, rather; already had he seen the contempt in some of the looks cast his way –eyes always searching for something to enable for them to lay blame on him and use any excuse of wrongdoing as an excuse to send him away. Eternally, if possible.
“Get some rest, Vendetta, I won’t be too far,” Charon sighed, and made to leave now that he knew the Rose was taken care of.

Arms around her made her flinch and she mumbled something about being fine, squinting, bleary eyed up to the Shade and she had to admit, she was surprised. There was a distant ringing of shocked murmurs and even some celebration in the cavern but she couldn't pinpoint to sounds, everything in and out of focus although she stayed awake, wisely. Part of her didn't believe it to be over, that couldn't be it! Everything she had strived for over the years and seasons, flashed by in a few hours. She shuddered slightly and gripped to Charon's shoulders, afraid to let go it would seem and that's how it was.

At being placed down and hearing females voices, the Rose fruitlessly reached out for Charon but only to find his being had vanished from the area and she sighed , a searing pain all over her made more amplified in her wrists. Although she could not see her with her unfocused eyes that were returning to their emerald shade once more, entwined with her former silvery symbols was another white mark, snaking in and out of the unique design. She was officially ruler of the Roses. Not that she knew it. She didn't want to even know it yet.

She could feel stitches chorusing into her wounds, closing the flesh, cold liquids nursing the injuries and women murmuring in quiet voices, comforts and urges to keep her eyes open until nightfall. Vendetta grumbled small protests, though they did her no good, these medics knew what they were doing and had probably dealt with much more stubborn faces than hers. She didn't keep track of how long it was until the females were done with her but she felt like she had fallen off a cliff face and landed, still alive. She ached at every motion. As the females left, all chattering and gossiping about the events that had given Vendetta her wounds, the Rose sat up, blearily and rubbed her now back to green eyes. She flinched and cursed quietly, cleaned up and in a fresh dress. She had been so unobservant as to what the women had done whilst nursing her and she refused sleep for the moment. She could sleep when it was nightfall no doubt.

Wiping a hand across her face and hissing furiously at the fact her shoulder wound had been reopened, she leant back, blankets covering her and the meek dress that hung off her frame. Her vision was clouded at the edges and she sighed, assessing the damage to herself before she shrugged it off, not literally due to her injury, and then swallowed, the stale taste of blood clinging to her tongue and she shivered, eyeing her surroundings. A small fire burned in the corner to keep the warmth alive, some blankets thrown over her, a tiny slit of light coming down over the bed she lay in and a bowl of water and fruit on a table close to the bed.

In a flash, what had happened replayed in her mind and she blinked, rewinding and fat forwarding, wincing slightly and sitting up properly, as best she could anyhow. With a quick, swift movement, the Rose tugged up her sleeves and looked at her newly fledges Symbols, drawing back at the tainted silvery white entwining with her former silver markings. She frowned and recoiled from them, pulling her sleeves back down and ran a hand through her hair, ignoring the pain of the stitches in a wound stretching. Her hair was hanging in waves down her back and contrasted with her much paler, exhausted features and white dress along with the cream coloured blankets.

A little surge of panic hit her as she looked around, it set in she was alone and she wasn't too fond of that idea right now, any company would be nice and she shivered as she decided to test her balance and legs. She swung her legs over the side of the bed, groggily. She waited for the room to stop spinning before placing her feet firmly on the ground, gritting her teeth and deciding it probably wasn't a good idea to properly stand up, seeing as sitting forwards was bad enough. She wiped her eyes and looked to the entrance, sensing movement out there.

"Charon?"She called, surprised at how cracked her voice was and she half wanted to curse herself.

It was sheer agony watching her fight, reduced to a mere silent observer to history being made; and knowing just who Vendetta was, or Mercy –technically- and it made Charon realize that the next in line for the throne would be her. And she would rule; he would ensure her seat at the throne through force if must be, but would never allow for the shadows clawing at Titov’s soul to befall her. No, the power he had gifted her with was pure, darkness –yes, but pure; untainted by desires, for only he and Imaroch could hear the voices of the hidden tormented.

She was stunning in her misery, her fury punctuated by blood and force, light shining too brightly around the two for the Shade to watch without squinting. It was as if the two danced in slow-motion somehow, light spiralling around them as if to beckon them to end their meaningless battle, yet in the end it was that same light which betrayed the half-being of taint he had become. A gruelling end to a man fallen from grace, cast away his faith in exchange for greed and lust, simple, earthly pleasures, and the darkness of power. A petty sight indeed. Still, the darkness in Charon lusted for the blood that was spilled on both sides, and the scent filled the air thickly as onlookers gathered to watch the new future being shaped right in front of their eyes.

When finally his test was at an end, the blade plunging with a sickeningly crunch through bone and flesh the light unleashed ploughed through the cavern untamed. As quick as it had come however, it passed, leaving Charon clutching for his chest, where the darkness writhed fervently in protest of his surroundings. It begged him to leave, escape the scorch of the light and another part pushed him to take what was left and consume the fleeing Council members clinging desperately to life. The Shade decided against it. One; he was far too tired, and so was the Rose no doubt and two; the tale of Titov’s demise would have to be spread in order for them to obtain the fame accompanying such heinous act.

Ignoring any others, Charon pushed through the throng of people that had gathered and made his way over to Vendetta. Most were unsure whether to celebrate a tardy master’s death, or weep for a fallen hero –even though it was certain the Rose was still alive. Perhaps some had been stunned by the sheer careless display of power, but all had abided by Marius’ wish to stay back and not interfere. If that was the reason none acted, Charon certainly wasn’t going to sit back and watch Vendetta bleed like that before any understood now was the time for that command to stop being in place. Despite his arms and legs feeling like the youngest of saplings in strength, the Shade kneeled beside the Rose and helped her rise by putting a steadying hand at the centre of her back.

Another might’ve admonished for the Rose to stay still –but not him, not the Shade that acknowledged her stubbornness as an asset rivalling his in will power. Not quite, but almost. His grey eyes stared at Vendetta with mixed emotions; carefully hidden anger, annoyance and desire, yet lust for her blood and more of her energy as well, aside a gentle caring the Shade had thought to have long since forgotten. And even when he was young such was only ever reserved for his twin brother and animals –whose love was unconditional, now, he was beyond caring for any, except for Vendetta. Without speaking a word Charon averted his eyes and leaned in to wrap his arm around her shoulders, the other snaking underneath her legs and with unsteady legs he rose to cradle her against his chest. She weighed little in his arms, but with each pace he made deeper into the cave, passing the staring people, she grew heavier, as if carrying her reflected his ever deepening fate towards doom.

Realizing the woman he carried was in need of help, others guided his path towards a secluded room; where a bed stood, and an elderly woman was shooing some of the younger girls to fetch supplies as it was clear some of these cuts needed some more extensive attention than the shallow bandages they had used as temporary solutions to hasten their journey. It became clear his male presence was not wanted and all the man could do was abandon Vendetta in the care of Marius’ followers while waiting, rubbing his hands across his face, though stopping himself just in time to notice the blood. The Shade in him couldn’t resist cleaning his hands using his tongue. Like a child Charon stood in the hallway, licking his fingers as if he had spilled the sweetest of honey on them without a care in the world.

Vendetta gave a very weak smile, perhaps it was the ghost of smiles past and she touched his hands gently before allowing them to grip hers softly. His power surged into her and immediately began to feel more alive and confident as she swallowed back hard once more and looked to him as he spoke, nodding slightly,"Thank you, Charon."She wondered if he knew how much it meant to her right that moment to hear that someone was watching over her even though she'd acted so cold. She gripped her blade tightly and turned to face Titov who was grinning like a satisfied child, "Fondness?"He queried them both and Vendetta remarked,"Shut your mouth, Titov."She uttered and stepped forward,s allowing the circle of Elders to close around them both once more and she blocked out everything except Titov and his location and everywhere he moved. She was patient. She waited.

Titov wondered what the Rose's game was, was she planning? Plotting or just improvising? He chuckled and was a lot less patient than the female before him. With a cry of blood lust, he darted at her, blade wrapped in what seemed to be barbed wire like material, swinging carelessly and lazily. He was clumsy and left his side exposed far too often, Vendetta was quick to catch onto this weakness and she shifted out his way, eyes flashing, tittering mockingly. Titov reeled around and his eyes gave a dangerous flash and white hot tendrils of light wrapped around his form and Vendetta hissed,"We never agreed to that!"She snarled and narrowed her gaze, "We never disagreed."Titov remarked, the tendrils crackling around him and the Elders wisely stepped back, making the space larger in case they were put into the firing line by mistake. Vendetta gritted her teeth and had to think quickly, her eyes locked on Titov with icy focus. This wasn't supposed to happen... She thought and closed her eyes, willing everything within her to come to her now, of all times and she felt the strangest sensation, the sort one would get after drinking a little too much but one wasn't quite drunk.

As her flitted open, her eyes had lost their emerald eyes and her irises where virtually blind looking, a pale pale blue. Titov frowned and sent a whip like tendril towards her. The blow connected and she was thrown backwards. She got up to her feet, shaking slightly, although her changed eyes were fixated on Titov,"You'll regret that!"She spat and wiped her mouth free of blood, fury raging freely in her gaze. She had no idea how she was managing any of this and she knew she was going to be drained after this was over. If it was ever over and she hissed, lunging at Titov, blade shining in the light as bar-like structures of light warped around her frame. They made odd chiming noises that rang out, eerily and Titov hissed, dodging,"What is this witch?!"He demanded and Vendetta laughed,"Oh...A little fear now Titov? Lets not run away and hide, hm?"She giggled cruelly and her lack of focus for but a split second cost her a sound to the shoulder, reopening her own wound and she glared, cursing as she doubled up. She struggled up and gripped her blade in her opposite hand, the bars whirring around her although offering no protection odd enough. She pushed her energy forwards and managed to knock Titov off his feet with a cry of outrage before regaining her ground, watching him. How magnificent she looked in her element, despite her injuries and the blood staining her white dress.

As Titov rose, eye blazing with fury, sending another tendril Vendetta's way and a noise that would mirror someone being hit by lightning rang out as she was knocked off balance and she glared, making to get up but her blade was kicked aside and her injuries forced the bars to shimmer and flicker in and out of being. Titov stood over her, victorious it would seem as he strolled around her in a circle, he had played dirty in re-opening old injuries and summoning will power he had been mulling over for days. vendetta spat out a mouthful of blood as Titov called, triumphantly,"Let this be a lesson to all of you who believe that doing such antics is going to win you an uncivil victory. Any last words, Rose?"He growled, pointing the tip of his blade to her. Vendetta's irises had not changed and she looked up at him, she would not die on her knees, no chance of that. She whispered something and grasped the sharp edges of Titov's blade and winced, Titov made to draw back in shock but the energy pulse had been sent up the blade and into him, knocking him clean off his feet and landing, crumpled. Vendetta removed her hand that dripped with blood from a deep cut and hauled up Titov's barbed wire like blade and made towards him," Any last words, bastard?"She cooed softly, ignoring the pain as she struck down words, a spatter of blood splattering her dress messily and she gasped, watching Titov's eyes lose whatever the light behind them was.

The death of a leader meant so much more and Vendetta watched, the tendrils Titov had homed spiralling violently and spasming before self destructing their owner, sending a massive wave of white energy within the circle and knocking her backwards. Dazed, vendetta looked at the roof of the cavern, dim echoed of the Elders shrieks being heard as they fled the scene. Marius blinked, unable to believe what he had witnessed. The fight having gone on for some hours. Vendetta hosted many injuries and she tried to push herself up, groaning.

She had done it though. Despite the dirty play and cheat cards Titov had pulled.

Hatred flared, an impossible to control desire to rend asunder anything on his path, and yet nothing of such violent emotions showed on the surface; all there was a mask that had fallen in place alongside his renewed hold on the reigns of his darkness. Fluctuating madly at the mere proximity of the tainted light –shadows, by all rights- in an eager attempt to claim it to himself, Charon rose from amongst the people where he had been resting. Sleep had been denied his active mind; but it didn’t matter. If Titov died here there would be time to sleep, to succumb finally to a tranquil ocean of ink once more instead of finding in the one place he hid a turbulent storm raging. Upon seeing the score of Council members who had joined Titov on his ambitious quest the Shade felt tempted to unleash his powers to show them all foul play would be punished with a swift death; a ticket to Hell, and a soul consumed by darkness in a slow, painful manner. Instead, Charon realized that now was not the time to act, and when Marius left crept up on the Rose with but a few lanky paces. The Rose, whose sword’s edge was as sharp as her tongue; yet the reflection of her face on the metal, was as clouded as her mind’s eye.

“You must use it,” Charon whispered, his hands resting lightly on her shoulders, his grey eyes on the circle of foes and -more importantly- Titov. Ever so slowly his hands crept along her shoulders, down to the hands which held the blade. Darkness followed where he touched, provoked the symbol on her chest to darken with power, thrumming greedily as Charon fed it his strength. “You can’t die here,” the Shade said, eyes darkening as he summoned more of his strength to be imparted to the Rose. Never before had he used this side of the darkness; for it only took, consumed, but now, he was sharing it through the bond they shared –a twin soul connected for eternity through sharing their memory. For a moment, the manner with which darkness perceived the world of light pooling around the unwanted guests was shared with Vendetta; allowing her to witness and feel what Charon felt, saw, smelt –but the odd experience lasted but a moment.

Flashes of blood; the memory he had imparted to Vendetta’s care, played out before the Shade’s eyes but before their closeness could be taken for anything else, something more intimate and Charon shifted away, releasing his feathery light grip on her arms. Coiling underneath all was the darkness, looming around them to create a heavy pressure, as if the very air became harder to breathe, thick with its presence befouling the surrounding oxygen, and even the walls of the mountain itself.

“I’ve got your back,” Charon mouthed, so soft, they were hardly words, no sound escaping his lungs but the silence of lips moving, tongue forming the words. Blood would be shed –there was no doubt, and with the mercilessness of a butcher, the Shade would push them onwards, to face Imaroch and end the battle between Shades and Rose; whether it be with freedom, or monarchy was yet to be decided. Yet if the world truly wanted to be freed, he would have to seek death as well, as such darkness as was now trapped within him, gnawing at his soul, would never truly be accepted.
With but a flicker of a signal, he would rain torment on Vendetta’s attackers. Every moody comment, snide remark, was a way of the darkness to show he cared; more than he cared to admit, but like the lost child in the memory he had lost the manner in which to express such emotions a long time ago. With a solemn nod, Charon stepped back and crossed his arms, on edge, but prepared to put his nerve to the test.

It didn't seem like the Rose had any rest at all when Marius tapped her gently on the shoulder and murmured,"Time to get up."She groaned and rubbed her eyes, pushing her blankets off and standing up, stretching out. In truth, she felt slightly more alive and less tired but the exhaustion still niggled at the back of her mind. No time for that however, no time at all. She looked around, most were resting or quietly chatting in off set tunnels, just as well for her, it gave her space to move and she stooped, picking up her blade and latching it around herself before looking to Marius and nodding silently, a small moment of understanding passing between the two, a moment of worry, fear and hope.

She cast a glance to Charon and spared him no words, they had said all that was needed had they not?. She swallowed hard and faced the entrance tunnel, listening as pitches of shrieks grew louder and louder, voices ringing out without mercy to those who slept and the familiar face of Titov loomed out of the thick darkness. Vendetta just stared at him and smiled a little, whatever fear she had, she would not let the scum feel it or see it. "A brave soul are you not?"Titov asked, stepping out his crowd of supporters and motioning for them to make a circle around the two, a close knit circle and Vendetta felt encased, separated from the world and she could see Marius watching, his tall figuring looking into the circle. Vendetta did not answer Titov, simply watching him ,determining his weaknesses and vulnerable spots with her eyes, quite calm it seemed. "How can I be sure they will not intervene?"She asked, gesturing the Elders with a flick of her wrist and Titov smiled,"Ah my dear...Do you worry I shall outnumber you? Oh..."He tittered, "I plan on playing fair if you will."He cooed and Vendetta laughed,"Do I look like a fool, Titov? Should any of them some much as shift positions, they will be struck down."She declared and Titov smiled,"They've no need."He uttered.

Marius shifted, uncomfortable with the conversation and he looked to Vendetta, unsure if this would be her last stand before the barricades of Hell. he flitted his gaze around and commanded, "Everyone stay back.". He looked to the duo once more and glanced to Vendetta who was simply watching Titov with focused eyes, concentrating, she would need all her power to keep her focus and will to get rid of him. Titov shrugged off his cloak and cast it aside as if it were a discarded tissue and brandished a hand to Vendetta, bowing mockingly, "I do believe it is polite to bow, no?"he quizzed and Vendetta glared coldly at him, half daring him to even think about ordering her around and he shrugged it off,"Very well." He chuckled and the Rose eyed him over, taking a few steps back and drawing her blade, with little intent on using weaponry.

"I do believe...We should have a few minutes to compose ourselves?"Titov suggested wryly and under the matters, Vendetta just nodded curtly, shifting out of the circle and inspecting her blade, making sure it was sharp and Marius approached,"Vendetta..."He murmured and Vendetta just frowned, not answering, intently focused on her blade.Marius went to secure the area.

Vendetta eyed her reflection in metallic blade, sighing and shaking her head before resuming inspecting it falsely.

‘Do as you please after this?’ Charon mumbled mockingly. What was the point in waiting, when it was the agony stemming from exerting that kind of patience that tore him apart inside? Why wait at the sidelines to see her warm blood run down her skin unused, unconsumed, but wasted? Why abandon Vendetta if she proved victorious over Titov? The Shade was just as confused as the Rose was on several parts, but he was too proud to submit to such emotions, and not nearly angry or worried enough to pursue Vendetta back into the cavern to correct her words –it would be childish. As if his innate worry for her wellbeing and thoughtlessness wasn’t.
Twice as stubborn as any Rose he had ever had the pleasure of sending into the next world, Vendetta ensured his perpetual annoyance for her taking unnecessary risks concerning them both and she didn’t seem to realize it was both their fates she was dancing around with. The bond they shared; the silver symbol of light etched onto his chest alongside the dark tendrils which shimmered underneath his skin –they were testimony to that fact, and the intertwining of their souls could not be undone within their respective lives.

With a single step forward Charon allowed for the rain to wash away the heat building on his back; where the small hairs along his neck rose in preparation of combat, where tight muscles rallied to fight against some unseen enemy.
Everything calmed down eventually, as if the rain washed away the excess darkness; and the light beating down above the clouds eased his angry mind. “She’ll turn me mad before she’ll allow for me to lose myself to the darkness this way,” Charon muttered to no one in particular, rain his only witness. Closing his eyes to face the sky, the Shade breathed in deeply, relaxing his posture into something less aggressive and something more akin weary.

Unknowing of how much time had passed grey eyes opened to the world once more, pupils dilating, before retracting to mere pinpoints in the ‘light’ of the dreary day. Something had disturbed him, like a pebble cast in a still pond, rippling through his surroundings; a disturbance offsetting the balance of his environment without heading any of the signs. Nature rebelled, and the storm was not there with a natural cause; it was to try and wash away the nearing taint, yet somehow the rains weren’t aimed at him –but the tall shadows he saw approaching instead. With a bitter scowl the soaked Shade realized he recognized this taste as the foul ashes of the Council members he had killed when they had tried to rally Vendetta to their side those scant days ago. Had it been but days?
Shaking his head with a sigh, Charon shivered and decided now would be a nice time to rest close to the fire, no matter the reproachful stares or condescending glares he would receive. Perhaps, would the calm mood retain, the Shade would even try and make amends to the Rose, but even thinking about her foolish actions made him grit his teeth together just to stay the shout he wanted to release calling her an idiot. Walking through the halls, leaving behind a trail of water Charon realized that, however she had made him promise to stay away from Titov at the risk of never finding forgiveness for such audacity; the Rose had mentioned little of what was to happen to the Council members, and perhaps the Shade would be forced to sit in the back –at least he wasn’t standing at the side lines any longer.
With a dejected sigh the Shade sat down close to the roaring fire at the centre and with spread legs started wringing out his shirt, creating a puddle in front of him and ran a hand through his hair to push back the black wet tendrils. That was where his actions stopped, leaning his arms on his knees, Charon stared into the flames with a calm expression, thinking, or so it seemed on the surface.

Vendetta's eyes were calm and she stood her ground, not once flinching or recoiling from him as he threw his temper tantrum and she had half expected such a reaction. What had she really expected? A kind word and forgiveness? She sighed and brought her gaze to him, "Fine. Do as you please, Shade."She uttered, coldly, "Do as you please after this."She shook her head, "It is obvious we have overstayed each others welcome."She narrowed her eyes and remarked,"Leave when you want, don't expect me to follow you."She murmured and turned, giving him one last, confused look before retreating to her previous spot.

She didn't want sleep, she didn't want Marius, she didn't even want Charon, she wanted everything to be over or back to how it was but it was too late and too early for that. With an effort, she pulled some blankets over her frame and watched the chattering, oblivious crowds. They were so ignorant to everything that was about to collapse on them and she spotted Marius making his way towards her and she lifted her gaze to him, "What?"She mumbled and sighed, exhausted to the point where sleep seemed like ecstasy. Marius sat by her, looking her over, "He did not react well, then?"He questioned and Vendetta glared, was he really that foolish? "Of course he didn't. I should have just told him."She said, defeated in voice. Marius looked thoughtful and watched empty space for a few seconds, "You should sleep while you still can, Vendetta."He said softly and embraced her, "Titov will be here by tomorrow's high sun." He explained. Vendetta blinked, shocked and nodded, slowly retracting from the Immortal as she pulled the blankets around herself and watched him, "Tomorrow afternoon?"She said. She didn't expect it to be that soon and she felt doubt flicker into her mind. More shockingly, fear. her life could end tomorrow and she would have nothing to leave behind. To Marius, she would simply be another failed chance, to Charon, well he had stated his didn't care too much and the rest of the world? Some foolish Rose who signed her life away.

She closed her eyes, looking to be asleep to any on looker but she was quite awake. She nestled down into the blanket, the firelight dancing off her face as she thought. One more day, not even that. She wouldn't go down without a fight though. She would not lose her dignity and she sighed, leeching off the warmth from the blankets as best she could, her mind playing on Charon. What she had said, she hadn't meant, even if the bond was shattered, maybe it could be mended?

Making his way up the mountain side with calm slowness, Titov walked with a gaggle of Elders swarming around him like vultures. he hummed slightly, showing no care. "I will wipe you off the face of the Earth, Little Rose."He cooed quietly and chuckled, darkly. The Elders shifted with excitement and one snickered, "Ooooh, but Master you did promise we could have our...Fun with her before you finish her off. Mm...Her mother wouldn't let us have fun with her."Titov waved his hand and smiled some,"Yes, yes, Fernit, you may have your fun. But don't spoil her."He laughed and the Elders shrieked with delight and triumph.

Marius stood, watched the Rose for a second and sighed before turning and going back into a group of his companions, his worry clouding his eyes and he doubted the Rose knew just how much she had gotten herself into. He wondered if even the Shade had the ounce of self dignity or even something towards the Rose to offer her some comfort. he frowned and answered his companion, dazedly.