Timeline Restored

Restless Rogues and Talk of Bells

Just as Dimitri had done for her, Rose was trying to teach the rogue dhampir: patience. Everything had its own time. She had wanted to rid them of their impetuous nature that she believed responsible for many of the poor decisions that led to the deaths of their prior team members. Not only did they often split up to locate targets, but there was no planning or strategy. They would also indulge in alcohol while hunting, thus dulling their senses and reaction times. There was no point in wasting her time if they were going to follow the same things that led to such disasters. And just as she was trying to do with all the guardians she was already training, she needed this small group to also work together as one unit and not individuals who were each seeking the glory of the kill. At least now they had come to realise most of what she was trying to teach them, they were ready to take the next step.

"In the morning, we will begin with how to best hunt and still stay safe" Rose had told them. She had every intention of including a few of the guardians present in these endeavours as well. While the rogue dhampir may be rogue now, she had every intention of such hunting trips being a common occurrence in the future. As such, it would behove her to prepare whom she considered to be qualified individuals (and those she thought they could work with as a group). If he plans go ahead, she would need these rogues sufficiently skilled as well, they would not be granted guardian status otherwise and their hunting will become a vigilante act to be punished rather than a blind eye turned.

Not wanting to be hounded or to explain further, Rose turned around and left. Dimitri knew she wasn't feeling like herself. Even though the bond between them had begun to repair, it was still not as strong as it once had been, and still not as it should be. And he knew it is entirely his fault. Needing to talk to his beloved, he followed after her. Tasha thought his display, running after her like a lost puppy, was pathetic. In her mind, her own nephew was acting in a similar manner to his own beloved Princess. The older woman still couldn't believe that the dhampir, or whatever she was, will one day rule their kingdom. Her ability to offer Dimitri some sort of status as her partner was her last trump card. Already it was established she could possibly give him children, to the point where it was entirely up to fate and no man-made birth control would prevent pregnancy. Moroi have inherent struggles in conceiving, and that is where it is between two Moroi. For Moroi to bear a dhampir child is apparently even more difficult.

"Roza" he called out as soon as he again caught sight of her. She was wondering the grounds aimlessly, and it was far too cold for that, especially for the directionally challenged. He was glad that she hadn't just used her magic; he'd have struggled to find her in that case as she was blocking their bond.

"Not now Dimitri" Rose called back. She hadn't turned around but he was thankful that she at least stopped. He wasted no time in running up to her but hesitated to wrap her in his arms like he so desperately wanted. Releasing a sigh, she turned to him and buried her face in his chest, taking what little comfort she felt she could. "I cannot keep doing this back and forth with you. I need to feel like I am your one and only, but she is constantly coming between us. I haven't even told you my worst fears where she is concerned because I do not yet have evidence, but she is dangerous Dimitri. For everyone. You cannot keep letting her meddle in our affairs. Figure out a way to break her hold on you. And don't tell me that she has no hold on you because we both know that would be a lie. There is no excuse for your reaction to the evidence I presented you if she had no hold on you. Free yourself, before it is too late".

"I know Roza" he said quickly, knowing that if she left, he wouldn't find her for some time. He knew she was yet to feed properly and was draining herself faster than he could help her. "There is definitely a reason, I can sense that now, I just don't know how or why. I will no longer take her side. You are everything to me".