It seemed as if their world was in perpetual darkness. Many didn't mind and those who did knew it was best to remain silent. At times when the sun was supposed to shine, the sky would brighten to a light grey at best but even that bothered those who were used to the darkness. Emily scanned the dark stoned city as she watched the hustle and bustle of the lower ranked run about their daily lives almost in complete bliss of what was too come. Only a select few knew about the soon to be return and she had no doubt that the rest would follow after the shock of the news had sunk it. They all craved to return, to win.

This life they had adopted after the war often bored her. It was as if nothing had happened after the fall of Titus, almost as if things had returned to normal. But things were finally in motion. They had been waiting for years for this to happen and now that it was so close she could barely sit still. Emily turned from the lead paned window and shifted back into the dark day room of their master. The room was quiet as their master continued to rest in the other room, the light from the fire place dancing across the room. Nearly the entire wall space of the room was covered from ceiling to floor with bookshelves except for the wall with full length windows overlooking the city. The room was a pale cream, offset with thick dark gold curtains. Emily watched Mamela lounge carefree on the silk chaise near the fire place sipping at the red wine every so often. Her flaming red hair tumbled freely down and over her shoulders as her head rested in her hand. Sometimes she didn't know how he was able to act so calm with all that was happening. Emily was almost envious of that talent.

Emily tucked a piece of black hair behind her ear and sat down below Mamela on the colorful carpet; resting her head on the cushion of the chaise, Mamela shifted ever so slightly and gently stroked Emily's head. Few words were ever spoken between the two but it didn't matter. They were bonded by their gift and needed no actual conversation to know how or what the other felt. Mamela's eyes glanced to the chamber doors of their master as she felt him stir but returned her gaze to the fire after knowing nothing was happening.

"You did well love." Mamela cooed as she brushed her cheek against the top of Emily's head.

"I just wish I could have played more." Emily pouted. "It sucks having to wait."

"I know." Mamela responded, drawing a sip from the crystal glass. "But soon enough, things will change and you will get your chance to play."

Emily stiffened suddenly. "Salday is coming." Mamela groaned at the thought of this. It was bad enough their master had ordered them to wait until he awoke but now she was coming in as if she were an important figure in this world. Salday, only a second ranking Lt. General, was far more annoying than Mamela would have ever thought. Her skills were unmatched in some areas, especially when it came to information, but it was almost not even worth it. Perhaps the worst part of it all was the way she pined after their master. It was pathetic. He was not oblivious of this fact and used what feelings she had for him to his benefit in matters of state. But no matter what, he would never return her feelings. He still loved her. And that would never change.

Salday flung the thick wooden door open and walked cockily into the room. She maliciously grinned at the two as she passed by them, earning a glare from Emily. Mamela didn't even glance in her direction. Salday was inches from the chamber doors when Mamela called out, "I wouldn't if I were you." Salday stopped and spun around.

"Oh and why is that? I was ordered to come." She snapped back, hands on her hips. Mamela eyed her, observing the tacky leather outfit she had adorned. The black leather tunic tightly hugged every part of her body showing off what little curves she had almost in a dismal attempt to make herself look less like a twig with matching tight ankle boots. The thick silver metal band was clicked tightly in place on her arm to constantly remind those around her of her rank. Her long black hair hung freely as it cascaded down her back, stopping short in the middle of her back.

"Jealous that he asked for me and not you?" She hissed when Mamela did not respond, her light blue eyes dancing with authority as she grinned. Mamela stared a moment longer at her before bursting out into uncontrollable laughter, her body shaking. Emily remained as she was, not even acknowledging Salday's presence. Salday growled in anger against her blatant disrespect, clenching her fists in hopes of avoiding any physical fight.

The door of their master's chamber swung open, Salday stepping aside at once before kneeling down, a fist placed over her heart in respect as he sauntered over to the plush black leather chair. Mamela and Emily did not move but nodded their heads in respect. Emily raised her hand and summoned a crystal glass filled with wine and smoothly sent it over to their Master who accepted it graciously. Salday glared at their disrespect of their leader. She didn't understand how they were held in such high regard and positions with their attitude while she was not. But such anger couldn't be held in his presence; just looking at him sent her heart racing. He gracefully slumped in the chair, exposing his well muscled body to the warmth of the fire as the black silk robe loosely covered his shoulders, while loose black silk pants soaked up the heat for his legs. His gold eyes stared at the fire, almost as if he didn't remember that people were here. Salday remembered when his black hair was long and how it shined in the summer sun. But those times were long gone and now all that was left was short, spiky black hair. Honestly either way it was cut he still looked as handsome as ever, especially when he did not wear an undershirt, revealing his well sculpted body.

"Salday come sit." He spoke softly, pointing to the chair nearby, bring Salday back from her thoughts. She gave a soft smile and gracefully sat beside him, haughtily glaring at Mamela and Emily.

"What news Emily?" He asked looking at her with a smile. "Did everything go as planned?"

"Not as planned but what I have discovered might be more of advantage to us." He cocked his head to the side, curious now.

"It seems that captain and her have bonded as he tried to protect her despite being confined to a wheel chair." His eyes flashed dangerously at the sound of this, his hands gripping the glass a bit tighter than before. "I do not believe it to be anything intimate. From what I gathered during my time there, they annoy the hell out of one another but that is what makes this interesting. This is the relationship he has with anyone he considers a dear friend. I believe we are able to use this to our advantage." His posture relaxed a bit more after this, Mamela noting his behavior.

'Silly cousin' she thought to herself.

"Vaughn I think we should let them grow a bit closer." Mamela stated quietly, gauging his reaction to her words. Salday scowled at the casual use of his name.

"What are you planning Mamela?" He asked his face tense and visibly upset. Salday was unsure as to why.

She smiled coyly as she resumed stroking Emily's head. "It's simple. If they are allowed to grow a bit closer, then it will be much easier to destroy her making her vulnerable, thus obtaining the information of Titus more easily. That and it seems the council knows of our movements." Vaughn smirked at this.

"I have made sure that the council knows of our movements," Vaughn said, a gasp escaping from Salday. "But not the right ones if you catch my meaning." Mamela laughed. It was highly amusing that they were outsmarting the elders, even with their years of wisdom over them. Vaughn turned his head, shifting his attention to Salday.

"Lt. General, you will make ready to leave." Vaughn said immediately breaking the silence. A disgruntled look grew over her face at the thought of leaving him. "I have an assignment for you to do since Emily is unable to go return."

"Anything for you my lord." Salday purred as she fell to her previous stance, anticipating the chance to prove her worth to him.

After Salday had left Mamela heaved a sigh of relief, causing a curious look from Vaughn.

"What?" Mamela asked with a shrug. "She annoys me."

"Well she does think highly of herself, in a terrible way. And her thoughts are always disgusting." Emily made a face at this. Vaughn chuckled at this thought and downed the rest of the wine.

"Tell me," he asked softly, "Is she alright?"

Emily smiled gently, "Yes. She might have a few scars, but she will live and be as she has always been."

Vaughn smiled at this, closing his eyes as he leaned his head against the back of the chair.

"Good…I am glad she is safe."