The journey back to Caldaeln was done in silence. Nero Sunfield clung to the cape that had been ceded by her followers, as she bitterly remembered with each jolt of the horse her otherwise lack of clothing. She was dirty, tired, and her longstanding armor was gone. Not too far beyond, the trio of siblings followed her in silence. Even Mariah was too tired to talk.

It was supposed to be a public image move, and yet the entire order was reeling from the blow. Nothing good had come from the association with the Roses, she thought bitterly. And a duel awaited in Caldaeln. From her own sister, who was escorting them, side by side. The image of the front gate made her frown?

Now a giant wolf beast? Really? Nero cursed under her breath, she was getting too tired of everything. Raising her hand, she indicated her men to return.

"You are to return to our base. Inform Sir Rinaldo to take command as he sees fit. I've got a couple of things pending with the Roses."

"But I wanna see the doggy!" was Mariah's weak reply, but she eventually conceded, as her two brothers carted her away.

Sult snorted, as she looked at the ragged figure of her sister, dismounting as she did. She then scoffed, and went ahead, following the footsteps of the captain. 

"Well?" was Nero's answer. "You don't expect me to go to said duel naked and dirty, do you?" She taunted as she stood there, battered and naked, but still defiant.

"Okay. Come with me. We'll use the back entrance. And I'll lend you one pair of clothes. But no more." She quipped back, as she took the hand of her own sister and led her away from the prying eyes of people. Despite everything, and every strife, she could only feel the hand of her own sister as warm and gentle to the touch.

Maybe this... could've been avoided. Maybe she should've done many other things she was regretting. This whole thing seemed to be rather pointless. But it had to be done. She led her own elder sister through a side entrance, away from prying eyes. Right into the baths. Both could use one. Even despite the hostilities.

When was the last time they had one together? She couldn't remember. But there they were. Even though, the atmosphere was so tense it could snap. There was no turning back. Both sisters stared eachother as they took opposing sides of the facility. Rest now. Strife tomorrow.