Lauren was shaking, terrified as she tried to hold herself as the strong woman she once was. John's arms enveloping her did little to ease the fear that gripped at her heart, her frame trembling against his. He was afraid, too, it was obvious, and that added to her discomfort, but as long as he was with her, it was the safest place in the world. "The Order will sort things out.. won't they?" She asked him in a meek tone of voice, biting her lip as she rested her head against his for a bit. "Our sons! I hope they're out of harm's way." Her tone had wavered toward the end of the sentence, but, taking in a deep breath and clenching her hands over the fabric of her nightgown, she told herself as she looked into John's eyes that their family would be safe. The Order were, after all, a reliable bunch of people who took down and captured dragons like they were nothing more than pests. Nothing to worry about, she thought with a shaky sigh as she followed him downstairs, and if things worked out well, they may be able to claim the reward John had made mention of. -- It certainly took all within the young dragon to refrain himself from throwing his fist into the older dragon's face. What did it matter that the Blood Dragon was out of chains that so rightfully belonged around his neck like hands that held firm in a stranglehold? It made no difference as they were classified as the same creature in books written by humans. Perhaps envy burned strong and high in the 'fledgling' dragon, but there was also another emotion that burned just as bright: the conviction to prove that he was not just another dragon to be tossed aside in favour of the ancients. Spike's eyes glowed with anger, that much was clear as the Clearwater brothers tried to piece together what had just happened. They seemed anxious now. Were they actually afraid of the conflict that almost broke out between him and Gore? Spike huffed and snarled, glaring daggers at Gore's retreating form. The young one would surely beat the crimson dragon and soon the beast, known to invoke fear just at the mention of his name or title, would be no more. "Precious green hue? Your scales will look much better on a wall as a trophy on display, ancient." Spike spat, lips curling back in a nasty sneer that exposed sharp teeth. Oh, he just could not [i]wait[/i] to tear through Gore's throat. "Mum, dad!" one of the humans suddenly exclaimed before realising their mistake and covering their mouth. It was rather abrupt and it caused Spike's head to snap toward the taller one in confusion before he turned and was welcomed with the sight of a couple tentatively making their way down the stairs. Registering what was about to unfold in that second, Spike slipped out the door in search for his master. He was unsure as to whether he had been spotted, but would keep an ear out in case he had been. -- Averting her gaze, Rosalie shifted her weight to one side and rubbed her arm when complimented. She was unsure if she liked hearing comments like that considering that they were not yet in that sort of relationship. And those contacts he mentioned; did he not mean his friends? She was aware that a few of them lived close to her, but she rarely ever dropped in for visits. Danial’s words about Gore held some weight behind them and to what he said, she nodded curtly, lips pressing into a thin, grim line. However, what Rosalie was starting to see, what actually caused her to stand in the dragon's defence, was that most of what he had done was out of circumstance. He had told her the hunters were invading his home with weapons that did not exist merely for gentle prodding and nudging. That aside, and to put it simply, he was one who was proud, honourable and also honest. There were, without a doubt, things that bothered her greatly about him, but so far, Rosalie was willing to leave him alone so long as he didn’t cause trouble for her. Being his owner meant added responsibilities, responsibilities that she did not want. "The stories.. to an extent, were true." Rosalie said after a while of silence. "And you're right, Danial; that day, we saw a legend from our stories come to life.. I didn’t forget. I know I should be careful. Still.. I wouldn’t have known a girl had seen him if you hadn’t mentioned it..” She said with a frown, shaking her head. The news had come as a surprise to her, and it wasn’t a pleasant one at that. She would deal with that later as another bit of information peaked her interest. Just like that, Danial had effortlessly drawn her attention. “Someone would know my father?..” She asked, believing her tone and posture to be normal when her eyes had betrayed her completely. Rosalie was hopeful as her own searches had come up with little. Perhaps this could be the chance she had been waiting for? Rosalie composed herself upon realising her eagerness and took a moment to think about it. Danial had said Gore would be able to join her should he be on his best behaviour. As assuring of a thought it was, it also brought on a few new concerns. A lot of people were interested in the Blood Dragon, and she was sure that a few of the nobles who would attend were interested as well. She wondered if she’d be asked to sell Gore there. She wasn’t a travelling merchant and despite not having future plans to keep the crimson legend for very long, Rosalie would much rather be given the choice than to be pressured into it.“He’s not the most ideal of pets to keep.. but I’d rather keep him than consider raising a dog, Danial.. Sigmund’s allergic to them. I’d be interested in going if you’ll really still allow it despite Gore’s attendance, but when will it be and is there a specific code of dress that needs to be followed?” She had been to parties that had certain requirements or themes before and would have been denied entry if not done so. Personally, she never found those types to be too enjoyable, but she did put up with it. Shouting came from inside the house, then, frantic and demanding. Rosalie decided to peer through the window worriedly, catching sight of Gore staring back. The girl was surprised, but forced herself to look past him to the brothers. What was going on? To Danial, she added in a lower tone of voice, one that lacked confidence despite her words. “hmm.. and don’t you worry about Gore’s appearance. I’ll make sure that he is suitably dressed to your standards to avoid trouble.” The girl would wait until she had received her answer before she would head off. What was going on inside the house was concerning. Had Spike and Gore really drew the attention of the brother’s parents? She hoped not. She wasn’t even sure how she was going to explain this to them without being yelled at.