Darrian remained still as a startled hare. The young Exalt was shocked at what he had just done, but he was pretty sure that as soon as the surprise faded, he wouldn’t give half a fuck. He knew that he had anger issues. Advisors told him that he should hold his tongue, behave more like a proper man. Yet, Darrian didn’t see the point. His eyes remained plastered to the stained glass window, the scowl still glued to his face. Before he could do anything else, however, he heard someone speak to him. His gaze flicked to the side to glance at the large man who had entered the mess hall.

Xerxes was a good warrior—even Darrian admitted that. Usually, nothing left the Exalt’s lips other than curses and damnations, but Xerxes was a whole other breed for him. Around him, he would his curses and insults. Some say it was because he didn’t want Xerxes to break their bonds, others whispered that it was because he was frightened of the man. In reality, it was a bit of both. Yet, Darrian would rather swallow a flaming sword than admit it. Crossing his arms, he glowered over at the window. [b]”I got angry.”[/b] he told him in regards to his throwing ability. [b]”That’s all.”[/b]

The Exalt sighed, running a hand through his black hair. The day was getting warmer and warmer every moment. He would kill for some sort of fresh, handpicked fruit at the moment… [b]”I just want those dogs dead.”[/b] Darrian explained to Xerxes, the frown remaining on his lips. His dark brows knitted together as he stared at the ruined image of Naga. He wished that it would have been more damaged, but… he supposed that was a bit too much. [b]”They must be dragging their asses all over the world by now, whining to kings and lords about how we butchered their kind. That is why I sent you to kill them, along with my best men, but all of you failed.”[/b]

With a sigh, he turned to face Xerxes, his fingers beginning to pick at the fabric of his clothing. Darrian would much rather go out and hunt them down himself, but his advisors told him to stay and start thinking about marrying. [i]Marrying. Can you believe that, Xerxes? If I told you, you would burst out in laughter.[/i] That was the [i]last[/i] thing he wanted. [b]”I want nothing more than to watch the last of their kind perish at our hands. But I’m stuck here, and all I can do is trust you and Yu to do the job.”[/b]

---

His dried and cracked fingers continued to pluck at his lute. Even though he was trying his hardest to keep the music flowing, the sound of the lute was annoying and high pitched, almost as if it were displaying the despair that they were going through. He wished that he could sing, at least. That would probably cheer the people up some more, but Talbot was just too… tired. [i]I can only last for a few more days…[/i] he thought, his fingers pausing in their strumming. His hand traveled up to his face and he brushed away a few droplets of sweat that got into his eyes. [i]I hate this.[/i]

He continued to rub at his eyes, but they only got more irritated. Talbot set down his lute, deciding that was enough. [i]I should get some rest,[/i] he told himself. Maybe that was what he needed. [i]If I close my eyes only for a bit…[/i] 

But Talbot didn’t want to go to bed hungry and thirsty. Forcing his eyes open, he looked up at the rest of the people that surrounded him. Their group was made up of scrawny looking men and women, all void of emotion and dying of starvation. The whole scene was depressing. [i]Maybe I should just go to bed after all. Kai will wake me up as soon as there’s food.[/i] However, before he could close his eyes he caught sight of a younger male sipping something from a canteen. He blinked before parting his lips and speaking.

[b]”Hey, can I have some of that?”[/b] he questioned. [b]”Kai said that she was going to find water, but I don’t know if I can wait that long…”[/b] he felt like he was being a selfish brat. That was the boy’s water, not his. Then again… they were Shepherds, and Shepherds had to share.

---

The man was weak. It was obvious that he wasn’t special—he neither bore the crest of an army, nor the colors. Ambra was relieved to see that this was just another person lost in the desert [i]Thank Naga,[/i] she thought, readjusting herself so she was partially sitting. Though, the man’s violet eyes flicked over to her quiver, which made her flinch. [i]This man isn’t going to give up so easily. I can-[/i] Before she was even able to finish her thought, the sword came down at her again. Ambra screeched and tossed her arms over her head as if they would block the sword if it actually made contact. 

[b]”No, wait! [i]Stop![/i] I’m a Shepherd!”[/b] 

There was an off-chance that he was one as well. But even if he was just some bounty hunter, she would die anyway. Ambra normally wouldn’t tell anyone who exactly she was, but this was her last resort. [i]I don’t want to die…[/i] she thought, continuing to cringe away from her attacker. [i]But if he has to kill me, I pray that his blow will end my life quickly.[/i]
	
However, this didn’t seem like the type of man that knew mercy. He would probably butcher without so much as flinching as her blood splattered across the floor. He was obviously a warrior. Her eyes had rested upon him for a few seconds, and she could tell that his body was… fit, even though he looked dehydrated and famished. [i]Naga, help me! Tell this man that I am not the enemy he thinks I am![/i] she prayed, beginning to whimper slightly in fear.