( Rose listens quietly as Sharon lists off those things — the horrors that she's faced (and done, she says). The older woman is quiet for a few long moments, mouth pursing tightly, but eyes soft, thoughtful.

It's difficult, to trust others with her daughter's well-being, with all of those parts to her history, with the things that Rose is so fiercely protective of and would do anything to keep safe. It's... terrifying, actually. She's still terrified, but she's also willing to listen, and try, and see this for herself.

After all, her role is to support and love Sharon no matter what. To protect her daughter also means protecting what makes her happy.

She smiles again, eyes a little freshly tearful as she gives the girl's hand another tight squeeze. )

In that case, it sounds like he and I have a lot to talk about.

( She does not mean this as a threat! But she's having to be both mother and father here and... yes, she definitely needs to talk with this Mayerling. She means it softly though, her smile warming. )

And I'm happy to meet him. ( Beat, as she has another thought— ) Will he be... awake right now? In the sunlight?