Rage

Ashlard thought that their flight had been a great success, once she was comfortable, he could try to land and take off again from the ground, he needed to know he could quickly and easily get her to safety if need be. He pitched forwards slightly, returning to the tower balcony and landing as softly as he could, he immediately turned to face the ledge and dropped to one knee, allowing Runë to slide off his back without risk of falling. Taking her hand, the pair walked back into their new room. He noticed a large hollow behind the beds, out of view of the main entrance. Approaching it, he found it to be filled with pleasantly fragranced hot water, it was a bath!

With a smile he called out to Runë, "You first, you need to rest."

Runë approached the water, bending to test the water temperature, she thought that Ashlard needed the bath more than she did, and showed her decision by jabbing him in the chest with her finger and splashing a handful of water on him. Ashlard was caught completely off guard having been doused in warm water, and his stunned expression caused Runë to start crying silent tears of laughter. She really couldn't make a sound except to hum songs in her head while Ashlard fed.

Not wanting to be outdone, Ashlard scooped Runë into his arms, and with a sly grin, dropped her neatly into the bath water with a loud splash. After a few moments, Ashlard started to worry. Why hadn't she come up, did he hurt her? Was something wrong? Bending down to examine the water more closely, a sudden surge of motion and water wrapped itself around his shoulders, and he too was pulled into the water. Relief washed over him as he relished her familiar touch. Opening his eyes, he could see her smiling at him, her golden hair spreading out in all directions, carried by the water. Ashlard wondered if she felt the same way for him as he did for her, the word bonded pranged in his head like a painful memory. As if sensing his worry, Runë gently kissed him on the lips, before rising for air. Ashlard was stunned for a moment, but regained his composure and followed suit.

After their bath, Ashlard discovered that Runë loved to read, he himself could only barely read the simplest words, but Runë, she dived head first into whichever book she picked up next. So he spent a few hours just sitting with her, playing with her hair, while she read. Jingling caught Ashlard's attention, he got up, receiving an annoyed glance from Runë for moving away, he made out the chain in the cupboard was moving, cautiously he approached, only to realise the platform was gone, sticking his head in to take a look, he could make out the platform coming back up the shaft, and it was stacked with food.

This wasn't the bread and gruel he was eating before, this was roasted vegetables, eggs, meat even. When the platform got to the top, he removed the tray, spotting underneath a note, so he grabbed that too, returning to Runë, they enjoyed a meal in comfortable silence, Ashlard even managed a few bites of the meat, though he wasn't sure what it was... He pushed the thought aside. Ashlard presented the note to Runë, who frowned as she read it, looking up at Ashlard, she opened her mouth, and closed it, seemingly unable to come to a decision. Quickly she pulled a pair of books from the pile beside her, opening to a page that showed a sun, she shook her head violently, before flapping her arms, flicking to another page with a moon, she then nodded enthusiastically.

"No flying during day time?" asked Ashlard.

Runë leaned forwards giving him a quick kiss, before going back to her book. Ashlard busied himself by checking out the nooks in the room. There were stacks of clothing to wear, stored in a shelf behind the large bed. There were what appeared to be board games inside a small chest, and a large drum of lamp oil. Ashlard caught a glimpse of the sun, setting over the ocean. He realised how very tired he was. He had no idea what time of day it was while he was imprisoned, he just slept when tired. So he decided enough was enough then, he could get in an early night.

Reentering the room however, he was faced with the site of Runë asleep on the floor with a book as a pillow. Ashlard gently scooped her into his arms, he carried her around the the large bed. Pulling down the blanket, he slipped her under the sheets, before retreating to the smaller bed himself. He couldn't get himself comfortable however, the bed was far to soft for his liking. He was so used to sleeping on a stone floor. Ashlard gave up walking across the room and curling up on the floor, extending a wing to cover himself completely. But before he could drift off, he felt soft hands pulling his wing, lifting slightly, he felt Runë crawl into his arms, he could smell her hair, feel her skin and hear her heartbeat. Humming as he covered them with his wing, they fell into a deep and comfortable sleep.

Ashlard woke from his slumber, something was wrong. It was still dark, only a few hours after midnight, lifting his wing, Runë shifted in her sleep, he could see her shoulder rising and falling with each breath. Humming softly, Ashlard gently picked her up as she lay, carrying her back to the bed, and that's when he heard it... A scream... Off in the distance, something was happening. Ashlard opened the balcony doors, stepping out into the night, feeling the breeze on his skin and the scent of smoke filled his lungs. A quick glance around told him there was a large fire.

It was one building... There were dozens of people running around, throwing water, trying to control the flames. The scream he heard was coming from that direction. Ashlard opened his wings, catching the breeze and silently lifting into the air. As he turned towards the fire, he spotted Runë watching him with a worried expression. Circling high overhead, to avoid being seen, Ashlard realised this was a large tavern, with a hotel on the top floor.

"I can't get out!" cried a voice, "Please save my babies, please!"

Ashlard flipped around, diving lower to the flames, where was that voice coming from? Deciding it was worth the risk, Ashlard dropped into the smoke. Extending his scales to protect from the heat, he landed on a ledge. Entering through an open window he found it was almost impossible to see. The entire room was filled with black smoke, the floor in places provided a source of light as flames began to creep up from underneath. He had to find whoever was trapped, and quickly.

A cry rang out, and Ashlard moved quickly, finding a set of stairs. He followed them down, and that's where he spotted them, two children huddled over a middle aged woman, part of the ceiling had collapse, pinning the woman, and the children were trying desperately to pull her free, the heat was terrible. As Ashlard came into view, the woman spotted him, her eyes softening.

"Tis death then," she said softly, "Great angel, please spare my children, I beg of you."

Ashlard moved towards them, the children were terrified, the mother staring with pleading eyes. One of the children, a young boy, stepped forward and punched Ashlard in the knee.

"Leave Mamma alone!" he roared.

Ashlard bent, grabbing the boy by the collar, pulling him close, then grabbing the other child, a girl, in a grey dress. He held them against his chest, wrapping his great wings around them to spare them the heat, the girl stayed silent, while the boy struggled, crying, "Mamma!"

Ashlard turned, dashing back up the stairs as quickly as he could.

The Captain of the night watch, Jorgen, had been woken by the sound of fire drums. He had quickly run down from his dorm, jumping on a passing water cart. Fires weren't common, it had to be brought under control immediately. Arriving at the fire, the tavern was already engulfed, an old wooden building full of spirits and oils. The tavern was completely lost, but they had to try and contain it. Barking orders at everyone he instructed the entrance to be doused so they could allow for escape. The surrounding buildings were to be doused with water to prevent sparks igniting them.

That's when he spotted the woman, she had made it downstairs, he could see her dragging two children with her as she ran for the entrance. Jorgen ran to help her when the ceiling above collapsed, the mother and children disappeared in a crash, followed by a curdling scream. There was nothing more he could do. The entrance was blocked, the fire too hot, the smoke to thick to enter from a window above. He only hoped they were crushed and killed quickly, or died of smoke inhalation... The other alternative was to gruesome. But as the woman screamed for help again, Jorgen realised what the likely outcome was...

A dark shape passed quickly overhead, a bad omen... The tavern was basically a wall of flames now. More people arrived to help, Jorgen just called for more water carts and to continue dousing the surrounding buildings. The tavern was beginning to creak and moan, it wouldn't be long until it collapsed.

Someone cried out in fear, turning on the spot, Jorgen spotted a large black shape hurtling through the air. Coming from the direction of the fire it landed with a soft thud. It rose up on two legs, standing over three meters tall, the bulky shape on it's front opened to reveal a huge set of jet black wings... And two small bundles in it's arms. And like a strange angel of death, it bent over, depositing the bundles on the ground... No... The children... Jorgen realised this creature had the attention of every person in the area, the only movement was the flames, the only sound was that of crackling timber.

"Now save Mamma!" cried the boy.

The figure quickly turned and with a mighty leap, disappeared back into the smoke. Jorgen ran towards the children, a little boy and his younger sister, blackened with soot, but otherwise unharmed. Just what was that creature?

The sound of snapping timber beams caught Jorgen's attention. A rush of hot air and smoke shot out in all directions. The building collapsed, all at once, sending up huge plumes of dust and smoke. The children began crying now, Jorgen took them by the hands, trying to move them away from the scene, but the boy resisted.

"The angel had to save her!" he cried, "I have to wait for Mamma!"

"Okay okay, just come over to the water cart, you need a drink," said Jorgen, he suddenly felt very old.

Jorgen, busied himself making sure the children didn't leave, giving them water as they watched people running around. Most of the fire had been extinguished when the building collapsed, and the last few were quickly brought under control. Jorgen didn't know how to tell the children their mother had been crushed. He pulled aside a passing worker, and told them to start digging near the entrance. The man lead a small team and used a horse to drag larger pieces of rubble aside.

After almost an hour of digging, Jorgen heard one of the men call out in surprise. Leaving the children by the cart, he approached, the men had come across the 'Angel.' A huge black, scale clad arm, sticking out from under a wooden beam. Jorgen bent over, touching the smoothness of the scales.

"I don't know what you are," he said, "but thank you for saving the children."

Jorgen gave the hand a squeeze and bowed his head in thanks, when the hand squeezed back.

Jorgen screamed, "GET OVER HERE AND HELP!"

Everyone rushed over on their hands and knees, digging through rubble. A team of large men began lifting away beams, until a shoulder was exposed, then a wing, a torso and finally the creature stirred. Pushing itself up on one arm into a crouched kneeling position, it blew out it's nostrils. Under it, was the woman, covered in soot and crying, but very much alive. Jorgen grabbed her by the hand, pulling her free from the rubble, she was able to stand. As soon as she was upright, she put her arms around the 'Angel' whispering her gratitude.

It placed an arm around her in return, and that's when Jorgen realised the angle it's shoulders were on. It's left side had been badly crushed by falling debris, it's arm hanging limply to it's side. It's wing however looked intact. Though it's right leg however, below the knee, was sitting on a strange angle. The woman stepped away from the 'Angel' turning and running towards her children. The 'Angel' watched her leave, before making eye contact with Jorgen, the eyes burned like embers, and Jorgen wondered if it were really a demon?

Ashlard felt pain everywhere, he hadn't intended to be crushed under a building. He had to leave, it wasn't a good idea that he had been so careless. He started dragging himself forward with his good arm and leg, falling onto his front, he slowly shuffled across the ground to a nearby building with stone walls and a high roof. Nobody stopped him. Nobody offered to help, everyone just stared in disbelief. As he reached the building Ashlard started digging his claws into the stone. Pulling himself upright, before hugging the corner of the building, and almost crablike, pulled himself bit by bit up the wall and finally onto the roof. Extending his wings, he flinched, there were a few holes, and more than one fracture, but the main bones were solid and undamaged. Catching the breeze, Ashlard flapped gently, lifting from the roof, and drifting on the air currents, climbed quickly into the black of night, and made for the tower.

Sailing silently on the wind, Ashlard spotted two figures standing in the doorway to the balcony as he approached, one was Runë, the other, surprisingly was Blain. Even before Ashlard touched the balcony, Blain was already walking towards him.

"You damned fool!" growled Blain.

Ashlard didn't respond, teetering on one leg for a moment, he quickly collapsed to the ground, wincing in agony and coughing up a mouthful of blood, he hadn't realised how badly he had been injured. Runë ran to his side, crouching down, she wiped his mouth clean of blood with the hem of her dress. She was shaking and Ashlard felt ashamed he had scared her so much. He reached out with his good arm and took her by the hand before humming his familiar tune.

"We need you to return to human size," said Blain quietly, "you need a healer to set your bones, and you're too big like this."

Ashlard thought for a moment, before surging energy and feeling his scales retract. The pain was excruciating. His broken bones contracted at different rates to the rest of his body, causing Ashlard to twitch and scream in pain before he was back in human form. Now he was vomiting blood as well as coughing it up.

With the help of Runë and Blain, he was carried to the bed and laid gently on his back, with his wings laid out on either side. Runë examined him gently, finding the few fractures on his wings, at the tips of the flight bones. Blain quickly left to find a healer, and Runë brought Ashlard water. Finding he couldn't sit up to drink, she poured it into her own mouth, before kissing Ashlard and allowing him to drink slowly.

Ashlard was drifting now, he felt cold, and gaps in his memory started to form, Runë seemed to bounce around, every time he opened his eyes, she was standing somewhere else. She looked scared, Ashlard didn't understand, if he died, she would be safe, what did she have to fear?

Ashlard noticed she was offering her neck to him, laying as gently across his body as she could, but he didn't want to hurt her, he had fed to recently, feeding again may kill her.

"No..." Ashlard whispered.

Runë sat up, shaking her head, closing her eyes for a moment, she bent over and kissed Ashlard deeply, he was taken by surprise, as she had bitten her tongue hard enough to bleed, and forced it into his mouth. Ashlard only heard her beautiful humming for a moment, before he pushed her off with a gentle push.

"No..." he said again,"It's too soon."

Runë just sat staring at him, despair in her eyes, when she reached out, placing a single finger in Ashlard's mouth, piercing his fang.

FLASH

Humming, such beautiful humming, the beauty came from emotion. It's how she felt around him, it's how she thought about him. She couldn't explain it, but since letting him feed, such an intimate experience. He was so gentle through something she thought could be so traumatic, she couldn't stand the thought of not being with him. The idea of leaving caused her heart to ache.

FLASH

Ashlard couldn't keep his eyes open, he was so tired. Runë kept gently shaking him every time he drifted off, he wished she wouldn't, but it was nice to feel loved... Loved?... Opening his eyes a crack, he could see tears streaming down her face. She was so beautiful, this may be his only chance.

"I love you," he said softly, his eyelids closed for a moment.

Runë was nodding frantically now, she shook with the power of her sobs. Rocking back and forth, she started slapping his chest, in a last ditch effort to keep him conscious. Ashlard's eyes opened for a moment then closed his eyes again, the door finally opened, and in came Blain leading a small older man and a middle aged woman.

"He wouldn't feed, would he?" asked Blain.

Runë shook her head.

The old woman sighed, "had I not known better," she said with a huff. "Will he bite? Or do I need a knife?"

Blain drew his dagger, handing it to the woman, she made a shallow cut down her wrist, before taking a seat beside Ashlard, and placing her wrist against his mouth. Runë helped pull his jaw open, allowing several drops of blood to fall into his throat before the woman clamped her wrist over his jaw. Ashlard twitched a few times, swallowed then tried to pull away, Blain held him steady and Ashlard's eyes shot open.

He didn't know what was happening, he was being fed blood, he didn't recognise this taste, it was someone new, opening his eyes, he didn't recognise her for a moment, the woman who he was feeding on.

"The kids are home asleep," she said softly, "now it's your turn to be looked after."

THAT'S IT! He realised, the woman from the fire, but how was she here? Ashlard gently bit down on her wrist, causing her to flinch slightly, but she just smiled.

"There now, take what you need, I owe you my life," she said.

As Ashlard drank, he found his body began to feel warm again, he could breathe easier, and while he could taste blood, he could no longer taste his own. Not wanting to hurt the woman, he released her arm. She momentarily looked concerned, but dismissed it and stood up, allowing Runë to throw herself across his chest again. Showering him with kisses, Ashlard could do nothing but smile. Her mood was infectious, Ashlard couldn't help himself, amongst all this pain, seeing her happy brightened his world in ways he couldn't understand. It was at this moment, that Blain and the healer had snuck around to the base of the bed, and waited for the right moment. As Runë laid across Ashlard's chest, they quickly produced bandages and a splint. As she started kissing him, Blain got ready to hold his leg steady, before CRUNCH. Ashlard shrieked, arching his back in agony, as the healer, helped by Blain, set his broken leg back into position, and wrapped it tightly against the splint. After several minutes, Ashlard's breathing returned to normal, he stared daggers at Blain, who in turn shrugged.

The healer moved up and examined his shoulder, finding pleasant surprise, that his shoulder wasn't broken, just dislocated. The healer took him by the hand, and with a rough jerk and twist, Ashlard yelped again, feeling his shoulder returned to it's normal position. He was surprised that now his arm worked, and he used it to embrace Runë as tightly as he could. Now he hummed deeply, causing everyone in the room becoming giddy at the presence of so much energy.

The healer actually asked Ashlard to stop, the feeling of peace brought on by the humming, made it difficult to concentrate. He needed too in order to set and splint the tiny flight bones in Ashlard's wings. He wasn't sure of the job he did and promised to send for a falconer in the morning to double check his work. But with his work complete, the healer bade goodnight and quickly left. The woman stayed for a moment before saying.