Rage

The woman started shaking, tears dripping onto the floor. A guard roughly grabbed her arm, dragging her before Ashlard. Pulling her to her feet, he returning to his position by the wall. Ashlard noted her hands bound in chains behind her back.

"How did you come about her?" asked Ashlard.

"She wasn't expensive, just a slave girl," said the King offhandedly.

"I see," Said Ashlard, "May I do with her as I wish?"

The King eyed him, before nodding his approval. Now, Ashlard knew this was a test. Ashlard eyed the girl cooly, he sighed.

"I'm sorry," he said stepping face to face with the woman, "I have to do this."

Using his good arm, he pushed the slave girl to her knees, she sat, sobbing, refusing to meet his eye contact.

"No no no no no, please no, please I'll do anything," she said, trembling with fear.

"I don't want you to do anything," Ashlard replied.

He surged with energy, rising to his full height. Leaning onto the girl, wrapping his arm around her, he could smell her fear, feel her tears pooling against his chest. She was so young, so full of life. And with a small snap, the chains fell to the floor and Ashlard pulled the woman to her feet. She regarded him with something between terror and confusion.

"The King gave me permission to do with you what I want," Ashlard said blankly, the woman trembling, "I want you to be free."

The woman looked around for a moment, not believing her situation, before crying out and hugging Ashlard as hard as she could and slowly making her way to the entrance.

Ashlard watched her go, before catching Runë's eye, she nodded at him. He had done the right thing. Turning to face the King, he noticed his expression hadn't changed, but the Queen had a slight smile.

"Care to explain your actions?" asked the King.

"Innocent blood should never be taken," replied Ashlard, matter of factly, "If not given willingly, I would be no better than the savages that destroyed Thrarv."

The King regarded him for several moments, Ashlard noticed a softening in his eyes. A quick flick of his wrist, and all but the two closest guards immediately marched out of the auditorium, leaving the room feeling much emptier.

"Now, onto more official talks, please meet my son, Prince Horuth."

Ashlard tuned to the young man before him, the man in turn, made eye contact with him. His face was scarred in random intervals, but the swelling and bruising had healed nicely.

"Thank you," said the Prince, "I was told how you saved me."

Ashlard swallowed, remembering the fact...

"I only did what was right," Ashlard said, shrugging.

"And we all thank you for it," said the Queen, with a smile, "Thank you for bringing home our son, alive."

"Ashlard," said the King, "We have a question for you, and I hope you accept."

Ashlard nodded, unsure of a proper response.

"When you shared your heart with our son, you ensured his life would continue until yours ended," said the king, "But yours can end if our sons does, we wish for you to protect him, as his vassal."

Ashlard shifted uncomfortably.

The Queen continued, "You would have no additional duties within the city, other than ceremonial appearances, your freedom will continue, you may even bring your beloved."

Ashlard turned, looking at Runë, she shrugged, not seeming bothered regardless. The Queen noticed the silent exchange, smiling in appreciation.

"Can I think about it?" Asked Ashlard.

The King smiled slightly, "Of course, we have an official celebration tomorrow evening, to celebrate the recovery of our son. I will have outfits sent to your room, if you accept, please bring your beloved."

With that, the King bade them goodnight, before leaving with his wife and son through doors behind the throne.

Blain led the pair to the bottom of their staircase.

"I'll send for a tailor for your wing, and for Mildred if you need her," he said quietly.

Ashlard gave him a confused look.

"The old woman," Blain said, "Her name is Mildred."

Before Ashlard could respond, Runë was already nodding furiously, grabbing Ashlard by the hand.

"Oh, and Blain," he said, "That woman I set free, is she really free?"

Blain regarded him for a moment, "yes, why?"

"Can you help her, I don't know if she has anywhere to go."

Blain was silent for a moment, before smiling, "I have just the thing."

Ashlard bowed his head in thanks, before turning to Runë. Picking her up with one arm, she clung to his neck, nuzzling into his chest, as he made the long walk up the stairs.

When they reached their room, they were met with clean sheets and the sound of a creaking chain, signalling their meal had arrived. Eating in silence, Ashlard stretched out his arm and wing. Admiring the damage, his arm seemed to be whole, just very sore. His wing on the other hand, the cut was right from the main bone, diagonally along the membrane. The flap folding back on itself showed the wound had initially healed. It no longer bleed or hurt, but it was impossible for him to fly.

It was shortly after their meal, when there was a knock on their door. Runë quickly answering it, a large, middle aged man entered with Mildred following behind, casting him a big smile. The man took a look at the cut on Ashlard's wing.

"Close enough to real leather," he said, "you might want to lay down, get someone to hold ya."

Ashlard walked to his bed, laying on his back. The tailor moved up to him, pulling his wing out as far as it would stretch, taking a last look before turning and grabbing his equipment. Mildred came and sat on Ashlard's opposite side, taking his hand. Runë climbed atop of him, gazing into his eyes, she held his head in her hands, and kissed him as the tailor began his work. It only took a few minutes for the tailor to run the stitch, but for Ashlard it may have been hours. Only the thought of harming Runë kept him from thrashing about.

"I don't know that you can fly with this, but it should hold till you heal," he said, getting his equipment together, he quickly left.

"Well, suppose it's up to me now," said Mildred, moving around closer to Ashlard, offering her wrist.

Ashlard sat up, taking her hand.

"Thank you, Mildred," he said softly.

"No..." she replied, "thank you."

Ashlard's wound itched terribly after Mildred had left, he thought by morning he could probably remove the stitches. But for the moment, he stood up, carrying Runë, who beamed with joy. He dropped, clothing and all, into the bath, which warm as usual. They quickly removed their clothing, enjoying the feeling of skin contact. How he loved her... and he had an idea...

The following morning, Ashlard woke up to the sound of someone banging on the door roughly. He slid himself out from under Runë, who shot him a dirty look, and pulled the blankets up over her. Before surging his energy, in order to return to normal size and slipping on a pair of pants. BANG BANG BANG BANG... whoever it was, was in a mood.

Ashlard opened the door and was immediately knocked over by something with a small shriek, and a tangle of arms. Ashlard climbed to his feet, pulling the person to theirs as well. With surprise, he realised it was the woman from the day before.

"I'm sorry!" she cried, dropping to the floor.

"No no, please," Ashlard said, confused, helping her to her feet.

"Sorry..." she said nervously, "I'm not used to being... Free."

Ashlard regarded her answer for a moment, deciding not to push it, "So what can I do for you?"

"Oh," she said quickly, bending over and picking up the tangle of fabric on the ground, "Blain said, if I wanted a job, I should deliver these to you, but there would be a catch, I think he meant the stairs..."

Chuckling, Ashlard took the bundle of fabric, it was actually an ornate suit, about his size, lined with green and silver, and a beautiful flowing gown to match. He held it up, showing Runë, and she smiled. The woman followed Ashlard's gaze, spotting Runë in the bed, she suddenly went red faced and stared at the floor.

"If that's all you need, I have to get back to Blain," she said quickly.

"Wait," Said Ashlard, "What's your name?"

The woman paused, half-way to the door, "Ciray," she said.

"Thank you, Ciray," said Ashlard.

Ciray stood for a moment, "no," she said, sniffing and wiping her eye, "thank you."

After breakfast, Ashlard soaked his wing in the bath, Runë gently rubbed it, he could see it was whole again, it was probably strong enough for a short flight too. Runë then cut the cord running the stitch, and gently tugged it free. Ashlard stretched out, giving an experimental flap, accidentally extinguishing all the lamps in their room. He could hear Runë's breath as she silently laughed, before he was tackled to the ground. She kissed him deeply, and Ashlard savoured every moment, humming his tone. She lay atop him a moment, enjoying the feeling, before gently rubbing her neck on Ashlard's chin. At first he wanted to refuse, but he knew better than to argue with her, if she felt ready, she would argue the point with him until he did. Opening his mouth, he ran his tongue across her skin, and gently bit down, feeling her sharp intake of breath.

FLASH

Humming, oh how he loved her humming, he hummed back, the same tune, their tones intertwining, he told her he loved her, then he felt it, the energy, pouring it into her, this must be how she can stay so strong even after feeding. He concentrated, increasing the amount of energy he gave her, her humming shuddered, then became louder. Now he was curious

FLASH

Ashlard pulled away suddenly, Runë grabbing him quickly, trying to pull him back.

"Wait!" he said, trying to sound serious while smiling. He placed a hand on her cheek, "have I been giving you energy as I feed?" Runë nodded, "could you feel more energy this time?" now she nodded enthusiastically, "do you want me to try and give you more?" more nodding, and now she leaned into a kiss and pulled him back to bite her again.

FLASH

Humming, she always hummed for him, feeding the energy back. He felt her humming increase in volume, he remembered to hum back, and increased how much energy he gave her. When suddenly, the humming changed, it didn't sound right... Strange. Suddenly the humming stopped. Whispers replaced it.

"Runë, are you okay?"He thought.

Becoming aware that Runë was now pulling his head, hard into her neck, he thought only one thing for it, and funnelled in more energy.

Happiness radiated from her. Waves of pure bliss washed over him, feelings of love pressed into his very soul.

FLASH

Ashlard came to, gasping for air, funnelling that much energy took a huge amount of effort. Staring into Runë's eyes, those beautiful eyes, she smiled. Ashlard swallowed, licking his teeth clean, before kissing her, she loved him, she really loved him...

After lunch was sent up, Runë sat in his lap while they ate, he held her gently, not wanted to let her go.

"So do you think I should take the Kings offer," he asked her.

Leaning back on his chest, she shrugged, and kissed his chin.

"Well," he said, "would like to be a lady of the court?"

Runë gently reached up, piercing her finger on his fang, Ashlard surged with energy.

FLASH

Humming, such beautiful humming. More energy...

Acceptance... Gratitude... Trust... Worry...

FLASH

Ashlard's heart broke at the severed connection. Holding her tightly, he started humming.

Once Ashlard had regained his composure, he retrieved their clothing, helping Runë slip into the gown. She was stunning, the only mar on her, the mottled purple scar across her neck. Sensing his discomfort, she pulled him in again, placing her finger in his mouth, this time he bit down.

FLASH

Humming, how he loved this place, surging energy, it stopped.

"The scar"

Determination... Love... Acceptance...

FLASH

Ashlard gasped... Before, kissing her all over her face and neck while Runë silently giggled and tried to push him off. Now it was his turn, trying on the suit. Ashlard quickly realised, he had to pull his wings completely into his body in order to fit. This wasn't just a comfort issue, if he had to fly for any reason, he needed to have access to his wings, especially with material like this, he wasn't sure he could quickly tear it open.

"Can you sew?" Ashlard asked Runë, she shook her head.

Thinking about it a moment, he had an idea.

"Can you write a letter to Ciray, asking if she can sew?"

Runë smiled, quickly retrieving a quill and a piece of parchment. she scribbled some runes before handing it to Ashlard. Taking it to the chain, he placed it on the tray, and gave the chain a couple hard pulls, signalling a servant to lower the platform. Half an hour later, there was knocking on the door. Runë answered it with a smile.

"I got your note," she said with a smile, "What do you need?" revealing a small bag full of thread and needles.

As Ashlard explained what he wanted done to his shirt, Ciray frowned a little.

"Just do your best, I'd destroy the shirt anyway if I had to open my wings."

Ciray shrugged then, pulling out a small tape, she measured the position on his jacket then measured the area his wings would need to protrude, satisfied, she made two cuts, then asked Ashlard to try it on. Opening his wings, he could feel only the barest resistance, she had measured him up perfectly. After Ciray was stitching away, Ashlard gave Runë a kiss.

"I'll be a soon," he said.

Striding out onto the balcony, Ashlard looked around, seeing the setup for the party, it was in the main courtyard, and the tables were stacked out into the streets below, even the poor would have something to eat this night. Opening his wings, he caught a sour look from Runë as he drifted away on the air currents. Slowly soaring over the buildings, Ashlard kept catching people staring at him from below. He made a decision, and grew to his full size as he flew out of sight over a warehouse. Following the sounds of people, he found what he was looking for. Touching down in the centre of a market square, all was silent. Looking around quickly, he moved towards a rough looking trader, who just stared at him in amazement.

"I'm here to trade," Ashlard said, the man taking a moment, before snapping too.

"Yes of course," with a slight frown, "How can I help?"

"I'm looking for a small stone," he said, slightly unsure of himself.

The trader frowned slightly again, opening a chest, he pulled out several bags, opening them out flat. There was an assortment of stones, some precious, some just stone, when one caught his eye, it was pink, with flashes of semi-transparent red throughout, like thick veins.

"May I?" asked Ashlard, the trader nodded.

Ashlard extended a single claw, spotting the Trader flinch and step back.

"Sorry, I just need to check," Ashlard said quickly giving the stone a quick scratch. It was hard, like diamond, but he could carve it with his claw.

"How much is this rock?" asked Ashlard.

"Look," said the trader, "when you helped with that fire, you saved everyone here. Their businesses and their livelihoods too," the man paused for breath, "please take it, as a token for our thanks."

Ashlard bowed to the man, thanking him for his generosity. Turning, he could see every pair of eyes on him. Ignoring the crowd, Ashlard found a barrel to sit on, leaning against a wall, and started carving. The market square gradually came back into life, people going about their business, while he whittled away at the tiny stone. The sun was low in the sky when he was admiring his creation, holding it up to the light, he polished off a single flaw.

"What's that?" said a small voice.

Looking up, there was Mildred with the two children. Smiling he bent down to show them his work.

"She'll love it," said Mildred, her face lighting up.

Ashlard stood, again, gaining the attention of everyone, turning towards the trader, he nodded his thanks, before snapping his wings down and leaping into the air. In a matter of moments, Ashlard touched down on the balcony to be met immediately by a grumpy looking Runë and a sour looking Ciray... What happened? Ciray quickly, handed Ashlard his shirt, trying it on, it was a perfect fit, his wings able to move around in comfort, removing his new shirt, he thanked Ciray as he walked her to the door, noticing Runë remained on the balcony.

"What happened?" Ashlard asked as he reached the door.

"I don't know..." Ciray sighed, "I've been trying to talk to her all day, I don't think she likes me, she won't talk to me..."

Ashlard's face dropped, "Ciray," he said softly, "Those scars on her neck."

Ciray, quickly shied away, "Yes, I've spotted them, who couldn't? The monster that did that should be put away... Harming a body like hers..." Ciray visibly shuddered at the thought.

"Ciray," Ashlard said, hot tears dripping to the floor, "I'm the monster that gave her those scars."

Ciray looked stunned for a moment. Ashlard continued, "She was bleeding, it was everything I could do to save her, she doesn't talk because she can't."

Ciray kept switching her eyes from Ashlard to Runë and back again, suddenly she dropped her bag, dashing back into the room and throwing her arms around Runë, who staggered in surprise.

"I'm sorry! I didn't mean those things I said, I didn't know," Ciray cried.

Runë looked a tad confused, before shrugging and giving Ciray a hug back. Now that was over, Ciray quickly left, muttering her apologies as she went. Ashlard caught Runë watching Ciray leave, with a confused, but obvious smile. Ashlard approached Runë, taking her in his arms, he lifted her off her feet, spinning in a tight circle, she smiled, that beautiful smile of hers, before kissing her, placing her gently on the ground again.

Heading back inside, Ashlard thought it best to bathe before going to the party. Slipping into the water, he didn't have time to turn around, before Runë jumped on him from behind. The pair of them sinking beneath the water. Smiling as he stood up, holding her firmly against his chest, she smiled up at him, leaning her head against his arm. Bonded he thought, he needed to find information to support his hunch.

Ashlard could make out the sounds of music as they finished bathing. It seemed the party had started already. Helping Runë out of the bath, they dried themselves and quickly dressed, Runë wearing her sisters clip in her hair. Ashlard pushed his wings out of the shirt, stretching them out, this felt good. Walking hand in hand with Runë out onto the balcony, they looked below, Ashlard could make out the King and Queen. They were sitting in front of a small clearing, the only obvious place to land. Gently placing his arms under Runë's, he lifted her gently, holding her against his side, they weren't going far. He opened his wings, and with the gentle breeze rolling by, he stepped off the balcony into his own world.

Drifting over the celebrations, he could see hundreds of pale faces staring up at him. Even the music stopped as Ashlard slowly drifted overhead. Circling slightly, Ashlard gently landed before King Raynor. The pair, dropped to their knee.

"Your majesty," said Ashlard, "I accept your proposal."

"Thank you," said King Raynor, standing to speak to the crowd, "Rise, Ashlard, Angel of Tel Atun, Vassal of Prince Horuth."

Ashlard rose to his feet and the crowd slowly broke into applause. King Raynor sat down, motioning with his hand, a servant brought two goblets of wine for Ashlard and Runë.

"It is, a celebration after all," said the King with a smile.

"Your Majesty," said Ashlard, "You mentioned you knew about my kind."

"Yes, though my education is all from records, they may not be quite accurate," said the King.