Rage

"Ashlard!" yelled a familiar voice.

Turning, he spotted Blain, behind him was Runë... NO!... Taking advantage of the lull, the figure took aim at Runë. Whipping back it's arm, Ashlard threw himself at the figure, catching it's arm before it could release the blade. He bit deeply into its wrist, only to find it protected by a cylinder of metal. The figure rolled backwards, taking Ashlard with it. With a hard kick, Ashlard was sent tumbling through the air, slamming into the ground with a hard thump. Struggling to stand up, his vision was swimming. He was standing, facing the figure, with Blain standing opposite and Runë hiding behind Blain... That's when another figure stepped into view, the Armoured Knurlig...

Ashlard screeched, surging with desperate energy, he gathered himself before running towards the Armoured Knurlig. He had to stop them, Runë must be protected! He didn't even see the fist coming, but in a flash he was on the ground. His head felt like it had split in half, rolling onto his stomach, he tried to get up... But his arms wouldn't support him. The Armoured Knurlig bent, examining him, touching the wound on his back and sniffing the blood. Standing, it walked towards the figure. With a surprise, grabbed them by the head, twisting sharply to one side, the figure went limp and collapsed. Bending, it started searching pockets, before extracting a small vial and turned back towards Ashlard.

Ashlard was barely conscious now, Blain and Runë had run past the Armoured Knurlig and stood themselves between it and himself. Runë was stroking his face, tears streaming from her eyes. Ashlard's only comfort was the hope that once he was dead, the Armoured Knurlig would simply leave, and her beautiful face was the last thing he saw, finally safe.

The Armoured Knurlig stepped towards Blain, holding his sword before him. He was protecting Ashlard and Runë. It quickly stepped in, grasping Blain's sword in one hand, ripping it free from his grasp and throwing it aside. Grabbing him by his front, it threw him violently out of the way.

Looming over Ashlard, it was far more gentle pushing away Runë, before gripping the blade embedded in Ashlard's back. With a hard yank, it pulled the blade free, with the sound of a stick pulled from mud. Tossing the blade aside, the Armoured Knurlig popped the vial open. Tipping its head back, exposing an open mouth it tipped some in, before swallowing, showing it was safe to drink. It bent, grabbing Ashlard by the hair, lifting his limp form upright, pulling his head back, it poured the remainder of the liquid down Ashlard's throat. Massaging until he swallowed, The Armoured Knurlig dropped him. With a final look towards Blain and Runë, it turned and sprinted away into the coming darkness.

Ashlard's first impression was of soft familiar hands. They were caressing his face... The next thing he noticed, was voices. It took him several minutes to recognise them, it was Blain, Ciray and King Raynor. It was several more minutes before he could actually make out words. It seemed they were trying to figure out if it were safe to keep Runë in the city. She had been the target, and sitting in a tower, while in a difficult to reach position, meant that everyone knew where they were. Ashlard groaned, his chest throbbed madly, and he felt Runë quickly squeeze his hand as the others went silent.

"Runë see if he can feed," said Blain.

Ashlard felt soft skin on his mouth, but he could do little more than gently lick her, getting but a small taste of her skin. He felt firm hands grab his jaw, pulling his mouth wide, he felt Runë's neck again. This time he simply had to relax, his fangs piercing slightly into her soft skin, and as the drops of her blood gently pooled in his mouth, he swallowed.

FLASH

Soft, beautiful humming, images, of pain, loneliness, sadness, an empty bed, the remains of a fire, slowly Ashlard built up a constant flow of energy, before a final quick surge, sending back his own images, a rose, their new home, a crib, babies...

FLASH

Ashlard opened his eyes, licking clean Runë's wound, he kissed her gently, before noticing he was the centre of attention.

"I wasn't actually sure you did that," said King Raynor.

"Runë is special," Ashlard said bluntly.

"You mentioned you had plans to leave the city," said Blain, "I think it's for the best you leave as soon as you can."

"You can return at any time to continue your training," said the King.

"If you can help me to the tower, I can take Runë tonight," said Ashlard, slowly pushing himself upright, "The ocean breeze will mean I can glide most of the way."

"Lets go then," said Blain.

The King brought it a pair of soldiers, and with their help, eventually they made it to the room.

"Grab your things," Ashlard said, sitting on the bed.

Runë quickly gathered her personal belongings, before quickly wrapping in paper the meal on the tray and stuffing it all in her leather bag and threw it over her shoulder.

"Are you sure you can fly?" Asked Blain, "We can set guards up here for the night and you can leave in the morning?"

"No," Ashlard said, "The cover of darkness will be our advantage, I won't be able to fly very high to escape people watching."

Grumbling as he stood, the ground felt shaky beneath him, but his legs felt firm. He hobbled onto the balcony before taking a knee, Runë quickly climbing onto his back. Extending his wings, Ashlard felt the breeze, and with a gentle flap, lifted silently off solid footing, and drifted out into open air. Ashlard found it hard to keep flying straight towards the lake. The poison was still working its way out of his system and making him groggy. But soon the lake came into view, swooping low, Ashlard put his feet down, stumbling and falling over in his attempt to land. Only managing to spin midair, grabbing Runë and holding her against his chest. He prevented her being injured. Runë quickly got up, and after surging his energy and returning to normal size, she helped him stand and together they made their way to the lodge.

Entering the lodge, Ashlard picked up the door from the ground, lifting it into position. He felt around finding a beam, dropping it into position, it held firm. Runë helped him stumble in the dark, before they came across a chair, but as Ashlard turned to sit, it collapsed. With a groan, Ashlard picked up the pieces, throwing them into the fireplace, and spat a mouthful of venom to ignite it. Runë's face was tight with worry, but Ashlard managed to force a smile. Laying down he extended a wing, waiting for Runë to cuddle into him, and fell asleep.

The sun was high in the sky when Ashlard woke. Runë had already gotten up, he could hear her moving around the lodge. Sitting up, he felt like his drop from the tower had ended with him landing on his head, everything throbbed. The sounds of him clambering to his feet quickly drew Runë's attention. She quickly checked him over, starting at the wound on his chest, it was scabbed over, but needed more time. Ashlard looked around, most of the room had been dusted. The old furniture broken up and laid beside the fireplace, she had been busy. Looking her up and down, he admired her work ethic. Wearing a scarf over her head, she was in a now dusty plain brown dress. Ashlard pulled her into his arms, nuzzling into her neck.

"I love you," he said.

It was a further day, before Ashlard was well enough to walk around properly. He put himself to use, clearing out the storage rooms from upstairs. Most was just old furniture, with a few barrels of nails and another full of tools. He brought down most for firewood. Lifting a broken chair, he came across a small chest with a large lock on the front. Picking it up, he found it quite heavy, so he brought it downstairs to show Runë. Grasping the lock, he heaved, twisting the lock. It finally broke, the latch falling open. Ashlard opened the lid and there was a cloth laying on the top of the contents, pulling it away, he locked eyes with Runë. It was filled with various gold coins and gemstones. Pushing his hand through, it was filled to the brim with them. Ashlard realised, he'd never need for anything again.

The following day, the lodge was spotless, all the broken furniture had been broken up into firewood, all the rugs had been beaten clean, the floors swept and Ashlard had even managed to fix the door using strips of leather he found in one of the upstairs rooms.

The lodge was officially more their home, it just needed a few chairs, and new stuffing for the mattress in their bed. Everything else could wait. But that still meant a trip back to Tel Atun.

"Do you want to come with me?" asked Ashlard.

Runë quickly fetched her bag, she didn't need asking twice. With little effort, they were quickly airborne. Ashlard giving his wings a moment to stretch out as he cruised over the lake, before a quick hard flap brought him higher than the trees. Satisfied, he began to climb, he wanted to make sure nobody saw what direction they came from. Circling over Tel Atun, Ashlard made a quick decision to return to the tower. Remembering rule one, 'never leave your weapon.'

He wasn't surprised to find they had been left out on the balcony, propped up where he could quickly retrieve them. Clutching his swords in his talons, Ashlard flew over to the market square, dropping softly in a clear spot off to one side. Runë slid off his back, and Ashlard made the shift back to human features. Looking up, he realised the entire market was staring at him.

"It's good to have you back," said an old man, Runë recognised from her last visit.

Ashlard quickly slid his sheaths over his shoulder, adjusting the straps to they sat comfortably.

"I need a wood axe, and something soft to sleep on," he said.

"I may have what you need!" called a familiar voice.

Ashlard turned, and it was the rough looking trader who gave him the stone for Runë's ring.

"I'm glad you both like your gifts," he said, smiling.

Ashlard took Runë's hand, giving it a squeeze. It took only a few minutes to find everything the needed, a large axe, several thick warm furs, and some bolts of cloth. Ashlard left instructions to deliver them to Commander Blain, before taking Runë to buy some food. This trip after all, wouldn't be a common occurrence.

Once Runë's bag was filled to the brim with various fruits, vegetables, salted meats and preserves, she climbed onto Ashlard's back, much to the amusement of everyone watching, before a quick snap of Ashlard's wings sent them flying. Circling over the city for a while, watching people go about their daily business, it dawned on Ashlard how lucky he had really been. Had he not arrived at the tower at that exact moment... He shuddered.

Landing at the tower, Ashlard decided to give the chain a quick pull, letting the servants know he was back. Within minutes, there was hurried knocking and Ciray burst into the room. Running straight in, she threw her arms around Runë.

"I was so worried," she cried, locking eyes with Ashlard, she continued, "we hadn't heard from you in days, we didn't know what happened."

"It took a few days before I was well enough to move," Ashlard said, "I'm okay now though."

The sound of footsteps drew Ashlard's attention, watching in amusement as three men entered, carrying everything Ashlard had just bought, the last was Blain.

"Holy hell boy, did you remember the lead bars?" he said with a growl.

"I've still got to carry this all home, remember," Ashlard chuckled.

Blain dismissed the two soldiers that accompanied him, before returning to Ashlard.

"It's good to see you're recovered," said Blain.

"As I was just saying to Ciray," Ashlard replied, "It took a few days before I could move properly, this is our first opportunity to return."

"Hmmm," said Blain, "I have to ask... what actually happened?"

Ashlard sat on the edge of the bed, Runë sitting beside him, pulling his arm around her, he couldn't help but pull her in closer.

"The hooded..." Ashlard paused.

"Man," said Blain, "it was a man."

"Man... climbed up onto the balcony, he had knives coated with some kind of poison. I walked into the room the same time he did." Ashlard stopped, trembling with anger, "you know the rest, once the poison set in, I couldn't move properly. I don't know what the Armoured Knurlig was doing."

"I thought as much," said Blain, "I just had to be sure."

"I need a favour," said Ashlard.

"What is it?"

"Can you bring food for Runë, I don't want to leave her alone, and I won't be able to carry her and everything else," said Ashlard, gesturing towards the neat stack, left by the soldiers.

To his annoyance, it actually took two trips, the first with the furs and axe, the second with the cloth, he couldn't hold them all without damaging them with his claws. But he was soon touching down on the balcony, landing with a thump to announce his arrival, he entered and to his surprise, there was a small banquet waiting for him.

"I thought you would be a while, we had time to prepare," said Ciray.

"Thank you."

He quickly took a seat beside Runë on the floor, and they shared a pleasant afternoon, with food and laughter aplenty. Ashlard couldn't help but think it were like the calm before the storm. Pushing bad thoughts away, he noticed the setting sun, it was time to get home.

"I'll be back tomorrow, to continue my lessons," said Ashlard.

"I will wait for you here," said Ciray. "Now get Runë home so she doesn't fall off from fatigue."

"Thanks again," said Ashlard.

Runë quickly gave Ciray a goodbye hug, before climbing onto Ashlard's back, Ashlard leapt from the balcony, quickly disappearing from view.

"You didn't tell them," said Ciray.

"They will know soon enough," Said Blain, "Come my dear, let us retire."

The next few weeks were constant work. Ashlard would wake at dawn, fly back to the tower for his reading lessons. Then spar with Blain and sometimes other soldiers, before finally returning home and helping Runë build their lodge into a home. With the axe, and his claws, Ashlard was able to make handles and tools for the equipment they found. Now they had everything they needed to live comfortably, and even tools to start a farm.

"Concentrate!" roared Blain.

Ashlard had to jump back to avoid the two handed blow. The tip of Blains sword passing harmlessly overhead. Ashlard stepped in close before Blain could react, giving him a hard shove with the hilt of his claymore. He spotted Raph making a move, which Ashlard easily blocked with his short sword. Sweeping his legs underneath, Raph fell to the ground with a thump. Ashlard leaping over him before spinning and lashing out towards Blain with his claymore. The impact of the two blades clashing, so great, Blain's sword simply shattered. With a quick step, he had his short sword to Blains neck, and the claymore on Raph's chest. It was his first victory against two opponents since his training had begun. The three puffing in exhaustion before Ashlard lowered his weapons.

"Good job lad," said Blain.

"Aye, give us a hand," Raph said with a huff, Ashlard pulling him to his feet.

"You'll be a nightmare on the battlefield," said Blain, "But in a duel, a demon."

Ashlard wasn't sure if that were a compliment, but he hid his worry with a smile.

"I should get back to Runë," he said.

"Before you go," said Blain, "King Raynor wishes to see you, tonight, you should bring Runë."

Nodding, Ashlard took to the skies. It didn't take him long to make the flight home. Landing softly on the beach by the lake, he quickly made the walk to the lodge. He could make out the smell of Runë's cooking before he could see the lights from the windows. Opening the door as quietly as he could, Ashlard crept silently into the kitchen. It was a game they had started... Hoping to surprise Runë with a hug, all that he could see was a bubbling pot of stew.

It smelled delicious, filled with carrots, potatoes and chunks of tender beef, bending to pick up a spoon. Something heavy slammed into him, causing Ashlard to lose balance and with a cry, he fell to the ground, with Runë tightly wrapped around his waist. With a laugh, he pulled her closer, adoring how her face was lit up with joy, kissing her gently.

"I missed you today," he continued, "we've been invited by the King tonight, Blain said I should bring you as well."

Runë just smiled and nodded, reaching out with and slipping a finger into his mouth.

FLASH

Humming, she always hummed... surging energy... Overwhelming feelings of love washed through the connection.

FLASH

Ashlard was panting, as he held her close, he wasn't sure, but he thought their connection was getting stronger. It was easier for him to communicate directly with her, and he wasn't so exhausted afterwards. They ate together, the stew was as delicious as it smelled, and after quickly stripping off, they made their way to the lake to bathe.

Ashlard had discovered, by using his wings as flippers, he could rocket through the water fast enough to launch himself into the air, which he did to amuse himself and Runë. As the sun dipped behind the trees, they slowly made their way back home. They quickly dressed and after fiddling with his swords, to allow for Runë to sit comfortably, they were off.

Flying over Tel Atun, Ashlard could see a lot of movement below, it was clear something was going on. Circling quietly, Ashlard gently touched down in the courtyard where he had left after the duel with Prince Greht, and taking Runë's hand, entered the hall. The first thing Ashlard realised, was the commotion, there were soldiers, decorated and otherwise, nobles, and the King himself, with Prince Horuth by his side. Upon entry, the entire room turned to face them, going silent, before a young soldier, wearing a red plumed helmet spat.

"What's a woman doing here?"

Ashlard growled, low and deep in his chest, the air around him shimmering with the vibrations.

"ENOUGH!" yelled King Raynor.

Ashlard kept eye contact with the soldier for a few more moments, before turning his attention to the King, bowing slightly.

"Your majesty, as requested," he said.

"Thank you, your timing couldn't be better," the King sat himself in a chair. Beckoning for Ashlard and Runë to join him, "you already know about the Knurlig war parties that have been spotted,"

Ashlard nodded.

"You've already seen their actions in Thrarv."

Nodding again, the King sighed, "these war parties were the first wave of a larger attack... Our scouts report and army approaching the capitol."

Runë gripped Ashlard's hand tightly, "what exactly do you want from me, your majesty?" Ashlard whispered... His mind racing.

"I need the Angel of Tel Atun," King Raynor said simply, "I need you to protect our people."

Ashlard shook with anger, his hands balled into fists. Hot tears dripping onto the fine sand. He heard all he needed to know, the Knurligs would arrive from the south in three days. In that time, Ashlard needed to ready himself for battle beside the King himself.

Ashlard couldn't make up his mind, he could stay and help defend these people, or he could whisk Runë to safety. He had tried asking her, but her answer was to ask how many of their friends they would be leaving behind.

She could see him, sitting by the lake, it caused her pain to not comfort him. But this was a decision he had to make on his own. She felt so many conflicting emotions, everything told her to run, that she'd be safe with Ashlard... But the thought of losing Ciray and Blain, not to mention all the innocent people that had shown her such kindness... There was a right answer, but it wasn't the easy answer. She spotted Ashlard shift, staggering to his feet, she could see he was crying, now she couldn't help but approach him. Turning to face her, he dropped to his knees, wrapping his great wings around her.