The feeling of Lyselle snuggling in closer spread a warmth throughout Ren’s body despite the cold bite of wind as they flew out of Belle View. The constant “THUD, THUD, THUD” of her wings beat like a metronome and Renaissance eyed the scenes rolling by beneath them. Like a VHS on fast forward, houses and trees and parked cars and streetlights all blurred by below. Flying was one of the most exhilarating feelings for Vampires. It almost distracted Renaissance completely from the determined fire in her belly.

Motherly instincts weren’t exactly what was at play here. Most Sire’s didn’t bond with their fledglings. You didn’t turn a human and become one big happy family, it simply wasn’t like that. Vampires were mostly solitary creatures save for a few Covens or Clans spread throughout the human world. These communities of vampires were mostly spawned by a precious few sires who lived worshipped by their fledglings. It even pre-dated Ren and she had a disdain and disapproval for the whole organisation. Vampire Covens were unwise; They were indiscreet and exposing. Hunters found it easier to track larger groups, of course, as human lives dwindled in their neighbouring presence and it was harder to be subtle in a group of seemingly ageless, foodless and unusual humans. So Ren never stuck around to know her offspring. In fact, she rarely created progeny anymore. There was no real benefit to a sireline, only a guilt for bestowing an infinite life of thirst onto an innocent human.

So, why had Ren even turned anyone in her more recent years? Her last few offspring had been born due to unforeseen health complications whilst feeding. Mostly their bodies had begun shutting down whilst she fed, and instead of letting them die… She brought them ‘back to life.’ Even in those cases, Ren hadn’t stuck around to play mummy. She’d left as soon as she could, expecting that the childe would fend for itself. Cruel? Potentially. But her survival instincts outweighed her guilty conscience. Abandonment was one thing, knowingly letting her kind suffer was another. That reason and that reason alone was what compelled her to answer the pleas of this fledgling. Her thirst for vengeance forced her hand, in this case. And it just so happened that her bonded human Huntress had obliged to accompany her.

Speaking of, Lyselle was reciting a hauntingly beautiful incantation. Ren marvelled at the poetry of it, listening to her huntress recite each and every word as she had many times before. The blessing, surprisingly, didn’t affect Ren at all. She assumed because Lys was in that much control, an impressive feat. The ancient vampire was sure this wouldn’t be the only time Lyselle would impress her with her skill. She hoped that would continue into battle, and she would be able to hold her own against their imminent opponents. 

After reciting the rules to her beloved Huntress, Lyselle nodded to mark her understanding. 
[b]"Yes, your grace..." [/b] she replied. The ancient vampire blinked in acknowledgment of the title, surprised to hear herself being addressed in such a way. She let it hang in the air for a moment, chewing over the title curiously. Renaissance decided she’d accept it, and nodded once in approval. The flight continued, Lys’ dagger now glowing a dull blue with her power. Ren wondered whether she’d be forced to use it, or if this was going to be over nice and quickly. She knew her preference, of course. But as they drew nearer and nearer to the wounded fledgling, something warned Ren that this wasn’t going to be quick nor easy. 

[i]“We’re close,”[/i] Renaissance called out, glancing down at Lyselle’s beautiful face. She looked so fiercely majestic in her arms this way. So vulnerable, so malleable… Yet so strong in her power.

[i]“I need you to be strong,”[/i] the ancient vampire said firmly, launching encouragement and confidence down the bond to her huntress. [i]“Stay with me, listen to me… But be strong, in yourself.”[/i]
And with that, the vampire banked hard. She’d been struck with the realisation that the fledgling was nearby. So nearby that the crackly radio-like signal she’d be following became clear. A shining beacon, calling out to her like a voice at the end of a tunnel, the feeling of her fledglings pain was what drew her in.

[i]“Going down!”[/i] Ren warned Lyselle, tightening her grip as they lowered to the treeline of the thick forest below. Careful not to catch her huge wings on surrounding branches, the ancient vampire proceeded with her landing. The trees around them circled in, closing around them both as they made contact with the forest floor. Leaves and branches crunched beneath their weight and instantly Renaissance began scanning their surroundings. If it weren’t for the moonlight cutting through the trees, their vision would be obscured by darkness. Ren would have to tap in to the young vampire victim’s energetic presence to lead the way. Eyes scanning the treeline, the woodland around them, the ancient vampire tuned in to each and every sound. She could hear the rustle of wind through leaves, the creak of branches against the breeze… And the panting breath of a wounded vampire.

Renaissance had already released Lyselle from their embrace, letting her stand on her own two feet. Shooting her a glance, she signalled for her to follow. The vampire began treading towards where she could hear those rasping, broken breaths. The smell of vampire blood trickled in through her nostrils on the back of a gust of wind and Ren nodded in acknowledgement. They were headed in the right direction… And they were close. 

________________________________

[b]"She probably wore herself out!"[/b] Victor laughed. Violet, matching his pace with a little effort, barked back in amusement and excitement. They were gaining on the wounded vampire, and the idea of soon being reunited with their prize was driving Violets legs forward. Faster. Faster. Her breaths left her chest raspy, panting as she kept her eyes laser focused on Victor’s tail. So long as she followed that, she’d be fine.

The ground seemed to rumble beneath their stampeding feet, Violet wondered if it were wise to make so much noise. Would it be sensible to sneak attack? To trail this scent until it became much stronger and then switch into skulking mode? Something more covert so as not to alarm the hiding vampire?

[i]“Victor!”[/i] Violet barked, an excitable snarl escaping her muzzle. [i]“Let me know when we should switch to stealth attack! I want to take her from behind…”[/i]