Wysteria watched from the sidelines in awe of the teamwork from the most unlikely duo she’d ever come across. The human Huntress and the Ancient Vampire, her sire. A combination for the History books, surely?

The fledgling stumbled to her feet and slowly approached her saviours. She blinked away the sweat and blood that dripped down her bruised face, the effects of her Sire’s magic still dulling her emotions. 

[i]”Sire…”[/i] she croaked, not sure exactly how she could thank them both. Her pride, wounded. Her ego, battered. Wysteria swallowed the lump wedged in her throat and coughed awkwardly, her head bowing in respect. [i]“Huntress…”[/i] she added meekly, not making eye contact with either of them.

How could she possibly even begin to thank them? It went against every grain within her to bow down to a human. Yet, something told her if the appropriate respects were left unpaid, she’d wish the werewolves had finished her off.

Speaking of the ugly dogs, their giant furry corpses lay splayed out in the forest clearing. The battle had been over before it had a chance to begin, the Human and the Maker working to ensure those wolves didn’t get an opportunity to sink their claws in. They were far from meagre match, too. She’d barely been able to flee the pair of them. Those werewolves were powerful solo, let alone together. And the Human/Vampire duo had handled them like it was their hundredth fight side by side. They were quick and efficient with their kills, playing to their respective strengths. All the while, ensuring Wysteria was also untouched.

________________________________

Renaissance had squeezed her thighs tighter around the werewolf as he’d began to rise. The bond was charged with a mixture of concern and reassurance. Her Huntress would be upon him, imminently. So all she had to do was leave both the dagger and talon wedged firmly in either sides of this thick, furry neck and wait.

Lyselle’s blades glinted in the moonlight, dripping red with the other werewolf’s blood. She sprinted across the clearing and for a moment, despite the carnage surrounding them, Renaissance admired the powerful human approaching them. By beckoning her, Lyselle had come. She moved with a quick grace that would leave Ren spellbound if she weren’t riding a sizeable werewolf. A mass of powerful, controlled aggression and understated beauty; Lyselle sliced her bloodied blades along the length of the werewolf’s jugular. Instantly, blood spurted from the wound and it audibly hissed from the silver. A fan of blood sprayed across the clearing, spattering the fallen leaves, seeping into the dirt beneath them. Like abstract art, the blood pooled out, finding its way into gap between the wet leaves. Little pools of blood surrounded them.

Ren felt the werewolf begin to lose his footing. Any moment now, he’d fall like an amputated oak tree. Gurgling through the fountain of blood built up in his now severed throat, the wolf released a strained, strangled cry. The ancient vampire nodded, satisfied he would soon fall, and tore her weapons from where they’d been wedged into his jugular. As if she were swimming, the ancient vampire flipped from his back. Her cape billowed, hair rippled and she landed firmly on her feet.

As if in slow motion, their second victim teetered and fell to his death. The sight of the mass in front of them both was cause for a moment of thought. Ren acknowledged both bodies, lifeless and encircled by their own scarlet bodily fluid. She scrunched her nose disdainfully, hating the scent of the dog’s breathless bodies. The ancient turned her attention to her Huntress, eyeing the dripping weapons at her side. 

[b]“Your grace, are you all right?”[/b]

Worry pinched at the bond and Renaissance let it flow through her, expelling the concern with reassurance. She sent her own concerns of wellbeing in return, filling the bond with gratitude and congratulations. She took a few broad steps towards Lyselle and didn’t hold back her affection. Ignoring Wysteria’s presence, she outstretched her arms and fiercely pulled her into an embrace that said exactly how glad she was that Lyselle was unharmed. 

Ren’s muscular arms snaked around Lyselle’s body, pulling her against her. She was aglow with pride of her Huntress. Their efficiency, the ease with which they’d eradicated two powerful werewolves. This was a feat they should be proud of. It would’ve been an impressive show for anyone that had the pleasure of watching…

Wysteria had made her presence known. She’d cleared her throat awkwardly but kept her gaze fixated at their feet. Renaissance was glad the fledgling hadn’t forgotten her respect in all this chaos.

[i]“I think the words you’re looking for, Wysteria, are thank you”[/i] Ren said firmly, coldly. She still had her arms wrapped tightly around Lyselle and she squeezed her quickly before releasing her. The embrace was far too short, affection far too short lived. But there’d be time for that, plenty.

Wysteria blushed, still keeping her eyes lowered. She was a far cry from the feisty, sharp-shooting fledgling Ren had turned all those years ago. Partially due to the blood magic, mostly to do with the humbling experience of coming nose to nose with death at the hands of werewolves. She whispered her thanks, her tone hushed but gracious.

Renaissance nodded in acknowledgement, lifting her chin defiantly. She jerked her head in Lyselle’s direction and arched an eyebrow to indicate the thanks were unfinished. The fledgling physically recoiled at submitting to a human. Ren watched everything in the stubborn, wounded young vampire resist. Her ego had a different post code at this point, abandoned at her sire’s command. She thanked Lyselle, biting out the gratitude like she was chewing on something unpleasant.

Renaissance tutted like a disapproving teacher scolding a child. She sighed. 

[i]“I don’t have the energy to force the appropriate thanks from you, Wysteria”[/i] the ancient vampire stated plainly. [i]“And I won’t drag it from your tongue purely because Lys would disapprove. I’m sure she thinks you’ve been through quite enough this evening without me adding to your burdens-“[/i]
The light had shifted in the forest. Dusky sunlight began to filter between the branches, casting dappled light over the gory scene before them. It made Ren shoot her Huntress a pointed look, injecting her concern at daylight approaching down their bond. She smoothed her facial expression into a soft, sweet smile reserved explicitly for Lyselle.

[i]“It’s time we made our way back home, Lys”[/i] she said, her gentle tone so polarised with the clipped scolding she gave Wysteria. 
[i]“It’s too light to fly. Shall we walk?”[/i] she coupled her suggestion with an extended hand, open and waiting for completion from her oh-so worthy partner.
[i]“Wysteria, say goodbye to your Huntress saviour.”[/i]